International Visitors

Welcome to Lexington, Kentucky, USA

“If these United States can be called a body, then Kentucky can be called its heart.”
–Author Jesse Stuart

America is an expansive and diverse country. And no place embodies its natural beauty, warm hospitality and sense of adventure better than Lexington, Kentucky. Read on for a look at what makes Lexington so special, as well as practical advice for travelers visiting from outside the US.

Easy To Get To

Whether you’re flying or driving, getting to Lexington is easier than you think. Located within a day's drive of two-thirds of the U.S. population with nonstop flights to 19 major U.S. cities and international connections within easy reach, we’re an ideal stop for fly-drive itineraries and road trips alike.

City

Distance

Louisville, KY

77 miles

Cincinnati, OH

82 miles

Knoxville, TN

172 miles

Charleston, WV

176 miles

Indianapolis, IN

189 miles

Columbus, OH

189 miles

Nashville, TN

214 miles

Cleveland, OH

331 miles

St. Louis, MO

337 miles

Detroit, MI

345 miles

Pittsburgh, PA

372 miles

City

Distance

Chicago, IL

373 miles

Atlanta, GA

382 miles

Charlotte, NC

401 miles

Birmingham, AL

404 miles

Memphis, TN

422 miles

Milwaukee, WI

469 miles

Washington, DC

512 miles

Buffalo, NY

515 miles

Baltimore, MD

538 miles

Charleston, SC

542 miles

Norfolk, VA

583 miles

Destin, FL (VPS)
Ft. Lauderdale, FL (FLL)
Las Vegas, NV (LAS)
Myrtle Beach, SC (MYR)
Orlando Sanford, FL (SFB)
Punta Gorda, FL (PGD)
Sarasota, FL (SRQ)
St. Pete - Clearwater, FL (PIE)

Charlotte, NC (CLT)
Chicago (ORD)
Dallas, TX (DFW)
Philadelphia, PA (PHL)
Miami, FL (MIA)

Atlanta, GA (ATL)
Detroit, MI (DTW)
Minneapolis (MSP)
Washington DC, VA (DCA)
New York (LGA)

Denver, CO (DEN)
Chicago, IL (ORD)

Enjoy Your Stay

When it comes to hotels, everyone looks for something a little different. Thankfully, there's plenty to choose from here in Lexington. From chic and boutique to cozy and convenient, we've got a room for you.

find hotels

The Manchester Hotel

Horses

Go Behind the Scenes in Horse Country

As the Horse Capital of the World, surrounded by over 450 horse farms, nurseries, and clinics—many of which are available for tours—there's no shortage of unique equine experiences in Lexington. Get up close and personal with horses, enjoying exclusive behind-the-scenes peeks into this incredible industry.

DISCOVER HORSE EXPERIENCES

Sip Your Way Through Bourbonland

Bourbon is a time-honored tradition here in Kentucky. Lexington is home to craft distillers who honor this history while offering innovative new takes. Enjoy the 18 distilleries nearby, or take a short drive through some of Kentucky's most stunning landscapes to see more.

Explore Bourbonland

People toasting their drinks at Granddam restaurant in Lexington, Kentucky

Fill Your Plate

Named the #6 Best Food City in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler, Lexington’s vibrant culinary scene includes Southern comfort food classics made with farm-fresh ingredients, as well as dishes and flavors from around the world.

EXPLORE RESTAURANTS

Let’s Go Shopping

Lexington is full of independent retailers catering to every budget and style. From upscale clothing and gifts to home goods and boutiques, you’re sure to find something special on the shelves at independent retailers in the city's vibrant center.

CHECK OUT OUR SHOPS

Shopping at Black Market

Live Music at The Burl in Lexington, Ky.

Make a Night of It

The fun doesn’t end when the sun sets in Lexington. With charming bars, local breweries, and friendly locals, there’s no shortage of entertaining ways to spend an evening here.

EXPLORE OUR NIGHTLIFE

QUICK FACTS

Time Zone
November - March: Eastern Standard Time
March - November: Eastern Daylight Time

Average Minimum & Maximum Temperatures (Fahrenheit)
Spring: 34, 74
Summer: 61, 86
Fall: 36, 79
Winter: 23, 54

Liquor Laws
The minimum drinking age is 21. Alcoholic beverages may be sold in licensed bars and restaurants from 6 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. Sunday to 2:30 a.m. Monday. Package stores may open from 7 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.

Smoking is not allowed inside public buildings, including restaurants.

LEXINGTON’S ‘SISTER CITIES’

The Sister Cities Program is a global network of communities dedicated to peace and prosperity. By forging bonds between people around the world, Sister Cities foster mutually beneficial relationships built on open-minded understanding and an appreciation for cultural differences.

Lexington is united with these four Sister Cities by our love and respect for the horse:

Deauville, France – 1957
County Kildare, Ireland – 1984
Shinhidaka, Japan – 1988
Newmarket, England – 2003

LEARN MORE

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Lexington is within driving distance of many major US cities. It’s also easily accessible by air with non-stop flights from Blue Grass Airport (LEX) to 18 destinations and connecting service to hundreds of destinations worldwide. Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), only an hour’s drive from Lexington, offers numerous domestic non-stop flights and two international flights, as well—one to Toronto and another to Paris.

Get the most up-to-date guidance for international travelers here.