How far is MSY from the French Quarter and downtown?

About 11 miles, or 25–35 min by taxi.

Which airlines fly from MSY?

Airlines at MSY include Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, JetBlue, Frontier Airlines, Allegiant Air, Sun Country Airlines, Breeze Airways, Avelo Airlines, Air Canada and British Airways. It's not a complete list: smaller and seasonal airlines come and go, so check the airport's flight board for your route.

Can I leave MSY on a layover?

Yes, if you have at least 3 h 30 min: that covers getting out of the airport, the round trip to the French Quarter and downtown, an hour there and getting back through security.

How long do I need to connect at MSY?

We recommend at least 45 min for a domestic connection in the same terminal, and more for a terminal change or after an international arrival. Our MSY connection guide breaks it down step by step.

Where is the cheapest parking at MSY?

Economy lot with shuttles, the cheapest. Rates change with demand, so check and book ahead on the airport's site.

Where do international flights arrive at MSY?

Arriving from abroad, you clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), collect your checked bags, drop them at the recheck belt and go through TSA security again before your connection. International flights use Concourse A.

How do I find cheap flights from New Orleans?

Add MSY as a home airport on Good Flight Deals and we'll email you when fares from New Orleans drop well below normal. You book directly with the airline.

New Orleans · airport guide

New Orleans Airport guide

Q: How much is a taxi from MSY to the French Quarter and downtown?

Taxi fares: $36 flat fare for one or two people to the French Quarter or downtown, about $15 each for three or more. The ride takes 25–35 min depending on traffic.

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport has one terminal (opened in 2019) with Concourses A, B and C. The quickest way from MSY to the French Quarter and downtown is the Airport Express bus (Route 202) (about 40 minutes, about $1.50).

Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction

Transit to the French Quarter and downtown

40 min

Airport Express bus (Route 202), about $1.50

Taxi

25–35 min

$36 flat fare for one or two people to the French Quarter or downtown, about $15 each for three or more

Connecting here

45 min

Domestic to domestic, same terminal

Leave on a layover

3 h 30 min+

Layover you need to visit the city

Quick answer

The quickest way from MSY to the French Quarter and downtown is the Airport Express bus (Route 202) (about 40 minutes, about $1.50). Connecting here, allow at least 45 min for a domestic connection in the same terminal. Airlines here include Southwest, American, Delta, United and Alaska.

Terminals: One terminal (opened in 2019) with Concourses A, B and C
Taxi: 25–35 min, $36 flat fare for one or two people to the French Quarter or downtown, about $15 each for three or more
Distance: About 11 miles to the French Quarter and downtown
Connecting: At least 45 min for a domestic connection in the same terminal

Getting from MSY to the French Quarter and downtown

Fares are one way and approximate; check the operator before you travel.

Airport Express bus (Route 202)to downtown New Orleansabout 40 minabout $1.50
Taxi or rideshare25–35 min$36 flat fare for one or two people to the French Quarter or downtown, about $15 each for three or more

Inside MSY

Terminals and connections

The terminal opened in 2019 with one central security checkpoint; Concourses A, B and C are all linked inside security.

How long a layover you need at MSY

Parking at MSY

•Economy lot with shuttles, the cheapest
•Long-term and short-term garages next to the terminal

Rates change with demand and booking ahead is usually cheaper: check MSY's official site.

Can you leave MSY on a layover?

With at least 3 h 30 min between flights, yes. Here's where the time goes.

Off the plane and out of the airport20 min
To the French Quarter and downtown and back, the fastest way50 min
Time in town worth the trip1 h
Back through security to your gate1 h
Layover you need3 h 30 min

Keep your bags checked through and carry your boarding pass for the next flight. On a long layover, a hotel day room or lounge can be a better use of the time than a rushed trip into town.

Airlines at MSY

Major airlines that fly from MSY (not a complete list). Check the bag rules before you pack.

Southwest Airlines Carry-on 24 × 16 × 10 in Bag fees
American Airlines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
Delta Air Lines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
United Airlines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
Alaska Airlines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
JetBlue Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
Frontier Airlines Carry-on 24 × 16 × 10 in Bag fees
Allegiant Air Carry-on 22 × 16 × 10 in Bag fees
Sun Country Airlines Carry-on 24 × 16 × 11 in Bag fees
Breeze Airways Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
Avelo Airlines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
Air Canada Carry-on 55 × 40 × 23 cm Bag fees
British Airways Carry-on 56 × 45 × 25 cm Bag fees

MSY airport FAQ

The quickest option is the Airport Express bus (Route 202) to downtown New Orleans: about 40 minutes for about $1.50. A taxi takes 25–35 min ($36 flat fare for one or two people to the French Quarter or downtown, about $15 each for three or more).

Cheap flights from New Orleans (MSY)The latest fare drops we've found from MSY.

Sources

Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Fares, lounges, airlines and parking change; check with the operator or airport before you travel.

Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.

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