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Louisville Airport SDF

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Louisville Airport (SDF) Guide

Discover Louisville Airport (SDF), your gateway to Kentucky's vibrant culture and the home of the world's only airport named after a boxing legend, Muhammad Ali. This efficient airport not only connects you to the heart of the city but also offers a unique blend of Southern hospitality and modern amenities, ensuring a pleasant journey.

Our concise guide covers everything from flight updates, terminal information, to parking and dining options, streamlining your airport experience. Navigate SDF with confidence and soak in the local charm right from your arrival.

Explore more about this and other airports with our Comprehensive Airport Guide at iFly.

If you're flying in or out of the airport, it's helpful to know the layout of the airport's terminals. SDF has three terminals: Concourse A, Concourse B, and the Main Terminal. Concourse A has 9 gates, Concourse B has 6 gates, and the Main Terminal has 20 gates. Major airlines that use Concourse A include Delta and Southwest, while American Airlines and United Airlines typically use Concourse B. The Main Terminal serves a variety of airlines, including Allegiant, Frontier, and UPS.

As you navigate the airport, you'll find plenty of dining and shopping options. In the Main Terminal, you can grab a bite to eat at local favorites like Bourbon Kitchen and Comfy Cow. Concourse A offers a variety of options, from fast food to sit-down restaurants, including Starbucks and Chili's. Concourse B has a few dining options as well, including a Quiznos and a Kentucky Ale Taproom. If you need to pick up any last-minute travel essentials, you'll find plenty of shops selling everything from books and magazines to souvenirs and snacks.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates. With a little bit of planning, navigating SDF's terminals can be a breeze.

Connecting Between Terminals

At Louisville Airport, passengers can easily move between Concourse A, Concourse B, and the Main Terminal. The terminals are connected by a walkway, and the walking time between each terminal is approximately 5-10 minutes. For those who prefer not to walk, a complimentary shuttle bus service is available to transport passengers between the terminals. The shuttle bus runs every 10-15 minutes and is wheelchair accessible. Alternatively, there is a moving walkway available in the Main Terminal that can help passengers move more quickly between the concourses. Overall, getting between terminals at Louisville Airport is a hassle-free experience with multiple options available to suit all passengers.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

At Louisville Airport, picking up and dropping off passengers is easy and convenient. There are designated areas for both activities, and it's important to follow the rules to ensure a smooth experience for everyone.

For dropping off passengers, there are curbside areas outside of each terminal where you can stop briefly to let your passengers out. However, it's important to note that there is no parking allowed in these areas, and you must remain with your vehicle at all times. If you need to park, you'll need to use the short-term parking lot.

For picking up passengers, there are also curbside areas outside of each terminal, but you'll need to use the cell-phone waiting areas until your passengers are ready to be picked up. These waiting areas are located in designated parking lots near each terminal, and you can wait there for free for up to an hour. Once your passengers are ready, you can proceed to the curbside area to pick them up.

Overall, following these guidelines will ensure a smooth and stress-free experience when picking up and dropping off passengers at SDF.

Parking Facilities & Options

When it comes to parking at SDF Airport, there are several options available for travelers. The airport offers both short-term and long-term parking options, with several lots and garages located within walking distance of the terminals.

For those who are picking up passengers, there are cell phone waiting areas available for free. These areas allow drivers to wait in their cars until their passengers have arrived and are ready to be picked up.

Handicapped parking is available in all parking areas, with designated spaces located close to the terminals for easy access.

If you're looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking is available near the airport. These lots offer shuttle service to and from the airport, and can be a great way to save money on parking fees.

Get details about the airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

When arriving at Louisville Airport (SDF), there are several ground transportation options available to travelers.

For those who prefer to rent a car, major car rental companies such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National are located on the lower level of the parking garage adjacent to the terminal.

If you prefer to take a taxi, there are designated taxi drop-off areas located outside of the baggage claim area. The estimated fare for a taxi ride from the airport to downtown Louisville is approximately $20-$25, and the ride takes about 15-20 minutes depending on traffic.

Shared ride services such as Uber and Lyft are also available at Louisville Airport. The pickup area for these services is located outside of baggage claim on the lower level. It is important to note that these services may have restrictions on the number of passengers and amount of luggage allowed.

Airport shuttles are available for travelers who prefer a more cost-effective option. These shuttles operate 24/7 and provide transportation to various locations in the Louisville area. The pickup area for airport shuttles is located outside of baggage claim on the lower level. Fares vary depending on the destination, but typically range from $15-$30 per person.

Finally, for those who prefer public transportation, TARC (Transit Authority of River City) provides bus service to and from the airport. The TARC bus stop is located outside of baggage claim on the lower level. Fares for TARC buses are $1.75 per person and provide transportation to various locations throughout the Louisville area.

Airport Hotels

Looking for the perfect hotel near the airport for your next trip? We've got you covered! Our comprehensive guide provides a curated list of the best hotels near the airport, considering factors like proximity, amenities, and guest reviews. From budget-friendly options to luxurious suites, you're sure to find a hotel that suits your needs. Many of these hotels offer complimentary shuttle services, Wi-Fi, and are conveniently located near local attractions. Ready to explore your options? Check out our Louisville Airport Hotels now!

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

If you're looking for a bite to eat or some last-minute shopping before your flight, SDF has plenty of options to choose from. In Concourse A, you can grab a quick meal at Wendy's or enjoy a sit-down meal at Coals Artisan Pizza. In Concourse B, you'll find a variety of options including Starbucks, KFC, and Comfy Cow, which offers delicious ice cream. If you're in the Main Terminal, you can choose from a range of restaurants and cafes, including Chili's, Bourbon Academy, and Starbucks.

When it comes to shopping, SDF Airport has a great selection of stores to choose from. In Concourse A, you can browse the latest books and magazines at Hudson News or pick up some travel essentials at the CNBC Newsstand. In Concourse B, you'll find a range of stores including Brighton Collectibles, Brooks Brothers, and The Scoreboard. If you're in the Main Terminal, be sure to check out the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Shop, which offers a range of bourbon-related gifts and souvenirs.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at the airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, browse the full directory here.

Passenger Services

If you're traveling through SDF (SDF), you'll find a variety of passenger services available to make your journey more comfortable and convenient.

Stay connected with free wifi access throughout the airport. If you happen to misplace any belongings, head to the lost and found located in the main terminal. For families traveling with children, there are designated children's areas located in both Concourse A and Concourse B.

If you require special assistance, the airport offers a range of services for passengers with disabilities or special needs. These include wheelchair assistance, accessible parking, and service animal relief areas. Banking services are also available in the main terminal, with ATMs located throughout the airport.

In the event of a medical emergency, trained medical professionals are on hand to provide assistance. First aid stations can be found in both Concourse A and Concourse B, and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are located throughout the airport.

Flight Status Info

As air travel can be unpredictable, it's important for passengers to stay up-to-date on the status of their flights. Fortunately, there are several ways to check flight status at SDF Airport. One of the most convenient methods is to use the in-airport flight displays (FIDS) located throughout the terminal. These displays show real-time information on flight departures, delays, and gate assignments.

In addition to FIDS, passengers can also be alerted about departure delays, cancellations, or gate changes via the use of airline mobile phone apps. Most major airlines have their own apps that allow passengers to receive push notifications, text messages, or emails about their flight status. It's a good idea to download the app for your airline before your trip so you can stay informed about any changes to your itinerary.

Another way to check flight status is to visit the website of your airline. Most airlines have a "flight status" or "flight information" section on their website where passengers can enter their flight number or departure city and date to get real-time updates on their flight status. Some airlines also offer the option to sign up for text or email alerts about flight changes.

Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at the airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Helpful Tips

When to Arrive

It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to their scheduled departure time for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. The busiest times to avoid are during holidays and weekends, as well as during peak travel times such as early morning and late afternoon.

Getting to the Airport

There are several ways to get to Louisville Airport, including driving, taking a taxi or rideshare service, or using public transportation. If driving, passengers can park in the airport's parking garage or in an off-site parking lot with shuttle service to the terminal. Taxis and rideshare services are available at the airport, and public transportation options include the TARC bus system and the Louisville Airport Shuttle.

Getting Oriented

For those who are unfamiliar with Louisville Airport, iFly.com's interactive airport maps can be a helpful tool to get oriented. These maps provide detailed information on the airport's layout, including the location of terminals, gates, restaurants, and shops. Additionally, airport staff are available to assist passengers with any questions or concerns they may have.

Avoiding Delays

To avoid delays at SDF, passengers should arrive early, pack light, and check in online before arriving at the airport. It is also important to keep an eye on flight status updates and to be prepared for any unexpected changes or delays. Additionally, passengers should follow all TSA guidelines and regulations to ensure a smooth and efficient security screening process.

Security Wait Times

At SDF Airport, TSA Security wait times can vary depending on the time of day and the season. During peak travel times, such as holidays and summer months, wait times can be longer than usual. However, the airport has implemented measures to help reduce wait times, such as adding more TSA agents and utilizing advanced screening technology. It is recommended that travelers arrive at the airport at least two hours before their scheduled departure time to allow for enough time to get through security. You can check TSA Wait Times now, so you can budget how much time you need to get to the airport.

Airport Facts & Stats

The Louisville Airport is located in Louisville, Kentucky, United States. It has three terminals: Concourse A, Concourse B, and the Main Terminal. On average, the airport handles approximately 16,000 passengers daily, with an average of 150 daily flights.

The top airlines with the most daily flights at Louisville Airport are UPS Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines. These airlines operate approximately 50% of the airport's daily flights. The airport serves over 30 destinations, with the top 5 destinations being Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Charlotte, and Denver.

Louisville Airport is a hub for UPS Airlines, which operates over 200 flights daily. Other airlines that use the airport as a hub include Allegiant Air and Frontier Airlines.

Airport History

The Louisville Airport, also known as Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

  • 1927 - Bowman Field, the predecessor to SDF, opens as a commercial airport
  • 1941 - The airport is renamed Standiford Field in honor of Dr. Elisha David Standiford, a local aviation pioneer
  • 1947 - The first commercial airline service begins with American Airlines
  • 1970 - The airport is renamed Louisville International Airport
  • 1995 - The airport undergoes a major renovation and expansion project, including the construction of a new terminal
  • 2019 - The airport is renamed Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in honor of the legendary boxer and Louisville native

Today, Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport serves over 4 million passengers annually and is a hub for UPS Airlines.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Louisville International Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

  • IATA Code: SDF
  • Airport Website
  • Phone: +1 502-367-4636
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mailing Address: Louisville International Airport, 600 Terminal Drive, Louisville, KY 40209, United States

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

Last updated:

Louisville Airport Q&A

Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at the airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
The airport offers a variety of dining options across its terminals. You can enjoy fast food, sit-down restaurants, and local favorites. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, browse the full directory here.
Yes, there are several hotels near the airport that offer complimentary shuttle services among other amenities. You can explore your options by checking out Louisville Airport Hotels.
The airport provides both short-term and long-term parking options. For more details on parking rates and off-airport parking, visit the airport parking page.
Passengers can easily move between terminals using the connecting walkway, complimentary shuttle bus, or the moving walkway in the Main Terminal. The walking time between terminals is approximately 5-10 minutes.
Louisville Airport offers various ground transportation options including taxis, shared ride services like Uber and Lyft, airport shuttles, and public transportation via TARC buses. For more information on rental cars and other transportation services, visit the car rental and taxi ride pages.
The airport offers a range of services for passengers with disabilities or special needs, including wheelchair assistance, accessible parking, and service animal relief areas. For more details, visit the banking services page which also includes information on ATMs and currency exchange.
If you lost an item at the airport, check out the lost and found page for information on how to retrieve lost belongings.