Louisville International Airport

Welcome to Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport — the gateway to the world of horse racing and local heritage! Named in honour of the legendary boxer and city native, this airport welcomes travellers with true Southern hospitality and the energy of "The Greatest". Here, just a few minutes' drive from the centre, begins your introduction to the unique culture of Kentucky, whether it be a trip to the famous Derby or a tour of the distilleries.

The airport is remarkably convenient: it is compact, easy to navigate, and devoid of the hustle of giant hubs, yet it plays a colossal role in global logistics. Thanks to being the base for the global UPS Worldport hub, life on the runways bustles around the clock, turning the night sky over Louisville into a mesmerising light show of landing liners.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

The main pride of this air harbour is its name and brand. Renaming it in honour of Muhammad Ali in 2019 gave the place a special charm: the terminal is decorated with images and quotes of the great athlete, inspiring passengers from their first minutes of arrival.

Travellers particularly appreciate the location. The airport is located practically in the city centre — the trip to downtown takes only about 10 minutes, which is a rarity for major international hubs. This allows for significant savings in time and transfer costs.

Although the passenger terminal is cosy and calm, Louisville is one of the largest cargo airports in the world. Watching the coordinated work of cargo giants has become a sort of local entertainment for aviation enthusiasts waiting for their flights.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Louisville International Airport (SDF). We recommend checking the official website for up-to-date data before your trip.

• Official Website: www.flylouisville.com – here you will find the most current information regarding flights, services, and airport regulations.
• Information Desk Phone: +1 (502) 368-6524 – for general enquiries related to airport operations.
• Address: 700 Administration Dr, Louisville, KY 40209, USA.
• Email: A direct email address for general enquiries is not published. For communication, it is recommended to use the feedback form on the official website.
• Social Media: Follow airport news and updates on official accounts (Facebook: LouisvilleMuhammadAliInternationalAirport, X/Instagram: @flylouisville).
• Lost Luggage Information: If your belongings were lost in the terminal, contact the airport's Lost and Found office. If luggage is lost during a flight, you must contact your airline directly.
• Passenger Support Service: For most questions, support can be obtained via the main information desk phone number or through the official website.

Getting to Louisville International Airport (SDF), located just a 10-15 minute drive from the centre of Louisville, is possible via several convenient methods. The choice depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and personal preferences. Regardless of the chosen option, the journey to the terminal will not take much time.

Public Transport is the most economical method. The bus company TARC (Transit Authority of River City) operates route No. 2, which runs from the city centre directly to the airport. This is an excellent option for travellers with light luggage wishing to save money. The trip takes about 20-30 minutes, but it is always recommended to check the current schedule and fare on the official TARC website, especially if you are travelling early in the morning or late at night.

Taxis and Ride-hailing (Uber, Lyft) offer a faster and more comfortable way to get to the airport. Taxi stands are located at the exit of the arrivals zone, and car-hailing apps work excellently throughout the city. This is an ideal choice if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling with family. The trip from the centre will take 10-15 minutes depending on traffic conditions, and the cost will be significantly higher than the bus, but it ensures "door-to-door" comfort.

If you plan to travel extensively around the state of Kentucky, a good solution would be car rental. Offices of all major rental companies are represented at the airport. For those driving to the airport in their own vehicle, various parking options are provided: from short-term parking located right at the terminal to more budget-friendly long-term parking with a shuttle to the airport building. It is recommended to book a parking space online in advance, especially during peak seasons.

For some travellers, it may be useful to know about other air harbours in the region. For example, for a wider selection of international flights, you can consider Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport (CVG), located approximately one and a half hours away by car. Also, an hour's drive away is Blue Grass Airport (LEX) in the city of Lexington, serving mainly domestic flights within the USA.

Louisville International Airport (SDF) is distinguished by a well-thought-out structure convenient for passengers. You will not have to worry about complex transfers and long routes, as the airport operates one main passenger terminal named after Jerry Abramson, which serves all airlines and flights.

The terminal has two levels, which is a classic and intuitive layout:

• Upper Level — this is the departure zone. Located here are airline check-in counters, self-check-in kiosks, and the main security checkpoint.
• Lower Level — the arrival zone. You arrive here after your flight to collect your luggage. Here you will also find exits to ground transport, including taxis, shuttles, and car rental desks.

After passing through security control, which is located in the centre of the terminal, passengers enter a common area with shops and restaurants. From here, two concourse wings lead to the boarding gates:

• Concourse A (East Wing)
• Concourse B (West Wing)

Since everything is in one building, transfers between terminals are not required. Navigation is extremely simple: after screening, you just need to look at the departure board to find your gate number and turn left (to Concourse A) or right (to Concourse B). Distances here are short, and you can reach any gate within 5-10 minutes.

Louisville International Airport is not considered overcrowded, so check-in and screening usually take little time. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before the departure of a domestic flight. During peak load periods, such as during the famous Kentucky Derby races, it is worth allocating about 2 hours for all procedures.

The history of Louisville International Airport begins in 1941. It was originally built by the US Army Corps of Engineers and was named Standiford Field in honour of local businessman and politician Dr. Elisha David Standiford. During World War II, the airfield served as an important base for training pilots and crews of B-26 Marauder bombers.

After the war ended, in 1947, Standiford Field opened its doors to civil aviation. The first commercial flight marked the beginning of a new era, and by 1950, a new terminal was built to serve the growing number of passengers. Over the following decades, the airport gradually expanded, adding new runways and improving infrastructure to meet the demands of the time.

A turning point in the airport's history was the 1980s. It was then that United Parcel Service (UPS) chose Louisville to host its main global sorting centre — Worldport. This decision radically changed the status of the airport, turning it into one of the busiest cargo hubs not only in the USA but in the entire world. Today, the giant UPS complex is the heart of the company's global logistics network and a major economic force for the entire region.

Parallel to the development of cargo transportation, the modernisation of the passenger section also took place. In 1985, a modern passenger terminal was opened. In 1995, the airport was officially renamed Louisville International Airport to reflect its growing international importance. However, in memory of its history, it retained the original IATA code — SDF (from Standiford Field).

In 2019, another landmark event occurred: the airport received its current name — Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, in honour of the greatest boxer of all time and one of the city's most famous natives. This renaming was a tribute to the legend and his legacy. Today, the airport successfully combines serving millions of passengers with processing colossal volumes of cargo, remaining a key transport facility for the city and the entire state of Kentucky.

Louisville International Airport (SDF) offers passengers a wide range of services and amenities to make their stay in the terminal as comfortable as possible. Whether you are arriving, departing, or transferring, you will find everything necessary for a pleasant wait for your flight. The airport houses numerous restaurants, cafes, and lounges where you can have a meal before your flight. The assortment varies from fast-food outlets and coffee shops to restaurants offering local and international cuisine. For shopping enthusiasts, there are stores where you can purchase souvenirs, books, press, and travel goods.

For those who want to stay connected or work, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. Numerous charging stations for electronic devices are also placed throughout the airport, so you need not worry about a drained phone or laptop. Passengers preferring enhanced comfort can utilise the services of lounges, where one can relax in a quiet atmosphere, have drinks, and grab a snack away from the general bustle.

The airport is well-equipped to meet various traveller needs. There are ATMs and currency exchange points for handling financial matters. For passengers with children, family restrooms and nursing rooms are provided. Travellers with reduced mobility can count on full accessibility: ramps, lifts, specially equipped toilets, and escort services upon prior request. In case of necessity, one can visit the first aid station.

Business services are available for business travellers, and for those needing rest between flights, several hotels offering convenient accommodation are located near the airport. Some of them even provide a free shuttle to the terminal, making them an ideal choice for transit passengers or those with an early departure.

At Louisville International Airport (SDF), travellers will find diverse establishments to grab a snack before departure or have a full lunch. Dining options are designed for every taste and budget — from quick bites to restaurants with local flair.

Most cafes and restaurants are located in the airside zone, that is, after passing security control, mainly in the central hall (Rotunda) and near the boarding gates in Concourses A and B. In the pre-security zone (landside), the choice is more limited and usually includes coffee shops and stores with packaged sandwiches.

For those wishing to discover Kentucky cuisine, an excellent choice would be the restaurant Book & Bourbon Southern Kitchen. Here you can try dishes of Southern American cuisine and, of course, sample the famous local bourbon. This is an ideal place for a leisurely lunch or dinner. Another option is the Bourbon Academy Tasting Room, where you can experience a tasting set before your flight. This is a unique opportunity to touch upon the main gastronomic pride of the state.

If time is limited, there are plenty of options for a quick snack at the airport. You will find familiar chains such as Starbucks for morning coffee, Smashburger for a hearty burger, or Pizza Hut. These establishments are perfect for taking food on board or quickly refuelling before boarding.

Passengers with special dietary needs should review the menu in advance. Many restaurants, including Book & Bourbon, offer vegetarian and gluten-free dishes. Salads and fruits can always be found in cafes. The price range varies: from budget coffee and sandwiches (about 10-15 dollars) to a full meal in a restaurant, which will cost 25-40 dollars per person. Opening hours of establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule; most are open from early morning until the last departure.

To ensure your journey through Louisville International Airport goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of our tips. This airport in Louisville, USA, is quite compact, but proper preparation will help avoid unnecessary stress and save time.

Arrival Time and Check-in. The classic rule is to arrive at the airport 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one. This time is sufficient to drop off luggage without rushing, pass security control, and find your boarding gate. To save time, complete online check-in on your airline's website. This will allow you to head straight to the baggage drop counter or, if you are travelling light, to the security checkpoint.

Security Screening and Hand Luggage. The TSA screening system operates in US airports. To speed up the process, prepare liquids in advance (in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag), and remove laptops and other large electronics into a separate tray. If you fly frequently, consider participating in the TSA PreCheck programme, which allows for expedited screening. It is prohibited to take sharp objects, flammable substances, and weapons in hand luggage. Always check your airline's regulations.

Seat Selection and Transfers. When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your priorities: a window seat offers beautiful views, while an aisle seat offers more freedom of movement. For long-haul flights, you can study the cabin map on specialised websites in advance. If you have a transfer in Louisville, do not worry — the airport has one terminal, making navigation simple. Just follow the signs to your next boarding gate.

Customs Control. Upon arrival via an international flight, you will have to pass passport control and customs. Keep your passport, visa (if required), and completed customs declaration ready. Answer the officer's questions honestly and be prepared for a possible luggage inspection. Using mobile apps, such as Mobile Passport Control (MPC), can significantly speed up the process.

Saving Time and Money. Book airport parking online — it is often cheaper. Bring an empty water bottle to fill after passing security control and avoid spending on drinks. Light snacks brought from home will also help save money. Travelling with only hand luggage is the best way to avoid queues for luggage drop-off and collection.

If the Flight is Delayed. In case of a flight delay, do not panic. Contact an airline representative to find out the reasons and your rights (for example, provision of meals or a hotel during long delays). Use this time to rest: the airport has cafes, shops, and free Wi-Fi. Track the status of your flight via the airline's mobile app or on the departure boards.