Blue Grass Airport (LEX)

Overview

Lexington's Blue Grass Airport (LEX) has an evocative name that chimes with the proud history of the Kentucky area. Southern hospitality is the order of the day in the friendly and efficient service of the airport, located just four miles (6.5km) outside the city of Lexington. A small regional airport, you won't find flights to Blue Grass Airport from international destinations: instead, you can choose from commuter flights operating to and from Chicago, Atlanta and Houston. Processing just over a million passengers a year, the airport is a warm and welcoming gateway to the charms of the state of Kentucky - which include bluegrass music, bourbon whiskey, and the famous horse race, The Kentucky Derby. A highly recommended activity for when you're waiting for your flight is to visit the Paddock Gallery on the first level, and browse through the beautifully framed paintings and prints of past Kentucky Derby winners. Prints can be bought, and make good souvenirs for loved ones back home.

Location

The airport is located 4 miles (about 7km) outside Lexington, Kentucky.

Getting to the city

Bus: There is an express bus service into downtown Lexington offered by LexTran, stopping at the Transit Centre in Vine Street. The bus operates on weekdays from 6am to 6pm, and the fare is $1 (80c for children).

Taxi: There are taxis available outside the terminal building, by the exit of the baggage claim area. Average meters start at $2.50 and run $2.50 per mile for up to four passengers - so a typical fare to downtown Lexington would be about $12.50.

Time

Local time is GMT -5 (GMT -4 between 13 March and 6 November)

Contacts

(859) 425 3100

Car rental

There are plenty of car hire agencies at the airport, including major brands like Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz and National. The rental car offices are located in the baggage reclaim area on the first level of the terminal building.

Airport Taxis

There are taxis available outside the terminal building, by the exit of the baggage claim area. Average meters start at $2.50 and run $2.50 per mile for up to four passengers - so a typical fare to downtown Lexington would be about $12.50.

Transfer between terminals

Not applicable, as there is only one terminal building.

Facilities

Money and communications: ATMs, post box, public phones.

Luggage: There is a lost and found office in the airport; however, lost luggage queries are handled by the individual airlines.

Conference and business: There is an executive lounge on the third level of Concourse B, with computer terminals, photocopying and fax services, telephones and flat-screen TVs. Non-club members can use the lounge for a $5 fee. There are also meeting facilities with audio-visual equipment available in The Club Lounge.

Other facilities: Services include child play areas and a first aid station.

Wi-Fi: There is free Wi-Fi internet access available throughout the airport.

Information: There is an information desk in the lobby, on the first level. It's open from 5am to 7:30pm, and provides airport and flight information, tourism brochures, paging services, stamps, and fax and photocopying services.

Shopping: Because Blue Grass is a regional airport, there isn't any duty-free shopping. There are a few newsstands and souvenir shops on the first and second levels.

Food and Drink: There are only a few dining options in the terminal, including a Quiznos Sandwich Shop, deSha's Restaurant, Caffe Ritazza and Knob Creek Bourbon Lounge.

Parking

There are four parking options: short-term, long-term, economy and valet. Short-term rates are $2 for the first hour and $1 per hour after that, with a $14 daily maximum (first 30 minutes are free); long-term parking is the same, but with a daily maximum of $11. Economy parking has a daily maximum of $8, with no free parking period. Valet parking has a flat daily rate of $13, and you can have your car detailed for an extra fee.

Departure Tax

None.

Website

www.bluegrassairport.com

Airlines

You can get flights to Blue Grass Airport on a number of national carriers, including Continental, Delta, United Express, US Airways and AirTran. Direct flights are available to and from Orlando, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Detroit, Memphis, Charlotte and New York.

Internet

There is free Wi-Fi internet access available throughout the airport. Just open your browser and surf away.

Business Lounges

There is an Executive Lounge located on the third level of Concourse B, with computer terminals, photocopying and fax services, telephones and flat-screen TVs. Non-club members can use the lounge for a $5 fee. There are also meeting facilities (with audio-visual equipment) available in The Club Lounge.

Blue Grass Airport Taxis: the taxi fares above are intended as a guideline only.