Interstate 71: Carrollon to Louisville – Kentucky

Travel 46 scenic and fast-paced miles along Interstate 71 southbound, as we journey from the rural outskirts of Carrollton, Kentucky, all the way into the heart of downtown Louisville. We begin this drive just south of Carrollton at KY-227, where I-71 winds its way through the rolling hills and forested stretches of the Ohio River Valley. The terrain here is classic Kentucky—dense tree lines hugging the highway, punctuated by occasional breaks that offer wide views of pastures and gentle slopes. As we cruise past Campbellsburg, the rural character continues with minimal development, giving the stretch a remote, almost untouched feel for much of its length.

South of Campbellsburg, we pass Pendleton and soon reach La Grange, a standout town along the route. La Grange is known for its Main Street railroad tracks, where freight trains run directly down the middle of downtown—definitely worth a stop if you have time. As we continue, we transition from quiet countryside to the early edges of the Louisville metro around Crestwood. This portion of the drive becomes more suburban, with larger interchanges and increased traffic as we approach Interstate 265 (KY-841)—also known as the Gene Snyder Freeway, Louisville’s outer beltway. This marks our entrance into Jefferson County and the city limits of Louisville itself.

Inside Louisville proper, the surroundings shift dramatically. You’ll pass a mixture of industrial zones, neighborhoods, and parklands, including access to riverside parks and recreational areas along the Ohio River. As we approach Interstate 264 (Watterson Expressway), the pace of the city picks up. This inner beltway connects various Louisville districts and offers a quick route to the Louisville International Airport or Churchill Downs, depending on your direction. Continuing into downtown, the final leg of our journey threads through the city’s core, ending at the interchange with Interstate 65, where I-71 reaches its southern terminus. This interchange sits just east of Louisville’s waterfront district, placing drivers within minutes of Waterfront Park, the KFC Yum! Center, and Museum Row.