Flying In for a Bourbon Tour? Start Here.
Nearly half of BourbonTown Tours’ guests fly into Louisville specifically for a bourbon experience. After 3,000+ tours serving fly-in visitors from Texas, the Northeast, Chicago, Florida, and everywhere in between, we put together this guide for planning a bourbon trip from out of state. Which airport to fly into, where to stay, how many days you actually need, and which distilleries to prioritize when your time is limited.
Airport & Arrival
- Louisville International (SDF) — main airport, 15 min from downtown, direct flights from most major hubs
- Lexington Blue Grass (LEX) — option if visiting central KY distilleries first
- We pick up at your hotel or the airport — included in tour price
How Many Days Do You Need?
1 day:
- Visit 2-3 distilleries. Perfect if bourbon is part of a larger Louisville trip.
2 days
- The sweet spot. Day 1: Louisville/Bardstown distilleries. Day 2: Frankfort/Lexington region. Covers 5-6 distilleries total.
3 days
- The full experience. Add smaller craft distilleries, a cooperage visit, bourbon restaurants, and relaxation time. This is what Ron recommends for groups flying in.
2-Day Itinerary (Ron's Recommendation)
Day 1: Louisville & Bardstown
- 9:00 AM — Hotel pickup in Louisville
- 10:00 AM — Maker's Mark (Loretto) — the iconic red wax experience
- 12:30 PM — Lunch in Bardstown at [restaurant rec]
- 2:00 PM — Heaven Hill (Bardstown) — largest bourbon inventory in the world
- 4:00 PM — Willett Distillery — small batch, family-owned
- 5:30 PM — Drop-off at hotel
Day 2: Frankfort & Woodford County
- 9:00 AM — Hotel pickup
- 10:00 AM — Buffalo Trace (Frankfort) — the distillery everyone wants to see
- 12:30 PM — Lunch in Frankfort or Versailles
- 2:00 PM — Woodford Reserve — the most picturesque distillery on the trail
- 4:00 PM — Castle & Key — beautiful grounds, great gin too
- 5:30 PM — Drop-off at hotel or airport
Where to Stay
- Downtown Louisville: Best for nightlife, restaurants, walkable. 15-30 min from most distillery regions.
- Bardstown: Best if most distillery visits are south. Charming small town. Several bourbon-themed hotels.
- Lexington: Best for Woodford Reserve and eastern trail distilleries.
Regional Sections
- Coming from Texas? You're not alone — Texas is one of our biggest fly-in markets.
- Coming from the Northeast?Direct flights from NYC, Boston, DC to SDF are under 2 hours.
- Coming from Chicago? You can fly (1 hour) or drive (4.5 hours).
Yes, airport pickup from Louisville International (SDF) is included in your tour price. Just share your flight details and we’ll be there when you land.
Yes. See our Preferred Lodging page for hotel recommendations in Louisville, Bardstown, and Lexington. Ron can also suggest specific properties based on your group’s preferences and which distilleries you’re visiting.
Not for the bourbon days — that’s what we’re for (no drinking and driving). If you’re spending extra days exploring Louisville or Lexington, a rental car can be useful for non-bourbon activities.
Every season has its appeal. April-June and September-November are peak season with the best weather. July-August is hot but less crowded. December-March is quieter with easier distillery access and occasional bourbon release events.