Payless Car Hire
Kentucky

The car hire centre at CVG is conveniently located in the Ground Transportation Center, which is directly connected to the main terminal. After collecting your luggage from the baggage reclaim carousel, simply follow the overhead signs for "Car Hire" or "Ground Transportation." You will walk across a covered walkway that leads you straight to the hire desks. The entire route is indoors and well signposted, making it a short and straightforward walk without needing a shuttle bus.

Navigating CVG late at night is generally straightforward, as the airport becomes quieter and signage is easier to spot. From your arrival gate, head towards the main terminal and baggage reclaim area. Once there, look for the prominent signs directing you to the "Rental Car Centre." These signs are illuminated and placed at key decision points throughout the terminal. The car hire facility is consolidated in one area, so once you are on the right path it’s a direct walk to all the desks.

It’s best to set your sat-nav to your first major destination, such as your hotel or a downtown Cincinnati address, before you start the car. As you exit the hire facility, your navigation will guide you onto Donaldson Highway, the main road circling the airport. From there it will direct you to the correct on‑ramp for either I-275 East (towards Cincinnati) or I-275 West (towards Indiana). Following the sat-nav from the start ensures you are in the correct lane for that first important turn.

Although the drive from CVG to downtown Cincinnati is only about 13 miles, weekday rush hour can significantly impact travel time. Without traffic the trip can take as little as 15 to 20 minutes. However, during peak morning (7–9am) and evening (4–6pm) commutes you should plan for the drive to take anywhere from 30 to 50 minutes, or even longer. The primary bottleneck is often the Brent Spence Bridge, where I-71 and I-75 merge to cross the Ohio River.

The most straightforward route for a first‑time driver is to take I-275 East from the airport. Follow this for a few miles and then merge onto I-71/I-75 North. This interstate takes you directly over the Ohio River and into the heart of downtown Cincinnati. Once you cross the bridge there are several well signposted exits for key downtown streets like 5th Street or 2nd Street. This route minimises turns and keeps you on major highways for the entire journey.

Getting to these Northern Kentucky cities is very direct. From the airport take I-275 East and merge onto I-71/I-75 North, as if you were heading to Cincinnati. The key is to watch for the Covington exits, such as the 5th Street exit, which appear before you cross the Ohio River. For Newport you can take the Covington exit and use local streets, or cross into Ohio and take the very first exit for I-471 South, which loops you immediately back across the river into Newport.

The drive to the Ark Encounter is exceptionally simple and takes about 40 minutes. From the airport you will take I-275 to I-75 South. Remain on I-75 South for the entire trip until you reach the clearly signposted exit for Williamstown. For a convenient break many drivers stop in the city of Florence, which is just a few miles south of the airport. Florence has numerous restaurants, coffee shops and petrol stations right off the motorway exits.

To begin your Bourbon Trail trip efficiently you should head south from CVG. Your two main options are taking I-75 South towards Lexington or I-71 South towards Louisville. Both cities are major hubs for the Bourbon Trail. Which one you visit first will depend on your distillery itinerary, but starting in either direction immediately positions you in the heart of bourbon country without needing to drive back north.

A good way to plan this loop is to start by taking I-75 South to the Lexington area. After exploring there, use scenic byways like US-60 (Old Frankfort Pike) through horse country towards Versailles and Frankfort. From there you can continue on US-60 or take the Bluegrass Parkway towards the Bardstown and Louisville areas. For your return to CVG you can take I-71 North from Louisville for a direct and efficient drive back to the airport.

A same‑day round trip to Mammoth Cave is ambitious but achievable if you start early. The drive is about three hours each way, so you’ll be spending a significant portion of your day in the car. To make the most of your visit and avoid the largest crowds, plan to leave CVG very early in the morning. Aim to arrive at the park’s visitor centre by 10am at the latest, which gives you a better chance of securing a spot on your preferred cave tour before the peak afternoon arrival of other visitors.

For the most comfortable drive take I-75 South from CVG to Lexington, then head east on I-64. From there you will take the Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway. This parkway is a modern, well‑maintained road that takes you deep into the region with minimal stress. When you exit the parkway onto routes like KY-11 or KY-15 to access the gorge itself the roads will become more winding, but this primary approach avoids many of the more challenging backroads.

The drive to Natural Bridge follows the same main route as Red River Gorge, primarily via the Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway. This road cuts through the Appalachian foothills and features some long, steep grades. It’s important to be mindful of your speed on downgrades and be prepared for slower‑moving lorries in the right lane. Maintain a safe following distance and be patient, as the beautiful mountain scenery is part of the experience.

The drive from CVG to NKU is straightforward, mainly using I-275 East. On a busy weekday you can expect increased traffic, particularly around the US-27 (Alexandria Pike) exit as you get closer to the university. NKU has clear signage directing visitors to designated parking areas. The most convenient option is typically the Kenton Drive Garage or the Welcome Centre Garage, which offer easy access to the main parts of campus for visitors.

The best strategy is to look up your hotel’s exact location on a map before you start driving from the airport. Most downtown hotels have a designated passenger loading zone or valet stand right at their entrance. Programme the hotel’s exact address into your sat‑nav, which will help you navigate one‑way streets correctly. Having a passenger ready to hop out with the luggage while the driver stays with the car can also make the process quick and efficient.

The most convenient and reliable parking for the riverfront is in the large, central garages located at The Banks, the area between the two sports stadiums. There are several underground garages, including one directly beneath Smale Riverfront Park, with multiple entrances from Mehring Way. Using these garages is far easier than searching for limited street parking and provides direct access to the parks, restaurants and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

For the easiest post‑game exit, consider parking a few blocks away from the stadium’s immediate vicinity. Garages located further north in the Central Business District or even across the river in Covington often allow for a quicker getaway. While this involves a slightly longer walk to the ballpark, it helps you avoid the intense gridlock that forms right next to the stadium as thousands of fans leave at once. Pre‑purchasing a spot online can also save time and guarantee a space.

On match or event days it’s wise to approach the stadium from the west or east rather than directly from the north via the interstate. Many fans find success by parking in the numerous surface lots west of the stadium, which offer easier access to routes heading out of downtown. Another popular option is to park in Covington, Kentucky, and enjoy a scenic walk across the Roebling Suspension Bridge to the stadium. Always follow the guidance of electronic signs and traffic officers, as routes can change.

To enjoy a less stressful experience, plan to arrive at the Cincinnati Zoo either right at opening time in the morning or later in the afternoon, typically after 2pm. The period from late morning to early afternoon is the busiest, especially at weekends and on holidays, leading to more traffic and fuller car parks. The zoo has a large, dedicated parking garage on site, which is the most convenient place to park once you arrive.

During rush hour all bridges connecting Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky experience heavy congestion, particularly the main I-71/I-75 Brent Spence Bridge. For a potentially simpler and more scenic crossing, consider using the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge (which connects to downtown Covington) or the Taylor‑Southgate Bridge (which connects to Newport). These bridges handle local traffic rather than interstate through‑traffic, which can sometimes make them a less stressful alternative for visitors.

The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky airport (CVG) is located very close to the Indiana border, which is the primary point of confusion for visitors. When leaving the airport, pay close attention to the signs for I-275. You must take I-275 East to get to Cincinnati and most of Northern Kentucky. Accidentally taking I-275 West will lead you directly into Indiana within minutes. Once you are in the Cincinnati metro area, it is much harder to cross into Indiana by mistake.

The drive to the Creation Museum from CVG is one of the easiest in the region. From the hire area you will get on I-275 and head west, following the signs for I-275 West. You will only be on the motorway for about five miles before you see the well‑marked signs for Exit 11 (Petersburg). The museum is located right off this exit, making the entire trip very quick and straightforward with minimal turns.

The roads immediately surrounding CVG are well maintained, but the area is susceptible to dense fog, particularly on autumn and spring mornings. If you have an early flight it’s wise to allow some extra driving time to account for reduced visibility. Use your low‑beam headlights, not your high beams, in foggy conditions. Also be extra watchful for wildlife, like deer, which can be more active on rural roadsides around dawn.

You can drive with peace of mind, as there are currently no toll roads or toll bridges in the entire Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region. All interstates, including I-71, I-75, I-275 and I-471, are free to use. Likewise, all bridges crossing the Ohio River between downtown Cincinnati and the Kentucky cities of Covington and Newport are toll‑free, making navigation simple and cost‑effective for visitors.

Parking in the historic MainStrasse Village can be competitive, especially on weekend evenings. The area offers a mix of on‑street metered parking and several paid public lots. To avoid frustration during peak dinner hours it’s often best to use the large public parking garage located on 5th Street, which is just a short walk from the main restaurant and shopping district. Arriving a little before the main dinner rush can also make finding a spot much easier.

The most convenient and recommended place to park is the large, multi‑level parking garage that is directly attached to the Newport on the Levee complex. The entrances to this garage are clearly marked from the surrounding city streets. This option provides covered parking and direct walking access to the Newport Aquarium, restaurants and shops, making it the ideal choice for a visit lasting several hours, regardless of the weather.

From CVG take I-71/I-75 North towards Cincinnati. After crossing the Ohio River watch for the exit for Ezzard Charles Drive. The magnificent Union Terminal building will be highly visible from the motorway. Once you take the exit follow the clear signage for Museum Center parking, which will guide you into the large surface car park situated directly in front of the main entrance, making for a very easy arrival.

After picking up your car, one of the best areas to get settled is in Florence, Kentucky, just a 5–10 minute drive south from the airport on I-75. The Florence Mall area has numerous large, safe car parks for shopping centres and familiar restaurants. This allows you to pull over, take your time adjusting child seats, and give your toddler a break before starting the main leg of your journey. These locations also offer easy access to toilets and supplies if needed.

The drive to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton is about an hour north on I-75. To avoid the worst of the traffic plan to leave the CVG area after the morning rush hour, around 9:30am. This allows you to have a clear drive up. For your return aim to leave the museum by 3:00pm to get ahead of the afternoon commuter traffic that builds up around both Dayton and Cincinnati.

The key to a successful Bourbon Trail day is geographic planning. Group your distillery visits by location, such as focusing on the cluster near Bardstown or those along the corridor between Lexington and Frankfort. Book your tour times in a logical, linear progression to avoid backtracking. Using a navigation app to map out all your stops in advance will create an efficient route and help you estimate driving times between each location more accurately.

The most notable interchange is where I-71 and I-75 merge just south of the Ohio River, an area known as the "Cut in the Hill." When driving north towards Cincinnati this stretch requires you to be in the correct lane for your intended downtown exit well in advance. Pay very close attention to the large overhead signs as you descend the hill towards the river. It’s wise to move into the lane you need at least a mile before the bridge.

During winter the biggest hazard is ice, especially on bridges, overpasses and shaded areas that don’t get direct sunlight. Even when main roads appear to be just wet these elevated surfaces can freeze first and become slick. It is crucial to reduce your speed, increase your following distance and allow for extra braking time, particularly during the early morning hours after an overnight freeze.

Heavy rain often causes the most significant slowdowns on I-71/I-75 as it passes through the "Cut in the Hill" in Kentucky and across the Brent Spence Bridge into Ohio. Visibility can be poor and water can pool on the roadway in these areas. If possible try to time your crossing to avoid the heaviest downpour. As an alternative the I-471 bridge to the east often handles rain better and can be a less congested option during storms.

The least stressful time for this drive is during the late morning or early afternoon, typically between 10am and 3pm on weekdays. This window allows you to avoid the heavy morning and evening rush hour traffic that clogs I-71/I-75 and I-275. Weekends are generally more relaxed, though you may encounter some traffic if there is a major sporting event or festival happening downtown.

The most direct route is to take I-275 East from the airport, which loops around the north side of Cincinnati. You will then merge onto I-71 North, and the amusement park has its own dedicated exit that is clearly signposted with large signs. To ensure a smooth arrival plan to reach the park’s parking toll booths about 30 to 45 minutes before the official opening time. This gives you plenty of time to park and walk to the entrance gate before the biggest crowds arrive.

Trailhead car parks in the Red River Gorge are often small and can fill up extremely early, especially at weekends in spring and autumn. It’s best to have a primary and a backup hiking plan. Be aware that many roads leading to trailheads, like Tunnel Ridge Road, are narrow and winding. Some more remote trailheads may be on gravel roads, so it’s important to drive cautiously and be prepared for rustic conditions.

A great approach is to use your hotel in the CVG or Covington area as a base. Dedicate full days to exploring Cincinnati’s larger attractions, like the museum centre or the zoo. On alternate days plan scenic drives into Kentucky. For a charming day trip you could drive along the Ohio River on the scenic Route 8 to visit historic towns like Augusta and Maysville. This method allows you to experience both the urban and rural character of the region without changing hotels.

From downtown Cincinnati you will need to take I-71/I-75 South across the Brent Spence Bridge into Kentucky. Be prepared for heavy traffic on the bridge during rush hour and allow plenty of extra time. Once in Kentucky follow the signs for CVG Airport, which will direct you to take I-275 West for a short distance. The airport exit and signs for "Rental Car Return" are very clear as you approach the airport.

The most efficient process is to drive to the main terminal’s "Departures" level first. Drop off all passengers and their luggage at the kerb right outside their airline’s check‑in area. After they are safely on their way the driver can then proceed alone to the "Rental Car Return" location. This prevents the hassle of managing luggage on the airport shuttle that runs from the hire car centre back to the terminal.

Before you drive off take a moment to adjust your mirrors and seat, and locate the controls for headlights and windscreen wipers. Check the dashboard to confirm the fuel level matches what is stated on your rental agreement. It’s also a good idea to open the boot to ensure it’s empty and that the spare wheel equipment is present. Finally, pair your phone with the car’s Bluetooth and set your first destination in the sat‑nav while you are still parked.

When driving in rural Kentucky at night your primary concern should be wildlife, especially deer, which can appear on the road without warning. Reduce your speed and be extra vigilant, scanning the sides of the road as you drive. Use your full beams whenever there is no oncoming traffic to improve your visibility, but be ready to switch back to dipped beams promptly. Be aware that many of these roads have limited lighting and sharp bends, so cautious driving is essential.