Traveling via plane is fun — jet-setting over beautiful blue waters or rolling hills, taking in cloud formations, and landing in a completely different location in a matter of hours is unlike anything else.
The whole navigating the airport part? Less exciting, and sometimes pretty stressful. To help make your time at the Blue Grass Airport as smooth as possible, we’ve created a guide that covers everything from master plan updates and parking to details on the airport’s 16 nonstop flights.
What to know
- TSA | According to TSA officials, it takes ~5 minutes to get through during off-peak hours and ~15 minutes during peak hours (which are around 6-9 a.m.).
- Map it out | If you’re like us and need to completely visualize a place before you step foot inside, these maps of the entire airport will be your saving grace.
- Food and drink | Start your day with a fresh cup of coffee or a donut from Dunkin’ Donuts. Get a taste (or a sip) of southern hospitality at The Bourbon Library Restaurant & Bar. If you need a tried + true Bluegrass gift, check out the extensive wine and bourbon offerings from Cork & Barrel.
- Reminder | By May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID to board commercial flights in the US.
- Flight status | While we recommend staying updated via your respective airline, you can also check the airport’s dashboard for your flight status in a pinch.
Current airport updates
Blue Grass Airport is currently working on creating a new Master Plan. The airport goes through this process every ~10 years to manage its development and operational sustainability. Take a look at the information boards from the most recent workshop which feature proposed plans for additional parking + terminals. We expect to see final details to be shared soon.
Parking, shuttles, and rideshare
Not everyone has a bestie who will drop everything to pick them up from their 3 a.m. landing. Each lot and garage offers 30 minutes of free parking, 31-60 minutes for $2, and each additional hour for $1. Beyond that, the price per day is as listed:
- Short term parking | $16/day
- Long term parking | $13/day
- Valet | $22/day
Because Blue Grass Airport only has two terminals, all of these parking options are within walking distance of TSA and your gate.
Hate the thought of driving yourself? Try out a rideshare or taxi service that will take you to and from the terminal. These services are suggested by the Blue Grass Airport:
- Lextran | Shuttle | The express route takes you to + from LEX to the downtown Transit Center on Vine Street, running Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Lexington Taxi Cab | Taxi | Meters begin at $4.50 and rates are ~$3.50 per mile, valid for up to four passengers.
- Rideshare Apps | Ride | Book your ride directly from your smartphone.
The rideshare pick-up location is located in the turn at the end of the terminal and the drop-off location is with your normal loading and unloading area.
Nonstop flights
Lexington offers 16 nonstop flights. Here are four nonstop flights to nearby locations.
Bonus: Get lower fares by signing up for Going. You’ll get emailed when flights are 40-90% cheaper than usual. Get a two-week free trial of the Premium plan, which lets you set custom destination flight alerts (score).
Pro tip: Remember that flight times and schedules will often change — you should rely on your respective airline for exact timing and to stay updated on any changes.
- Atlanta | Delta | Daily | Times vary
- Charlotte | American | Daily | Times vary
- Chicago | United | Daily | Times vary
- Philadelphia | American | Daily | Times vary
Fly comfortably
While we may not be able to offer solutions for crying babies or mysterious in-flight meals, we do have some tricks up our sleeves for upping your comfort while flying. Browse some of our favorite travel essentials:
- Lights Out Sleep Mask | This eye mask provides optimal comfort and aids restful sleep amidst changing environments and varying light conditions.
- The AirFly Pro | Make sure you can always access in-flight entertainment (while avoiding the wired headphones airlines pass out) by using an AirFly. It plugs into your seat’s headphone jack and connects to your earbuds or headphones via Bluetooth.
- Trtl travel pillow | The Trtl pillow is scientifically designed to provide a better head position when sleeping upright, thanks to an internal support system comfortably cushioned in cozy fleece.
- Leather Dopp Kit | Keep your essentials organized and easily accessible, ensuring hassle-free journeys wherever you go.
- Bose Noise Canceling Headphones | These headphones are tried-and-true traveling companions, beloved for their crisp sound and ability to block exterior noise.
- Cozy Earth joggers | These Oprah-approved joggers are polished enough to navigate the airport in, but comfy and stretchy enough for long flights.
- Snacks | Bringing your own snacks ensures dietary preferences are met — plus, you’ll save time and money while traveling.
Anti-nausea wristbands | Some simple anti-nausea wristbands might relieve a nervous stomach or sensitivity to turbulence while flying.
