TRAVEL & PARKING

Get directions and maps to historic Churchill Downs for your day at the races or group outing.

PARKING FOR SIMULCAST & MEETS

Churchill Downs is one of the largest and oldest sports venues in the world. With over 1.7 million square feet under roof, it can be challenging to navigate. We invite you to use the maps below to help you find your way around our storied racetrack. And if you get lost or need a little help along the way, please don’t hesitate to ask a member of our friendly staff!

Know where to go throughout the facility. Check out our updated facility maps that can also be found throughout the facility on race day. Facility Map > and Floor-by-Floor Seating Map >

Spring Meet Updates, Please Read Carefully

Interstate 65 Closure & Travel Advisory — June 1 -- July 31, 2026 | 🔗Project I-65 Website >>

A portion of Interstate 65 in Louisville (Jefferson Street to I-264 Watterson Expressway and I-65 Interchange) the primary interstate route to Churchill Downs Racetrack will be fully closed for repairs from June through July 2026.'

🔗Click To Enlarge the Map >>

Due to expected traffic congestion and delays across surrounding roadways, all guests attending Churchill Downs on racedays should plan to allow travel time, regardless of their route.

For the most up-to-date traffic information, we recommend that all travelers — including those local to the area — use Waze or Google Maps when traveling.

Suggested Routes to Churchill Downs

📍 700 Central Ave, Louisville, KY, 40208

Traveling from I-65 North (heading toward Louisville)

From I-65 North (heading toward Louisville)

  • Exit I-65 before downtown and follow signs for I-264 West (Watterson Expressway)
  • Continue on I-264 West toward Louisville International Airport / Fairgrounds

From I-264, choose one of the following exits:

  • Crittenden Drive (recommended): Follow signs to Central Avenue / Churchill Downs
  • Preston Highway (KY-61): Proceed toward Central Avenue / Fairgrounds
  • Taylor Boulevard (Exit 10): Head north on Taylor Blvd, then turn right onto Central Avenue to Churchill Downs

Yellow, Blue, Orange, Turquoise, and Green Lot are Free to Park for guests (see more instructions below)

Traveling from I-65 South (heading toward Louisville)

Recommended Route:

  • Exit I-65 before downtown and take I-264 West (Watterson Expressway)
  • Follow I-264 West toward the Airport / Fairgrounds area

From I-264, use one of these exits:

  • Crittenden Drive (recommended) to Central Avenue
  • Preston Highway (KY-61) to Central Avenue
  • Taylor Boulevard (Exit 10): Travel north to Central Avenue, then turn right to Churchill Downs

Alternate Downtown Access (Expect Delays):

  • Take the Jefferson Street exit into downtown
  • Use local streets such as Broadway or 9th Street to travel south to Central Avenue

Yellow, Blue, Orange, Turquoise, and Green Lot are Free to Park for guests (see more instructions below)

Traveling via I-264 (Watterson Expressway – West End)
If you are already on I-264 (west or southwest Louisville):

  • Continue on I-264 toward Louisville International Airport / Fairgrounds

Exit options to reach Churchill Downs:

  • Exit 12 – Crittenden Drive (most direct access)
  • Exit 14 – Preston Highway (KY-61)
  • Exit 10 – Taylor Boulevard:
    • Travel north on Taylor Blvd
    • Turn right onto Central Avenue
    • Continue to Churchill Downs

Yellow, Blue, Orange, Turquoise, and Green Lot are Free to Park for guests (see more instructions below)

For the most up-to-date traffic information, we recommend that all travelers — including those local to the area — use Waze or Google Maps when traveling. You can follow all updates on the project website (link out).

Guests can enter the facility through the following gates:

Note: Clubhouse and VIP Gate are CLOSED for the Spring Meet

The following lots will be open throughout the Spring Meet:

  • Yellow, Blue, Orange, Turquoise, and Green Lot are Free to Park for guests
  • White, Red, and a Portion of the Black Lot are reserved for pass holders
  • Pink, and portions of Turquoise lot are CLOSED to guests.
  • Rideshare drop-off should be directed to the Barbaro auto-court for the East side of the property, and directed to the Executive Gates entrance.
  • Buses will be directed to Pink Lot on race days.
  • ADA parking: W1–W4 is reserved for ADA parking. This is first come, first serve for guests and employees with ADA placards. No parking pass is necessary. View more about our ADA Accessible Seating and Parking.

View Our Spring Meet Parking Lot Maps

Ticket Box Office information:

  • Box Office:  Paddock Gate Box Offices will be open 3o minutes prior to gates each day and will close at the second to last post.

All information is subject to change

Wheelchairs
Churchill Downs does not offer wheelchair transfer service. Guests who anticipate they will require wheelchair assistance are encouraged to bring their own wheelchair with them to the racetrack. To purchase accessible seating in advance, call 502-636-4450. Accessible Seating Directions to First Floor Accessible Seating (Available with General Admission on a first-come-first-served basis)

From the ground level, Rows B and D in sections 115-117 are wheelchair accessible. Enter through the ramps at sections 114-115 or 116-117.

From the ground level, Row O in section 126 is wheelchair accessible. Enter through the ramps between sections 125-126 or 126-127. The ramp behind section 126 leads to the accessible seating area in row O.

From the ground level, Rows U and V in section 128 are wheelchair accessible. Enter section 128 through the ramp between sections 127-128. The ramp behind section 128 leads to the accessible seating area.

Directions to Second Floor Accessible Seating (Available with General Admission on a first-come-first-served basis)

From the ground level, utilize the wheelchair accessible elevator (located near the Skye Terrace Elevator Lobby) to the second floor. Exit the elevator, turn left, and proceed through the double doors. The following boxes are designated accessible: Section 115: K02-K08, K15, K17, L02-L04; Section 116: K03, K09. From these seat locations, there is a wheelchair accessible ramp that connects these seats in sections 115 and 116 to the clubhouse and the food court.

Directions to Third Floor Accessible Seating (Reserved Seating-ticket required)

Section 315: C02-C14, C16-C18, H03-H05; Section 316: C01-C13, C15-C20; and Section 317: C01-C10, C12-23 are accessible and if available, may be purchased from the box office or by calling (502) 636-4400. From the ground level, use the Skye Terrace Elevator to the 3rd Floor or utilize the lift located in Section 220/320 for the 3rd floor boxes.

 

ACCESSIBLE SEATING ROUTES

Ticket Location Best Gate to Enter Path to Seats
 315H Box Clubhouse Gate Proceed to section 114/115 Skye Elevators take the labeled elevator to Floor 3U and you will be dropped off at your box
 315C -- 317C Box Clubhouse Gate Proceed to section 114/115 Skye Elevators take the labeled elevator to Floor 3 this will bring you to boxes 315C and the rest of the boxes are to the left
Grandstand Section 126 and 128 Paddock Gate Proceed towards the Grandstands to the left of the Main Paddock then head to section 126 and 128
First Turn Terrace and View Level Clubhouse Gate Upon entering, proceed to the First Turn Building. Take the leftmost door to access the elevator, which will take you to the second or third floor.
 First Floor Boxes Clubhouse Gate Proceed to the section on your ticket.
Turf Suites *Derby Week ONLY Yellow Lot Tent Upon arrival proceed to the Yellow Lot to get on the shuttle to the Turf Suites.
Turf Bleachers *Derby Week ONLY Paddock Gate Proceed towards the Grandstands at section 124 and when arriving at the Tunnel take the Mobility Golf Cart Shuttle to the bleachers.

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TRAVEL WITH OUR PARTNERS

Whether you want to fly into visit Churchill Downs or ride with a group to the track, our Partners have you covered!

Travel safely and efficiently with Sentient Jet, the Preferred Private Aviation Partner of the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks, and Churchill Downs. For 25 years, Sentient has offered the most thoughtful choice in private aviation. Our Jet Cards provide all the convenience, practicality, and ease that comes standard with private air travel, without the hassle, maintenance, and high costs of owning a jet.

With a Sentient Jet Card, you'll gain access to fixed hourly rates, digital booking, world-class service, and an industry-leading safety program.

Learn more about Sentient Jet >

DOWN THE STRETCH YOU’LL COME

There’s a reason we’re the Preferred Kentucky Derby Transportation Provider for Churchill Downs®. Riding in comfort and in style to your Kentucky Derby weekend is a must and we’re the Xperts that can make that happen for you and your group. If you’re looking for transportation to the Kentucky Derby, you’ve come to the right place.

WE’RE PACKING OUR OWN HORSEPOWER

When you reserve Xtreme Transportation for the Kentucky Derby, your experience can begin as soon as you step out of the airport and into the vehicle. With gleaming LED lighting, TV’s, built-in bar areas, Bluetooth accessibility, and Derby-experienced chauffeurs, you can customize your ride the way you want it. We can even pre-stock your vehicle with your choice of drinks, snacks, racing forms, rain gear and more – just make a request when you book your vehicle.

Learn More

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