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

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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
    $84–558

  2. Bus (Amtrak)

    cheapest
    1. Take the bus from Chicago Union Station to Louisville, KYbus bus Chicago
    8h 31m
    $51–59

  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
    8h 1m
    $52–102

  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 50m
    $87–177

  5. Drive 298 mi

    1. Drive from Chicago to Kentucky Derbycar car 298 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 44m
    $68–418

  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 Kentucky Derbycar car
    4h 41m
    $116–675

Chicago to Kentucky Derby by bus and foot

Calendar14Weekly Services
Duration8h 1mAverage Duration
Ticket$52Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

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?

You can take a bus from Chicago Bus Station to Kentucky Derby via Indianapolis Union Station, Louisville, KY, W Broadway @ S 11th, Eastern Parkway @ Bardstown, and Taylor @ Larchmont in around 8h 1m. 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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