Rome2Rio

How to get fromChicago to Kentucky Derbyby subway, plane, bus (Greyhound, Amtrak), train, bus, car, or bus (Amtrak)

Find Transport to Kentucky Derby

See all options

There are 7 ways to get from Chicago to Kentucky Derby 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 12m
    $98–708

  2. Bus

    cheapest
    1. Take the bus from Chicago Train Station to Louisville Bus Stationbus bus Greyhound US0100
    8h 11m
    $51–60

  3. Train, bus

    1. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to Indianapolistrain train Cardinal
    2. Take the bus from Indianapolis Union Station to Louisville Bus Stationbus bus Greyhound US0100 / ...
    9h 20m
    $72–165

  4. Drive  297.5 mi

    1. Drive from Chicago to Kentucky Derbycar car 297.5 mi
    5h 12m
    $55–79

  5. 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 38m
    $74–488

  6. 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 Kentucky Derbycar car
    4h 34m
    $56–315

  7. Bus via Lafayette (Amtrak)

    1. Take the bus from Chicago Union Station to Lafayette Amtrak Stationbus bus Chicago
    2. Take the bus from Lafayette Amtrak Station to Louisville, KYbus bus Chicago
    9h 11m
    $55–97

Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Louisville International Airport (SDF) flights

Calendar21Weekly Planes
Duration1h 30mAverage Duration
Ticket$97Cheapest Price
See schedules

Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Chicago to Kentucky Derby.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 286.7 mi
  • Duration: 4h 12m

What companies run services between Chicago, IL, USA and Kentucky Derby, KY, USA?

Greyhound USA operates a bus from Chicago Train Station to Louisville Bus Station twice daily. Tickets cost $45–75 and the journey takes 6h 35m. Amtrak Thruway also services this route twice daily. Alternatively, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Louisville International Airport (SDF) every 2 hours.

Airlines
Train operators
Bus operators

Want to know more about travelling around United States

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.

Related travel guides

Need to know: Greyhound

Read the travel guideNeed to know: Greyhound

Booking & Getting There