New Orleans
New Orleans airport to city centre: trains, buses, taxis and costs
There is no train from New Orleans airport. Take a taxi or ride-hailing car for about 25–35 minutes to the French Quarter or CBD, or a shared shuttle if you are solo and not in a hurry. Airport buses are limited; check current routes before relying on them.
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GuideNew Orleans
Key facts
- Airport
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY), about 20 km west of the CBD
- Train to the city
- None. No rail link from MSY to central New Orleans
- Taxi / ride-hailing
- About 25–35 minutes to the CBD or French Quarter; airport taxis run a flat rate per car, not a meter
- Ride-hailing cost
- US$35–60 to the CBD depending on demand
- Shared shuttle
- Per-person shuttle to downtown hotels; cheaper solo, slower with multiple stops
- Public buscheck
- Limited service; check routes and hours before you land
- Best for groups
- Taxi or ride-hailing splits well for 3–4 people with bags
- Tipping
- 15–20% for taxi and ride-hailing, in the app or in cash
Options at a glance
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) sits about 20 km west of the CBD, roughly 25–35 minutes by road outside peak traffic. There is no rail link, so every option is road-based: taxi, ride-hailing, shared shuttle or bus.
Prices below are 2026 estimates. Confirm the taxi flat rate and shuttle fares on arrival, since operators change them.
| Option | Time to CBD | Cost (2026 estimate) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi (flat airport rate) | 25–35 min | Flat rate per car — check current amount | Groups of 2–4, direct trip |
| Uber / Lyft | 25–35 min | US$35–60 depending on demand | Solo or pairs, door-to-door |
| Shared shuttle | 35–60 min | Per person — check current fare | Solo travellers on a budget |
| Public bus | 45–70 min | Local transit fare, US$2–3 | Very light luggage, daytime arrival |
Taxi and ride-hailing
A taxi from the airport to the CBD or French Quarter is the simplest option, especially with luggage or after a late arrival. New Orleans airport taxis run on a flat rate per car rather than a meter — confirm the current posted rate at the taxi rank before you get in.
Ride-hailing (Uber, Lyft) works from a signposted pickup zone outside the terminal. Expect US$35–60 to the CBD depending on time of day and surge. At peak times or during festivals such as Mardi Gras, surge can push this higher.
For 3–4 people with bags, a taxi or ride-hailing car usually beats per-person shuttles on both cost and time. Tip 15–20%, in the app or in cash.
Shuttles and buses
Shared shuttles run from the airport to downtown and French Quarter hotels. They charge per person and stop at multiple hotels, so they take longer than a taxi but cost less if you are travelling alone. Book at the airport desk or in advance — check current operators and fares.
Public bus service between MSY and central New Orleans is limited. Routes and hours change, so check the current timetable before you plan to rely on it. This is not a good option with heavy luggage or a late-night arrival.
What it costs
Budget US$35–60 for a ride-hailing car to the CBD, or the flat taxi rate per car (check the current amount). A shared shuttle is per person and cheaper solo. A bus is the cheapest but slowest and least convenient with bags.
Add a 15–20% tip for taxi and ride-hailing. If you are arriving during a major event, expect higher prices and longer waits — book ahead where possible.
| Traveller | Recommended option | Rough cost (2026 estimate) |
|---|---|---|
| Solo, light luggage | Shared shuttle or bus | Lowest per-person fare — check |
| Solo, late arrival | Ride-hailing | US$35–60 |
| Couple | Ride-hailing or taxi | US$35–60 per car |
| Family or group of 4 | Taxi (flat rate) or ride-hailing | Flat rate per car — check |
Tips
- Confirm the taxi flat rate at the rank before you get in; do not assume a meter.
- Use the signposted ride-hailing pickup zone, not the kerbside taxi rank.
- Arrive with a working eSIM or local data so you can book a car on landing.
- During Mardi Gras and major festivals, expect surge pricing and longer waits — pre-book if you can.
- Keep small bills for tips; card readers in taxis are common but not guaranteed.
Questions people ask
How do I get from New Orleans airport to the city centre?
There is no train. Take a taxi or ride-hailing car (about 25–35 minutes to the CBD or French Quarter), a shared shuttle if you are solo, or a limited public bus. Confirm current fares on arrival.
How much is a taxi from New Orleans airport?
New Orleans airport taxis have historically charged a flat rate per car to the CBD rather than a meter. Check the current posted rate at the rank; ride-hailing is typically US$35–60 depending on demand.
Is there a train from New Orleans airport?
No. MSY has no rail link to central New Orleans. All options are road-based: taxi, ride-hailing, shared shuttle or bus.
How long does it take to get from the airport to downtown?
About 25–35 minutes by taxi or ride-hailing outside peak traffic. Shuttles take 35–60 minutes with multiple stops; buses are slower still.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check