Drivers encouraged to know all the travel options this weekend.
CINCINNATI (Wednesday, September 16, 2026) – Whether you’re heading downtown to Oktoberfest, the U.C. versus Miami football game, the Reds series against the Cubs or shopping at City Flea, there are many ways to get to your destination this weekend.
Before you head out, remember there are many options to get there, regardless of the event location or the direction you’re heading. If you’re looking for an easy way to get downtown but don’t want to drive, there are several transit options with Metro. From northern Kentucky, TANK offers a great option with the Southbank Shuttle, which runs every 15 minutes into downtown Cincinnati from Covington, Newport or Bellevue.
If you decide to drive, here are the best ways to get downtown this weekend:
EASTBOUND
When traveling eastbound on U.S. 50/West Sixth Street, the best exits to reach downtown Cincinnati include:
- Freeman Avenue to Mehring Way
- Fifth Street
SOUTHBOUND
Traveling south on I-75 in Ohio, the options to get to downtown Cincinnati include:
- Freeman Ave (Exit 1F)
- 7th Street (Exit 1E)
- 5th Street (Exit 1C)
NORTHBOUND
Traveling north on I-75 and once across the Brent Spence Bridge into Cincinnati, motorists may follow:
- 5th Street (Exit 1C) directly into downtown
- U.S. 50/W. 6th Street (Exit 1D) to the Linn Street exit and circle back into downtown from Linn to Third Street.
WESTBOUND
Traveling westbound on U.S. 50/Columbia Parkway, all access points are open, so drivers can make their way to downtown by way of Third Street, Sixth Street or Pike to Fourth Street.
You told me how to get to downtown, but can you show me?
The map below shows the best ways to get to Downtown Cincinnati. It is also available on the corridor website at Travel Updates, and you can check out roadway information throughout Hamilton County and Ohio on ODOT’s real-time traffic information site, OHGO.
Once I get downtown, what about changes on downtown streets?
ELM STREET
Elm Street is now two-way between Second Street and Third Street downtown, providing another route using Mehring Way to get to The Banks.
CENTRAL AVENUE
- All lanes of Central Avenue between Third Street and Pete Rose Way were closed Monday, September 14, for beam removal.
- Southbound vehicle traffic will be maintained by way of W. Third Street, the entrance to the Clay Wade Bailey, Second Street and Elm Street.
- Northbound vehicle traffic should use W. Mehring Way and Elm Street to W. Third Street.
- Pedestrians should follow W. Third Street to Elm Street and W. Mehring Way to Central Avenue.
- Central Avenue will reopen on Friday, September 18, by 4 p.m.
| Drivers are encouraged to check their favorite navigation app to find the best way from their current location to their preferred destination. |
About the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project
The Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project is one of the nation’s most significant transportation transformations, spanning eight miles of I-71/75 in Kentucky and I-75 in Ohio. Construction will begin with the new companion bridge to the west of the Brent Spence Bridge and one mile of approach work in each state.
In addition to the new bridge, the project will restripe the existing Brent Spence Bridge to carry local traffic; improve safety and reduce congestion by separating local and through travel; redesign ramp configurations throughout the corridor; and add new pedestrian and bicycle connections linking neighborhoods to jobs and transit. This once-in-a-generation investment will strengthen national freight movement, support local businesses and workforce growth, and enhance quality of life for the millions who rely on this critical corridor. For more information, visit brentspencebridgecorridor.com.
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