Blue Grass Airport

Welcome to Blue Grass Airport (LEX) — the aerial gateway to the heart of Kentucky, known as the "Horse Capital of the World." Set amidst picturesque landscapes with emerald pastures and famous horse breeding farms, this airport offers travelers a unique blend of modern comfort and Southern American charm. Even as you land, you will feel the special atmosphere of this place, as the runways are located in immediate proximity to the Keeneland Race Course. The airport serves central and eastern Kentucky, acting as a vital transport hub for both tourists and business travelers.

Blue Grass Airport prides itself on its efficiency and welcoming atmosphere. Thanks to its compact size, flight check-in and security screening here are significantly faster than in major hubs. One of the unique features is its close integration with the region's culture: in the terminal, you can find shops specializing in local regional products and souvenirs related to the equestrian theme. Additionally, the Aviation Museum of Kentucky is located on the airport grounds, which will be of interest to all flight history enthusiasts. The airport is constantly evolving, adding new routes and improving infrastructure to make your journey to Kentucky even more comfortable and memorable.

For your convenience, we have compiled the essential contact information for Blue Grass Airport (LEX).

• Official Website: www.bluegrassairport.com
• Information Desk Phone: +1 859-425-3100
• Address: 4000 Terminal Dr, Lexington, KY 40510, USA
• Email: You can contact the airport administration via the contact form on the official website.
• Social Media: The airport actively maintains pages on popular social networks such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, where it publishes current news and updates.
• Lost and Found Information: If you have lost personal items within the terminal, please contact the airport's Lost and Found service. For questions regarding lost or damaged luggage, you should contact your airline's representative directly.
• Passenger Support Service: For general information and assistance, you may call the main airport phone number.

Getting to Blue Grass Airport (LEX), located just a few kilometers from downtown Lexington, is quite simple. Travelers have access to several convenient transport options suitable for any budget and travel plan. A trip from the city center usually takes 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic conditions and the chosen mode of transport.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly way to reach the airport. The bus operator Lextran offers route No. 21 (Airport/Keeneland), which connects the airport to the transit center in downtown Lexington. This is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers without a large amount of luggage. The cost of the trip is minimal, however, it is worth checking the schedule on the official Lextran website in advance, as buses run at specific intervals.

Taxis and Ride-sharing Services, such as Uber and Lyft, are the optimal solution for those who value comfort and speed. A car can be ordered at any time of day directly to your hotel or address. The cost of a trip from the city center will be higher than by bus, but it is the fastest and most convenient way to get to the terminal, especially if you are traveling with family or heavy luggage.

If you plan to actively explore the scenic Bluegrass region, car rental will be the best investment. Offices of all major rental companies are represented at Blue Grass Airport. You can book a car in advance online and pick it up immediately upon arrival or return it before departure. This provides maximum freedom of movement during your journey through the USA.

For travelers arriving at the airport in their own vehicles, convenient parking options are provided. The airport grounds feature Short-Term and Long-Term parking, as well as Valet Parking services. Rates depend on the duration of the stay, allowing you to easily select a suitable option.

Blue Grass Airport (LEX) is distinguished by a thoughtful and passenger-friendly structure that makes navigation intuitively understandable. The airport operates one main terminal, which eliminates the need for complex transfers or the use of shuttles to move between different zones.

The terminal building is divided into two main levels. The first floor houses the arrival zones: here you will find baggage claim carousels, car rental counters, and exits to ground transportation, including taxis and hotel shuttles. The second floor is entirely dedicated to the departure zone. Here you will find airline check-in counters, baggage drop-off points, and the central Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint.

After passing through security screening, passengers enter the "secure area," which is divided into three concourses (gates):

• Concourse A — primarily serves Allegiant Air flights.
• Concourse B — the largest, used by airlines such as American Eagle, Delta Air Lines, and United Express.
• Concourse C — designated for Delta Connection flights.

Transitions between all concourses take just a few minutes on foot, as they are located in the same building. Due to the airport's compact size, the time for check-in and screening is usually less than in major hubs. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before domestic flights to complete all formalities without rushing. During peak hours of morning and evening departures, screening may take more time.

Overall, navigation at Lexington Airport is very simple: signs are clear and logical, and the entire path from the entrance to the boarding gate is intuitive even for those visiting for the first time. The small size of the terminal is its main advantage, ensuring a fast and comfortable travel process.

The history of Blue Grass Airport (LEX) is closely intertwined with the history of Lexington itself and its status as the "Horse Capital of the World." It is not just a transport hub, but an important part of the cultural and economic landscape of the region.

The airport opened as Blue Grass Field in 1942 and was initially used for military purposes during World War II. After the war, in 1946, it began serving commercial flights, and the first passenger terminal was built. This event marked the beginning of a new era for Lexington, making it more accessible for business and tourism.

A significant stage of development occurred in 1976, when a new, more spacious and modern terminal was opened. This allowed the airport to handle growing passenger traffic and accommodate larger aircraft. In subsequent decades, the runways were repeatedly lengthened and modernized to meet international standards.

The beginning of the 21st century was marked by a large-scale reconstruction, completed in 2007. As a result, the airport received renovated and expanded waiting lounges, modern passenger amenities, and a unique design inspired by the architecture of famous Kentucky horse farms. Stone masonry and wooden elements in the interior create a special atmosphere, welcoming guests into the very heart of the Bluegrass region.

The airport played a key role during the 2010 World Equestrian Games, hosting thousands of participants and spectators from around the world. It is also a global leader in the air transport of thoroughbred horses. Unfortunately, the airport's history also contains a tragic page — the crash of Comair Flight 5191 in 2006. This event led to a complete review of safety protocols on runways and the implementation of new technologies, making the airport one of the examples in the field of aviation safety in the USA.

Blue Grass Airport (LEX) offers passengers all necessary amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. In the terminal, you will find several options for dining and shopping. At your service are cozy cafes where you can enjoy coffee, and restaurants offering full meals. There are also shops where you can purchase souvenirs, press, and travel essentials.

For those who need to stay connected or work, the airport provides free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. Numerous charging stations for mobile devices will allow you not to worry about the battery status of your smartphone or laptop. For business travelers, conference rooms and business services are available, which can be booked in advance.

Passengers can relax in comfortable waiting lounges. The airport also features a VIP lounge, The Club at LEX, available to passengers of various airlines, where one can rest in a quieter setting. Financial services are represented by ATMs located in different parts of the terminal. Currency exchange points are rare in regional airports, so it is recommended to exchange money in advance. If necessary, basic medical assistance can be obtained at the airport.

Blue Grass Airport is well-equipped to serve passengers with special needs. For travelers with limited mobility, ramps, elevators, and specially equipped restrooms are provided. Families with small children can use mother and child rooms to care for infants in a calm and private environment.

Although there are no hotels directly inside the airport building, there are many hotels to suit any taste and budget located in the immediate vicinity. Most of them offer free shuttle services for their guests, making them a convenient option for rest before departure or after arrival.

At Blue Grass Airport (LEX), passengers will find several cozy establishments where they can have a bite before their flight. The majority of cafes and restaurants are located in the departure zone, after passing security control (airside), offering both quick snacks and the opportunity to have a full lunch in a calm setting, enjoying the atmosphere of Kentucky.

After passing through screening in the departure zone (airside), travelers have several options. The main spot for connoisseurs of local cuisine is the restaurant and bar The Bourbon Library. Here you can order hearty Southern American dishes. It is an ideal choice for those who want to have a leisurely lunch or dinner. For a quicker snack, Dunkin' is a perfect fit, offering its signature donuts, sandwiches, and coffee. Nearby, LEX Market is also operating, where it is convenient to buy ready-made salads, sandwiches, snacks, and drinks to go.

In the public zone before security control (landside), the choice of establishments is very limited. Here, passengers mostly have access to vending machines with drinks and light snacks. Therefore, if you plan to eat a full meal, it is recommended to complete check-in and screening as early as possible to access the main cafes and restaurants in the secure zone.

The airport of Lexington is proud of its heritage, so be sure to visit The Bourbon Library to experience the authentic taste of the USA through the prism of local cuisine. Regarding dietary restrictions, vegetarian and gluten-free options can be found at LEX Market in the form of packaged salads and snacks. In the restaurant, it is worth checking with the waiter for the availability of special dishes. Prices at the airport are consistent with the average level for such places: coffee and pastries will cost approximately $10–15, and a full lunch at a restaurant — $25–40 per person.

Most establishments open early in the morning to serve passengers on the first flights and close after the departure of the last aircraft. To summarize: for a quick snack, Dunkin' or LEX Market are best suited. If you have time to spare and a desire to enjoy a full lunch and the atmosphere of the "Bluegrass State," your choice is The Bourbon Library.

When planning a departure from Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, there are several points to consider to ensure your journey goes smoothly. The main advice is to arrive early. For domestic flights within the USA, it is recommended to be at the airport 2 hours before departure, and for international flights — 3 hours. This will give you enough time to check luggage, pass through security control, and find your boarding gate without rushing.

To save time, use online check-in for your flight, which most airlines open 24 hours before departure. This will allow you to head straight to screening if you are traveling with hand luggage only. When passing through security control, be ready to present your boarding pass and identification. All electronics larger than a mobile phone and liquids must be placed in a separate bin. Remember the rule for carrying liquids in hand luggage: the volume of each container must not exceed 100 ml, and all of them must be packed in one transparent bag (the so-called 3-1-1 rule).

Seat selection on the plane depends on your preferences: a window seat offers beautiful views during takeoff and landing, while an aisle seat allows you to stand up freely without disturbing neighbors. If you have a connecting flight, check if you need to collect your luggage. On domestic flights, luggage is usually checked through to the final destination, but when flying from abroad into the USA, you will have to pass customs control at the first airport of arrival, collect your suitcases, and re-check them for the next flight.

In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for the latest information. Find out about your rights: in some cases, passengers are entitled to vouchers for food or hotel accommodation. Blue Grass Airport is quite compact and cozy, so the wait can be brightened up in one of the cafes or shops. To save money, bring an empty water bottle with you, which can be filled after passing screening, and light snacks from home.