Getting to New Orleans & Getting Around
Facts checked October 18, 2026
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) is a short drive from the French Quarter, and the city’s streetcars make a car optional for most visits.
Flying in
| Code | Airport | Distance / link to town (source) |
|---|---|---|
| MSY | Louis Armstrong New Orleans International | A “short drive” from Downtown, the French Quarter and the CBD; RTA Airport Express (202) bus to downtown (airport’s own pages) |
We don’t quote fares; they change by the hour. The search buttons open a live flight search to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY); change the dates and origin there.
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Do you need a car?
For the French Quarter, CBD and Garden District: no. RTA runs the St. Charles, Canal, Rampart-Loyola and Riverfront streetcar lines (RTA). From the airport, RTA’s Airport Express (202) bus stops downtown at Elk Place at Cleveland and at the Union Passenger Terminal, Bus Bay 2 (MSY).
For swamps and plantations: optional. Several swamp tours include transport from New Orleans (see our swamp tours guide), so you can often skip the car there too.
Renting a car
If you do rent, compare the airport desks in one search rather than booking the first brand you see, and check what the rate includes (tolls, extra drivers, mileage) before you pay.
Airport transfer
Welcome Pickups has a New Orleans page for pre-booked airport rides; the page lists flight monitoring for delays, 24/7 customer support and flexible cancellation (checked October 18, 2026). It’s worth comparing with a taxi or rideshare if you land late, travel with kids, or just want the ride sorted before you fly.
Luggage storage
Radical Storage lists drop-off spots around Canal Street, the French Quarter and Union Passenger Terminal (city page checked Oct 18, 2026).
Attraction pass
Go City sells a New Orleans pass in two styles: pick three attractions from a list (30 days from activation to use them), or an All-Inclusive pass for 1, 2, 3 or 5 days. Its list includes the National WWII Museum, the Creole Queen paddlewheeler and swamp tours (Go City, checked Oct 18, 2026). A pass only pays off if you’d visit enough of the included sights anyway, so price your own list first.
Schedules, routes and coverage change; confirm on the official page before you travel.