New Orleans Airport Transfers

New Orleans has an excellent transportation system that comfortably connects all the important or attractive points of the city. To get from the airport to your hotel and back, just choose the one that is most convenient for you.

Carmen Navarro

Carmen Navarro

8 min read

New Orleans Airport Transfers

Aircraft in flight | ©Gary Lopater

Louis Armstrong New Orleans Airport is about 19 kilometres, or a few minutes from the famous French Quarter, located in the heart of the city. The journey takes 44 minutes if you take the longer transfer option.

There are several ways to get from New Orleans airport to downtown. I will introduce you to each of these, so you can choose the one that is most convenient for you, considering factors such as comfort, price and transfer time. Once at your hotel, you can start enjoying all there is to see and do in New Orleans, thanks to the proximity of most of the tourist sites and a very complete and functional transportation system.

1. A private transfer, comfort and tranquillity assured

Airport| ©Jeshoots.com
Airport| ©Jeshoots.com

A private transfer is not only more comfortable. It is also synonymous with peace of mind, as there is no need to queue or wait for the availability or timetables of other methods of transport to the city. Furthermore, it is a non-stop journey, with the sole aim of taking you to the destination you have scheduled.

You can select the modalities according to the needs of the group travelling with you, including the capacity of the people, the luggage and the destination. In other words, you can decide on a car, minivan or SUV, and start enjoying your trip, right from the transfer to your hotel.

You can also sleep to recover a little from the jet lag if you wish. You will then be ready to start enjoying your holiday, and since you are in the centre, how about starting with a tour of the French Quarter?

The vehicle and driver are pre-booked and all you have to do is leave your flight details, so you know the approximate time of your arrival. The next thing to do is to call the contact numbers provided and confirm that you are already at the airport. On departure, your transport will be waiting for you.

Useful information:

  • Price: depending on the mode of transport, it is calculated from 65 euros.
  • Journeytime: approximately 19 minutes.
  • Advantages: Greater comfort, you can sleep on the way, you can book in advance, the vehicle will drop you off at your specific destination.

2. Shared transfer, an ideal option to reduce costs

Plane taking off| ©Josue Isai Ramos Figueroa
Plane taking off| ©Josue Isai Ramos Figueroa

Sometimes it is possible to share transfer costs, especially when travelling in pairs or alone.

The fact that the number of people is so small allows you to travel in the same private vehicle and the total price of the trip is calculated per passenger.

It is usually possible to coordinate this option in advance with the transfer company, taking into account that the passengers are going to similar or nearby destinations.

In terms of additional benefits, they are generally similar to those of private transfers. It offers greater comfort than bus transfers, you can sleep on the way and you will arrive at the door of your destination or accommodation in less time.

It should be noted that some of these services do not include the price of parking time, which must be borne by the client.

Useful information:

  • Price: depending on the modality, it is calculated from 65 euros, but the cost is divided per passenger and you only calculate according to the number of people travelling with you.
  • Journeytime: approximately 19 minutes.
  • Advantages: Greater comfort, you can sleep on the way, you book in advance, you will arrive at your specific destination.

3. Transfer by taxi, comfortable and fast

Taxi on the move| ©Rodolfo Clix
Taxi on the move| ©Rodolfo Clix

Taxi transfer from the airport to the hotel is a good choice. The fares are cheap and offer a lot of comfort. The only downside is that you will have to wait for availability and queue.

The arrival time at your destination is approximately 19 minutes, once you are on your way. But it is not easy to calculate the waiting time, as it will depend on the number of people requiring the service. However, it must be recognised that there is a wide range of taxi companies available, including some of the hotels' own.

Among the main advantages is the price, which is considerably lower. In addition, you can relax during the journey, doze off for a while or enjoy the scenery until you reach your accommodation or whatever your destination may be.

If you're not too tired and you're in the mood, you can ask the driver to drop you off at a first stop to start enjoying the journey. A good option is the World War II Museum in New Orleans.

Useful facts:

  • Price: Around $30 to $40.
  • Travel time: Approximately 19 minutes.
  • Advantages: More comfortable, you can sleep on the way, you are dropped off at your exact destination.

4. Transfer in limousines or luxury buses, to get around in style

Limousines inside| ©Brennan Tolman
Limousines inside| ©Brennan Tolman

Although these are the most expensive transfers, these vehicles are equipped to offer luxurious comforts, ensuring maximum comfort for the passengers.

The chauffeur will be waiting for you with a sign with your name on it, ready to help you carry your luggage to the luxury car in which he will take you to your hotel.

You can choose the model of car you wish to travel in. The capacity will depend on the car, some put a maximum of four people. They will always be recent and luxurious models, with leather seats and all the corresponding specifications.

As with the private transfer, this service is booked in advance and requires the provision and confirmation of flight details, so that the driver can be on time to meet you. Of course, they will take you to the destination of your choice, with no queues, no waiting and no parking.

Useful information:

  • Price: Around $110 to $160.
  • Journeytime: Approximately 19 minutes.
  • Advantages: More comfort, you can sleep on the way, they drop you off at your destination on time, they cover parking fees.

5. Bus transfer, the cheapest option

Airport traveller| ©Erik Odiin
Airport traveller| ©Erik Odiin

The bus is the perfect option for those who want to save money. You take it from the terminal at the airport to get to the French Quarter, specifically Greyhound, which is a central point in the city and from where you will have to get to your accommodation on your own.

The downside is that you'll have to wait for buses, which leave every four hours, and it takes between 44 minutes and an hour to make the journey.

Fortunately, city transport is excellent in New Orleans, and most destinations are close by. From the terminal, you can easily take a taxi or other bus to your hotel or nearby.

And if you're lucky enough to stay nearby, you can even walk to your destination. The city's streets are a sight to behold, and you're sure to enjoy them from the very first moment, especially if the weather is nice. There's plenty to see in NewOrleans in June.

Taxi fares from Greyhound to your accommodation depend on the destination, of course, but for city buses, the fare is around $1.25 per trip.

The bus from the airport to the terminal will cost around $3.

Useful facts:

  • Fare: About $3 to the French Quarter and an additional $1.25 per city bus ride.
  • Travel time: approximately 44 minutes to an hour.
  • Advantages: Much cheaper and no parking fees are required.

6. Transfer by private or rented vehicle, the advantage of freedom of movement.

Arriving at the destination| ©Danijela Prijovic
Arriving at the destination| ©Danijela Prijovic

For many people, comfort means the freedom to move around without being dependent on anyone else. This is why car hire is their preferred choice.

In this case, the main advantage lies in the ease of being able to enjoy the trip and visits to places of interest without depending on transfers, drivers, buses or taxis. However, don't forget to consider the cost of parking at many of these places.

The cost of getting from the airport to the hotel is the most economical, if you only consider petrol. However, don't forget to consider the cost of daily car rental to see if it is really cost-effective.

This is an excellent option if you are travelling as a family and plan to visit a number of attractions in and around the city, especially if you are travelling to New Orleans with children.

There is a lot to enjoy and many of the attractions can be visited on your own. For others it is more advisable to take a tour that can offer more specific information and points of interest or interesting stories about the history or cuisine of New Orleans, for example. Don't forget to take these details into account when making your decision.

Useful facts:

  • Price: Between $1 and $2 for gas consumption.
  • Travel time: approximately 19 minutes.
  • Advantages: It is much cheaper, offers great comfort and independence, you can get to your destination and continue sightseeing.

7. Shuttle buses, one of the most used by tourists.

Passport and tickets| ©Nicole Geri
Passport and tickets| ©Nicole Geri

Shuttle buses are one of the most popular options for tourists, as they are cheaper than taxis and a little faster than regular buses that travel the entire city route.

While the latter takes almost an hour, this transport reaches the city centre in 40 minutes. It is a shuttle that specifically connects to New Orleans' major hotels and tourist attractions. If your accommodation is on this list, it is sure to be very convenient.

The company that offers it is specifically focused on providing a transport service for tourists in the city, something you can take into account when visiting the different places of interest to visit in New Orleans at night, in case you are not planning to rent a vehicle.

In terms of general characteristics, it is a bus like any other, so it does not offer great advantages in terms of comfort, as private vehicles do.

One of the companies offering this service is Northshore Airport Express, but you can find several offers at the ticket counters located in the baggage claim area.

Useful information:

  • Price: $20 each way, $38 if you buy a return ticket.
  • Journey time: 40 minutes.
  • Advantages: Faster than traditional buses and the route is specifically through the tourist areas of New Orleans.

Shuttle-style minibuses

There is another company that also offers a shuttle service from the airport, but in this case it goes as far as Baton Rouge.

Tiger Airport Shuttle is a good option, even cheaper than the official shuttles. If you are staying in the area, you may want to consider this option.

Comparison table

Waiting to board| ©Guilherme Stecanella
Waiting to board| ©Guilherme Stecanella

After having reviewed all the options, I would like to close this article with a comparative table where you can see the most relevant details of each of these, side by side. I hope all this information will help you find the best option and make your trip memorable.

  • Private / Shared transfer
  • Price: from 65 euros.
  • Journey time: 19 minutes.
  • Convenience.
  • No queues or waiting.
  • Arrival at the specific destination.
  • Transfer by taxi
  • Price: between 30$ and 40$.
  • Journey time: 19 minutes.
  • Convenience.
  • Arrival at the specific destination.
  • Wait for availability.
  • Luxury vehicle transfer
  • Price: 110$ - 160$.
  • Travel time: 19 minutes.
  • Convenience.
  • No queues or waiting.
  • Arrival at the specific destination.
  • Bus transfer
  • Price: 3$.
  • Travel time: 1 hour.
  • Convenience.
  • It is necessary to wait for itinerary and queues.
  • Arrival at a terminal, you will have to take another transfer to the hotel.
  • Transfer by rental car
  • Price: 2$ for petrol.
  • Travel time: 1 hour.
  • Convenience.
  • No queues or waiting.
  • Direct arrival at your destination.
  • Shuttle bus transfer
  • Price: 20$.
  • Journey time: 40 minutes.
  • Convenience.
  • It is necessary to wait for itinerary and queues.
  • It leaves you near the hotel.