Kentucky Derby

• Ticketmaster is the only official seller, and the official resale site is the Kentucky Derby Ticket Exchange. Tickets come out in three waves before the race. Most seats are sold as a two-day Oaks and Derby package that includes food and drinks. 2027 Derby Week tickets go on sale in mid-November 2026.

  Tickets on Churchill Downs (Ticketmaster)

• Infield general admission is the cheapest way in, with no seat. On Oaks and Derby days, up to four children 12 and under get in free per paying adult at the Infield Gate. On the frontside, every child needs a ticket.

  Tickets on Churchill Downs (Ticketmaster)

• Derby Experiences sells the official packages, which bundle reserved seats with hospitality, parties, tours, hotels and transport.

  Tickets on Derby Experiences

Plan three nights, Thursday through Sunday morning. That covers the Kentucky Oaks on Friday, a day with its own crowd and traditions, then Derby Day on Saturday, and you avoid flying out on a packed Saturday night.

Louisville hotels fill a year ahead, and many require a two- or three-night minimum on Derby weekend at several times normal rates. Book as soon as you commit, and look at Southern Indiana, Lexington or rentals if downtown is full.

• Downtown Louisville

  25 min, rideshare

  Downtown has most of the big hotels, plus Whiskey Row, the Brown Hotel and the museums. From Thursday of Derby week there is no rideshare at the track, so you ride to the Bronze Lot at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium and walk over.

• Airport and Expo Center

  15 min, shuttle

  Hotels near the airport sit next to the Kentucky Exposition Center, where free shuttles run to the Paddock Gate for frontside ticket holders.

• Highlands and Bardstown Road

  20 min, drive

  This neighborhood of bars, restaurants and older homes has many short-term rentals and is a short drive east of the track.

• Southern Indiana

  25 min, drive

  Jeffersonville and Clarksville across the Ohio River often have rooms after Louisville fills, and they are a short drive over the bridges.

• Lexington

  80 min, drive

  If Louisville is sold out, Lexington has more hotels and its own horse farms, but it is a long drive each way.

• Fly into SDF

  Louisville Muhammad Ali International is about 4 miles from Churchill Downs, around 10 minutes by car outside race-day traffic.

• Fly into CVG

  Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International is about 100 miles northeast, roughly an hour and 45 minutes by car on I-71.

• Fly into IND

  Indianapolis International is about 120 miles north, around two hours by car on I-65.

• Free shuttle from the Kentucky Exposition Center

  If you have a frontside ticket and no onsite parking, you can park at the Expo Center for free and ride a free shuttle from Gates 1, 2 or 6 to the Black Lot by the Paddock Gate. On Derby Day the shuttles start at 8 a.m. Infield tickets do not include the shuttle.

• Park at L&N Stadium and walk

  From Thursday through Derby Day, paid parking at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium costs $40 a car, paid on site with no presale. You walk to Churchill Downs from there.

• Rideshare and taxi

  From Thursday of Derby week there is no rideshare or taxi stop at the track. Use the Bronze Lot at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium and walk.

• Drop-off pass

  Cars and buses can buy a drop-off pass for Warren Avenue between Queen and Thornberry, but you cannot be picked up there.

Gates open

Gates open at 9 a.m. on Derby Day, and the Derby itself goes off at about 6:57 p.m. Eastern, so plan on a long day. There is no re-entry, so bring what you need.

Bag policy

In 2026 each guest could bring one bag no larger than 12 by 6 by 12 inches, and everyone went through metal detectors. Umbrellas, coolers, outside alcohol, glass, chairs with canopies and selfie sticks are banned.

Food and drink

Most reserved frontside tickets include food and drinks, alcohol included. In the infield you buy as you go. On Oaks and Derby days you may bring food in a clear bag or container, and infield guests may also bring two sealed 24-ounce water bottles.

Cash or card

Concessions are cashless, so bring a credit card. There are ATMs on site.

What to wear

Women wear dresses with bold prints and a big hat or fascinator. Men wear a navy blazer or seersucker suit with a tie or bow tie. The higher your seat, the dressier the crowd, and some rooms have dress codes. Pack shoes you can walk in all day.

Weather

The Derby runs rain or shine, and early May can bring sun or spring showers. Bring sunscreen and a light clear poncho, since umbrellas are not allowed.

Traditions

The winner is draped in a garland of more than 400 red roses, which is why the race is called the Run for the Roses. The mint julep is the drink of the day, and the crowd sings My Old Kentucky Home as the horses come onto the track.

• Ritual, $

  Dawn at the Downs

  On mornings of Derby week you can watch the Derby and Oaks horses train at 7 a.m., with Derby horses in yellow saddle towels and Oaks horses in pink. On April 26, 2027, a breakfast buffet is served on Millionaires Row.

  700 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40208

• Ritual, $

  Thurby

  The Thursday before the Oaks, April 29, 2027, is a racing day at Churchill Downs that celebrates Kentucky history, music and bourbon. It is a smaller, easier way to see the track during Derby week.

  700 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40208

• Tour, $$

  Kentucky Derby Museum

  The museum next to the track tells the story of the race and shows a 360-degree film. It also runs guided tours of Churchill Downs.

  704 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40208

• Eat, $$

  Hot Brown at the Brown Hotel

  A chef at the Brown Hotel made up the Hot Brown, an open-faced turkey sandwich under cheese sauce, in the 1920s. Order it at J. Graham's Cafe, where it began.

  335 W Broadway, Louisville, KY 40202

• Drink, $$

  Old Forester Distillery

  This bourbon distillery on Whiskey Row runs tours, and its brand makes a ready-to-pour mint julep. It is open Tuesday through Saturday.

  119 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202

• Tour, $$

  Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory

  Louisville Slugger bats are made in this building on Main Street, and the museum shows how. Premium tours take you behind the scenes on the factory floor.

  800 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202

• Landmark, $$

  Muhammad Ali Center

  This museum and cultural center downtown honors Muhammad Ali, who grew up in Louisville. It sits a few blocks from Whiskey Row and the Slugger Museum.

  144 N 6th St, Louisville, KY 40202

• Outing, free

  Big Four Bridge

  This old railroad bridge is now a walking and biking path over the Ohio River from Waterfront Park to Jeffersonville, Indiana. Go at sunset, when it is lit up.

  1101 River Rd, Louisville, KY 40206