Getting to the New Orleans cruise port from the airport
The airport (MSY) is about 16 miles from the terminals, 25 to 40 minutes by car. Taxis charge a city-set flat rate of $36 for one or two people, or $15 each for three or more. Carnival's transfer is $27.99 per person.
The cheapest way is the RTA 202 Airport Express bus for $1.25, which stops on Poydras Street and Convention Center Boulevard, a short walk from the terminals.
Fares and schedules checked . How we check
From New Orleans airport (MSY)
16 miles, 25 to 40 minutes by car
| Option | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|
| TaxiNew Orleans taxis, city flat rate | $36 for 1 or 2 people, or $15 per person for 3 or more, to the CBD and riverfront, where the terminals are. | Taxi zone outside baggage claim, Door 7. No booking needed. |
| Uber or LyftRideshare apps | No published fare; the city sets a $33 minimum for airport trips. Often cheaper than a taxi for groups of 4. | Pickup on the middle curb outside baggage claim: Lyft at Doors 7 to 9, Uber at Doors 9 to 11. |
| Cruise line transferCarnival Cruise Line | $27.99 per person each way. A French Quarter walking tour package with the transfer to the airport after your cruise is $49.99. | Book up to 2 days before sailing. Flights home must leave at 11:30 a.m. or later. |
| Cruise line transferRoyal Caribbean and Norwegian | Sold by each line; prices aren't published. | Book in Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner or MyNCL. |
| BusRTA 202 Airport Express | $1.25, exact change or the Le Pass app. | From Door 2 on the baggage claim level, about every 50 minutes, 4:50 a.m. to 10:10 p.m. Get off on Poydras Street or Convention Center Boulevard and walk to the terminals. |
From Union Passenger Terminal (Amtrak and Greyhound)
1.4 miles, 10 to 15 minutes by car
| Option | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|
| TaxiNew Orleans taxis | The city sets the fare to cruise ships: $14 for one person or $8 per person, luggage included, or the meter if higher. | Taxi stand outside the station. |
| BusRTA 202 | $1.25. | From Bus Bay 2 toward the Canal Street ferry; get off on Poydras Street or Convention Center Boulevard and walk about half a mile. |
From Gulfport-Biloxi (GPT)
78 miles, about 1.5 to 2 hours by car
| Option | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|
| TrainAmtrak Mardi Gras Service | Fares vary; as low as $15 at launch. | The 7:58 a.m. train from Gulfport reaches New Orleans at 10:13 a.m., the only one in time to board the same day. Then a short taxi. |
From Baton Rouge (BTR)
89 miles, about 1.5 to 2 hours by car
| Option | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|
| BusGreyhound | From $16.48, about 1 hour 20 minutes, 11 trips a day. None leave from the airport itself. | Book online; take a taxi from the Baton Rouge stop and again from the New Orleans station. |
| Uber or LyftRideshare apps | Uber's average from Baton Rouge airport to Kenner is about $132. | In the app. |
Want a private car or shared van booked ahead? Compare airport-to-port transfers in New Orleans from several companies on Viator.
Booking.com Taxis also books a private car from the airport to the terminal at a price fixed when you book. The driver tracks your flight and waits if it's late, and you can cancel free up to 24 hours before pickup.
Good to know
- Airport Shuttle New Orleans, still quoted by many guides at $24 to $30, now only carries groups of 10 or more.
- Port garages open at 9 a.m., and Julia Street drivers park at 100 Poydras Street and take the shuttle.
- A luggage operator at the terminals holds bags for a fee; call (504) 471-0080 for rates.
- Ships dock early, but disembarkation takes a couple of hours. Carnival won't book its transfer for a flight before 11:30 a.m.
Common questions
How much is a taxi from the New Orleans airport to the cruise port?
A flat $36 for one or two passengers, or $15 per person for three or more, set by the city.
Is there a bus from the New Orleans airport to the cruise terminals?
Yes: the RTA 202 Airport Express, $1.25, about every 50 minutes from 4:50 a.m. to 10:10 p.m. Get off on Poydras Street or Convention Center Boulevard.
Is there a shuttle from the New Orleans airport to the cruise port?
Carnival sells one for $27.99 per person; Royal Caribbean and Norwegian sell their own. Airport Shuttle New Orleans now only takes groups of 10 or more.