Top Kentucky Derby Tour Reviews
I honestly can't begin to explain the fantastic experience I had using the Sports Traveler package to the Kentucky Derby. The whole trip ran so smoothly. The package containing all the tickets and information arrived within 2 weeks of the planned trip and the Hotel Louisville Downtown was a great location. The breakfast buffets and dinners were wonderful. I traveled with my mother-in-law and we both had a wonderful time and got to meet a lot of very nice people. Our seats in grandstand 221 were great for viewing both the Oaks and the Derby. Thanks for making a lifetime wish a great reality and a memorable 41st birthday!”
—Michelle M.,
Kentucky Derby
Excellent tour, personable staff, great accommodations. I would definitely consider Sports Traveler for any future bookings of this nature.””
—Laura W.,
Kentucky Derby
Tours were very informative and this package made our Kentucky Derby experience very enjoyable.””
—Donna C.,
Kentucky Derby
Planning Your Kentucky Derby Trip
What are the start times for the 2025 Kentucky Derby and Oaks:
Kentucky Oaks start time is 5:45pm ET. Kentucky Derby start time is 6:24pm ET. Churchill Downs gates open at 8:00am. The first post each day is at 10:30am.
Plan your Kentucky Derby Experience to be the perfect combination of history and horse racing excitement during the famous Derby Weekend in Louisville, Kentucky. The date of the 2025 Kentucky Derby is May 3, 2025. Arriving in the beautiful state of Kentucky, guests will quickly notice the rolling hills of the Blue Grass Country and peaceful scenery of the many horse farms that line the city borders. Churchill Downs race track is located in Louisville, Kentucky in the heart of the Midwest of the United States of America. The city also sits on the banks of the scenic Ohio River.
The Kentucky Derby is considered the most famous Thoroughbred Racing event in the world. In addition to the race, the Kentucky Derby Festival provides entertainment for race fans for the 2 weeks leading up to the race. Held annually on the first Saturday in May, the Derby is known as “the most exciting 2 minutes in sports.”
Walking into Churchill Downs is like walking back into the past. Cobblestone walkways line the exterior corridors. The architecture of the track transports you to a time gone past. Men dressed in suits wearing straw hats, and ladies wearing fine dresses and elaborate hats, complete the atmosphere of timeless charm. Even the official drink of the Derby, the Mint Julep, is a salute to a bygone era.
The beautiful track features famous seating areas and multiple hospitality options to create the ultimate Kentucky Derby weekend trip. You might be wondering how much is a ticket to the Kentucky Derby. The most expensive tickets to the Derby are in the famed “Millionaire’s Row”, which is typically where celebrities come to watch the race. The best value tickets are in the First Floor grandstand sections, however you will not be able to see around the entire track from this vantage point. Higher sections providing better views include the 2nd Floor Grandstand and 3rd Floor Clubhouse. Several areas on the 3rd Floor have covered roofs that protect from the weather. The cheapest Derby tickets are in the general admission area called the Infield. This area is known for it's non-stop party atmosphere. There are no seats in the infield and there is no protection from the weather.
Sports Traveler offers two lodging locations in our Kentucky Derby travel packages. Planning your Derby trip starts with deciding where to stay. Louisville offers lodging closest to Churchill Downs, but this convenience does come at a higher hotel rate cost. While visiting Louisville, travelers can visit the legendary Louisville Slugger Museum and the Frazier International History Museum where the life and ideals of Muhammad Ali can be explored. Staying in Lexington offers Derby travelers a cheaper hotel lodging price and the opportunity to explore the "Blue Grass Country" filled with equine history, bourbon distilleries, and horse farm tour opportunities.
Let Sports Traveler plan your trip to the Kentucky Derby. We specialize in Kentucky Derby Tickets, Travel Packages, Transportation, and VIP Derby Experiences for all budgets.
