Getting Around Louisville

By Car
The major north-south route that bisects the city is I-65. From the north it comes from Indianapolis and enters the city via the JFK Memorial Bridge. From the south it passes through Nashville and skirts Louisville International Airport on its way into downtown. Numerous exits provide easy access to city streets. I-65 is closely paralleled north of the city by US 31, a route which divides into US 31E and US 31W south of Louisville.

East-west traffic is best served by I-64. On the west it crosses the Ohio River from Indiana into Louisville on the Sherman Minton Bridge. It is a close neighbor of US 60 east of Louisville, bringing traffic from Frankfort and Lexington. In the city it hugs the riverfront, where it is called Riverside Parkway. Exits are at major city thoroughfares. The northeastern access is via I-71 from Cincinnati.

I-264 (the Henry Watterson Expressway and the Shawnee Expressway) bypasses downtown and loops around the western, southern and eastern portions of the city. Linking with short sections of I-64 and I-71, it provides a complete circuit of Louisville with interchanges at major cross routes. Farther out, the Gene Snyder Freeway affords a bypass from US 42 to US 31W with interchanges at major highways.

Street System
Driving in Louisville is relatively easy with the help of a good city map. North-south address numbers start at Main Street; east-west numbering begins at 1st Street. Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit is 35 mph. Avoid rush hour traffic, 6:30-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m., if possible.

Parking
Many downtown streets have metered parking, but be careful to check signs and meters for restricted times and limits. Commercial garage and lot parking is usually available. Rates are 75c-$1 per hour or $1.25-$8 per day.

Public Transportation
Transit Authority of River City (TARC) operates buses and trolleys throughout the Louisville metropolitan area. The base fare for buses is $1; exact change is required. Transfers from one bus route to another are free and are valid for 2 hours; remember to ask the driver for a transfer upon boarding. TARC offers discount bus fares for senior citizens and the physically impaired.

The 4th Street Trolley travels on 4th Street from Theatre Square to the Galt House. The trolley's route extends further south to Breckenridge Mon.-Fri. 9-6:30. They also travel through Fourth Street Live, except during special events, when a detour route is followed. Green signs indicate stops for the 4th Street Trolley. The fare is 25 cents.

The Main Street Trolley runs a circular route on Main and Market from 10th to Wenzel and south to Fourth Street Live. This trolley also provides service to Slugger Field for Louisville Bats baseball games on weeknights. Red signs indicate Main/Market Trolley stops. The fare is 25 cents.

Call the TARC Travel Center, (502) 585-1234, for information about fares, schedules and routes.