I had the pleasure of exploring many parts of the U.S., I can tell you that Louisville, Kentucky, offers a unique and enriching experience for family travelers. Known for its historical charm, delicious food, and exciting attractions, Louisville is a wonderful place for a family vacation. However, like any new destination, getting around can sometimes be a bit overwhelming—especially if you’re traveling with kids in tow. In this article, I’ll share my personal transportation tips for family visitors, offering insights into the most convenient, affordable, and enjoyable ways to get around Louisville.
From navigating the city’s attractions to getting from one place to another with ease, I’ve learned a lot about the best transportation options for families during my visits to Louisville. Whether you’re coming for the Louisville Slugger Museum, the Louisville Zoo, or simply exploring the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, this guide will help you make the most of your trip without any transportation headaches.
1. Rent a Car for Flexibility and Comfort
Why Rent a Car?
For families visiting Louisville, renting a car is often the most flexible option. Having a vehicle gives you the freedom to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. Many of the city’s most popular attractions, like the Louisville Slugger Museum and the Muhammad Ali Center, are fairly close to each other, but there are also other spots—like the Kentucky Horse Park and Waverly Hills Sanatorium—that are more easily accessible by car.
During my visit, I rented a car through Enterprise at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF), and it was incredibly convenient. Not only did it make getting to places easier, but it also allowed me to store all our bags and strollers, which was essential with two young kids.
Tips for Renting a Car:
- Book in advance: You can often find great deals on car rentals by booking early, especially on platforms like Expedia and Kayak. These sites compare prices across various rental companies and often have special offers.
- Choose a family-friendly car: When renting a car, look for options that offer extra space and comfort, such as SUVs or minivans. It’s especially helpful for families with strollers, car seats, or a lot of luggage.
Click here to rent a car through Expedia
2. Use the TARC Bus System for Affordable Travel
TARC Buses:
If you’re looking for an affordable and eco-friendly way to get around the city, the TARC (Transit Authority of River City) bus system is an excellent option. The TARC buses cover most of the city and provide easy access to major attractions like Churchill Downs, Fourth Street Live, and Louisville Waterfront Park. It’s an ideal choice for families who want to avoid the hassle of parking and don’t mind taking a bit longer to get around.
The buses are relatively easy to navigate, with routes that are well-marked on the TARC website and maps. During my trip, I took the TARC to the Louisville Waterfront Park, which was a relaxing ride that allowed us to rest between stops.
Tips for Using TARC:
- Get a Day Pass: For unlimited travel on TARC buses, you can purchase a day pass for about $3 per person. This is a great deal if you plan on taking the bus multiple times throughout the day.
- Plan ahead: Use the TARC Trip Planner on the official website to check routes and schedules to ensure the best experience for your family.
Click here to plan your TARC trip
3. Consider a Ride-Sharing Service Like Uber or Lyft
Ride-Sharing Convenience:
For families who need quick, door-to-door transportation, Uber and Lyft are both reliable ride-sharing options. These services are convenient, affordable, and available in most areas of Louisville, making it easy to travel without having to worry about parking or finding public transportation. I used Lyft during my trip to get from Louisville International Airport to my hotel, and the process was seamless.
For families with small children, both Uber and Lyft offer an option to select car seats for a small additional fee, which can be incredibly helpful if you’re not traveling with your own car seat.
Tips for Ride-Sharing:
- Look for family discounts: Occasionally, Uber and Lyft offer promotions and discounts. Before booking a ride, check the app for any available coupons or promotional codes.
- Use the ride-sharing apps to compare prices: Sometimes, prices can vary between Uber and Lyft for the same route. I always check both apps to ensure I’m getting the best deal for my trip.
Click here to download Lyft
Click here to download Uber
4. Take a Pedal-Powered Trolley Ride
A Fun Family Experience:
One of the most unique ways to experience Louisville is by hopping on a pedal-powered trolley. These quirky and eco-friendly vehicles allow families to get a fun, guided tour of the city’s best sights, all while pedaling together as a team. During my visit, I took a Louisville Pedal Power tour with my family, and it was such a memorable experience.
We cruised around the city, learning about its history, architecture, and local culture. The kids had a blast pedaling, and I appreciated the chance to sit back and enjoy the views.
Tips for Pedal-Powered Trolleys:
- Book in advance: These tours can get popular, especially during peak seasons, so I recommend reserving your spot early through the Louisville Pedal Power website.
- Dress for comfort: Since you’ll be pedaling, wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen if you’re going during the day.
Click here to book a pedal-powered tour
5. Explore the City on Foot: Louisville’s Walkability
Why Walk?
Louisville is a remarkably walkable city, especially around areas like NuLu District, Fourth Street Live!, and Louisville Waterfront Park. I found that walking was one of the best ways to explore the city with my family, especially when visiting parks, museums, and local eateries. The city has plenty of pedestrian-friendly streets and sidewalks, so it’s easy to navigate with a stroller or young kids.
Tips for Walking in Louisville:
- Stay in a central location: To make walking easier, book a hotel close to downtown or other attractions. Hotels like the 21c Museum Hotel and The Galt House Hotel offer great locations that are within walking distance to most of the main attractions.
- Pack light: When walking around the city with kids, try to travel light with a stroller that’s easy to maneuver and a backpack for snacks and essentials.
Click here to book a hotel in Louisville
6. Use the Louisville Waterfront Park’s Water Taxis
Unique Way to Get Around:
For a fun, scenic way to travel between the Louisville Waterfront Park and Jeffersonville, Indiana, consider taking the water taxi. This small boat offers families a relaxing ride with a fantastic view of the Ohio River. I took a water taxi ride with my family, and it was a highlight of our trip. The kids loved being on the water, and the ride was quick and easy.
Tips for Using the Water Taxi:
- Check the schedule: Water taxis only run at specific times, so be sure to check the schedule on the Louisville Waterfront Park website before you plan your trip.
- Take the ride for a scenic view: The water taxi is not just a mode of transportation, but also a way to enjoy the city from a different perspective.
Click here for more information on the water taxi
7. Bike Rentals: A Fun Way to Explore
Biking Around Louisville:
Louisville has a growing network of bike lanes and scenic routes, making it a great place to explore on two wheels. Bikes Are Beautiful is a bike-sharing program where families can rent bikes and explore the city. I rented bikes for a day and took a leisurely ride along the Big Four Bridge and through the Louisville Waterfront Park. The bike paths are safe and offer a great view of the river and surrounding areas.
Tips for Biking:
- Rent from a local shop: There are plenty of local bike rental shops, including Bikes Are Beautiful, where you can rent a bike for a few hours or a whole day.
- Safety first: Always ensure you and your kids wear helmets, which are often available as part of the rental package.
Click here to rent bikes through Bikes Are Beautiful
8. Public Parking: Finding Easy Spots
Parking Tips:
While many areas in Louisville are walkable, you might still need to drive to certain spots. Parking in downtown Louisville is fairly straightforward, but it can get crowded during peak hours or major events. I found that using parking garages around major attractions, such as Fourth Street Live or The Kentucky Center for the Arts, made it easy to find a spot. Most garages charge around $5–$10 per day, which is reasonable for city parking.
Tips for Parking:
- Use Parking Apps: Apps like ParkMobile or SpotHero can help you find and reserve parking in advance, saving you time and hassle.
- Look for free parking: Some parts of the city, particularly near residential areas, offer free street parking. Be sure to check parking signs for restrictions.
9. Getting to and From Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF)
Airport Transportation:
Louisville’s airport is just 6 miles from downtown, and getting from the airport to your hotel or destination is quick and easy. I used Uber to get from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport to my hotel, and the ride took about 15 minutes. Public transportation options are available, but I found a ride-sharing service to be the most convenient.
Tips for Airport Transfers:
- Pre-book your airport transfer: If you want a stress-free arrival, book your ride through Lyft or Uber in advance.
- Use the airport shuttle: Many hotels offer complimentary shuttle services to and from the airport, which can be a great option if you’re staying in a downtown hotel.
10. Booking Travel Essentials for Your Family Trip
Where to Book Flights and Hotels:
Before your trip, make sure to book your travel essentials through reliable platforms like Expedia or Booking.com. Both websites allow you to compare flights, hotels, and car rentals, ensuring you get the best deals for your family vacation. Additionally, Kayak is fantastic for finding the lowest-priced flights and hotel packages.
For restaurant reservations, OpenTable is my go-to platform. It allows you to reserve a spot at top restaurants in Louisville like Proof on Main and Harvest. You can even check out real-time reviews and see if there are any discounts or special promotions.
Final Thoughts
Louisville is a family-friendly city with plenty to offer for both adults and children. Whether you’re visiting world-class museums, exploring the city’s parks, or simply enjoying a delicious meal, there are plenty of transportation options to make getting around easy and affordable. From renting a car for flexibility to using public transportation and ride-sharing apps, Louisville offers many ways to explore with your family comfortably. Be sure to check out the recommended platforms for booking accommodations, flights, and dining to make your trip as smooth as possible.
With these tips in hand, you’re ready to enjoy everything Louisville has to offer while traveling with your family.
