The News Wheel
No Comments

Navigating the US: Getting Around in Lexington, Kentucky

Decrease Font Size Increase Font Size Text Size Print This Page
lexington kentucky downtown

Need help getting around in Lexington, Kentucky? Check out our guide below!
Photo: Runner1928

Lexington, Kentucky, is known as the “Horse Capital of the World.” Famous for its surrounding horse farms, Lexington is also home to two famous horse racing tracks—Keeneland and The Red Mile. Lexington is also home to the University of Kentucky and Transylvania University—the latter of which is the state’s oldest four-year university.


Just for Fun: What Does Your Car Color Say About You?


Recommended Modes of Transportation

If you’re sticking in downtown Lexington, you’re best off exploring on foot. The area’s major hotels are just a short stroll from numerous bars, restaurants, and shops—both locally-owned and chains. If you’re planning on traveling a bit further afield, a car is the most convenient form of transportation, although the city’s bus system is reliable, and you can call taxis from anywhere in town.

Major Roads and Highways to Know

Lexington is served by two major interstate highways: I-75, and I-64. I-75 runs north-south and offers easy access from Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. I-64 is an east-west highway, and passes through Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, West Virginia, and Virginia. Two US highways—60 and 68—also run through Lexington, and KY-4 forms a loop around the city, making it easily navigable.


Driving 101: What to Do If Your Car Battery Dies


Alternative Ways of Seeing the City

One great way of seeing the city is by self-guided walking tour. Stop by the Visitors Center to pick up a copy of the annotated paper map, or ask at your hotel’s front desk. The tour features 33 points of interest, and is peppered with places to eat, drink, or relax along the way. If you prefer driving, you can also get a map of three driving routes that will take you around the city and teach you about the area’s history and geography.

getting around in lexington

An aerial view of Lexington

Best Places to Park

Finding a place to park in Lexington is no problem. Downtown, you’ll find plenty of options, from on-street parking to multi-story garages. Parking is affordable, especially when compared to how much you would pay in most major cities. Just make sure you watch out for local parking restrictions when you’re looking for a spot, in order to avoid being hit with a fine.

Airports and Car Rentals

Lexington’s Blue Grass Airport is a short 10-minute drive from downtown. Visitors can fly here non-stop from cities such as Houston, Charlotte, Tampa Bay, Detroit, Chicago, New York, and Pennsylvania. Those coming from farther away can fly into Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky airport from Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Seattle, and many more cities. This airport is less than an hour and a half from Lexington.

Car rental is easy at either airport, with all major companies represented.

Hotels and Attractions

There are two main hotels downtown near Triangle Park—the Hilton and the Hyatt Regency. Over by the UK campus, you’ll find a few cheaper options, like the Holiday Inn and The Inn on Broadway. Use any of these hotels as a base to explore Lexington’s famous attractions, such as the Mary Todd Lincoln House, Lexington Cemetery, and Thoroughbred Park. Unwind after a long day with a drink at Lexington’s famous West Sixth Brewery, or check out Alltech’s Lexington Brewing and Distillery Company, which is the last stop on the Bourbon trail.