Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is located 26 km west of the French Quarter center and driving there takes less than half an hour in light traffic. You can get from New Orleans Airport to the French Quarter by taxi, New Orleans Airport transfer, shuttle, or bus. Taking a New Orleans Airport taxi or transfer is certainly the fastest and most comfortable way to reach downtown. The cheapest means of transportation is the bus. The Airport Express 202 is regular and gets you to the city center in around 30-40 minutes. There is a shuttle bus service available for groups of over ten people. The journey time is around 20-30 minutes depending on your destination.

4 options to go from New Orleans Airport to city center

PRICE FOR
OPTION
PRICE
TIME
AVAILABLE
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer
€79 20min 24/7
Convenience
Book
Taxi
€33 20min 24/7
Convenience
Book
Airport Shuttle Bus
€56 30min 05:55–22:00
Convenience
Read more
Airport Express Bus (Line 202)
€2.80 40min 04:50–21:40
Convenience
Read more
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How to get from New Orleans Airport to the French Quarter by taxi

Getting a New Orleans Airport taxi is one of the safest and most comfortable means of transportation from New Orleans Airport to the French Quarter. The journey only takes 20 minutes in light traffic and taxis are available 24/7 from the MSY Airport.

The cost of a taxi from New Orleans Airport to the French Quarter

Taxis in New Orleans normally charge based on a taximeter, which takes into consideration the distance traveled, the number of passengers, and the traffic en route. Some companies may also have increased night fares.

That said, local taxis offer a fixed rate taxi cost from New Orleans Airport to the French Quarter, which is $36 (€33) for up to two passengers. 

If you have three passengers or more, you’ll be charged a set fee of $15 (€14) per person.

Where do I get a taxi from?

Taxi ranks are located right outside the Arrivals Hall. Leave the terminal building from Door 7 and you’ll see the line of cabs. You can join 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 traveling in a group, or if you’re arriving late at night, this mode of transportation is ideal.

Useful Tips

Ensure your preferred payment method can be accommodated before starting your trip by speaking to the taxi driver, as not all cabs in New Orleans will be able to accept card payments.
Tipping is expected in New Orleans. A good rate is 10-20% of your total fare.
You are entitled to a receipt from your taxi driver if you request one.
By law, New Orleans taxis are required to offer baby seats.

How to get from New Orleans Airport to the French Quarter by shuttle bus

MSY provides an airport shuttle from New Orleans Airport which will take you to various locations of your choice. It takes around 20-30 minutes to get to the French Quarter depending on your destination. The service runs every 30 minutes from 05:55 to 22:00 every day.

Important note: This option is only available for groups of 10 or more. The airport shuttle bus no longer accepts individuals.

How much is a shuttle from New Orleans Airport to the French Quarter?

A single ticket for the New Orleans Airport shuttle to the French Quarter is $30 (€28) and a round trip costs $56 (€52).

Cost
$30 (€28)
Trip Duration
30 Min.
Vehicles depart approximately every 30 minutes.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Shuttles from MSY to French Quarter operate from 05:55 to 22:00.

Where do I get the shuttle from?

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 traveling. If you are traveling late at night, you will need to consider alternative means of transportation from New Orleans Airport to the French Quarter.

Timetables

Airport Shuttle New Orleans

Useful Tips

Shuttle tickets are non-refundable.
If you book a shuttle round trip, we recommend you confirm your return trip a day in advance.
If you require a child seat, you will need to bring your own.
You can book your tickets online or in person at the airport. We recommend booking online to secure your travel.

How to get from New Orleans Airport to the French Quarter by bus (Line 202)

The bus from New Orleans Airport to the French Quarter is the cheapest way to travel. If you take the Airport Express bus (Line 202), you’ll get downtown in around 30-40 minutes. The nearest stop to the French Quarter is the Main Library. The city center is 5-10 minutes walk from there, depending on your destination. This bus departs every 90 minutes from 04:50 to 21:40.

How much is a bus from New Orleans Airport to the French Quarter?

The New Orleans Airport bus to the French Quarter costs $1.50 (€1.40) per person. The tickets are non-refundable and cannot be used for other buses. If you want the flexibility to take either bus, it’s best to purchase a Jazzy Pass.

Cost
$1.50 (€1.40)
Trip Duration
40 Min.
If you purchase a Jazzy Pass, you can use it on other bus services.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The Airport Express Bus (Line 202) departs every 90 minutes from 04:50 to 21:40.

Where do I get the bus from?

The Line 202 bus departs from the lower level, Zone B4 at Louis Armstrong Airport. If you have trouble finding it, consult a member of staff.

Convenience

Getting from New Orleans Airport to the French Quarter by bus is the least convenient option. There are multiple stops along the way, prolonging the transfer time considerably. The bus is also relatively infrequent so you might have up to a 90 minute wait. 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.

Timetables

Bus 202 Timetable

Useful Tips

A standard ticket cannot be used interchangeably for other services.
A Jazzy Pass is helpful for using public transport in New Orleans.
There is limited luggage space on public airport buses.
The Line 202 bus is fully adapted for wheelchair users.

How to get from New Orleans Airport to the French Quarter by private transfer

The best way to get from New Orleans Airport to the French Quarter is to take a New Orleans Airport transfer. You get all the benefits of a taxi — expedient door-to-door service — but you save even more time by skipping the taxi queue and jumping right into your pre-arranged vehicle. 

If you choose to book your transfer with Welcome Pickups, you’ll receive a personalized service from beginning to end that includes great perks like:

  • Friendly meet and greets in the Arrivals Hall
  • Professionally trained drivers
  • Guaranteed on-time pickups with flight monitoring
  • Unbeatable fixed fares paid in advance
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Flexible cancellation policy

What’s more, we’ll endeavor to make the 20-minute journey to your hotel as relaxing and pleasant as possible. Your driver will even give you local tips and tricks so you can make the most of your stay in NOLA.

How much is a private transfer from New Orleans Airport to the French Quarter?

The price of a New Orleans Airport transfer to the French Quarter starts at €79 for a 4-seater sedan. If you need a larger car for up to 6 passengers, the rate rises to €86. A minivan for 7-10 passengers costs €165. Finally, a minibus for 11-12 people costs €172 to get to downtown New Orleans. 

It’s easy to book via our online portal or mobile app (App Store || Google Play). Just put in your personal details, flight details, group size, and desired collection time and we’ll generate a fixed quote. That quote is not subject to change and you can pre-pay online using our secure payment processor. All airport tolls, luggage charges, and so on are included in the price so there are no hidden fees on the day.

Cost
€79
Trip Duration
20 Min.
*Booking your private transfer from MSY Airport in advance is the best way to ensure a seamless experience.
Convenience
Safety
Value for money

Private transfers are available 24/7 from New Orleans Airport.

Where do I get a private transfer from?

Once you’ve booked and paid for your New Orleans Airport transfer, you can focus on getting to MSY Airport safe and sound. We’ll arrange for your driver to wait for you in the Arrivals Hall, holding a sign with your name on it. If your flight is delayed, don’t worry! Your driver will be monitoring your flight so they know when to meet you. After greeting you at Arrivals, they can assist you with your luggage as they guide you to your pre-selected vehicle.

Convenience

Taking an airport transfer from New Orleans Airport to the French Quarter is the most convenient and safest way to travel. By skipping the taxi line and paying in advance, you can start your trip completely stress-free. We’ll take care of providing you with a clean, modern vehicle perfect for your needs and ensuring your first moments in New Orleans are as pleasant as they can be. 

Useful Tips

If you would like to tip your driver, you can do so via the Welcome Pickups app.
You will have 60 minutes of complimentary waiting time after your scheduled pickup to go through passport control and baggage claim.
You can request a baby/child seat during the booking process and your driver will provide one for you.
Sedans can accommodate up to 3 passengers, minivans up to 7, and minibusses up to 12.
Before your transfer, you will receive an email including your driver's name, contact information, photo, and vehicle information so that you know who to expect on the day.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the shuttle from New Orleans Airport to French Quarter?

The shuttle from New Orleans Airport to the French Quarter costs $30 (€28) per person. However, it is only available for groups of over ten people. If you’d like a convenient fixed-rate journey to the French Quarter as an individual or small group, we recommend booking an airport transfer with Welcome Pickups.

Is there a shuttle from New Orleans Airport to French Quarter?

How long does it take to get from New Orleans Airport to the French Quarter?

How far is New Orleans Airport to the French Quarter?

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Transfer Options in New Orleans