travel & logistics

Join us for an exceptional journey through Kentucky's spirited bourbon culture and welcoming communities. Whether you're flying solo, with friends, or making new ones, here’s everything you need to know to navigate, enjoy, and maximize your stay during this unique event.

Flying to Bourbon & Belonging

  • Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF)

    Ideal for: Those who want to start their journey in the heart of Bourbon City.

    Services: Get assistance at the Airport Welcome Center located across from the baggage claim on the lower level. They offer planning advice, local recommendations, and even host special events.

  • Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)

    Ideal for: Visitors wanting a seamless experience with less congestion. Perfect for those interested in exploring Northern Kentucky or Cincinnati.

    Recognition: Consistently awarded as one of the best regional airports in North America.

    Services: Offers non-stop flights to many U.S. cities and daily international flights. Check live updates on TSA wait times and airport information on the CVG website

  • Blue Grass Airport (LEX) in Lexington

    Ideal for: Travelers wanting to explore the horse capital of the world and start their Kentucky journey in Lexington.

    Services: Provides a range of amenities including dining options, gift shops, and rental car services. The airport offers flights to major U.S. cities and is conveniently located near Lexington's attractions.

Louisville

highlights

  • Home to the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs

  • Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

  • Muhammad Ali Center

Transportation options

  • No Car, No Problem: Easily navigate the city with options like taxis (zTrip), Uber, Lyft, and eco-friendly bike and scooter rentals from Bird, Lime, Bolt, and Spin.

  • Walkable City: Louisville’s downtown is highly walkable, with major attractions and bourbon distilleries clustered within a few blocks.

Travel times for other destinations

  • Lexington: About 1.5 hours by car via I-64 E. Both cities are central to the Bourbon Trail, with numerous distilleries and cultural attractions.

  • Northern Kentucky (Covington): Roughly 1.5 hours by car via I-71 N. This route offers scenic views and takes you through the northern gateway to Kentucky’s bourbon country.

  • Paducah: Expect a longer drive, around 3.5 hours via I-65 S and Western Kentucky Parkway. Paducah is known for its arts scene and is a UNESCO Creative City.

  • Bardstown: About 1 hour by car via the Bluegrass Parkway. Bardstown is often referred to as the "Bourbon Capital of the World" with historic distilleries.

  • Bullitt County: Around 30 minutes by car via I-65 S. Known for its rural charm and close proximity to Louisville.

  • Winchester: Approximately 1.5 hours via I-64 E.

  • Frankfort: About 1 hour via I-64 E.

lexington

highlights

  • Kentucky Horse Park

  • Mary Todd Lincoln House

  • University of Kentucky Arboretum

Transportation options

  • Public Transport: Lextran provides bus services that cover the city, including routes to major shopping centers and parks.

  • Biking and Scooter Sharing: Multiple providers offer eco-friendly ways to explore the city.

Travel times for other destinations

  • Louisville: About 1.5 hours by car via I-64 W.

  • Northern Kentucky (Covington): Approximately 1.5 hours by car via I-75 N.

  • Paducah: Around 4 hours via I-64 W and Western Kentucky Parkway.

  • Bardstown: About 1.5 hours via Bluegrass Parkway.

  • Bullitt County: Roughly 1.5 hours via Bluegrass Parkway.

  • Winchester: Around 30 minutes via I-64 E.

  • Frankfort: About 45 minutes via I-64 W.

Northern Kentucky

highlights

  • Newport Aquarium

  • Creation Museum (about 35 minutes away in Petersburg, KY)

  • BB Riverboats (about 8 minutes away in Newport, KY)

Transportation options

  • Car Rentals and Public Transport: For comprehensive details on navigating Northern Kentucky, including car rentals and public transportation, visit Getting Around Northern Kentucky.

Travel times for other destinations

  • Louisville: Roughly 1.5 hours by car via I-71 S.

  • Lexington: Approximately 1.5 hours by car via I-75 S.

  • Paducah: Around 4.5 hours via I-71 S, I-65 S, and Western Kentucky Parkway.

  • Bardstown: About 2 hours via I-71 S and I-65 S.

  • Bullitt County: Roughly 1.5 hours via I-71 S.

  • Winchester: Around 1.5 hours via I-75 S.

  • Frankfort: Approximately 1.5 hours via I-75 S and I-64 W.

Paducah

highlights

Transportation options

  • Local Transit: Paducah Area Transit System (PATS) offers bus services within the city.

  • Car Rentals: Recommended for visiting areas outside the city center.

Travel times for other destinations

  • Louisville: Approximately 3.5 hours via I-65 N and Western Kentucky Parkway.

  • Lexington: Around 4 hours via Western Kentucky Parkway and I-64 E.

  • Northern Kentucky (Covington): About 4.5 hours via Western Kentucky Parkway, I-65 N, and I-71 N.

  • Bardstown: Around 3 hours via Western Kentucky Parkway.

  • Bullitt County: Roughly 3.5 hours via Western Kentucky Parkway and I-65 N.

  • Winchester: Approximately 4.5 hours via I-64 E.

  • Frankfort: Around 4 hours via Western Kentucky Parkway and I-64 E.

Bardstown

highlights

  • My Old Kentucky Home State Park

  • Bardstown Historical Museum

  • Willett Distillery

Transportation options

  • Local Transit: Winchester Transit provides bus services across the city.

  • Car Travel: Ideal for exploring the surrounding countryside and historical sites.

Travel times for other destinations

  • Louisville: About 1 hour via Bluegrass Parkway.

  • Lexington: Approximately 1.5 hours via Bluegrass Parkway.

  • Northern Kentucky (Covington): Around 2 hours via I-65 N and I-71 N.

  • Paducah: Approximately 3 hours via Western Kentucky Parkway.

  • Bullitt County: About 45 minutes via I-65 N.

  • Winchester: Roughly 1.5 hours via Bluegrass Parkway and I-64 E.

  • Frankfort: About 1 hour via Bluegrass Parkway and US-60 W.

Bullitt County

highlights

  • Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest

  • Jim Beam American Stillhouse

  • Kart Kountry

Transportation options

  • Local Transport: Taxis, Uber, and Lyft services are available for convenient travel around the county.

  • Driving: Renting a car is a good option for visiting rural attractions and distilleries.

Travel times for other destinations

  • Louisville: Around 30 minutes by car via I-65 N.

  • Lexington: Approximately 1.5 hours via Bluegrass Parkway.

  • Northern Kentucky (Covington): Roughly 1.5 hours via I-71 N.

  • Paducah: Around 3.5 hours via Western Kentucky Parkway and I-65 S.

  • Bardstown: About 45 minutes via KY-245 S.

  • Winchester: Approximately 1.5 hours via I-64 E.

  • Frankfort: Roughly 1 hour via I-64 E.

Winchester

highlights

  • Bluegrass Heritage Museum

  • Lower Howard's Creek Nature Preserve

  • Ale-8-One Bottling Company

Transportation options

  • Historic Trolley: A charming way to explore Bardstown's main attractions.

  • Car Rentals: Available for longer journeys and exploring nearby bourbon distilleries.

Travel times for other destinations

  • Louisville: Approximately 1.5 hours via I-64 W.

  • Lexington: Around 30 minutes via I-64 W.

  • Northern Kentucky (Covington): Roughly 1.5 hours via I-75 N.

  • Paducah: About 4.5 hours via I-64 W.

  • Bardstown: Around 1.5 hours via Bluegrass Parkway.

  • Bullitt County: Approximately 1.5 hours via I-64 W.

  • Frankfort: Roughly 1 hour via I-64 W.

Frankfort

highlights

  • Kentucky State Capitol

  • Buffalo Trace Distillery

  • Salato Wildlife Education Center

Transportation options

  • Local Buses: Frankfort Transit offers routes throughout the city.

  • Car Rentals: Available for exploring the wider region.

Travel times for other destinations

  • Louisville: About 1 hour via I-64 W.

  • Lexington: Approximately 45 minutes via I-64 E.

  • Northern Kentucky (Covington): Around 1.5 hours via I-75 N and I-64 W.

  • Paducah: About 4 hours via I-64 W.

  • Bardstown: Approximately 1 hour via US-60 W and Bluegrass Parkway.

  • Bullitt County: Roughly 1 hour via I-64 W.

  • Winchester: Around 1 hour via I-64 E.

    These travel times can vary depending on traffic, weather, and time of day, so planning ahead is crucial.