Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) to New Orleans
Taxis charge a flat fare to the Central Business District and the French Quarter, and take about 25–35 minutes. The RTA Airport Express bus (202) is the cheap option to downtown.
Best for most people: Taxi. The flat fare makes the cost predictable, and it drops you at your hotel door.
All the options
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Hours | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| taxi Taxi rank on the ground transportation level outside baggage claim | about 25–35 min | flat fare of about US$36–40 for up to 2 people to the CBD and French Quarter, a few dollars more per extra passenger | 24 h | Tip is extra. Most taxis accept cards. | |
| bus RTA Airport Express bus 202 from the ground transportation area to downtown New Orleans | about 35–45 min | about every 30–60 min | about US$1.50–2 | roughly daytime to early evening; check last departures | Pay with the Le Pass app or exact cash. |
| ride-hailing Uber and Lyft from the designated pick-up area at the terminal | about 25–35 min | varies with demand | 24 h | Follow signs to the rideshare pick-up area. | |
| shuttle Shared-ride and private airport shuttles to hotels (booked in advance or at the counter) | about 30–50 min with stops | per person, cheaper than a taxi for solo travellers | most flight times | Shared shuttles stop at several hotels. |
*Approximate 2026 prices and times. Services change: check the operator before you fly, especially for late arrivals.
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Tips
- The taxi flat fare covers the CBD and French Quarter; other areas are metered.
- Streets in the French Quarter are narrow and may be closed for events, so the driver may stop at the edge.
- Bus 202 does not run late at night; check last departures for evening arrivals.
- Jefferson Transit buses also serve the airport, but involve changes for most visitors.
Common questions
How much is a taxi from New Orleans Airport to the French Quarter?
Taxis charge a flat fare of about US$36–40 for one or two passengers to the Central Business District and the French Quarter, plus a few dollars for each extra passenger and a tip. Outside those areas the meter applies. The ride takes about 25–35 minutes.
Is there a bus from New Orleans Airport to downtown?
Yes. The RTA Airport Express bus 202 runs from the airport to downtown New Orleans in about 35–45 minutes for around US$1.50–2. It runs roughly every 30–60 minutes during the day, so check the schedule and last departures before relying on it.
Is there public transport from MSY at night?
Bus service ends in the evening, so late arrivals usually take a taxi or Uber or Lyft. Taxis and rideshare are available at all hours from the ground transportation area outside baggage claim. The flat taxi fare also applies at night, which makes the cost predictable for late arrivals and groups.
Can I pay by card in a New Orleans taxi?
Most New Orleans taxis accept cards, and Uber and Lyft are paid in the app. On RTA buses you can pay with the Le Pass mobile app or with exact cash; drivers do not give change. Keep some small notes for tips.
Compiled by TonyPlan from airport and transport-operator information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.