Getting to New Orleans by Plane

If you’ve never been to New Orleans before—first of all, you’re in for a treat! The city is easy to reach by air, with one main airport:

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)

Located about 15 miles west of downtown, MSY is the city’s primary airport and serves most major U.S. airlines. Direct flights are available from many major hubs like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, and more.

Once You Land

Getting to the City: It takes about 20–30 minutes to reach the French Quarter or downtown by car.

Transportation Options: You can grab a taxi, use a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft, or catch an airport shuttle.

Flat-Rate Taxi Fares: Taxis from the airport to downtown New Orleans have a flat rate (usually around $36 for up to 2 people, with a small fee for each additional person).

Rental Cars: You won’t need a car if you’re staying in the city—New Orleans is very walkable—but rental services are available at the airport if you’re planning to explore beyond downtown.

Helpful Tip

When booking your flight, search for MSY (not “New Orleans”) as the airport code to see the best options.