Mammoth Cave National Park, Western Coal Fields Travel Guide

Getting There

• Car

  If you are traveling by car, start by locating the nearest major road in the Western Coal Fields area. Depending on your starting point, you might use the I-65 highway. Head south on I-65 S towards Nashville. After about 40 miles, take exit 53B for KY-245 W towards Bardstown. Continue on KY-245 W for approximately 15 miles until you reach US-31E. Turn left onto US-31E S and follow it for another 8 miles until you see signs for Mammoth Cave National Park. Follow the signs to the park entrance located at 1 Mammoth Cave Parkway, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259. Note that there is a parking fee of $5 per vehicle at the park.

• Public Transportation

  If you are using public transportation, you will need to first reach the nearest bus or train station in the Western Coal Fields region. Use local transit services to get to Bowling Green, KY. From Bowling Green, you can take a Greyhound bus to Cave City, KY, which is the closest town to Mammoth Cave National Park. The bus ride takes about 30 minutes. Once you arrive in Cave City, you can either take a taxi or rideshare service (like Uber or Lyft) to Mammoth Cave National Park's entrance, which is about a 10-minute drive. Expect to pay around $15-$20 for the taxi or rideshare service.

• Bike

  For the more adventurous, biking to Mammoth Cave National Park is an option, although it requires good physical fitness. If you are in a nearby town such as Cave City, you can cycle to the park via KY-70 W. The distance from Cave City to the park is approximately 8 miles. Make sure to wear a helmet and follow all traffic laws. This route can be scenic but be cautious of traffic. There is no fee to enter the park, but be sure to secure your bike at designated areas.