Parking & Directions: Northern Kentucky University, Greater Cincinnati Region

Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY. NKU is approximately seven miles from Cincinnati, OH and twelve miles from the Northern Kentucky Greater Cincinnati Airport (CVG).

The School of the Arts is located in the Fine Arts Center, near Steely Library and Loch Norse (lake with waterfall and bridge).

Driving Directions to NKU
Parking for on-campus events
- Getting to Fine Arts venues
Parking for The Carnegie
Interactive Campus Map

2023-2024 Fine Arts Construction

The NKU Fine Arts Center will be undergoing extensive construction and renovations to enhance the overall experience for our students and guests. These improvements will address various areas of the facility to ensure a safer and more comfortable environment.

Learn More

Driving Directions to NKU

Traveling from Downtown Cincinnati, OH

From US 50, take I-471 South into Kentucky.
Follow I-471 to US 27 towards Alexandria (do not take the Ft. Thomas/US 27 exit).
I-471 ends at US 27 - continue straight on US 27 South.
Continue straight through the first light and turn right at the next traffic light onto Nunn Dr.
Take the second exit in the roundabout, continuing straight onto Nunn Dr.

Traveling East on I-275 from Greater Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky Airport

Take Exit 76 (Three Mile Road/Northern Kentucky University).
Turn right off of the exit on University Dr.
Continue straight through the roundabout (second exit).
Continue straight through the traffic light at Kenton Dr.
Take the first exit in the roundabout, continuing onto Nunn Dr.

Traveling West on I-275

Take Exit 74A (US Highway 27 - Alexandria).
Continue straight on US 27 South.
Continue straight through the first light and turn right at the next traffic light onto Nunn Dr.
Take the second exit in the roundabout, continuing straight onto Nunn Dr.

Traveling from Louisville, KY

Take I-71 North.
Merge I-71/75 North.
Take Exit 185 onto I-275 East.
Follow directions for traveling East on I-275.

Traveling from Lexington, KY

Take I-75 North.
Continue on I-71/75 North
Take Exit 185 onto I-275 East
Follow directions for traveling East on I-275.

Traveling from Columbus, OH

Take I-71 South to downtown Cincinnati, and exit onto I-471 South towards Kentucky.
Take I-471 South over the gold bridge into Kentucky.
Follow directions for traveling from Downtown Cincinnati on I-471.

Traveling from Dayton, OH

Take I-75 South to Cincinnati.
In Cincinnati, follow US 50 East to I-471.
Follow directions for traveling from Downtown Cincinnati on I-471.

Traveling from Indianapolis, IN

Take I-74 East to I-75 South.
Take exit 1B and follow US 50 East to I-471.
Follow directions for traveling from Downtown Cincinnati on I-471.

Below is information for parking on campus. We recommend viewing the interactive campus map for navigating to specific parking lots.

Parking for on-campus events

Fine Arts Center

Parking Lots D and I have been designated for NKU SOTA events taking place in the Fine Arts Center.

There is a cul-de-sac next to the Fine Arts Center available for drop-off and pick-up only. No parking.

Parking is available for a fee in the Welcome Center Garage for student recitals/productions and general gallery visits.

Digitorium & Otto Budig Theatre

Parking Lots K and L have been designated for NKU SOTA events taking place in the Griffin Hall Digitorium and Otto Budig Theatre in the University Center.

There is a cul-de-sac next to Griffin Hall available for drop-off and pick-up only. No parking.

Parking is available for a fee in the Kenton Drive Garage.

Getting to Fine Arts Venues

Enter the Fine Arts Center at the row of glass doors; immediately inside these doors is Greaves Concert Hall.

Corbett Theatre (currently closed) / Box Office

From Greaves lobby, turn Right and go straight until you pass through a set of double doors.
Turn Left and there will be an elevator immediately on your Left.
Take the elevator to second floor.
Make a Right when you get off the elevator.
Go straight until hallway dead-ends
Corbett Theatre, the Community Showcase Atrium and the Box Office will be to your Left.

Stauss Theatre (currently closed)

From Greaves lobby, turn Right go straight until you pass through a set of double doors.
Turn Left and follow the long hallway until it dead-ends.
Turn Right and follow the short hallway until it dead-ends.
Make another Right and you will enter Stauss Theatre lobby.

Art Galleries

From Greaves lobby, turn Right go straight until you pass through a set of double doors.
Turn Left and there will be an elevator immediately on your Left.
Take the elevator to third floor.
Make a Right when you get off the elevator.
Go straight until hallway dead-ends.
Make a sharp Left and head towards the hallway where the gallery entrances are located.

Parking for the Carnegie

With the Fine Arts Center set to undergo major renovations to its theatre spaces for 2023-2024, SOTA is taking its productions on tour to The Carnegie (1028 Scott Blvd., Covington KY 41011). Located in the heart of historic Covington, just blocks away from the Ohio River, The Carnegie is easily accessible from all directions. You’ll find it located across the street from the Covington Fire Department and situated between Robbins and Lynn Street, which lay between 10th and 11th Streets.

The Carnegie Parking Lot

Located directly behind The Carnegie on the corner of Robbins and Greenup. Always open to patrons. Street parking is also available.

Patrons are strongly encouraged NOT to park in the lot directly across Scott Boulevard from the building. Shared by Dollar Tree and Senior Services of Northern Kentucky, this lot is not available to Carnegie patrons.