How do I get to Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby? What to know about fees, road closures
The 149th Kentucky Derby is still a few months away, but there are many details people interested in attending need to take into consideration, including where to park.
Kentucky Derby week starts on May 4 with Thurby, followed by the Kentucky Oaks on Friday, May 5 and the Kentucky Derby on May 6.
Here is everything you need to know about parking and how to get to Churchill Downs:
What to know about parking for the 2023 Kentucky Derby
Parking passes should be purchased before April 15 and they will be sent through the mail (not by email). Parking passes cannot be purchased on the day of the Kentucky Derby. People will receive an email with information about parking passes prior to the event. There is also an app that has helpful information for those attending the events.
The parking lot at Churchill Downs will be open from 10 a.m. on Thurby and from 8 a.m. for Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby.
It is important to follow directions when going into your designated parking lot, since each one has a specific entrance, according to the Kentucky Derby website.
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Is there street parking available near Churchill Downs?
Many Louisville residents that live near the track will sell parking spaces in their driveways or lawns, so there is plenty of residential parking in the area if you can't snag a spot at the track. But 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 is the address of Churchill Downs?
Thurby, Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby are held at Churchill Downs, at 700 Central Ave., in Louisville.
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. Here ais the complete list of roads that will be closed, or traffic will not be allowed.
Roads closed and no stopping at any time between Wednesday and Sunday:
Fourth Street from Heywood Avenue to Oakdale Avenue
Oakdale Avenue from Fourth Street to the alley at the Churchill Downs Backside Gate
Restricted traffic and no stopping at anytime between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. from Wednesday to Saturday:
Central Avenue from Taylor Boulevard to Floyd Street (Permitted Vehicles Only)
Ninth Street from Central Avenue to Heywood Avenue (Residents, Guests, or Permitted Vehicles Only)
North Alley of Central Avenue from Taylor Boulevard to Rodman Street (Residents, Guests, or Permitted Vehicles Only)
Burton Avenue from Taylor Boulevard to Rodman Street (Residents, Guests, or Permitted Vehicles Only)
Lillian Avenue from Taylor Boulevard to Roadman Street (Residents, Guests, or Permitted Vehicles Only)
Rodman Street from Central Avenue to Lillian Avenue (Residents, Guests, or Permitted Vehicles Only)
Sixth Street from Central Avenue to Heywood Avenue (Residents, Guests, or Permitted Vehicles Only)
Fifth Avenue from Central Avenue to Heywood Avenue (Residents, Guests, or Permitted Vehicles Only)
Fourth Avenue from Central Avenue to Heywood Avenue (Residents, Guests, or Permitted Vehicles Only)
Third Street from Central Avenue to Brook Street (Residents, Guests, or Permitted Vehicles Only)
Third Street from Central Avenue to Central Station (Permitted Vehicles Only)
Oakdale Avenue from Third Street/Southern Parkway to the alley at the Churchill Downs Backside Gate (Residents, Guests, or Permitted Vehicles Only)
West Alley south of Brown Lot from Third Street/Southern Parkway to Fourth Street (Residents, Guests, or Permitted Vehicles Only)
Fourth Street from West Alley to Longfield Avenue (Residents, Guests, or Permitted Vehicles Only)
Longfield Avenue from Taylor Boulevard to Fourth Street (Residents, Guests, or Permitted Vehicles Only)
Queen Avenue from Taylor Boulevard to Warren Avenue (Residents, Guests, or Permitted Vehicles Only)
Thornberry Avenue from Taylor Boulevard to Warren Avenue (Residents, Guests, or Permitted Vehicles Only)
Homeview Drive from Taylor Boulevard to the Churchill Downs entrance (Residents, Guests, or Permitted Vehicles Only)
Racine Drive from Taylor Boulevard to the Churchill Downs entrance (Residents, Guests, or Permitted Vehicles Only)
Wizard Avenue from Longfield Avenue to Queen Avenue (Residents, Guests, or Permitted Vehicles Only)
Warren Avenue from Thornberry Avenue to Homeview Drive (Residents, Guests, or Permitted Vehicles Only)
No stopping at anytime from Wednesday to Saturday:
Winkler Avenue from Algonquin to Third Street
Third Street from Brook Street to Cardinal Boulevard
Third Street from Central Station to Southern Heights
Southern Parkway from Third Street to Southern Heights
Winn Avenue from Fourth Street to Southern Parkway
Fifth Street from Longfield Avenue to Florence 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 Avenue to Southern Parkway
Taylor Boulevard from Ashland Avenue to Algonquin
Arcade Avenue from Taylor Boulevard to Seventh Street
Dearcy Avenue from Longfield Avenue to Queen Avenue
Bohannon Avenue to Racine Drive to Queen Avenue
Homeview Drive from Taylor Boulevard to the Churchill Downs entrance
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Off-site parking for Kentucky Derby Week
There will be shuttles taking people to Churchill Downs from the Kentucky Exposition Center, 937 Phillips Lane, during Opening Night and Champions Day in the earlier part of Kentucky Derby week. Parking will be free at the Exposition Center starting on Opening Night until Thurby. People can check the Kentucky Derby website for the times the shuttle will be running each day.
Pre-paid parking is available at the Kentucky Exposition Center for Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby. Shuttles will run to the Churchill Downs Racetrack starting at 7:30 a.m., according to the Kentucky Derby website.
There will also be paid parking available at the L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium, 2800 South Floyd St. on Thursday, May 4.
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.
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Are there hotel shuttles heading to Churchill Downs?
Yes, there are some hotels that will give guests rides on Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby days.
Where can I get dropped off at Churchill Downs on Derby Week?
If you are planning to get dropped off by a friend or family member (not a driver service like Uber or taxi), you have to purchase a "Derby Drive Drop-off Pass." The pass cost $60 for Thurby and $100 for Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby. They can be bought by calling 502-636-4450.
How can I get a bus ride to Churchill Downs?
The Transit Authority of River City offered free bus rides last year on Thurby, Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby days, but they still have to announce the routes for this year. Check out 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?
Parking passes for handicapped people at Churchill Downs are also sold in advance to people with state-issued ADA parking placards or license plates, and like the regular parking spots, they are not assigned and are used in order of arrival.
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This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: What to know about Churchill Downs parking, fees, rideshare for Derby
