Churchill Downs: Where to park for Kentucky Derby 150
The 150th Kentucky Derby is almost here! The biggest days of racing at Churchill Downs on Derby week are May 2 with Thurby, followed by the Kentucky Oaks on Friday, May 3, and the 150th Kentucky Derby on May 4.
Here is everything you need to know about parking and how to get to Churchill Downs:
Where to park for the 2024 Kentucky Derby
There will be shuttles taking people to Churchill Downs from the Kentucky Exposition Center, 937 Phillips Lane, on Thurby, Oaks and the Kentucky Derby. Keep in mind that a permit is needed to park at the Kentucky Exposition Center during Oaks and the Kentucky Derby.
People can also pay to park at the L&N Stadium and walk 10 minutes to Churchill Downs. Parking is paid day of via cash or credit card. There is no pre-purchased parking. Pricing is $40 for a car or truck; $150 for an RV or similar; and $200 for a bus.
On-site parking passes at Churchill Downs are sold out.
Kentucky Derby 150 Guide: Everything you need to know ahead of the Run for the Roses
Is there street parking available near Churchill Downs?
Many Louisville residents who live near the track will sell parking spaces in their driveways or lawns, so there is plenty of residential parking in the area. However, be aware that police close many roads starting on Wednesday until Sunday, so have your route, and parking area, planned before you head to Churchill Downs.
Does Churchill Downs have valet parking?
No, valet parking is not available for the Kentucky Derby.
What city is Churchill Downs closest to?
Thurby, Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby are held at Churchill Downs, 700 Central Ave., in Louisville, Kentucky.
Road closures, street parking and lots around Churchill Downs
Numerous roads near the racetrack will be closed days before the event to help with traffic flow.
These are the streets that will be closed or have restricted access during Derby Week:
Road closures Wednesday, May, 1 to Saturday, May 4
Fourth Street from Heywood Avenue to Oakdale Avenue
Oakdale Avenue from Fourth Street to alley at Churchill Downs Backside Gate
Road closures between 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. from Wednesday, May 1 to Saturday, May 4
Central Avenue from Taylor Boulevard to Floyd Street
Third Street from Central Avenue to Central Station
Ninth Street from Central Avenue to Heywood Avenue
North Alley of Central Avenue from Taylor Boulevard to Rodman Street
Burton Avenue from Taylor Boulevard to Rodman Street
Lillian Avenue from Taylor Boulevard to Rodman Street
Rodman Street from Central Avenue to Lillian Avenue
Sixth Street from Central Avenue to Heywood Avenue
Fifth Street from Central Avenue to Heywood Avenue
Fourth Street from Central Avenue to Heywood Avenue
Third Street from Central Avenue to Brook Street
Oakdale Avenue from 3rd Street/Southern Parkway to alley at CD Backside Gate
West Alley (south of Brown Lot) from Third Street/Southern Parkway to Fourth Street
Fourth Street from West Alley to Longfield Avenue
Longfield Avenue from Taylor Boulevard to 4th Street
Queen Avenue from Taylor Boulevard to Warren Avenue
Thornberry Avenue from Taylor Boulevard to Warren Avenue
Homeview Drive from Taylor Boulevard to Churchill Downs entrance
Racine Drive from Taylor Boulevard to Churchill Downs entrance
Wizard Avenue from Longfield Avenue to Queen Avenue
Warren Avenue from Thornberry Avenue to Homeview Drive
Interstate Ramp Closures between 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 2
Interstate 264 West exit ramp at Third Street/Southern Parkway
I-264 East exit ramp at Southern Parkway
I-264 West exit ramp at Taylor Boulevard
I-264 East exit ramp at Taylor Boulevard
Interstate Ramp Closures between 9 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 2
Interstate 65 South exit ramp at Crittenden Drive
Interstate Ramp Closures between 5:30-9:30 p.m. on Friday, May 3
I-264 West exit ramp at Third Street/Southern Parkway
I-264 East exit ramp at Southern Parkway
I-264 West exit ramp at Taylor Boulevard
I-264 East exit ramp at Taylor Boulevard
Interstate Ramp Closures between 8 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Friday, May 3
I-65 South exit ramp at Crittenden Drive
Interstate Ramp Closures between 5:30-10:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 4
I-264 West exit ramp at Third Street/Southern Parkway
I-264 East exit ramp at Southern Parkway
I-264 West exit ramp at Taylor Boulevard
I-264 East exit ramp at Taylor Boulevard
Interstate Ramp Closures between 8 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 4
I-65 South exit ramp at Crittenden Drive
These are the streets where no parking will be permitted:
Wednesday, May 1 through Saturday, May 4
Fourth Street from Heywood Avenue to Oakdale Avenue
Oakdale Avenue from Fourth Street to alley at Churchill Downs Backside Gate
Third Street from Brook Street to Cardinal Boulevard
Third Street from Central Station to Southern Heights Avenue
Fifth Street from Longfield Avenue to Lansing Avenue
Bohannon Avenue from Racine Drive to Queen Avenue
Homeview Drive from Taylor Boulevard to Churchill Downs entrance
Southern Parkway from Third Street to Southern Heights Avenue
Taylor Boulevard from Ashland Avenue to Algonquin Parkway
Winkler Avenue from Algonquin Parkway to Third Street
Winn Avenue from Fourth Street to Southern Parkway
Dearcy Avenue from Longfield Avenue to Queen Avenue
Kenton Avenue from Fifth Street to Southern Parkway
Evelyn Avenue from Fifth Street to Southern Parkway
Fairmont Avenue from Fifth Street to Southern Parkway
Whitney Avenue from Fifth Street to Southern Parkway
Lansing Avenue from Fifth Street to Southern Parkway
Arcade Avenue from Taylor Boulevard to Seventh Street
7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday, May 1 to Saturday, May 4
Central Avenue from Taylor Boulevard to Floyd Street
Third Street from Central Avenue to Central Station
Ninth Street from Central Avenue to Heywood Avenue
North Alley of Central Avenue from Taylor Boulevard to Rodman Street
Burton Avenue from Taylor Boulevard to Rodman Street
Lillian Avenue from Taylor Boulevard to Rodman Street
Rodman Street from Central Avenue to Lillian Avenue
Sixth Street from Central Avenue to Heywood Avenue
Fifth Street from Central Avenue to Heywood Avenue
Fourth Street from Central Avenue to Heywood Avenue
Third Street from Central Avenue to Brook Street
Oakdale Avenue from Third Street/Southern Parkway to alley at Churchill Downs Backside Gate
West Alley (south of Brown Lot) from Third Street/Southern Parkway to Fourth Street
Fourth Street from West Alley to Longfield Avenue
Longfield Avenue from Taylor Boulevard to Fourth Street
Queen Avenue from Taylor Boulevard to Warren Avenue
Thornberry Avenue from Taylor Boulevard to Warren Avenue
Homeview Drive from Taylor Boulevard to Churchill Downs entrance
Racine Drive from Taylor Boulevard to Churchill Downs entrance
Wizard Avenue from Longfield Avenue to Queen Avenue
Warren Avenue from Thornberry Avenue to Homeview Drive
Can I take an Uber, Lyft or taxi to Churchill Downs?
For those using services like Uber, Lyft or taxi, the drop-off location will be at the Bronze Lot at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium.
Are there shuttles to the Kentucky Derby?
Yes, some hotels will give guests rides on Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby days. Please check with the staff where you are staying.
How can I get a bus ride to Churchill Downs?
The Transit Authority of River City has offered free bus rides in the past on Thurby, Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby days, but they still have to announce the routes for this year. Check its webpage as it gets closer to the event to see the schedule.
Can I ride a rental scooter to Churchill Downs?
No, scooters are not allowed at Churchill Downs or any of the roads closed that lead to the racetrack. Use the rental app to look for an authorized place to park the scooter.
Is there handicapped parking at Churchill Downs?
In the past, parking passes for handicapped people at Churchill Downs have also been sold in advance to people with state-issued ADA parking placards or license plates, and like the regular parking spots, they have not been assigned and were used in order of arrival.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Where to park for Kentucky Derby 150, ride shares, shuttle service