Getting to New Orleans — New Orleans: Flights, Airports & Transfers

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport: For a solo traveler arriving at a sensible hour, take RTA Route 202 Airport Express from Level 1 outside baggage claim (Door 2, Zones B4/B5) to the CBD: about 30 minutes and roughly $1.25. It is the sensible cheap transfer, not an airport shuttle. For the French Quarter/CBD late at night, with heavy luggage, or for two or more people, use the airport’s flat-fare taxi: about $36 for one or two passengers to those areas, often better value and much easier.

Lakefront Airport: This is a general-aviation airport, not a practical scheduled-airline arrival point. Arrange a car service, taxi or rental car in advance; its Art Deco terminal is worth seeing, but there is no visitor-friendly rail-style airport transfer.

New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal: Amtrak’s City of New Orleans, Crescent, Sunset Limited and Mardi Gras Service use the station at the southeastern edge of the CBD. Downtown hotels are a short walk or brief rideshare away; for the Quarter, take a short cab/rideshare or the Route 47 streetcar from outside the terminal rather than hauling bags through the heat. Local bus/streetcar fare is roughly $1.25, with transfers included within two hours.