Quick Answer
For most travelers, the best overall way to get from Louis Armstrong New Orleans Airport (MSY) to Magazine Street is by taxi or rideshare (Uber/Lyft). Itâs a direct, 20-40 minute ride costing $36-$60. For budget travelers, the cheapest option is the public bus + streetcar for just $2, but it takes 60-90 minutes with transfers. Groups or those with heavy luggage should consider a pre-booked private shuttle or large rideshare.
Option 2: Airport Shuttle & Private Transfer â Balanced Comfort
Shared ride shuttles offer a cost-effective middle ground between public transit and private cars.
Shared Shuttle Services (e.g., Airport Shuttle New Orleans)
- Cost: Approximately $24-$33 per person one-way to downtown/Uptown hotels. Prices may be higher for specific Magazine Street addresses.
- How it Works: Book in advance online or at the counter in baggage claim. You share a van with other passengers heading to different hotels. Your drop-off order depends on the route.
- Travel Time: 30 to 60+ minutes. The duration depends on the number of stops before yours.
- Best For: Solo travelers or couples on a moderate budget who don't mind a longer ride.
Private Car/Van Service
Companies like ZuRide or Carey offer pre-booked private sedans or vans.
- Cost: $75-$150+ for a sedan; $100-$200+ for a van (for 3-10 passengers).
- Advantage: A driver meets you at baggage claim with a name sign. Direct, non-stop service. Ideal for groups, business travel, or special occasions.
Option 3: Public Bus & Streetcar â The Budget Adventure
This is the most economical but slowest option, requiring a transfer. Suitable for light travelers without time constraints.
Step-by-Step Guide: Bus to Streetcar
- Find the Bus Stop: Exit Terminal on Level 1. The public bus stop is located on the upper level (Departures), not at the Ground Transportation Center. Look for the âJefferson Transitâ sign.
- Board the E-2 Bus: Take the Jefferson Parish E-2 (Airport Express) bus toward âElmwood-Kennerâ.
- Fare: $2.00 exact cash. No change given. JET day passes available.
- Schedule: Runs approximately every 30-60 minutes. Check the latest schedule on the Jefferson Transit website.
- Transfer Point: Get off at the âLoyola + Tulaneâ stop near the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal.
- Transfer to Streetcar/Bus:
- Option A (Scenic): Walk to the St. Charles Streetcar line (catch at Canal St. & Carondelet). Take the Streetcar Line 12 Uptown. Get off at a stop near your Magazine Street cross street (e.g., Jackson, Washington, Napoleon). Fare: $1.25. NORTA Jazzy Pass recommended.
- Option B (Direct): From the same area, take the RTA Bus Line 11 (Magazine) which runs directly on Magazine Street. Fare: $1.25.
Total Cost: $3.25. Total Time: 1.5 to 2 hours. Not recommended with heavy luggage or late at night.
Option 4: Rental Car â For Maximum Flexibility
Renting a car at MSY is straightforward but comes with significant considerations for Magazine Street visitors.
The Drive & Navigation
The route is simple: Take I-10 East from the airport, then exit at Exit 234A (Carrollton Ave/Nashville Ave) or Exit 235 (Napoleon Ave) to reach Magazine Street. Drive time is 20-40 minutes.
The Major Caveat: Parking
Magazine Street parking is notoriously challenging.
- Street Parking: Mostly metered or with 1-2 hour limits. Vigilantly check signs for residential permit zones.
- Costs: Meters can be $2-$3/hour. Violation tickets are common.
- Hotel Parking: If staying on Magazine Street, confirm your lodging has parking. Most charge a daily fee of $25-$50.
Recommendation: Only rent a car if you plan extensive day trips outside New Orleans (e.g., plantations, bayou tours). For exploring the city, use rideshares, streetcars, and your own feet.
All major rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, etc.) are located at the Rental Car Center. A free, 24-hour shuttle runs between the terminal and the center every 5-10 minutes.
Cost & Time Comparison: All Transport Options
| Transport Method | Approx. Cost (One-Way) | Travel Time | Convenience / Key Notes | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi (Flat Rate) | $36 - $55 | 20-40 min | Door-to-door, fixed rate, immediate pickup. | Couples, small groups, first-time visitors. |
| Uber/Lyft (Standard) | $25 - $60 | 20-40 min | Door-to-door, app-based, price surges during peak. | Tech-savvy travelers, solo/couples. |
| Shared Airport Shuttle | $24 - $33 per person | 30-60+ min | Shared ride, multiple stops, must book in advance. | Solo/couples on a budget, not in a hurry. |
| Private Car Service | $75 - $200+ | 20-40 min | Luxury, direct, meet-and-greet service. | Business travelers, groups, special occasions. |
| Public Bus + Streetcar | $3.25 | 60-90+ min | Cheapest, requires transfer and walking, not for heavy luggage. | Ultra-budget backpackers, adventurous solo travelers. |
| Rental Car | $35 - $80/day + parking & gas | 20-40 min | Maximum freedom, but expensive and stressful city parking. | Travelers with plans outside the city limits. |
Note: All prices and times are estimates for 2024. Always confirm current rates before travel.
Traveler Tips & Local Advice for a Smooth Transfer
Magazine Street Specifics
- Know Your Segment: Magazine Street is a long commercial corridor. Specify the nearest major cross street (e.g., "Magazine & Washington") to your driver for accuracy.
- Luggage Handling: If youâre going straight to Magazine Street for shopping/dining before hotel check-in, some shops may hold your bags if you ask politely. Better yet, use a luggage storage service like Bounce.
General MSY & New Orleans Tips
- Wi-Fi is Key: MSY offers free Wi-Fi. Connect immediately to book rideshares or check transit schedules.
- Peak Times to Avoid: Weekday rush hours (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM) and Friday/Sunday evenings see heavy traffic on I-10. Factor in extra time.
- Festival & Event Impact: During Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, or major conventions, all transportation prices soar, and traffic is gridlocked. Book private transfers well in advance.
- Safety: When using public transit late at night, stay alert. It's generally safer to opt for a taxi or rideshare after dark.
FAQs: Getting from New Orleans Airport to Magazine Street
What is the fastest way to get from New Orleans Airport to Magazine Street?
Taxi or rideshare (Uber/Lyft) is the fastest, with a typical drive time of 20-40 minutes direct to your address.
What is the cheapest way to get from MSY to Magazine Street?
The cheapest is the Jefferson Parish E-2 Bus ($2) transferring to the RTA Streetcar ($1.25), for a total of $3.25. It takes 60-90 minutes.
How much is a taxi from New Orleans Airport to Magazine Street?
The flat rate for 1-2 passengers to the Uptown zone (includes Magazine St) is $36. A third passenger adds $15, plus potential luggage fees.
Is there a direct bus from the airport to Magazine Street?
No. You must take the E-2 bus and transfer to the St. Charles Streetcar or Magazine Street bus (#11) downtown.
How long does it take to get from MSY to Magazine Street?
20-40 minutes by car, 30-60+ minutes by shuttle, and 60-90+ minutes by public transit, depending on traffic and wait times.
What is the best option for a group of 4 or more?
Book an Uber XL/Lyft XL or a private van. Splitting the cost is often more economical and convenient than multiple taxis or shuttle seats.
Where do I pick up a taxi or rideshare at MSY?
Taxis queue at the Ground Transportation Center. Rideshares pick up at the designated zone in the parking garage (Level 1) â follow app instructions.
Can I rent a car at New Orleans Airport to drive to Magazine Street?
Yes, but be warned: parking on and around Magazine Street is difficult, metered, and often expensive. Only rent if you need to leave the city.