Quick answer
Cheapest: the RTA 202 Airport Express bus for $1.25 from outside Door 2. Simplest: a taxi at a flat $36 to the CBD or French Quarter for one or two riders, from outside Door 7. Rideshare cars meet you on the middle curb outside Baggage Claim. By road, plan on about 25 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.
Compare the options
MSY to downtown New Orleans, fares as published by the airport
| Option | Cost | Pickup at MSY | Drops you |
|---|---|---|---|
| RTA 202 Airport Express | $1.25 | Level 1, outside Door 2, Zones B4 and B5 | Elk Place at Cleveland, or Union Passenger Terminal (Bus Bay 2) |
| JeT E1 Veterans-Airport | $1.50 in Jefferson Parish, $2.00 into New Orleans | Level 1, outside Door 2, Zones B4 and B5 | City Park Avenue in New Orleans |
| Taxi | $36 for 1 or 2 riders, $15 each for 3 or more | Taxi zone, Level 1 outside Door 7 | Your door in the CBD or French Quarter |
| Uber or Lyft | Set by the app at booking | Middle curb outside Level 1, Baggage Claim | Your door |
Bus: RTA 202 Airport Express and JeT E1
Cheapest, slowest
- Fare
- 202: $1.25. E1: $1.50 within Jefferson Parish, $2.00 into New Orleans
- Stop at MSY
- Level 1, Baggage Claim, outside Door 2, Zones B4 and B5
- Pay with
- JeT fare boxes take $1, $5, $10 and $20 bills and coins. Check RTA payment options before you ride.
The 202 runs to downtown New Orleans, stopping at Elk Place at Cleveland and at the Union Passenger Terminal bus bay, both a walk or a short streetcar ride from the French Quarter. Only the Regional Ride day pass works on both JeT and RTA buses. Source: airport transit page.
Taxi
Flat fare to downtown
- Fare to CBD or French Quarter
- $36 for up to two passengers, then $15 per passenger for three or more
- Covers
- The Central Business District and the French Quarter west of Elysian Fields Avenue
- Pickup
- Taxi loading zone on the arrivals curb, Level 1 outside Door 7
- Payment
- Taxis must accept credit cards
The flat fare covers only those areas. For anywhere else, such as the Marigny, Bywater or Uptown, ask the driver for an estimate first and check before you travel. Source: airport taxi page.
Shared shuttles and private cars
Book ahead
Shared-ride vans and private car services also serve the airport from Level 1. Operators and fares change, so book with the company directly and check before you travel. The airport's ground transportation page lists the current options.
Book an airport transfer
Transfer booking is not connected here. The taxi flat fare above is the simplest fixed price into town.
Driving yourself
From the terminal, Interstate 10 east runs straight into downtown New Orleans. Parking in the French Quarter is scarce and many hotels charge for it, so a car often costs more than it saves for a city stay. Rental cars are at the Rental Car Center, a shuttle ride from the terminal.
Questions travelers ask
How much is a taxi from MSY to the French Quarter?
The airport lists a flat $36 for one or two passengers to the CBD or French Quarter (west of Elysian Fields), and $15 per passenger for three or more.
Is there a bus from MSY to downtown New Orleans?
Yes. The RTA 202 Airport Express costs $1.25 and leaves from Level 1 outside Door 2, Zones B4 and B5. It stops at Elk Place at Cleveland and the Union Passenger Terminal.
Where do Uber and Lyft pick up at MSY?
On the middle curb outside Level 1, Baggage Claim. Lyft riders exit Doors 7 to 9 and UberX riders Doors 9 to 11, then join the queue.
How long does it take to get from MSY to the French Quarter?
By taxi or rideshare, about 25 to 45 minutes depending on traffic. The bus takes longer; check the RTA timetable.
Sources
Last checked October 12, 2026. Spotted something out of date? Details at the airport change often; the airport's website and your airline have the final word.