Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport to Port of New Orleans
Getting from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport to Port of New Orleans — 25-35 min, 15 miles
Transfer Options
Hotel Shuttle Services
Several nearby hotels offer park-and-cruise packages with port shuttles. The Mercantile Hotel, Wyndham French Quarter, and Hilton Garden Inn Convention Center all offer packages that include parking during your cruise and a ride to the terminal.
The Mercantile Hotel's Stay, Park & Cruise package includes one night in a suite, parking for up to 8 days, complimentary breakfast and late checkout subject to availability, and is sold only through the hotel's own site. Its package page mentions no shuttle, so plan on a rideshare or a walk with bags, and price the whole thing against the port's flat $180 for a seven-day sailing plus the room.
Uber/Lyft from Anywhere
Rideshare is widely available throughout New Orleans. Both terminals have designated drop-off areas accessible from Port of New Orleans Place.
Saturday embarkation days can see surge pricing late in the morning. Check prices early for cheaper rates. The port area drop-off is straightforward, and drivers know where to go.
Taxi
Traditional taxis are readily available in the French Quarter and at the airport. New Orleans taxis use meters downtown and flat rates from the airport.
The airport flat rate is a solid deal — no surprises regardless of traffic on I-10. From the Quarter, it's short enough that the meter won't run up much. United Cabs and NOLA Cab are reliable local companies.
From Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
MSY is about 15 miles west of the port, roughly a 25-35 min drive depending on traffic. The airport completed a brand-new terminal in 2019 and is well-connected to the city via I-10.
The flat-rate taxi is often the best deal for couples, since the price holds regardless of traffic. For groups of 3+, an Uber XL usually works out better. Airport shuttles stop at multiple hotels en route, so they take longer but are reliable.
Driving & Port Parking
From I-10, take Exit 234A (US 90 W) at Tchoupitoulas St. Follow the ramp, turn right onto Tchoupitoulas, left onto Henderson St, and left onto Port of New Orleans Place. Cross the railroad tracks to reach the terminals. Do not try to enter from Julia St or Poydras St.
Erato has 1,000+ covered spots in a garage on top of the terminal, reached by a circular ramp — no shuttle involved. Julia Street passengers park at 100 Poydras and take a free shuttle. Neither terminal requires advance reservations, but space is limited and the port recommends them, so arrive early on busy sail days. Both garages take credit or debit cards only — no cash — and both cap vehicle length at 22 feet, with 6ft 6in of clearance at 100 Poydras against 8ft 4in on Erato's third floor. Note that prepaid parking is non-refundable.
Streetcar from Downtown Hotels
If you're staying in the French Quarter or along Canal Street, the St. Charles or Canal streetcar lines can get you close to the port area. The Riverfront streetcar runs along the river near the Convention Center, dropping you within a 10-minute walk of the terminals.
This works great if you're traveling light. With heavy luggage and kids, take an Uber instead. The streetcar is and fun, but it's not fast.
Cost Comparison
| Option | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Shuttle Services | CostQuoted at booking; the properties do not publish package prices. | Best ForCruisers who want to bundle a pre-cruise night with parking and transport |
| Uber/Lyft from Anywhere | CostFrench Quarter: $8-15. Airport: $25-40. Garden District: $10-18. Metairie: $18-30. | Best ForFlexibility and door-to-door service |
| Taxi | CostAirport to port: $36 flat rate (1-2 passengers). French Quarter to port: $10-15 metered. Add $15/extra passenger after 2. | Best ForCruisers who prefer predictable pricing over surge-based rideshare |
| From Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) | CostUber/Lyft: $25-40 depending on traffic and surge. Taxi: $36 flat rate for up to 2 passengers, $15 per additional person. Airport shuttle: $24/person one-way. | Best ForMost cruisers flying in |
| Driving & Port Parking | CostThe port prices by sailing length, not by the day: $180 for a 7-day cruise at either the Erato Street garage or the 100 Poydras garage. Reserving adds $1 per day. | Best ForCruisers driving from Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, or elsewhere in Louisiana |
| Streetcar from Downtown Hotels | Cost$1.25 per ride, exact change or Jazzy Pass ($3/day unlimited) | Best ForBudget-minded travelers staying downtown who don't have heavy luggage |
Local Tip
MSY's rideshare and taxi pickup is curbside outside baggage claim in the terminal that opened in 2019 — it's well signed. Airport shuttles run scheduled departures with multiple hotel stops, not on demand, so confirm your pickup time and the last morning run when you book. International arrivals should budget 60-90 minutes for immigration and customs before that 15-mile ride even starts. If you are flying in from outside the US, sort your entry authorization before you book: most visa-waiver travelers need an approved ESTA, it is not issued at the airport, and without one the airline will not board you. Apply through the official CBP site at esta.cbp.dhs.gov — never a paid intermediary.
Once you arrive, find your terminal:
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