Car Hire
Kentucky

Realistically, allow about 45 to 75 minutes from the moment you collect your bags to driving off. After collecting luggage, follow signs to the shuttle pick-up point for the hire car centre. The shuttle trip itself is short, but you should allow for its frequency, which can be reduced late at night. Once at the hire facility, processing time depends on how many other customers are in the queue. Having your booking details to hand will help speed things up at the desk.

Locating the hire car area at CVG is straightforward, even for first-time visitors. After you leave baggage reclaim, follow the overhead signs for Ground Transportation and the Rental Car Centre. These signs lead to a designated kerb area outside the terminal where you wait for a courtesy shuttle. All major hire companies are housed together in a consolidated facility, so one shuttle serves the whole area, making the process simple and efficient.

If quick motorway access is a priority, staying in Florence or near the CVG airport area is an excellent choice. These locations sit directly on the I-71/I-75 corridor, giving immediate access to routes heading south toward Lexington and Louisville or north into Cincinnati. This position lets you avoid the more congested bridge traffic around Covington and Newport during peak times. You’ll also find plenty of hotels and restaurants in the area, making it a convenient base for exploring the region.

The road layout for hire car returns at CVG is generally well signposted and not confusing. As you approach the airport, large, clear signs will direct you to a dedicated Rental Car Return entrance, which is separate from the main departures and arrivals loops. Following these signs will lead you directly to the consolidated return facility. Arriving early in the morning means traffic should be light, making the drive even less stressful and allowing for a smooth and quick return.

The primary challenge when crossing the Ohio River bridges is negotiating the complex interchanges on either side, especially around the Brent Spence Bridge (I-71/I-75). Lane changes can be sudden, and you often need to be in the correct lane well in advance to take your exit. Using a sat-nav is highly recommended, and pay close attention to which lanes continue through versus which ones exit. Also be aware that traffic can build up unexpectedly, so allow extra time for any bridge crossing.

During weekday rush hours, typically 7:00–9:00 and 16:00–18:00, you should budget between 30 to 50 minutes for the drive from CVG to downtown Cincinnati. Although the distance is only about 13 miles, congestion on the I-71/I-75 corridor and across the Brent Spence Bridge can cause significant delays. Outside these peak times, the same drive can often be completed in just 15 to 20 minutes. Planning to avoid those windows will make for a much smoother journey.

For a more straightforward drive to the Newport Aquarium, consider taking the I-275 East from the airport instead of the more direct I-71/I-75. Follow I-275 to I-471 North, which takes you across the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge directly into Newport. This route is often less congested than the Brent Spence corridor and the interchanges are generally simpler to negotiate. Once you cross the bridge on I-471, the exits for Newport are clearly signed and lead you straight to the riverfront area.

Parking near MainStrasse Village in Covington is a mix of on-street spaces and public lots or garages. Finding a spot directly in the village can be challenging in the evenings, but there are several options within a short walk. Many visitors use the Covington public parking garage on 7th Street, which offers ample space. It’s sensible to check with your hotel, as they may provide dedicated parking or have recommendations for the most convenient and secure overnight options for your hire car.

Parking on the Kentucky side for a game is a popular and smart strategy to avoid downtown Cincinnati’s post-game traffic. You can park in one of the many lots or garages in Covington or Newport near the riverfront. From there you can enjoy a scenic walk across the Taylor-Southgate Bridge or the Purple People Bridge to the stadiums. After the game you’ll be able to get back to your car and onto the motorway much faster than those parked on the Ohio side.

For an easy introduction to bourbon country from CVG, focus on distilleries located just south of the I-64 corridor. Drive south on I-75 and then west on I-64 toward Frankfort and Versailles — this is a straightforward route. That area hosts several iconic distilleries relatively close to each other, minimising drive time between tours. This approach lets you sample the Bourbon Trail without navigating smaller backroads deeper into central Kentucky, making it ideal for a weekend.

A same-day drive from CVG to the Louisville waterfront is entirely feasible, even with a lunchtime arrival. The drive is straightforward, taking approximately 90 minutes to two hours via the I-71 South. Arriving at CVG around noon would put you in Louisville by mid-afternoon, leaving plenty of daylight to check in and explore the waterfront. This timeline allows for a relaxed drive without feeling rushed, making it a great way to start your visit.

To minimise backtracking on the Bourbon Trail, plan your itinerary by geographic clusters. Dedicate separate days to specific regions, such as the Louisville area, the Bardstown area and the Lexington/Frankfort area. For example, start in Louisville, then drive to Bardstown for a day or two, and finish near Lexington before heading back toward CVG. Booking tours in advance helps create a logical, point-to-point route each day, preventing you from crisscrossing the state unnecessarily.

The most stress-free plan is to visit the Ark Encounter in Williamstown first, as it’s the southernmost of the two attractions. From the CVG area it’s a direct, easy drive of about 40 minutes south on the I-75. After spending the morning and early afternoon there, drive back north on I-75 for about 45 minutes to the Creation Museum in Petersburg. This south-then-north approach follows the main highway, avoids backtracking and positions you nearer the airport or your hotel at the end of the day.

A day trip to Mammoth Cave from Northern Kentucky requires an early start, as the drive is about three hours each way. The most direct route is I-71 South to Louisville, then I-65 South toward Bowling Green, with clear signs to the park. To make the most of your day, book your cave tour tickets online well in advance, as they often sell out. Aim to arrive at the park at least 30–45 minutes before your scheduled tour to allow time for parking and checking in at the visitor centre.

To beat the crowds at Red River Gorge, leaving the CVG area very early in the morning is essential, especially at weekends. Plan to be on the road by 06:30 or 07:00 for the roughly two-hour drive via I-75 South and the Mountain Parkway. Head straight to the most popular trailheads, such as Grays Arch or Auxier Ridge. Arriving early secures a parking spot and lets you enjoy the trails with fewer people. You can then visit less crowded areas or the Nada Tunnel later in the day when main lots fill up.

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is an excellent option, offering a large, dedicated parking garage right at the entrance. Similarly, the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal has extensive surface lots that make parking simple and convenient. For a different kind of fun, Kings Island amusement park, located north of the city, is designed for drivers and has massive parking areas. These attractions are used to large crowds and have infrastructure that makes arriving and parking by car easy for families.

Driving to and parking at the Cincinnati Museum Center is exceptionally easy, making it an ideal destination for visitors with a hire car. The historic Union Terminal is a prominent landmark with dedicated exits from the I-75 that lead you directly to the entrance. Once you arrive you’ll find a very large surface car park right in front of the building. There’s ample space, so you rarely need to worry about finding a spot, even on busy days.

For a lovely and accessible scenic drive, take US-27 South from the Newport area toward Alexandria and Butler. This route offers rolling hills and classic Kentucky farmland views without taking you too far off the beaten track. Another excellent option is to explore the roads around Burlington and Rabbit Hash, west of the airport. Following Route 18 and connecting to Route 338 leads you through beautiful horse farms and quaint small towns, culminating in a visit to the famously charming Rabbit Hash General Store on the Ohio River.

A practical plan is to drive directly from CVG to Lexington via I-75 South, which takes about 80–90 minutes. Use Lexington as your base for a couple of days to explore the heart of horse country. From there you can take day trips on scenic roads like Old Frankfort Pike or Paris Pike to visit famous horse farms, Keeneland Race Course and the Kentucky Horse Park. This hub-and-spoke approach minimises daily packing and unpacking and allows for relaxed, circular driving routes through the beautiful Bluegrass region.

A day trip to Keeneland or the Kentucky Horse Park is very doable and straightforward for a first-time visitor. The drive from the CVG airport area is a direct shot down I-75 South to Lexington, taking about 80–90 minutes. Both attractions are located just off the motorway with large, clear signage directing you straight to their entrances. They are designed to handle significant traffic and have ample, well-organised parking, making the entire experience from arrival to departure smooth and stress-free.

If you’re not used to winter driving, the key is to be cautious and prepared for changing conditions. Kentucky can experience snow and ice, which can make roads slick, especially bridges and overpasses. Major motorways like the I-75 and I-64 are typically prioritised for clearing, but rural and secondary roads may take longer. Always check the weather forecast before you head out, allow for significantly more stopping distance, and reduce your speed to match the conditions on the road.

For stress-free parking near Over-the-Rhine and Findlay Market, aim for surface lots or larger, more modern garages. Findlay Market has its own dedicated surface lots right next to it, which are the most convenient option. A short walk away, the Washington Park Garage is a large, modern underground facility that is well lit and easy to navigate. Another good choice is the Mercer Commons Garage, which is also spacious and generally less cramped than some of the older structures in the city centre.

As a general rule, it’s sensible to add an extra 15 to 20 minutes for each bridge crossing, especially during midday or late afternoon. While traffic may be flowing, unexpected slowdowns are common on the approaches to the bridges. During peak morning and evening rush hours, increase this buffer to at least 30 minutes. Planning your crossings outside those key commuting times will result in a much more predictable and less stressful travel experience between the two states.

The most frequent mistake is not getting into the correct lane early enough. The I-71/I-75 split and the exits for downtown Covington and Cincinnati come up very quickly after you cross the bridge. Drivers unfamiliar with the layout often make last-second lane changes, which can be hazardous. Another common issue is misreading signs for through-traffic versus local exits. Using a sat-nav and reviewing your route before you start driving can help you anticipate these complex interchanges and navigate them confidently.

In a heavy downpour, the most challenging part of the drive is typically the I-71/I-75 corridor, particularly the section known as the "Cut in the Hill" just south of the Brent Spence Bridge. This stretch is a long, steep grade where water can pool, reducing visibility from spray. The bridge itself can also feel intimidating in heavy rain due to narrow lanes and dense traffic. Driving at a reduced speed and keeping a safe distance from the vehicle ahead is crucial in these conditions.

The most efficient strategy is to park once on the Kentucky side and use the pedestrian bridges to explore. A great option is to park in one of the large garages near Newport on the Levee. From there you can explore Newport, then take a leisurely walk across the Purple People Bridge to Sawyer Point Park and downtown attractions. To visit Covington, you can either walk across the Taylor-Southgate Bridge or use the Southbank Shuttle, a bus service that connects the riverfront cities, saving you the hassle of looking for parking in three different locations.

While downtown Cincinnati is very walkable, a hire car offers significant flexibility, especially if you plan to visit attractions outside the immediate city centre. A car is essential for reaching places like the Cincinnati Zoo, the Museum Center, or exploring the Northern Kentucky riverfront cities. If your plans are strictly confined to the downtown and Over-the-Rhine areas, you might manage with walking and rideshares. However, for any regional exploration, having your own vehicle provides far more freedom and convenience.

A realistic plan involves dedicating a full day and focusing on a specific cluster of towns to avoid excessive driving. A great option is to head south toward the Bardstown area, which is considered the heart of bourbon country. You can drive from CVG to Bardstown in about 90 minutes. From that central point, you can easily visit distilleries in nearby small towns like Loretto or Clermont. This approach allows you to experience the charm of several towns without spending the entire day in the car.

The simplest approach is to cross the Ohio River via the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge or the Taylor-Southgate Bridge, which lead directly into the city centre near the convention centre. There are several large car parks on Elm Street, Race Street and 6th Street, all within a block or two of the venue. Arriving a little early will give you the best choice of spots. This method avoids the heavier motorway traffic on the Brent Spence Bridge and places you right next to your destination.

During Monday morning rush, plan to leave your hotel at least 30–40 minutes earlier than you normally would. Traffic on the I-75/I-71 North heading toward the airport can be very heavy, especially crossing the Brent Spence Bridge. Factoring in this extra drive time ensures you won’t be stressed about returning the car, catching the shuttle to the terminal and getting through security. It’s always better to have extra time at the gate than to be rushing.

A convenient meeting point is the CVG cell phone lot, where one person can wait in the car until the whole party has landed and collected their luggage. Alternatively, for a more comfortable option, you could meet at one of the many coffee shops or fast-food restaurants in Florence, just a five-minute drive south of the airport. This allows everyone to gather, grab a drink or a snack, and organise their luggage in a relaxed setting before hitting the road for your trip.

When driving in Cincinnati’s hilly neighbourhoods like Mount Adams or Clifton, it’s important to be mindful of your speed, especially on descents. Use a lower gear if necessary to help control speed rather than relying solely on brakes. Be extra cautious in wet or icy conditions, as the inclines can become very slippery. When parking on a hill, always turn your wheels toward the kerb when facing downhill and away from the kerb when facing uphill to prevent the car from rolling.

The most important step is to download offline maps of the entire region to your sat-nav or smartphone before you leave. This ensures you’ll have reliable navigation even when you lose mobile signal in the mountains. It’s also wise to have a physical road atlas in the car as a backup. Plan your fuel stops in advance, as petrol stations can be sparse in remote areas. Inform someone of your intended route and estimated timetable as an extra precaution.

This is a very manageable and popular day plan. The drive from the CVG area to the Cincinnati Zoo takes about 25–30 minutes. After your zoo visit, the drive to Covington for an evening activity is also straightforward, typically taking around 15–20 minutes. The key is to avoid travelling during the peak evening rush hour, between 16:30 and 18:00. If you leave the zoo after 18:00, you should have a relatively smooth drive across the river to your destination in Covington.

The smartest and safest approach is to use your hire car to get to the general region, such as Bardstown or Lexington, and then hire a local tour company or rideshare service for the distillery visits. This allows everyone in your group to participate in tastings without worrying about driving. You can park your hire car at your hotel for the day. This hybrid approach gives you the flexibility of a personal vehicle for the non-distillery portions of your trip while ensuring a responsible experience on tasting days.

The best strategy is to delay your departure slightly. Instead of rushing to your car immediately after the event, consider visiting a nearby restaurant or café for 30 to 45 minutes. This allows the initial surge of traffic to clear from the stadium-area garages and streets. When you do leave, consider using a bridge other than the main I-75 Brent Spence Bridge, such as the Taylor-Southgate or Clay Wade Bailey bridges, which often have less congestion for local traffic heading into Covington or Newport.

The most effective strategy is to have one person stay with the luggage at the baggage claim kerb while the driver takes the shuttle to the hire car centre alone. The driver can then complete the hire process and drive the car back to the terminal’s arrivals level to pick up the rest of the party and the bulky items. This avoids the hassle of trying to load large bags onto a crowded shuttle and makes the entire process much smoother and less stressful.

A great way to structure this trip is as a triangular route, treating each city as a base for at least one or two nights. Start in the Cincinnati/CVG area, then drive the 90 minutes to Lexington and spend time exploring the Bluegrass region. From Lexington the drive to Louisville is a similarly easy 75–90 minutes. After enjoying Louisville, the final leg back to CVG is about a two-hour drive. This approach keeps each individual drive short and enjoyable, preventing road fatigue and maximising your time in each location.

For a smooth drop-off, the best method is to drive first to the departures level of the main terminal. You can drop off all passengers and luggage at the kerb with your airline. This allows them to proceed directly to check-in without handling bags multiple times. After they are dropped off, the driver can proceed alone to the hire car return facility, unburdened by luggage, and take the quick shuttle back to the terminal to rejoin the group.