Charter a Bus To The Kentucky Derby

Are you planning to attend the Kentucky Derby with a group? Book a private charter bus rental to the Kentucky Derby! National Charter Bus is a professional group transportation service provider with experience organizing rides for events of all sizes. Travel to Churchill Downs and throughout Louisville with a sleek minibus or charter bus rental for events throughout the Kentucky Derby Festival.

Call 1-844-755-0510 to discuss your derby group’s transportation needs with a National Charter Bus rental representative! We’ll answer your questions about the charter bus rental process, including how bus rental pricing works.

1-844-755-0510 Our agents are available 24/7

an aerial view of an exciting horse race

Group Travel to the Kentucky Derby

As one of the oldest and largest annual sporting events in the United States, the Kentucky Derby attracts large crowds every year. With upwards of 150,000 attendees, having efficient transportation will save groups a lot of stress arriving and departing the race or festival events. National Charter Bus will pair your group with a sleek, modern minibus or charter bus rental depending on your headcount and travel needs.

From spacious 56-passenger charter bus rentals to compact 20-passenger minibuses, our network of local transportation providers has every type of motorcoach for your group. Our services also include ADA-accessible charter bus rentals for derby-goers who may have mobility concerns. Your group can enjoy a smooth drop-off and pick-up process with a professional charter bus driver handling the logistics. With a pro driver, you can also take advantage of having a built-in DD after sipping on champagne or other refreshments before derby events.

1-844-755-0510 Our agents are available 24/7

Kentucky Derby Festival Events

Along with being an anticipated sporting event, the Kentucky Derby celebrates the state’s history, community, and culture. The Kentucky Derby Festival includes multiple weeks of events like the massive Thunder Over Louisville fireworks display, Kentucky Proud WineFest, and Kentucky Derby Marathon & miniMarathon. Most festival-related events are held throughout Louisville and open to the public. Keep in mind that some events like marathons and parties require pre-registration or ticket purchases in advance.

The Kentucky Derby isn’t the only race taking place at Churchill Downs at this time. The derby is typically held on Saturday while Opening Day celebrations are held on Wednesday, Thurby on Thursday, and the Kentucky Oaks on Friday. During Thurby, visitors can enjoy live music, quality Kentucky bourbon, and horse racing. Kentucky Oaks is the fillies-only counterpart of the Derby and is part of the coveted Triple Tiara (or Filly Triple Crown) of Thoroughbred Racing.

Although Thurby and the Kentucky Oaks aren’t nearly as crowded as the derby, you’ll still want to have efficient transportation. With a charter bus rental from National Charter Bus, your group can enjoy an afternoon full of tasty bourbon, entertaining music, and delicious southern fare without worrying about driving or parking at Churchill Downs.

Kentucky Group Tickets Options

There are a variety of ticket options available for the Kentucky Derby and accompanying race, the Kentucky Oaks. You can choose from general admission tickets with infield seating, reserved seating with all-inclusive concessions, or upgraded private suites. Many visitors opt to purchase 2-day tickets for both the Derby and Oaks, but single-day options are available for both events.

Typically, Churchill Downs offers discounted group tickets for 24 or more guests at most events, including for Thurby. However, the Kentucky Derby and Oaks are exceptions and do not usually have ticket discounts.

Charter Bus Parking at the Kentucky Derby

The parking and passenger pickup/dropoff situation at Churchill Downs can get confusing, so you’ll want to discuss your group’s plan in advance. If you're interested in the most convenient parking option for your charter bus, you’ll want to opt for on-site parking in the Churchill Downs Pink Lot. On-site parking must be booked in advance and sells out very quickly. Once you lock in your charter bus rental, it's highly recommended you request a bus parking pass as soon as possible.

A more economical option is to request parking in the nearby Cardinal Stadium Purple Lot A. Parking for buses usually costs around $175 and is about a 20-minute walk to the stadium. If your group doesn't want to hoof it to the racetrack, you can buy a bus drop-off pass. Drop-off passes are required for Thurby, Kentucky Oaks, and Kentucky Derby. Guest drop-off on Derby Drive is free for Opening Day events on Wednesday. Bus passes are $60 on Thurby and $500 for a 2-Day pass on Oaks/Derby. All you’ll need to do is reserve your parking pass and let your National Charter Bus representative know your travel schedule. We’ll work with your charter bus driver to ensure that you arrive at Churchill Downs right according to schedule.

Book a Charter Bus to the Kentucky Derby

If renting a charter bus for the Kentucky Derby sounds like a good option for your group, one of our rental experts will be here 24/7 to get your ride reserved. We’ll answer your questions about booking and get you a free charter bus quote to the Kentucky Derby. Give our team a ring at 1-844-755-0510 when you’re ready to book!