Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is about 19 km from the French Quarter. Transport costs are straightforward most of the year, but event weeks change everything.
Flat-Rate Taxi
New Orleans has one of the better airport taxi systems in the US. The city sets the fare by ordinance: $36.00 for one or two passengers to the Central Business District or French Quarter, and $15.00 per person once there are three or more — so three people pay $45 and four pay $60, not $36 plus a surcharge each (City of New Orleans Ground Transportation Bureau, checked July 2026). Beyond that zone the meter applies: $3.50 to drop, then $0.30 per additional 1/8 mile. The flat rate applies regardless of traffic or time of day, and for three or four people the per-person cost is very reasonable.
Fixed-price private transfer
MSY New Orleans
From€100for 2 passengers
4 passengers: €112 per vehicle, about €28 per person
- Fixed price, no meter
- Flight tracked
- 60 min free waiting
- Driver meets you at arrivals
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup
Rideshare (Uber and Lyft)
Rideshares have no published tariff — the app quotes you before you confirm. Off-peak that often undercuts the flat-rate taxi for a solo traveller. However, New Orleans is notorious for surge pricing during major events: during Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, Essence Fest, and large conventions, prices can multiply. If you are arriving during one of these periods, do not rely on rideshare pricing being reasonable.
Pre-Booked Private Transfer
A private transfer to the French Quarter or CBD runs see the current price in our search for a standard sedan. Larger vehicles for groups cost $55-85. The price is set when you book and does not change, which is its main advantage. During event weeks, this fixed pricing makes transfers significantly cheaper than rideshares. The service also includes meet-and-greet at arrivals and direct door-to-door service.
Airport Buses
The cheapest way in is the RTA 202 Airport Express at $1.25. The Jefferson Parish Transit E2 (Airline Drive) charges a $2.00 airport fare ($1.00 reduced) and runs from MSY down Airline Drive into New Orleans in about 50 minutes, where you can connect to streetcars and other RTA routes. Both pick up at Level 1 Baggage Claim, outside Door 2 (zones B4-B5). A $6.00 Regional Ride Pass covers both networks for 24 hours. These work well for solo travellers heading to downtown or the Garden District.
Costs to Specific Destinations
The French Quarter and CBD fall within the $36 flat-rate taxi zone. Outside it the meter applies — $3.50 to drop, then $0.30 per additional 1/8 mile — so the Garden District and Uptown cost a little more, and Metairie and Kenner rather less since they are closer to the airport. The cruise terminal at Erato Street sits in the same part of town as the French Quarter. Destinations further out like the Northshore or Baton Rouge require longer trips: Covington is see the current price in our search by transfer, and Baton Rouge runs see the current price in our search.
Event Pricing: What to Expect
New Orleans hosts several massive events each year that dramatically affect transport pricing. During Mardi Gras (February-March), Jazz Fest (late April-early May), Essence Fest (July), and major conventions, rideshare prices can triple or quadruple. The flat-rate taxi holds steady at $36 for one or two passengers, which makes it a smart choice during events. Pre-booked transfers also maintain their quoted price. If you know you are arriving during an event, book your ground transport before you fly.
When a private transfer from MSY is the right choice
- Three or more people: a 4-seat car to New Orleans is from €112, about €28 per person, usually level with or below separate public-transport tickets once you count the walk, the wait and the last mile with bags.
- Going to a specific address rather than the main station: the car goes to the door, so the public-transport fare is not the whole cost of the trip.
- Arriving tired or late: the driver waits at arrivals with your name, included for 60 minutes after landing.
MSY → New Orleans from €100Fixed price, flight tracked, free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup.