Kentucky Derby 2028 hotels in Louisville
May 6 – May 6, 2028 · projected dates · Louisville, United States
The 2028 Kentucky Derby is projected for Saturday, May 6, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Derby-week racing and celebrations take place in the preceding days, making an earlier arrival worthwhile. Dates remain subject to official confirmation.
Live hotel prices for Kentucky Derby 2028
We pre-filled Louisville from 2028-05-04 to 2028-05-07. Results are sorted by lowest all-in total, including reported taxes and fees.
Event Rate Advantage
Event weekends push prices up fast. We check several wholesale rate sources for every hotel and show you only the single lowest all-in price we find.
Key facts
- The Kentucky Derby is traditionally held on the first Saturday in May.
- Churchill Downs hosts the race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds.
- The race is run over one and a quarter miles on dirt.
- The Kentucky Oaks traditionally takes place the Friday before the Derby, projected as May 5 in 2028.
Where to stay
- Downtown Louisville is a practical base for hotels, restaurants and riverfront attractions.
- NuLu suits travelers who want restaurants, boutiques and galleries alongside their Derby visit.
- Old Louisville offers historic architecture and a residential setting south of downtown.
- The airport and Kentucky Exposition Center area is worth considering for airport access and travel to Churchill Downs.
Getting there and around
- Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) is the city's main commercial airport.
- Taxis, rideshare services and rental cars provide onward transportation from the airport.
- TARC operates Louisville's public buses; check current routes and Derby-week service notices before traveling.
- Expect event traffic and access restrictions around Churchill Downs; follow official parking and pickup instructions.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Kentucky Derby in 2028?
The projected race date is Saturday, May 6, 2028. Derby-week activities occur beforehand, with the Kentucky Oaks expected on Friday, May 5. Confirm the official schedule before booking nonrefundable travel.
Where should I stay for the Kentucky Derby?
Choose downtown for a broad hotel selection and sightseeing, NuLu for dining and shopping, or the airport and Kentucky Exposition Center area for convenient airport access. Check your race-day transportation options before choosing a hotel.
Do I need separate tickets for the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks?
They are separately ticketed race days, although some packages include both. Check the official seller's listing for included dates, seating and access; a hotel booking alone does not include admission.
What should I check when comparing Derby-week hotels?
Compare cancellation terms, minimum-stay rules, parking charges and transportation options, and book early for better choice. PikPakGo hotel totals include reported taxes and mandatory fees; check the listing for optional charges.
Book early for Kentucky Derby 2028
Rooms near major events sell out months ahead. Lock in a refundable rate today and compare all-in totals.
Check availabilityPhoto: Wikimedia Commons (free license).
Dates are projections and may shift once officially confirmed. Last updated 2026-09-26.