Source: hawaii tribune
I plan travel. It’s just what I do. Mostly for fun, sometimes for friends and every now and again I do it for my 9-5. I’m good at it too, probably because I’m a details person. I seem to get everything down to a science and yet almost every time I forget one little thing: what to do once you get there.
I inevitably arrive at an airport, hotel address in hand, grab my baggage, look up at the signs and think, “Crap!! Taxi? Bus? How the heck am I supposed to get to my hotel??”
Nine times out of ten I hop in a taxi, handing over the address and a wad of cash only to find out later that I was way overcharged. There’s a simple solution here. You just have to Google “getting from MSY airport to the French Quarter” or some variation of that.
But lucky you, I’m going to save you a step and tell you all the answers I’ve discovered from two years of flying in and out of New Orleans.When you arrive at MSY, the easiest way to get into town is to take a taxi.
New Orleans is small geographically so it’s a fairly short ride without traffic. There is a set airport fare of $33 for one person or $14/person (for 3 or more people) to most places in the city. You can find cabs lined up outside on the lower level beyond baggage claim.
Your hotel, if you are staying in one, may have a free shuttle so ask them in advance.
Together Traveler tip: Have your destination address on hand so you can hop right into a cab and go.
Within the city you can usually take the streetcar or bus for $1.25/ride or $3/day. During Mardi Gras, people line the neutral ground where the streetcars run so service stops in most areas you would want to go. Instead, stick to walking as much as possible and you can catch taxis before or after parades. Taxi rates are higher during festivals. As I’ve mentioned in a previous post, once the floats are out, grabbing a taxi can become tricky business and if you don’t know the city, you could very well end up getting yourself into an hour long taxi ride through parade traffic.
When it’s time to return to the airport, call a cab company in advance to schedule pickup 2-3 hours before your flight (I’ll be honest, I book mine about 2 hours in advance but have cut it very close before).
Have any other questions? Let me know in the comments!
Planning your own trip to Mardi Gras? Be sure to read my guide for where to stay, the perfect Mardi Gras itinerary and my tips for what to pack. P.S. Here’s how to enjoy Mardi Gras without breaking the bank.
Heading to New Orleans on another weekend? Check out my New Orleans 3-day itinerary!