New Orleans is on the Mississippi River and is known for its entertaining nightlife, vibrant live music scene, and distinctive cuisine that reflects the city’s history. When visiting the “Big Easy”, as it is nicknamed, you can expect a rich blend of entertainment, culture and food. The city’s festive spirit is captured in its numerous festivals and the world-famous Mardi Gras – a winter carnival packed with parades and street parties.
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is located 25 km west of the city centre and driving there takes less than half an hour in light traffic. You can get a taxi from New Orleans Airport to French Quarter or use a bus. The cheapest means of transportation from New Orleans Airport to downtown is the bus. There are two bus services available: Veterans E1 bus and Airport Express 202 and their fares are $2.00 (€1.80) and $1.50 (€1.40) respectively. There is a shuttle bus service available and a round trip costs $44.00 (€40.00) with an allowance of three bags. Taking a taxi is certainly the fastest and most comfortable way to reach downtown. We recommend you pre-book a New Orleans Airport Taxi and enjoy a personalised ride with unbeatable flat rates, no hidden fees and guaranteed on-time pick-ups.
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New Orleans Airport to French Quarter
Welcome PickupsApril 21, 2022
Comparison of the options
How to get from New Orleans Airport to Downtown by shuttle
You can use the airport shuttle from MSY to the French Quarter, which will take you to various locations of your choice at the price of $44.00 (€40.00) for a round trip, with an allowance of up to three bags. One way trips cost $24.00 (€22.00) and you can buy your ticket at the Airport Shuttle ticket booth. Group rates are available.
How much is a shuttle from MSY to French Quarter?
A single ticket for a shuttle from MSY to French Quarter is €22 ($24) and a round trip costs €40 ($44). The price includes an allowance of up to three bags. Any excess of 3 bags per person is subject to an additional charge. If you travel in a group, there are special rates available and you can get more information by calling +1 866 596 2699.
Cost
€22.00
Trip Duration
55 Min.
Vehicles depart approximately every 30 minutes.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
Shuttles from MSY to French Quarter operate from 5:55 to 22:00.
Where do I get the shuttle from?
If you opt for an airport shuttle as your means of transportation from New Orleans airport to the French Quarter, you will need to head to the Airport Shuttle ticket booth, located on Level 1 Baggage Claim, between Doors 3 and 4. After purchasing your ticket and exiting, staff will direct you to the next departing vehicle.
Convenience
Taking a shuttle bus from New Orleans Airport to Downtown is relatively easy, but keep in mind that some waiting might be required and the duration of the ride will heavily depend on the number of passengers travelling. If you are travelling late at night, you will need to consider alternative means of transportation from New Orleans Airport to French Quarter.
Editor’s Note
Shuttle tickets are non-refundable.
Useful Tips
How to get from New Orleans Airport to French Quarter by taxi
Getting a Taxi or Private shuttle is the safest and most comfortable means of transportation from New Orleans Airport to the French Quarter.
Fares for your Taxi from New Orleans Airport to French Quarter
Taxis in New Orleans charge based on a taximeter, which takes into consideration the distance travelled and the traffic en route. Some companies may also have increased night fares.
Choosing a Welcome taxi from New Orleans airport to French Quarter, will allow you to budget accordingly and enjoy world-class service with a flat rate and no hidden fees. Avoid all the extra stress that comes with travelling, as we will handle your arrival and you can sit back and relax.
Cost
€75.00
Trip Duration
20 Min.
*Card payment services are available in all taxis in New Orleans.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
Taxis are available 24/7.
Where do I get a taxi from?
Taxi ranks are located right outside the Arrivals Terminal. You’ll see the line of cabs as you exit and you can just walk to the front of the queue to get your ride.
Convenience
Opting for a taxi from New Orleans Airport to French Quarter is a pleasant, simple, and quick way to get yourself and your companions to your destination. If you have a lot of luggage, if you’re travelling in a group, or if you’re arriving late at night, this mode of transportation is ideal.
Editor’s Note
You can secure a flat rate with no hidden fees by pre-booking your ride with Welcome Pickups, whilst with regular taxis you may experience unexpected surcharges.
Useful Tips
How to get from New Orleans Airport to Downtown by bus
There are also two public bus services running from New Orleans Airport to downtown. Veterans-E1 runs more frequently and the ticket costs $2 (€1.80). It runs from 07:04 to 22:21 on weekdays only. Airport Express 202 runs less frequently from 03.45 to 19:00 and the ticket costs $1.50 (€1.40). Depending on the exact location of your accommodation, be prepared to walk from the bus stop or hail a taxi.
How much is the bus fare from New Orleans Airport to downtown?
There are two bus services available: Veterans E1 bus and Airport Express 202 and their fares are $2.00 (€1.80) and $1.50 (€1.40) respectively. The tickets are non-refundable and cannot be used for both buses. If you want the flexibility to take either bus, you best purchase a Jazzy Pass, which is accepted in both.
Cost
$2 (€1.80)
Trip Duration
1 H 15 Min.
If you purchase a Jazzy Pass, rather than a ticket, you can use it for either of those bus services.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
Veterans-E1 runs from 07:04 to 22:21 on weekdays only. Airport Express 202 between 03.45 and 19:00.
Where do I get the bus from?
You need to head to the top level of the departure terminal in the middle walkway of the outside lane, closest to the exit to find the buses.
Convenience
Although the combined schedule for both services can help with the waiting time, taking the bus from New Orleans Airport to downtown is the least convenient transfer option. There are multiple stops along the way, prolonging the transfer time considerably. Plus, once you reach the French Quarter or the surrounding area, you will need to walk or take another mode of transportation to reach your hotel.
Editor’s Note
If need a budget-friendly transfer option, the bus is a good choice. However, if you are travelling late at night and/or you are carrying heavy luggage, it is definitely the least convenient option.
Useful Tips
Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100
We’ve introduced a metric indicating how safe travellers feel when using our services during the COVID-19 pandemic. After every ride, we ask each traveller to leave a review.
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20 minute gap between transfers
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Regular Car Sanitisation
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Contactless ride
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Sanitiser in every car
Frequently asked questions
How much is the shuttle from New Orleans Airport to French Quarter?
A one-way ticket is $24.00 (€22.00) and a round trip costs $44.00 (€40.00) on a shuttle from MSY to the French Quarter.
How to get from New Orleans Airport to downtown?
To get from New Orleans Airport to downtown you can choose either a bus or taxi. There is also a shuttle bus service available, which costs $24.00 (€22.00) for a single ticket, inclusive of an allowance of three bags. Alternatively, you can take a taxi, which is very affordable – especially if you’re travelling with other people and plan on splitting the fare.
Is there a bus from New Orleans Airport to downtown?
There are two bus services from the New Orleans airport to downtown: the Veterans’ E1 bus and Airport Express 202, with the fares at $2.00 (€1.80) and $1.50 (€1.40) respectively. The Airport Bus Shuttle also runs every 30 minutes. If you travel late at night, you might need to take a taxi, depending on your exact arrival time.
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