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 flat rate from MSY to the CBD or French Quarter is $36 for up to two passengers, with $15 for each additional passenger. This rate applies regardless of traffic or time of day. For three or four people, the per-person cost is very reasonable. Taxis to destinations outside the flat-rate zone use a meter.
Rideshare (Uber and Lyft)
During normal periods, a rideshare from MSY to the French Quarter costs $25-40. This can be cheaper than the flat-rate taxi for solo travelers. However, New Orleans is notorious for surge pricing during major events. During Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, Essence Fest, and large conventions, rideshare prices can reach $60-100 or more. 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 $35-55 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.
E-2 Airport Express Bus
The budget option at $2 per ride. The E-2 runs from MSY to Tulane and Loyola avenues in the CBD, where you can connect to streetcars and other RTA routes. The ride takes 40-50 minutes. Buses run roughly every 30 minutes during the day. This works well for solo travelers heading to downtown or the Garden District.
Costs to Specific Destinations
The French Quarter and CBD fall within the $36 flat-rate taxi zone. The Garden District and Uptown are slightly further and may cost $40-50 by taxi on the meter. Metairie and Kenner are closer to the airport and cost $15-25 by rideshare. The cruise terminal at Erato Street costs about the same as the French Quarter. Destinations further out like the Northshore or Baton Rouge require longer trips: Covington is about $80-120 by transfer, and Baton Rouge runs $120-180.
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, 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.