Getting a taxi in New Orleans
There are over 1,200 taxis in New Orleans roaming the streets, so traveling by cab couldn’t be easier. Though there’s a relatively reliable bus system, taking a taxi is still the best way of getting around — especially if you’re new to the city.
Using cabs in New Orleans is fairly affordable and makes moving from one place of interest to another easy. Taximeters are used to calculate fares using official pricing set by the Transportation Board. There are several New Orleans taxi companies, whilst many taxis are privately owned, so expect each ride to look different. You can hail one on the street, call a trusted company, or walk to a taxi rank in town.
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How much does a taxi cost?
| Taxi prices | Day time (05:00 - 24:00) | Night time (00:00 - 05:00) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| FRENCH QUARTER TO AIRPORT | 33 € | 33 € | 20 MIN |
| DOWNTOWN TO CRUISE PORT | 14 € | 14 € | 10 MIN |
| DOWNTOWN TO KENNER | 25 € | 25 € | 20 MIN |
| DOWNTOWN TO METAIRIE | 20 € | 20 € | 15 MIN |
New Orleans taxi rates
Cabs in New Orleans are pretty affordable and rates are regulated by the Ground Transportation Bureau. It is customary to tip drivers around 10% and if you are extremely satisfied with the service, even more.
Here are the official New Orleans taxi prices:
Base rate: $3.50 (€3.20)
Each additional 200 meters (1/8 of a mile): $0.30 (€0.27)
Surcharges
Several New Orleans taxicab surcharges can affect your final fare. Here is a quick summary of them:
Per additional passenger after one: $1 (€0.90)
Per additional passenger after one (to and from the airport): $15 (€14)
Special event rate (sporting events, concerts, etc): $7 per passenger
Check with the taxi company you book if they charge extra for night services or pickups. Tolls fees will also be added to your final fare.
Set rates
New Orleans taxis offer set rates on specific routes. For example:
To and from New Orleans Airport: $36 (€33)
To and from Cruise Ship: $14 (€13) for one passenger. $8 (€7.40) per person for every additional passenger.
With this in mind, a cab from the airport to the city center for 1-2 people costs about $36 (€33). If you’re traveling with three or more passengers, you’ll spend a further $15 (€14) per passenger.
A taxi ride across town from downtown or the French Quarter to Uptown will cost around $20 (€18.50).
All taxicabs in New Orleans accept cash and card payments.
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How to get a Taxi in New Orleans
The easiest way to get a taxi in New Orleans is to hail one on the street. Taxicabs in New Orleans have illuminated “TAXI” signs on top of them when the taxi is available for passengers. Hold out your hand and the driver will stop in a safe place. However, you may find it harder to spot an available taxi on the street during rush hour, sporting days, and public holidays. In which case you can walk to a taxi rank outside of major attractions like the National WWII Museum and Jackson Square. Alternatively, there are a handful of New Orleans taxi stands outside of major hotels.
Finally, you can order a taxi on demand by calling a trusted taxi company or using a taxi app.
How to get a taxi from New Orleans Airport
You can find New Orleans Airport taxis lined up outside of Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). Exit the Arrivals Hall from Door 7 and you’ll find the line of taxis waiting. Note that journeys from the airport to the city center have a set fare of $36 (€33) for up to two passengers. The fare for every additional passenger after two is $15 (€14).
How to get a taxi from St Louis Cathedral
There is a taxi stand by Jackson Square which is a short walk away from the cathedral doors.
How to get a taxi from the Algiers Ferry Point
The Algier Ferry Terminal is a popular sight for tourists. You can find taxis waiting just passed the ferry terminal. You can also pre-book a taxi in advance to collect you.
How to get a taxi from Union Passenger Terminal (New Orleans Train and Bus Station)
New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is home to the Amtrak train and Greyhound bus service. Loyola Ave creates a ring road leading up to the train station doors. Along the path immediately outside of the terminal is a drop-off point and a small taxi stand. There may be a long wait in the morning and evening after work hours. Therefore, we recommend pre-booking a New Orleans taxi with Welcome Pickups for a smoother travel experience.
Most popular New Orleans taxi apps
The most popular taxi apps in New Orleans are Uber and Lyft. These apps provide reliable rides across the city though unpredictable surge pricing can affect your travel budget. Official taxis use the Curb App which is a native New Orleans taxi app connecting you with licensed drivers.
If you want the convenience of a set rate fare with minimal stress, consider booking a New Orleans Airport transfer in advance with a trustworthy company like Welcome Pickups.
Useful New Orleans taxi numbers
Sometimes, it’s more convenient to call a New Orleans radio taxi on demand; particularly during rush hour, late at night, or outside of the city center.
Have a look below for the most popular New Orleans taxi numbers:
United Cabs: +1 (504) 522-9771 (Central Business District/Downtown)
Veterans Cab: +1 (504) 367-6767 (Garden District/Uptown)
Liberty Bell: +1 (504) 821-8222 (Mid-City)
Alliance: +1 (504) 872-0221 (Gentilly/New Orleans East/Chalmette)
Your hotel may be affiliated with a taxi service and be able to call a taxi on your behalf.
Note that some taxi companies charge a small fee for on-demand dispatch. This rarely exceeds $2 (€1.80).
Benefits of booking a New Orleans taxi in advance
When arriving at an exciting new destination like New Orleans, the last thing you want to worry about is transportation. That’s why we recommend pre-booking your New Orleans Airport transfer with Welcome Pickups to benefit from a stress-free ride. We offer guaranteed on-time pickups, unbeatable prices with no hidden fees, and 24/7 customer support. You don’t need to worry about searching for a cab or for your phone taxi to be dispatched.
New Orleans taxi tips
- It’s common to tip drivers around 10-20% if you are happy with the service.
- Make sure the taximeter is reset before you begin your ride.
- Card payment services are required in all taxis, but you should double-check with your driver.
- Taxis in New Orleans are not required by law to offer child seats. You can either pre-book a taxi and request one or bring your own.
- The waiting charge is €0.20 for 40 seconds and it also applies when stuck in traffic.
- If you’d like to pay by cash, we recommend carrying exact change. Drivers rarely carry smaller bills than $20.
- You are entitled to a receipt if you request one. This can be useful if you wish to make a complaint. While New Orleans taxis are safe, you may get a rude driver. By having a receipt for your ride, you have all of the details you need to make a valid complaint to the taxi company.
- Wheelchair-accessible taxis are available on request. It’s best to call a taxi company to arrange an adapted vehicle in advance.
- Not all taxi companies raise fares at night time.
- All taxi fare payments must be made in US Dollars.
Wheelchair-accessible taxis in New Orleans
There are New Orleans cabs that are wheelchair accessible, but you will need to book them in advance as opposed to hailing them in the street; not all regular taxis offer the room or expertise needed. If you’re a wheelchair or mobility scooter user, you can find valuable information about transportation from A to B in the “Accessible Transportation” section of NewOrleans.com.
New Orleans taxi safety and complaints
The consensus is that using a cab service in New Orleans is safe. It is worth noting that both locals and visitors recommend that it’s much safer to get a New Orleans cab at night than to walk. If you face any issues whatsoever with your taxi service, it is recommended to gather your receipt and the driver’s license details to then contact their company directly to report any problems.