Cost of taxi from new orleans airport to french quarter

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - A taxi ride from the airport downtown will cost a flat rate of $36, but it could be more if you choose to take a rideshare, like Uber or Lyft. Some travelers report spending close to $90 for a rideshare or waiting over an hour for a taxi.

Others tell FOX 8 it takes almost an hour or more to rent a car because of its location near the old terminal.

A spokesperson for MSY said the typical minimal wait times are between five and seven minutes for a taxi and there are adequate rideshare service providers at the airport.

“However, there have been a few instances where taxi wait times were longer than normal,” said Erin Burns, Director of Communications for the New Orleans Aviation Board. “This can be due to a variety of factors including an issue that has occurred in the past when a higher than normal demand very late in the night when there are fewer taxis in the holding lot led to longer lines. Also, when rideshare services surge their prices it creates an added demand on taxis, thus leading to longer wait times.”

Alex Bielecki is a driver for both Uber and Lyft. He said some days are busier than others at the airport.

“There’s times I’ve sat for an hour and a half waiting. It varies by day and the time you’re up here,” he said.

When the airport is busy, he said he’ll make at least five trips from the airport bringing visitors to downtown New Orleans.

“I know if there’s an influx of people needing rides, they’ll do a surge price to pull drivers as an incentive,” said Bielecki.

The surge is a way for rideshare drivers to make a little extra money when demand is high. But for taxi drivers, the fare stays the same no matter how busy the airport gets at a flat rate of $36.

According to Burns, the airport does not have the authority to directly control the number of taxis providing rides at a given time. That’s up to the individual drivers and taxi companies. Additionally, there is no limit to the number of decals the Airport issues to taxi drivers.

READ MORE Shortage of taxis leaves long lines of frustrated residents, tourists at Louis Armstrong International

“The Airport does not have any control of or insight into rideshare operators’ decision to surge pricing,” she said.

“The taxi and rideshare industries appear to be, like many other industries across the country, experiencing a shortage of workers as we begin to emerge from the height of COVID-19. There are currently 410 taxi drivers with decals allowing them to operate at the airport compared to the 877 decaled taxis in 2019 before COVID-19.”

Cab driver John Williams has been driving cabs for over 40 years. He doesn’t think it’s fair for rideshare drivers to have the opportunity to make more money.

“Because we go to the same place and I have the same traffic that you have so why should there be a difference?” said Williams.

He’d like to see the flat rate applied to all ground transportation going from the airport to downtown. But it’s not that easy.

“So right now the rates for taxis are defined by city ordinance,” said Cheryn Robles, acting chief of staff for the City of New Orleans’ Department of Public Works.

The Ground Transportation Bureau is a division of the DPW and is “responsible for the permitting and enforcement of vehicles and drivers operating for-hire within the city.”

She said the fixed rate works well for the consumers when taxis are available. But she acknowledged that changes need to be made or adjusted to the times.

“We are working with the taxi industry to make updates to city code so that if we do need to update the rates, we can do that. We’re also trying to figure out how we can use an e-hail app which is a similar user experience if you use a phone to call a rideshare like Uber or Lyft. We’re still working the details on that,” said Robles.

The app is something that could benefit the consumer—to shop options when it comes to transportation. But as far as making rates equitable between the taxi and the rideshare, that’s out of the city’s hands.

In the end, it comes down to time vs. money. How much is your time worth and are you willing to spend it?

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How to get from New Orleans Airport (MSY) to W New Orleans - French Quarter

Find Transport to W New Orleans - French Quarter

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There are 5 ways to get from New Orleans Airport (MSY) to W New Orleans - French Quarter by bus, taxi, car, shuttle or towncar

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner.

Bus

  1. Take the bus from Kenner Terminal Parking Garage to Tulane @ Loyola

Taxi

  1. Take a taxi from New Orleans Airport (MSY) to W New Orleans - French Quarter

Drive

  1. Drive from New Orleans Airport (MSY) to W New Orleans - French Quarter

Shuttle

  1. Take a shuttle bus from New Orleans Airport to W New Orleans - French Quarter

Towncar

  1. Take a town car from New Orleans Airport to W New Orleans - French Quarter

Travel safe during COVID-19

Rules to follow in United States

Travel within United States

Observe COVID-19 safety rules

Frequently Asked Questions


Am I allowed to travel from New Orleans Airport (MSY) to W New Orleans - French Quarter?

Yes, travel within United States is currently allowed.

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What are the travel restrictions in W New Orleans - French Quarter?

Domestic travel is not restricted, but some conditions may apply

  • Face masks are recommended
  • There is a social distancing requirement of 2 metres
  • Observe COVID-19 safety rules

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What is the national COVID-19 helpline number in W New Orleans - French Quarter?

The national COVID-19 helpline number in W New Orleans - French Quarter is 800-232-4636.

Do I have to wear a face mask on public transport in W New Orleans - French Quarter?

Wearing a face mask on public transport in W New Orleans - French Quarter is recommended.

What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms when I arrive in W New Orleans - French Quarter?

Make yourself known to an official member of staff and/or call the national coronavirus helpline number on 800-232-4636.

Last updated: 8 Nov 2022
Exceptions may apply, for full details: Centers for Disease control and prevention (CDC).

We're working around the clock to bring you the latest COVID-19 travel updates.
This information is compiled from official sources. To the best of our knowledge, it is correct as of the last update.
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Questions & Answers

What is the cheapest way to get from New Orleans Airport (MSY) to W New Orleans - French Quarter?

The cheapest way to get from New Orleans Airport (MSY) to W New Orleans - French Quarter is to bus which costs $1 - $3 and takes 57 min.

More details

How do I get from New Orleans Airport (MSY) to W New Orleans - French Quarter the fastest?

The fastest way to get from New Orleans Airport (MSY) to W New Orleans - French Quarter is to taxi. Taking this option will cost $30 - $40 and takes 19 min.

More details

Is there a direct bus between New Orleans Airport (MSY) and W New Orleans - French Quarter?

Yes, there is a direct bus departing from Kenner Terminal Parking Garage and arriving at Tulane @ Loyola. Services depart hourly, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 44 min.

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How far is it from New Orleans Airport (MSY) to W New Orleans - French Quarter?

The distance between New Orleans Airport (MSY) and W New Orleans - French Quarter is 12 miles. The road distance is 13 miles.

Get driving directions

How do I travel from New Orleans Airport (MSY) to W New Orleans - French Quarter without a car?

The best way to get from New Orleans Airport (MSY) to W New Orleans - French Quarter without a car is to bus which takes 57 min and costs $1 - $3.

More details

How long does it take to get from New Orleans Airport (MSY) to W New Orleans - French Quarter?

The bus from Kenner Terminal Parking Garage to Tulane @ Loyola takes 44 min including transfers and departs hourly.

More details

Where do I catch the New Orleans Airport (MSY) to W New Orleans - French Quarter bus from?

New Orleans Airport (MSY) to W New Orleans - French Quarter bus services, operated by JP Transit, depart from Kenner Terminal Parking Garage station.

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Where does the New Orleans Airport (MSY) to W New Orleans - French Quarter bus arrive?

New Orleans Airport (MSY) to W New Orleans - French Quarter bus services, operated by JP Transit, arrive at Tulane @ Loyola station.

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Can I drive from New Orleans Airport (MSY) to W New Orleans - French Quarter?

Yes, the driving distance between New Orleans Airport (MSY) to W New Orleans - French Quarter is 13 miles. It takes approximately 19 min to drive from New Orleans Airport (MSY) to W New Orleans - French Quarter.

Get driving directions

Where can I stay near W New Orleans - French Quarter?

There are 376+ hotels available in W New Orleans - French Quarter. Prices start at $100 USD per night.

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What companies run services between New Orleans Airport (MSY), USA and W New Orleans - French Quarter, LA, USA?

JP Transit operates a bus from Kenner Terminal Parking Garage to Tulane @ Loyola hourly. Tickets cost $1 - $3 and the journey takes 44 min.

Cost of taxi from new orleans airport to french quarter

JP Transit

Cost of taxi from new orleans airport to french quarter

Shuttles by Jayride

Jayride is an online booking service for pick up or drop off at airports, using a pre-pay, fixed-price model. You’ll be provided with a choice of transfer companies, from luxury limos to maxi taxis, private cars to shuttle buses, depending on your journey, along with passenger reviews and star ratings. On booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email with the contact details of your transfer company and meeting instructions for your trip.

Ave. Duration 19 minFrequencyOn demand

Cost of taxi from new orleans airport to french quarter

Jayride Private Transfers

Jayride is an online booking service for pick up or drop off at airports, using a pre-pay, fixed-price model. You’ll be provided with a choice of transfer companies, from luxury limos to maxi taxis, private cars to shuttle buses, depending on your journey, along with passenger reviews and star ratings. On booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email with the contact details of your transfer company and meeting instructions for your trip.

Websitejayride.comAve. Duration19 minFrequencyOn demandEstimated price$110 - $160Private$110 - $160

Taxi from New Orleans Airport (MSY) to W New Orleans - French Quarter

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Trips from New Orleans Airport (MSY)

Trips to W New Orleans - French Quarter

How much is uber from airport to French Quarter?

Depending on which type of vehicle you choose, you might be able to save some money using these rideshare services. But, you can expect to pay at least $30-$35 for fare between the airport and the French Quarter.

Are taxis expensive in New Orleans?

Cabs in New Orleans are pretty affordable and rates are regulated by the Ground Transportation Bureau. It is customary to tip drivers around 10% and if you are extremely satisfied with the service, even more.

How long is taxi ride from New Orleans airport to French Quarter?

The fastest way to get from New Orleans Airport (MSY) to W New Orleans - French Quarter is to taxi. Taking this option will cost $30 - $40 and takes 19 min. Is there a direct bus between New Orleans Airport (MSY) and W New Orleans - French Quarter?

How much is a taxi from New Orleans airport?

Rates from the airport are $33.00 for 1 or 2 passengers and $14.00 per passenger for 3 people and up. A taxi ride within the city will cost you $3.50 plus $2.00 per mile or .