 To begin your vacation or business trip in New Orleans, fly into their convenient, easy-access airport: Louis Armstrong International Airport. The airport is only 15 miles from New Orleans, and 21 from the heart of the business district.With nearly twenty airlines serving the New Orleans airport, you will have no trouble finding a convenient flight from your hometown. Whether you are coming from New York (about a three and a half hour flight), Chicago (just over two hours), Denver (two and a half hours), or San Francisco (four hours), you will be seeing the sites of New Orleans in no time. Once you have gotten off the plane and grabbed your bags, getting into the city is a breeze. Hail a cab and get into the city for about $21 (about $28 if you are headed to the central business district). Pick-up is on the lower level, straight outside from the baggage claim area.  If you are looking to begin your New Orleans experience in a little more style, limousine service is available for a few dollars more (about $35 to the central business district), just look for the limousine information desks in the baggage claim area. You can also take advantage of one of the handy shuttle services. The airport shuttle will take you to the area’s hotels for $20 roundtrip per person. Advance reservations are required. Many hotels in the area offer shuttle service, so be sure to check with the staff at your hotel when you make your reservations.Jefferson Transit, New Orleans’ public transportation system, is also an option. For about $1.50, you can get a ride just about anywhere in the area. Pick-up for the bus is outside of entrance 7 on the upper level. The bus runs every 15-20 minutes on weekdays, and every 30 minutes on weekends. If you happen to be staying on Lake Pontchartrain, transportation is available 24 hours a day, by reservation only, through St. Tammany Tours. If your preference is to rent your own vehicle for your trip, you will find numerous rental companies right at the airport. All major providers are conveniently on site, including Alamo, Avis, Dollar, Hertz, National and Value. Whatever route you chose, getting into New Orleans is easily accomplished. |