LOUISVILLE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (SDF) INFORMATION

Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (IATA: SDF, ICAO: KSDF, FAA LID: SDF), formerly known as simply Louisville International Airport, is located in Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky.

Despite its name, Louisville International Airport does not offer flights to international destinations. Over 4.2 million passengers passed through the airport in 2019. It is also the second-busiest in the United States in terms of cargo traffic, and fourth-busiest for such in the world.

In 2019, the Regional Airport Authority voted to change the name of the airport to Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in honor of the boxer and Louisville native Muhammad Ali.

The airport covers 1,500 acres and has three active runways. It is 153 meters above sea level at 38°10′27″N and 085°44′11″W.

Arrivals, Departures and Airlines at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport

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History of Louisville International Airport

Built in 1941, the airport was named for Dr. Elisha David Standiford, a local businessman and politician, who was active in transportation issues in the city.

The field remained under Army control until 1947, when it was turned over to the Louisville Air Board for commercial operations.

Until around 1947, Bowman Field was Louisville's main airport. For many years, passenger traffic went through the small brick Lee Terminal at Standiford Field. Today's more modern and much larger facilities were built in the 1980s.

The airfield opened to the public in 1947 and all commercial service from Bowman Field moved to Standiford Field.

Growth continued thereafter. For instance, in 1957, Official Airline Guide shows 45 weekday departures on Eastern Airlines, 19 American, 9 TWA, 4 Piedmont and 2 Ozark.

In 1970, the terminal again expanded and the main lobby was extended. Most of the improvements were completed in the 1990s and the airport was totally renewed.

In 1995, the airport's name was changed from Standiford Field to Louisville International Airport.

On January 16, 2019, the Louisville Regional Airport Authority voted to rename the airport Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, after boxing legend Muhammad Ali, a Louisville native.

Today, the Jerry E. Abramson Terminal is the airport's main commercial terminal. It consists of two floors with Ground Transportation and Baggage Claim services on the first floor and Ticketing, passenger drop off, and concourse access on the second floor.

There are 23 gates in the two concourses in this facility. They are connected by a rotunda and connector that contains a unified security checkpoint in the main section of the terminal.

Concourse A contains 12 gates and Concourse B contains 11 gates.

In 2021, the busiest domestic routes from SDF includes Atlanta, Georgia, Charlotte, North Carolina, Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, Chicago–O'Hare, Illinois, Denver, Colorado, Orlando, Florida, Chicago–Midway, Illinois, Baltimore, Maryland, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Tampa, Florida.

Transfer Services at Louisville International Airport

Louisville International Airport provides several modes of efficient transportation for its customers.

Services to/from SDF, including rental cars, taxis, rideshares, shuttles, and buses are available at the Ground Transportation Center of the terminal.

Rental Car Services at Louisville International Airport

There are rental car counters on the Baggage Claim area, Level 1, attached to the Parking Garage.

Please inquire at your service provider for specific service hours and return procedures. The rental facility is open 24/7.

When ready to return your vehicle to the car rental center, remove all personal items before turning over the rented vehicle to the designated facility. 

Allow plenty of time for your drive when returning the vehicle. If you’re not sure where to go, give the rental company a call. See and compare all rental car companies at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.

Ride Shares at Louisville International Airport

Rideshares pick up and drop off on the Baggage Claim level, on the west side of the terminal.

Passengers can reserve rideshare by downloading the company’s app on their smartphone and coordinating directly with their driver. They can also request a ride a few days before their flight to avoid the inconvenience.

Ridesharing apps should let users verify the identity of drivers by checking out their faces, license plates, and colors.

Taxis at Louisville International Airport

Upon exit from the Baggage Claim area, proceed to the Ground Transportation Center outside the Baggage Claim area.

A typical taxi fare from the airport to the downtown area would be around $20.00.

If you need to travel outside the city area, please consult your driver for rates. It is customary to give the driver a tip (15-20% of the fare) for good service. See more information about taxis at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.

Keep a record of the cab company, vehicle number, and driver's name just in case you leave something behind.

Trains at Louisville International Airport

There are no train connections in the city of Louisville. Although there are train stations outside the city, they are far and inconvenient. 

Passengers can use other forms of available transportation options. More information about train services near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.

Buses at Louisville International Airport

At Louisville International Airport, TARC public bus stops on the island on the east end of the terminal. One-way fare is $1.75. Correct change is needed to board the bus. More information about buses to and from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.

Hotel Shuttle Services at Louisville International Airport

Many hotels in Louisville provide shuttle services. Passengers may confirm with their local hotel if this is available at their accommodation. Shuttles pick up and drop passengers at the Ground Transportation Center in front of the terminal.

Parking at Louisville International Airport

SDF provides safe and comfortable parking spaces for its customers. Reserved parking is also available at the facility, 24/7. Cash and credit card payments are accepted. See more information about short and long term parking at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.

Other Services at Louisville International Airport

Wi-Fi at Louisville International Airport

SDF provides free Wireless Internet access to its passengers. Please connect to “Boingo” from your wireless connection.

ATMs at Louisville International Airport

There are several ATMs located at the airport. Please follow overhead signs at the terminal.

Currency Exchange at Louisville International Airport

Currency Exchange is available on the upper level of the terminal.

Nursing Stations at Louisville International Airport

The Louisville International Airport is providing parents with a new space to take care of their children. The Mother's Room is in Concourse A.

The room offers traveling moms a private lactation space, complete with changing areas, gliders and USB ports

Restrooms at Louisville International Airport

Accessible restrooms and regular restrooms are throughout the airport.

Food and Beverages at Louisville International Airport

There are food and beverages shops throughout the airport terminals. Most food concessions operate on varying schedules.

Shopping at Louisville International Airport

You can do some last-minute shopping inside the facility.

Smoking at Louisville International Airport

Smoking is only permitted in designated areas outside the terminals. Please follow smoking regulations at the facility.

Lost and Found Section at Louisville International Airport

For items lost on the aircraft or at the gate area, please contact the respective airlines lost and found.

If you lost an item in any other area at the airport, including the security checkpoints and shuttle buses, please contact the Lost and Found Office at +1 502-380 8264.

You can also complete the Lost and Found process at the Information Desk. Phone: +1 502-368 6524.

When leaving your details for lost items(s), please include your full name, contact details, phone, email, and a description of the item(s).

The airport will keep all lost and found items for a considerable time of at least 30 days. After said period, the property will be deemed abandoned. Please talk to the airport representative at the counter.

Ticketing at Louisville International Airport

Please look for overhead signs pointing in the direction of ticketing areas at the terminals. Each airline has its operating hours, but typically, airlines open their ticket counters two hours before departure time, even for early morning flights.

Generally, payment by cash or checks may not be accepted at American airports. Please consult your air carrier or travel agent for more details.

Information Desk at Louisville International Airport

For assistance and other inquiries, please approach the Information Desk. Phone: +1 502-380 8264.

Pet Relief at Louisville International Airport

There are two Pet Relief Areas in the terminal. Outside the east doors on the lower-level Baggage Claim area. You can also check them at the stairwell next to the elevator in the rotunda.

Please ask assistance from any uniformed personnel for guidance. Animals are not permitted unless they are in proper pet carriers to assist disabled individuals.

Baggage Claim at Louisville International Airport

Please retrieve luggage at your designated Baggage Claim area at the Ground Level of Terminal. Carts are available to assist passengers with special needs.

In the case of missing items, contact your respective airline or their airline ticket counter.

Passengers can also inquire from the Information Desk for further assistance at +1 502-368 6524.

The Airport Lost and Found Phone is +1 502-368 6524.

When leaving a message, include your name, email, contact phone number, and a brief description of the lost item(s).

Disabled Passengers at Louisville International Airport

The airport is fully accessible to passengers with special needs, and wheelchairs are allowed to the gates and aircraft doors.

Travelers with disabilities or medical needs who have questions about the policies or procedures at security checkpoints can call +1 502-368-6524.

Additionally, they may notify the airline, travel agent, ticketing agent, flight attendant, or gate agent when carts, wheelchairs, or medical transportation is needed.

Things to do in Louisville

There are a number of activities to suit all ages and interests in the region - see a selection of tourist activities in Louisville, Kentucky in the United States of America.

Louisville International Airport Contacts

Address: 600 Terminal Drive, Louisville, Kentucky 40209, USA
General Phone: +1 502-368-6524
General Email: https://www.flylouisville.com/corporate/contact/
Lost and Found Email: https://www.flylouisville.com/corporate/contact/
Lost and Found Phone: +1 502-380 8264
Official Website: https://www.flylouisville.com/

Local Information

Drive on: Right
Electricity: 120V/60Hz.
Plug: A, B
Currency: USD, US$, $
Wi-Fi at Airport: Wireless Internet access is free at SDF Airport. Connect to “Boingo” from your wireless connection.