Frequently Asked Questions
What are directions to the visitor center?
From the North: Take Interstate 65 to Exit 53 (Cave City Exit). Turn right onto KY-70. Follow 70/255 as it becomes the Mammoth Cave Parkway in the park. Follow the Mammoth Cave Parkway to the Visitor Center.
From the South: Take Interstate 65 to Exit 48 (Park City Exit). Turn left onto KY-255 and follow 255 as it becomes the Park City Road into the park. Follow Park City Road until it joins the Mammoth Cave Parkway; turn left. Follow the Mammoth Cave Parkway to the Visitor Center.
What time zone is the park in?
Mammoth Cave is on Central Time (GMT-5). Visitors coming from the north will cross the boundary from the Eastern Time zone (GMT-4) at the northern Hart County line.
What airport should I fly into?
The closest full-service international airports to the park are Louisville International Airport (80 minutes) and Nashville International Airport (90 minutes).
Can I explore the cave on my own?
No. To protect the cave environment and for your safety, you must be on a cave tour to enter the cave. Ranger-led cave tours are offered throughout the year and a short self-guided cave tour is offered seasonally. Tickets are required for guided and self-guided tours.
Do I have to have a reservation for a cave tour?
Tickets are required to enter Mammoth Cave. Reservations are strongly recommended. Reservations are the only way to ensure a spot is available for your party. Please plan accordingly by visiting Recreation.gov to secure your tickets in advance. Availability of walk-up tickets is not guaranteed.
What cave tours are offered?
The park offers a variety of cave tour throughout the year. More information about cave tours is available on our Cave Tour page.
