2027 Kentucky Derby Travel Packages
Experience the 2027 Kentucky Derby with Our Exclusive UK Travel Packages
Get ready for the most exciting two minutes in sports!
Get ready for the 153rd running of the Kentucky Derby on May 1, 2027, at the iconic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Known as “the most exciting two minutes in sports,” this Grade I Stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds is a must-see event steeped in tradition since 1875. The Kentucky Derby weekend is more than just a race; it’s a spectacular celebration that begins weeks in advance, culminating in a day filled with excitement, elegance, and star-studded attendance at the Twin Spires for the famed Run for the Roses.
Experience Sport offers bespoke 4-day Kentucky Derby travel packages designed to provide you with the ultimate Derby experience. Enjoy first-class accommodations in Louisville, your choice of premium tickets, VIP viewing options, and race day hospitality. We also include seamless event day transfers and high-touch service throughout your stay. Customize your itinerary with additional options such as tickets to the Kentucky Oaks, engaging tours, and more to complete your perfect Derby adventure.
Book your 2027 Kentucky Derby travel package today!
Book today and immerse yourself in the unparalleled excitement and tradition of one of the world’s premier horse racing events. Create lasting memories with our tailored travel solutions, designed specifically for UK sport enthusiasts.
Package Inclusions
- Ticket with reserved seating at the Kentucky Derby (Saturday)
- Four days, three nights first class hotel accommodations in downtown Louisville
- Transportation passes for roundtrip Churchill Downs transfers
- Reserved seating includes all-inclusive food and beverage menu (including Mint Juleps, beer, wine, spirits, non-alcoholic options and concessions)
- Ticket with reserved seating at the Kentucky Oaks on Friday
- Commemorative gift package
- Personalized itinerary
- Onsite host team
- Expert Pre-Travel Assistance of the Experience Sport team
- All taxes and service charges included
Package Options
| Hotel Package | Room Category | Packages From |
|---|---|---|
| Courtyard by Marriott Louisville Downtown | Standard Room | £5,199 |
| Galt House | Deluxe Room | £6,439 |
| Galt House | Executive Suite | £7,329 |
| The Brown Hotel | Various Room Types | Enquire for Rates |
| Omni Louisville | Deluxe Room | Enquire for Rates |
Package Hotels
The Lexington Hotel, Autograph Collection
511 Lexington Ave New York, NY 10017
A landmark in New York City since 1929, The Lexington charms guests with the Art Deco design and style of that iconic era. Over the years, the hotel has seen many famous guests including Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio and continues to appeal to luxury travelers from around the world. The property’s sophisticated guest accommodations are both stylish and comfy with upscale amenities. Located in the dynamic Midtown East neighborhood, the hotel is just steps from upscale boutiques, unique restaurants, and some of New York’s most exciting attractions.
- Great location in Midtown East
- Onsite fitness center
- Starbucks® onsite
Courtyard by Marriott Louisville Downtown
100 South Second Street Louisville, KY 40202
Perfectly placed for exploring the best of downtown Louisville, the Courtyard by Marriott Louisville Downtown is a great option for your Derby experience. The property’s great location puts guests within steps of shopping, dining, and attractions. Inside, the hotel offers plenty of amenities including an indoor pool, fitness center, and on-site restaurant. When you’ve finished exploring for the day, retreat to your spacious guest room complete with complimentary wi-fi, mini-refrigerators, and plush bedding.
- Complimentary wi-fi
- Indoor pool and fitness center
- Onsite restaurant: The Bistro
Onmi Hotel Louisville
400 South 2nd Street Louisville, Kentucky 40202
The Omni Louisville offers a great downtown location and luxurious accommodations. This well-known property is ideal for those who want to explore the best of this lively city, including great restaurants, exciting nightlife and plenty of shopping and attractions. Guests will love the luxe guest rooms — a combination of classic elegance and modern luxury — as well as the long list of amenities. There’s a wonderful rooftop pool, a well-equipped fitness center, and the relaxing Mokara Spa. The Omni boasts a variety of dining options including Bob’s Steak & Chophouse and Pin + Proof, a Louisville speakeasy with classic cocktails and bowling lanes.
- Great downtown Louisville location
- Full-service spa and fitness center
- Rooftop pool
- Steakhouse, speakeasy, and neighborhood restaurant
The Brown Hotel
335 West Broadway Louisville, Kentucky
When yearning for grace and grandeur, The Brown Hotel satisfies. Since being restored to its classic, English Renaissance opulence, The Brown Hotel has been one of Louisville’s most treasured landmark luxury hotels. The AAA Four Diamond rating is evident upon first entering the two story lobby with hand-painted coffered ceiling, Botticino marble flooring, finely carved mahogany furnishings and Palladian-style windows. With its genteel Southern charm and ornate finery, the hotel offers the comforts of home in an environment of sophistication and grace.
- Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award 2024
- Primely located in the theater district of downtown Louisville; five miles from the airport
- AAA Four Diamond Luxury Hotel 2024
- Complimentary wifi
The Galt House Hotel
140 North Fourth Street Louisville, Kentucky
The Galt House is a name long associated with the gracious Southern hospitality and style that’s made Louisville famous. The largest hotel in Kentucky and the only downtown hotel on the Ohio River in Louisville, the Galt House boasts 25 stories and 1300 contemporary guest rooms. The 10,000-square-foot conservatory is three stories in height and features a café, cocktail lounge, gathering area and aviary. The convenient Skywalk connects the Galt House guests to the rest of the downtown Louisville sky-bridge system so you’ll never feel disconnected.
- Located in the heart of Louisville
- Five restaurant and lounge options
- Roof-top fitness center, outdoor pool, revolving restaurant
Deposits and Payments
*Rates are per person in GBP based on double occupancy. Single occupancy rates are available. Triple and Quad occupancy may be available.
Rates include all local and state taxes. Availability and pricing subject to change prior to booking.
Deposit of £2,000 required at time of booking. Balance payable by February 2027.
Passengers will not be entitled to a refund for any unused services.
Click here for full terms and conditions.
Package Upgrades
- Reserved seat for the Kentucky Oaks including roundtrip transfers (Friday)
- Private sedan roundtrip transfer between hotel and Churchill Downs
- Mint Julep Sunset Social tickets (Thursday)
- Taste of Derby Gala Dinner (Thursday)
- Exclusive Behind the Scenes Stable Tour
- Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tour
- Horse Country Tour
- Barnstable Brown Gala
- Best of Kentucky Tour
- Extra nights and/or room upgrades
Itinerary
Louisville
The home of the Kentucky Derby is one of America's most quietly extraordinary cities – a place where bourbon flows, jazz echoes off brick walls, and the thunder of hooves has shaped a culture unlike anywhere else on earth.
Read City GuideDay 1 | April 29, 2027
Louisville, Kentucky
‘Thurby’, the official start of Derby weekend takes place at Churchill Downs. Featuring racing, live music, and, of course, bourbon, Thurby is not only a whole lot of fun, but it’s also a great time to explore Churchill Downs while the crowds are typically smaller than they are on Friday and Saturday. Thurby runs from late morning to early evening.
Thursday evening offers a couple of great social events. The Mint Julep Sunset Social includes a memorable farm-to-table dinner at the picturesque Hermitage Farm, preceded by a tour of the gorgeous property. Another option is Taste of Derby, which allows guests to mingle with horse racing VIPs while enjoying incredible regional dishes prepared by nationally renowned chefs, with live music to cap off the evening.
Day 2 | April 30, 2027
Louisville, Kentucky
Friday is a big day in Louisville. The day begins with the Kentucky Oaks, the premier horse race for 3-year-old fillies. The gates at Churchill Downs open mid-morning and there are races all day until early evening. The day is a celebration of racing, fundraising for women’s health issues, and fashion. Speaking of which, the event includes a fashion contest if you’re so inclined. The color of the day is pink, so be sure to include as much of it as possible when planning your outfit for the event.
In the evening, join celebrities and other VIPs at the hottest party of the weekend: The Barnstable Brown Gala. This exclusive black-tie gala is the place to be seen on Derby eve. It’s been dubbed as one of the top 10 parties in the world by Condé Nast and each year it attracts some of the biggest names in film, sport, and music.
Day 3 | May 1, 2027
Louisville, Kentucky
Saturday is the day all of this has been leading up to: the Kentucky Derby. Plan to spend a full day at Churchill Downs enjoying the racing and taking in the electric atmosphere. The racing begins mid-morning and keeps going until well into the evening. The main event usually takes place between 6:00 and 7:00 pm, with pre- and post-race ceremonies bookending the race itself.
Day 4 | May 2, 2027
Louisville, Kentucky
Sunday is a day of recovery, and the end of your Kentucky Derby Experience.
Experience Gallery
Package Map
Testimonials
Everything went well… Natalie and Aundra were great, very attentive. The trip was fabulous. Had a wonderful time.
Annmarie LambHad some of the best seats in the house for the most exciting two minutes in sports!
Thomas R McKinneyThe family had an amazing time and great experience at the Kentucky Derby last week! Everything planned in the package and the day of arrival with some assistance from your hospitality desk couldn’t have been better. Thanks again.
Matilda, Fugazi Travel (Ensemble)Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Kentucky Derby?
-
The Kentucky Derby is a Grade I Stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds, run over 1¼ miles at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. First held in 1875, it’s the oldest continuously run sporting event in the United States and is famously nicknamed “the most exciting two minutes in sports.”
- When is the 2027 Kentucky Derby?
-
The 2027 Kentucky Derby takes place on Saturday, May 1, 2027, marking the 153rd running of the race. Derby weekend actually kicks off a few days earlier with Thurby on the Thursday and the Kentucky Oaks on the Friday, so there’s plenty to see before the main event.
- Where is the Kentucky Derby held?
-
Every Kentucky Derby since 1875 has been run at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, instantly recognisable by its twin spires. Our packages put you within easy reach of the track, with hotels across downtown Louisville and event day transfers included.
- How long is the Kentucky Derby race?
-
The race itself covers 1¼ miles and is over in around two minutes, which is exactly where the “fastest two minutes in sports” nickname comes from. The build-up is a full day affair though, with racing at Churchill Downs running from mid-morning through to early evening.
- What time does the Kentucky Derby start?
-
Gates at Churchill Downs typically open around 9am, with the earlier races starting mid-morning. The Derby itself — the main event of the day — usually goes off between 6:30pm and 7:00pm local time, with the full race-day schedule confirmed closer to the date.
- What's the difference between the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby?
-
The Kentucky Oaks runs on the Friday of Derby weekend and is the feature race for three-year-old fillies, with pink as the day’s unofficial colour and a strong focus on women’s health fundraising. The Kentucky Derby is Saturday’s headline race. Our packages include reserved seating at both.
- How much does the Kentucky Derby winner take home?
-
Prize money varies year to year, but recent Derbys have carried a total purse in the region of $5 million, with roughly $3 million of that going to the winning owner. The winning jockey typically takes home around 10% of that as their share.
- What is a Triple Crown winner?
-
A Triple Crown winner is a horse that wins the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes all in the same year — a feat achieved by only thirteen horses in the sport’s history, most recently Justify in 2018.
- Who won the most recent Kentucky Derby?
-
Golden Tempo won the 2026 Kentucky Derby. Recent winners also include Sovereignty (2025) and Mystik Dan (2024) — proof the race rarely goes to script, which is half the fun of being there.
- What is a Mint Julep?
-
The Mint Julep is the Kentucky Derby’s signature drink, made with bourbon, sugar, and fresh mint served over crushed ice. Churchill Downs pours somewhere in the region of 120,000 of them across Derby weekend, so trying one trackside is very much part of the experience.
- What are the Twin Spires at Churchill Downs?
-
The Twin Spires are the pair of turrets on the grandstand roof at Churchill Downs, added by architect Joseph Dominic Baldez in the track’s original design. They’ve become the defining image of the Kentucky Derby and one of the most photographed backdrops in American sport.
- What is the Garland of Roses?
-
The Garland of Roses is draped over the winning horse during the Derby’s victory ceremony, made up of more than 400 red roses and a tradition since 1932. It’s where the race’s other nickname, the “Run for the Roses,” comes from.
- Is there a Kentucky Derby dress code?
-
Yes — most areas of Churchill Downs, including reserved seating, ask guests to avoid ripped denim, trainers, shorts, and t-shirts, with some sections operating a smart or business casual standard. Think tailored suits, spring dresses, and, of course, a statement hat.
- What's the weather like on Kentucky Derby weekend?
-
Early May in Louisville is generally warm, with average highs in the low-to-mid 20s°C, but it’s also the city’s wettest month, so a shower at some point over the weekend is genuinely possible. We’d suggest packing layers and a lightweight rain layer alongside your Derby outfit.
- Do UK visitors need a visa for the Kentucky Derby?
-
Most UK passport holders travel to the Kentucky Derby under the US Visa Waiver Programme rather than a full visa, which means applying for an ESTA before you fly. It currently costs in the region of $40 and is usually approved within 72 hours — check esta.cbp.dhs.gov directly for the latest fees and requirements.
- How do I fly from the UK to the Kentucky Derby?
-
There’s no direct flight from the UK to Louisville, so you’ll connect through a major US hub such as Chicago, Atlanta, or Detroit before landing at Louisville International Airport, about 15 minutes from downtown. Flights aren’t included in our packages, but our team can put together options from your nearest UK airport.
- What's the time difference between the UK and Louisville?
-
Louisville sits on US Eastern Time, five hours behind the UK during Derby week when both countries are on their summer clocks. Worth factoring into your first day or two, since Thurby and Oaks day festivities both get going in the late morning local time.
- Is my Kentucky Derby package ATOL protected?
-
Where flights are included as part of your package, ATOL protection applies and you’ll receive an ATOL Certificate confirming your cover. If you book accommodation and tickets only, that portion isn’t ATOL protected — we’ll always make clear exactly what’s covered before you pay a deposit.
- Do I need travel insurance for a Kentucky Derby trip?
-
Yes, and we’d recommend sorting it before you travel. The US has no NHS equivalent, and a routine hospital visit can run into the thousands of dollars without cover — you can add travel insurance directly through our booking form.
- How far in advance should I book my Kentucky Derby package?
-
Derby weekend hotel inventory in downtown Louisville is limited, and popular properties like The Brown Hotel and Galt House sell out well ahead of race day. We’d recommend registering your interest as early as possible, particularly if you have a specific room category in mind.
Some of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website. This website will provide you with information on the protection that applies in the case of each holiday and travel service offered before you make your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking terms & conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.caa.co.uk/ATOLCertificate