Louisville Muhammed Ali International Airport, better known simply as Louisville Airport, is a major travel hub in the Midwest. As such, finding a parking spot before boarding your flight can be quite a headache (and especially time-consuming).
But as long as you plan ahead, you’ll be able to find plenty of long and short-term parking options at Louisville Airport, all of which can accommodate all types of vehicles and trip lengths.
Overview of Parking Options at Louisville Airport
Louisville International Airport offers four basic parking options: short-term, long-term, and valet parking. All of these are located on the airport’s property.
If you’re looking for cheap (or even free) parking options, you can park at a hotel or business near the Louisville airport, then you can book a shuttle service to your terminal. In addition to being convenient, these off-site parking options are also sure to beat the current Louisville Airport rates.
Short-Term Parking Options
Louisville Muhammed Ali International Airport offers short-term parking options for those in need of parking for a few minutes to a few hours, perfect if you’re dropping someone off or picking them up.
In both the Parking Garage and Surface Parking lot, parking is free for the first 10 minutes. After that, the rates kick in (but are, overall, pretty reasonable).
The Express Shuttle Parking Lot provides complimentary parking for up to 2 hours. This is ideal for those who might need a bit more time but still want to avoid steep parking fees.
Louisville International Airport also has a cell phone lot that offers free short-term parking. This cell phone lot is only intended for quick pick-ups and drop-offs–not long-term parking.
Parking Location | Duration | Rate |
Parking Garage | First 10 minutes 11 – 60 minutes 1 – 2 hours | Free $2 $4 |
Express Parking Shuttle | 0 – 2 hours 2 – 3 hours 3 – 4 hours | Free $2 $4 |
Surface Parking Lot | First 10 minutes 11 – 60 minutes 1 – 2 hours | Free $1 $3 |
Premier East Lot | First 10 minutes 11 – 60 minutes 1 – 2 hours | Free $1 $3 |
Premier West Lot | First hour 1 – 2 hours 2 – 3 hours | $1 $3 $5 |
Long-Term Parking Solutions
If you’re taking an extended trip and need to park your vehicle for a full 24 hours (or more), long-term parking at SDF is the way to go.
Typically, you’ll find these long-term parking options in the same parking lots that offer short-term parking. While expenses usually add up quickly in short-term lots, travelers are eligible for discounted rates when they park long-term.
When it comes to long-term parking, Express Shuttle Parking is the cheapest option. However, it’s also the furthest from the airport terminals, which means you’ll need to take the airport’s complimentary shuttle service to get there. As a side note, the Express Shuttle Lot is currently offering daily parking for just $5, along with their free shuttle service, when you make your reservation online. Therefore, if you have a trip coming up soon, book the Express Lot before the deal ends!
You can also consider valet parking. Just be wary that this is the most expensive option. If you want parking that’s affordable and convenient, choose the covered parking garage, exposed surface lot, or premier east and west lots.
Parking Location | Rate |
Express Shuttle Parking | $8/day |
Surface Parking Lot | $12/day |
Premier East and West Lots | $14/day |
Parking Garage | $20/day |
Valet Parking | $30/day |
Weekly Parking Rates
When compared to the hourly and daily rates, weekly parking is discounted even more heavily.
SDF has worked out their weekly rates so that you basically get the seventh day of parking free. For instance, the parking garage at the daily rate for 7 days would cost $140. However, if you pay the weekly rate, the cost is only $120, with the seventh day being free.
The same is true for the Express Shuttle Parking Lot, the Surface Parking Lot, and both Premier Lots. The only exception to this seventh-day-free rule is Valet Parking, which doesn’t offer any discounted rates. Instead, there is a flat rate of $30 per day, but you can book valet parking for as long as necessary.
Parking Location | Rate |
Express Shuttle Parking | $48/week + $8 for each additional day |
Parking Garage | $120/week + $20 for each additional day |
Surface Parking Lot | $72/week + $12 for each additional day |
Premier East and West Lots | $84/week + $14 for each additional day |
Valet Parking | Weekly parking is offered at the daily rate |
Valet Parking Services
Valet parking at Louisville Airport is a premium service priced at $30 per day. With valet parking, you can drop your vehicle off right at the terminal (which means you don’t have to waste time searching for a parking spot).
Simply drive up to your terminal and look for the valet signs. Once you find them, pull up to the valet station and hand your keys to the valet driver. They will even help you with your bags and point you in the correct direction for TSA and pre-boarding services.
Valet parking is ideal for people who want a hassle-free parking and flying experience at Louisville International Airport. It’s also a great option for elderly and disabled individuals, who may not be able to climb on a shuttle bus or walk the distance from their parking spot to the airport terminal.
Cheap Parking Options Off-Site
Looking for convenient parking options at the airport? You can also park off-site at a nearby hotel or business. This option is often cheaper and easier than parking at the airport. Plus, you can find a free shuttle service to the airport terminal at these go-to spots.
Even if there isn’t a free shuttle service, you can most likely book an Uber or taxi and still spend less than you would on on-site airport parking. This is especially true for long-term parking options, which can amount to hundreds of dollars, depending on how long you’re gone.
Parking Location | Rate |
Red Roof Inn | $3.49/day |
Candlewood Suites | $4.25/day |
Days in by Wyndham | $5.45/day |
Best Western Premier | $5.50/day |
Crown Plaza | $5.59/day |
Extended Stay America | $5.99/day |
Final Thoughts
As the largest and busiest international airport in Kentucky, SDF offers a number of on-site and off-site parking options. If you’re a frequent traveler or are simply heading out of state for an extended period of time, you’ll need long-term parking or monthly car storage.
In that case, use Neighbor to find affordable monthly parking options near the Muhammad Ali International Airport. As a peer-to-peer storage marketplace, Neighbor offers dozens of safe and affordable long-term parking and car storage options in the Louisville area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Is Louisville Airport Parking?
Louisville airport parking starts at $8 per day and maxes out at $30 per day. Rates will vary depending on which parking option you choose.
What Is the Daily Rate for Valet Parking at Louisville Airport?
The daily rate for valet parking at Louisville Airport is $30.
Are There Any Free Parking Options at Louisville Airport?
Yes, Louisville Airport provides free parking at the Cell Phone Lot, where you can wait to pick up passengers.
How Much Does It Cost to Park in the Parking Garage for a Week?
The cost to park in the Parking Garage for a week is $120.
Are There Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at Louisville Airport?
Yes, Louisville Airport offers electric vehicle charging stations through the ChargePoint and Tesla networks.
Neighboring Airports
Hartsfield Jackson International Airport (Atlanta Airport) (ATL)
Tampa Airport (TPA)