Highways
U.S. highway routes 51, 60, and 62 bisect the county. Connecting state routes complete the major roadway network with county roads completing the farm to market network. Interstate route 24 is 14 miles east of the county; Interstate route 57 is 6 miles west, and Interstate route 55 is 12 miles west.
Airport:
Barkley Regional Airport is located 10 miles east of the county line and is easily accessible via US 62 and US 60. Barkley Regional Airport offers twice daily flights to Chicago-O’Hare via United Express, providing one-stop connectivity to over 200 destinations worldwide. Barkley is tower controlled 365 days a year and features two runways with lengths of 6,500 feet and 5,500 feet by 150 feet wide that can accommodate aircraft of all sizes up through a Boeing 757.
Barkley is also home to Midwest Aviation, a general aviation company capable of meeting the needs of private aircraft of all types including large corporate jets. In addition to providing fuel service, they are an FAA Certified Repair Station, and authorized Beechcraft and Cessna Service Center, complete with avionics repair. They can provide concierge services including catering, rental car services and also offer aircraft charter services, including air cargo, as well as flight instruction for aspiring pilots.
Water:
The north and west boundaries of the County are formed by the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. A 9-foot channel stage is maintained affording barge transportation services. Ballard County is at the hub of one of the greatest inland water transportation systems in the world. Some of the contract and common carriers operating through this area via the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, and Cumberland rivers include the Valley Lines, American Barge Lines, Union-Mechling Barge Lines, Southern Barge Line, Crounse Corporation, M/G transport, Federal Barge Line, SC & NO Barge Lines, and Ingert Inc. The Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, to be completed this decade, is expected to open new markets for trade in the southeast US heartland.
Rail:
Class 1 CN Railroad is found in Wickliffe, KY with P & L Railroad servicing near the edge of the county, outside of Kevil, KY.