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How to get fromChicago to Churchill Downsby subway, plane, bus (Greyhound, Amtrak), train, bus, car, or bus (Amtrak)

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There are 9 ways to get from Chicago to Churchill Downs by subway, plane, bus (Greyhound, Amtrak), train, bus, car, or bus (Amtrak)

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

  1. Subway to Chicago Midway International Airport, fly to Louisville International Airport

    best
    1. Take the subway from Adams/Wabash to Midwaysubway subway
    2. Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Louisville International Airport (SDF)plane plane MDW - SDF
    4h 8m
    $98–658

  2. Bus (Amtrak)

    cheapest
    1. Take the bus from Chicago Union Station to Louisville, KYbus bus Chicago
    8h 29m
    $51–60

  3. Bus via Indianapolis

    1. Take the bus from Chicago Bus Station to Indianapolis Union Stationbus bus Greyhound US0100 / ...
    2. Take the bus from Indianapolis Union Station to Louisville, KYbus bus Chicago
    7h 38m
    $52–93

  4. Train, bus (Amtrak)

    1. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to Indianapolistrain train Cardinal
    2. Take the bus from Indianapolis Union Station to Louisville, KYbus bus Chicago
    9h 27m
    $131–213

  5. Drive  297.2 mi

    1. Drive from Chicago to Churchill Downscar car 297.2 mi
    5h 10m
    $55–79

  6. Fly Chicago O'Hare International Airport to Louisville International Airport

    1. Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Louisville International Airport (SDF)plane plane ORD - SDF
    4h 39m
    $74–468

  7. Fly Chicago O'Hare International Airport to Blue Grass Airport, drive

    1. Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Blue Grass Airport (LEX)plane plane ORD - LEX
    2. Drive from Lexington-Airport-LEX to Churchill Downscar car
    4h 41m
    $56–305

  8. Fly Chicago O'Hare International Airport to Covington, drive

    1. Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Covington (CVG)plane plane ORD - CVG
    2. Drive from Covington (CVG) to Churchill Downscar car
    4h 46m
    $170–831

  9. Fly Chicago Midway International Airport to Covington, drive

    1. Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Covington (CVG)plane plane MDW - CVG
    2. Drive from Covington (CVG) to Churchill Downscar car
    4h 28m
    $170–391

Chicago to Churchill Downs by bus and foot (Amtrak)

Calendar14Weekly Services
Duration8h 29mAverage Duration
Ticket$51Cheapest Price
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Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Chicago to Churchill Downs.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 286.5 mi
  • Duration: 4h 8m

What companies run services between Chicago, IL, USA and Churchill Downs, KY, USA?

You can take a bus from Chicago Bus Station to Churchill Downs via Indianapolis Union Station, Louisville, KY, 12th @ Broadway, and 7th @ Algonquin in around 7h 38m. Alternatively, American Airlines and United Airlines fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Louisville International Airport (SDF) every 3 hours.

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