Preakness 151 Moves to Laurel Park – What to Know Before You Go

Last Updated on 03/12/2026 by kd-admin

For years, the Preakness Stakes has been part of Maryland’s spring tradition. Our team at KD Elite has worked many race weekends when the event was held at Pimlico Race Course, coordinating airport arrivals, hotel pickups, and race-day drop-offs for guests coming in from across the country.

In 2026, things will look a little different.

A New Home for 2026

Preakness 151 will take place at Laurel Park on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

Race weekend schedule:

• Black-Eyed Susan Day – Friday, May 15 (Gates open at 10:00 AM)
• Preakness Day – Saturday, May 16 (Gates open at 9:00 AM)

With gates opening early both days, planning ahead matters. Traffic patterns, parking flow, and security logistics will differ from prior years at Pimlico, and Laurel Park has its own layout and access points to consider.

Flying In for the Race

If you’re traveling in for the weekend, Laurel Park is conveniently located between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. The closest airport is Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), about 20 minutes away. You can also fly into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), roughly 35 minutes from the track, or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), about 50 minutes depending on traffic.

For many visitors, the weekend starts at the airport – especially for corporate groups or out-of-state guests coordinating arrivals around packed race-day schedules.

Getting Around Race Weekend

Preakness isn’t just about the main race. It’s a full weekend of events, hospitality tents, client entertainment, and post-race dinners. Over the years, we’ve seen how important it is to build a transportation plan that accounts for early arrivals, flexible pickup windows, and staggered departures.

At KD Elite, we typically see demand for:

Minivans for smaller groups, SUVs for executive travel, and 14-passenger Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans for larger parties attending together. Many clients prefer round-trip service from their hotel or private residence to avoid parking and navigating race-day traffic.

A Tradition That Keeps Evolving

Even with the venue change, the energy of Preakness weekend remains the same –  bold hats, packed grandstands, and one of the most anticipated races in the Triple Crown series.

If you’re planning to attend Preakness 151 at Laurel Park, it’s worth thinking through your transportation early. Race weekend in Maryland fills up quickly, and having a clear plan makes the experience that much smoother.

We’re looking forward to another great year of helping guests get where they need to be – and enjoying a bit of race-day excitement along the way.