Getting Around New Orleans
New Orleans Airport information
If you’re flying into New Orleans, you’ll likely land at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) — a modern, traveler‑friendly airport located about 15 miles from the city’s Central Business District.
This airport is Louisiana’s busiest and offers flights to dozens of U.S. cities and several international destinations including Panama City, Toronto, Cancun, and Punta Cana.
It’s a convenient hub for event planners and attendees, with many direct routes and easy access to downtown. The airport’s facilities make travel smooth, whether you’re visiting for business, a conference, or an event.
Distance to downtown: About 15 miles (25-minute drive)
Approximate taxi fare: $36 to downtown (up to two passengers)
Airlines operating here include: Air Canada, Delta, United, American, Southwest, JetBlue, Frontier, Spirit, and Alaska Airlines
Amenities: Free Wi‑Fi, lounges, dine‑in restaurants, duty‑free shopping, ATMs, charging stations, and plenty of parking (over 5,000 spaces)
Shuttle Service: Airport Shuttle New Orleans offers rides to downtown hotels for $24 one-way or $44 round-trip
Car Rentals: Available on-site from Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, and Thrifty.
This airport is Louisiana’s busiest and offers flights to dozens of U.S. cities and several international destinations including Panama City, Toronto, Cancun, and Punta Cana.
It’s a convenient hub for event planners and attendees, with many direct routes and easy access to downtown. The airport’s facilities make travel smooth, whether you’re visiting for business, a conference, or an event.
Distance to downtown: About 15 miles (25-minute drive)
Approximate taxi fare: $36 to downtown (up to two passengers)
Airlines operating here include: Air Canada, Delta, United, American, Southwest, JetBlue, Frontier, Spirit, and Alaska Airlines
Amenities: Free Wi‑Fi, lounges, dine‑in restaurants, duty‑free shopping, ATMs, charging stations, and plenty of parking (over 5,000 spaces)
Shuttle Service: Airport Shuttle New Orleans offers rides to downtown hotels for $24 one-way or $44 round-trip
Car Rentals: Available on-site from Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, and Thrifty.
New Orleans Train information
For those who prefer to travel by train, the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal (NOPUT) is the city’s main rail hub. It’s an impressive spot known for its restored mural walls and historic design. This terminal is served by Amtrak, offering comfortable travel to major cities across the country.
Event planners will find this an excellent option for guests arriving from other regions — it’s also conveniently located close to the downtown area and connects with intercity bus service through Greyhound.
Trains operating routes:
The City of New Orleans – travels between New Orleans and Chicago
The Crescent – connects New Orleans with New York City
The Sunset Limited – runs from New Orleans to Los Angeles
Intercity connections: Greyhound Lines operate from the same terminal
Location: 1001 Loyola Avenue, near the Central Business District
Nearby facilities: Cafés, rental car services, and hotels within walking distance.
Event planners will find this an excellent option for guests arriving from other regions — it’s also conveniently located close to the downtown area and connects with intercity bus service through Greyhound.
Trains operating routes:
The City of New Orleans – travels between New Orleans and Chicago
The Crescent – connects New Orleans with New York City
The Sunset Limited – runs from New Orleans to Los Angeles
Intercity connections: Greyhound Lines operate from the same terminal
Location: 1001 Loyola Avenue, near the Central Business District
Nearby facilities: Cafés, rental car services, and hotels within walking distance.
New Orleans Ground information
Getting around New Orleans is part of the fun - the city’s transport system blends history and convenience perfectly. Between streetcars, buses, ferries, and taxis, you’ll have plenty of ways to explore or reach your event venue.
Bus Service – New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (NORTA)
The city’s public buses are safe, reliable, and affordable. Routes cover popular areas like Elysian Fields Avenue, Canal Street, and the French Quarter.
Regular fare: $1.25 per ride (transfer: $0.25 extra)
Express routes: $1.50
The E‑2 Airport Bus (by Jefferson Transit) runs between MSY Airport and downtown on weekdays — a good budget option for travelers
Streetcar Service
New Orleans’ historic streetcars are both charming and practical. You can ride through scenic areas that showcase the city’s unique personality.
St. Charles Avenue Line – Oldest and most iconic, runs through Garden District and Uptown
Canal Street Line – Connects the Mississippi Riverfront with City Park and the Cemeteries
Riverfront Line – Travels along the Mississippi River, stopping at key attractions like the Morial Convention Center
Fare: $1.25 per person
Ferry Service – Algiers Point/Canal Street Ferry
A relaxing way to travel between downtown and the Algiers Point neighborhood across the Mississippi River.
Fare: $2 for pedestrians and cyclists (each way)
Schedule: Runs every 30 minutes starting at 6 AM; last ferry around 11:45 PM
Taxis and Rideshares
Taxis are easy to find around the airport and downtown. Most take credit cards.
Taxi fare: Around $36 from the airport to downtown (up to two passengers)
For three or more passengers: $15 each
Car Rentals
Ideal for those wanting full flexibility. The Consolidated Rental Car Facility is located outside the airport’s West Terminal.
Brands available: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, and Thrifty
Airport Shuttle
Perfect for group travel, the Airport Shuttle New Orleans connects the airport to hotels in the Central Business District and French Quarter.
Fare: $24 (one-way), $44 (round-trip)
Pick-up: Lower level, near baggage claim
Bag limit: Three per passenger
Customer service: 866‑596‑2699
Bus Service – New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (NORTA)
The city’s public buses are safe, reliable, and affordable. Routes cover popular areas like Elysian Fields Avenue, Canal Street, and the French Quarter.
Regular fare: $1.25 per ride (transfer: $0.25 extra)
Express routes: $1.50
The E‑2 Airport Bus (by Jefferson Transit) runs between MSY Airport and downtown on weekdays — a good budget option for travelers
Streetcar Service
New Orleans’ historic streetcars are both charming and practical. You can ride through scenic areas that showcase the city’s unique personality.
St. Charles Avenue Line – Oldest and most iconic, runs through Garden District and Uptown
Canal Street Line – Connects the Mississippi Riverfront with City Park and the Cemeteries
Riverfront Line – Travels along the Mississippi River, stopping at key attractions like the Morial Convention Center
Fare: $1.25 per person
Ferry Service – Algiers Point/Canal Street Ferry
A relaxing way to travel between downtown and the Algiers Point neighborhood across the Mississippi River.
Fare: $2 for pedestrians and cyclists (each way)
Schedule: Runs every 30 minutes starting at 6 AM; last ferry around 11:45 PM
Taxis and Rideshares
Taxis are easy to find around the airport and downtown. Most take credit cards.
Taxi fare: Around $36 from the airport to downtown (up to two passengers)
For three or more passengers: $15 each
Car Rentals
Ideal for those wanting full flexibility. The Consolidated Rental Car Facility is located outside the airport’s West Terminal.
Brands available: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, and Thrifty
Airport Shuttle
Perfect for group travel, the Airport Shuttle New Orleans connects the airport to hotels in the Central Business District and French Quarter.
Fare: $24 (one-way), $44 (round-trip)
Pick-up: Lower level, near baggage claim
Bag limit: Three per passenger
Customer service: 866‑596‑2699
New Orleans Public information
New Orleans’ public transportation system, managed by the Regional Transit Authority (RTA), is friendly, affordable, and great for both daily commuting and sightseeing. It’s especially handy for event attendees staying in different parts of the city.
Buses and Streetcars
RTA buses and streetcars connect major neighborhoods and business districts.
Single ride: $1.25, with transfers for $0.25
Express buses: $1.50
Streetcar routes: St. Charles, Canal Street, and Riverfront — each offering scenic views of the city
Ferries
Algiers Point/Canal Street Ferry crosses the Mississippi River, connecting downtown to Algiers Point.
Cost: $2 each way
Runs frequently from 6 AM to 11:45 PM
Airport Shuttle
Downtown hotel connection from MSY.
$24 one-way or $44 round-trip.
Tips for Event Planners and Travelers
Consider streetcars for short‑distance travel between venues or hotels near downtown.
For early morning or late events, use taxis or rideshare apps to ensure convenient return trips.
If planning an event, inform attendees about RTA’s Jazzy Pass option, which allows unlimited rides for a set price — perfect for multi‑day conferences.
Buses and Streetcars
RTA buses and streetcars connect major neighborhoods and business districts.
Single ride: $1.25, with transfers for $0.25
Express buses: $1.50
Streetcar routes: St. Charles, Canal Street, and Riverfront — each offering scenic views of the city
Ferries
Algiers Point/Canal Street Ferry crosses the Mississippi River, connecting downtown to Algiers Point.
Cost: $2 each way
Runs frequently from 6 AM to 11:45 PM
Airport Shuttle
Downtown hotel connection from MSY.
$24 one-way or $44 round-trip.
Tips for Event Planners and Travelers
Consider streetcars for short‑distance travel between venues or hotels near downtown.
For early morning or late events, use taxis or rideshare apps to ensure convenient return trips.
If planning an event, inform attendees about RTA’s Jazzy Pass option, which allows unlimited rides for a set price — perfect for multi‑day conferences.
