Important Derby Week Parking Information

Visiting the Kentucky Derby Museum during Derby Week is a huge thrill, but there are important changes to parking you need to review in order to make your experience as smooth as possible.

If you are visiting the Kentucky Derby Museum April 30 through May 7, please plan ahead.

The Museum utilizes the parking lots at Churchill Downs, and because they are requiring pre-paid parking passes for some of these days, we want to provide the below information.

There are several ways to park. Here are the Museum’s top recommendations:

  • Park at Churchill Downs with golf cart shuttle to Kentucky Derby Museum. MUST have pre-purchased parking pass by April 15.
  • Free parking at the Kentucky Expo Center with free shuttle to Churchill Downs.
  • There are other options, including neighborhood parking, Park & Walk, Rideshare/Taxi service, Hotel Shuttles and Public Transportation which also come with special instructions. If interested in learning more about these options, visit the Kentucky Derby Parking Page.
  • No matter what parking option you choose, we strongly encourage you plan ONE HOUR into your itinerary to adjust for traffic and logistics.

 

April 30

Park at Kentucky Expo Center and catch a free shuttle with drop off at Churchill Downs. Please note, the Museum opens late, at 11:00 am, due to the Kentucky Derby Festival marathon road closures in the morning.

May 1

Free parking at Churchill Downs

May 2

Free parking at Churchill Downs

May 3 – 5

If parking at Churchill Downs, you MUST have pre-purchased a parking pass by April 15. Park at Kentucky Expo Center and catch a free shuttle with drop off at Churchill Downs. Please note, the Museum is closed for a private Thurby party on May 5.

We strongly encourage you plan ONE HOUR into your itinerary to adjust for traffic and logistics.

May 6 – 7

If parking at Churchill Downs, you MUST have pre-purchased a parking pass by April 15. On the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby days, shuttles will be going to and from the Kentucky Exposition Center, but this parking is available with a pre-purchased pass only. There is ADA parking available near the shuttle pickup/dropoff zones.

Please note, the Museum is closed for private parties both Oaks and Derby Days.