Guides β€Ί Midwest USA β€Ί Kentucky
City guide

Kentucky

Kentucky, officially the Commonwealth of Kentucky, is a landlocked state in the Southeastern region of the United States. It borders Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio to the north, West Virginia to the northeast, Virginia to the east, Tennessee to the south, and Missouri to the west.

Type Region

Why go

  • U.S. state.
  • 2 curated must-see attractions on record, including Churchill Downs.
  • Served by Lake Cumberland Regional Airport (SME).

History

Kentucky, officially the Commonwealth of Kentucky, is a landlocked state in the Southeastern region of the United States. It borders Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio to the north, West Virginia to the northeast, Virginia to the east, Tennessee to the south, and Missouri to the west. Its northern border is defined by the Ohio River. Its capital is Frankfort and its most populous city is Louisville. As of 2024, the state's population was approximately 4.6 million.

Must-see attractions

Outdoor

Airports

Central Kentucky Regional Airport 21 mi to the centre
Richmond, KY, US β€” Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron β€” plan for the weather on the day.
Indoor | Outdoor
Lake Cumberland Regional Airport (SME) 27 mi to the centre
Somerset, KY, US β€” Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron β€” plan for the weather on the day.
Indoor | Outdoor
London-Corbin Airport/Magee Field (LOZ) 39 mi to the centre
London, KY, US β€” Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron β€” plan for the weather on the day.
Indoor | Outdoor
Stuart Powell Field 12 mi to the centre
Danville, KY, US
Outdoor
Wayne County Airport 42 mi to the centre
Monticello, KY, US
Outdoor
Robbins Roost Airport 2.4 mi to the centre
Lincoln County, Kentucky, United States
Outdoor

Where things are

Full geo-intelligence in Better Mapping β†’
Local search powered by Geoverts and geo-intelligence by Better Mapping base map Β© OSM

Photographs

When to go

Tourist season
May – September

The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.

Shoulder season
April, October

Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.

Worth avoiding
Deep winter

Short days and the coldest weather β€” check local conditions before travelling.

Getting there & around

Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Lake Cumberland Regional Airport (SME); 16 other airports serve the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below.

Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Kentucky. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.

Trains & rail

National rail

Coaches & shuttles

Intercity coach
Intercity coach
Intercity coach
Intercity coach