Best Time to Visit

New Orleans is a happening city, which means there is something going on regardless of the time of year. That being said, the months from February through May are when the city is at its busiest, and many arrive for Mardi Gras as early as January. Temperatures rise throughout the summer (June through September), while October through January are moderate in temperature and less crowded than spring.

Passport / Visa

Citizens of the Schengen countries, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the Kingdom of Brunei can visit the United States for up to 90 days without applying for a visa (as well as citizens of Andorra, Lichtenstein, Monaco and San Marino). Citizens of these countries must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before traveling. All other travelers must obtain a visa before visiting the United States. International travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the country.

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)

The airport is 19km west of the New Orleans central business district. The New Orleans metropolitan area is serviced by LANO International Airport (airport code MSY). It serves the following airlines: Frontier Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, US Airways, AirTran, JetBlue, Spirit Airlines, Vacation Express, and Air Canada. There is nonstop service to 39 destinations, with approximately 136 daily departures. Ground transportation is available via the Jefferson Transit bus service between downtown New Orleans and the airport (The Airport-Downtown Express - E-2 Bus). The bus journey is approximately fifty minutes and runs seven days a week. You will find the E2 Airport bus stop on the upper level of the airport. There is also the Airport Express bus 202 that runs from the airport to Elk Place at Cleveland and the Union Passenger Terminal Bus Bay 2. Another option is to use shuttle service from the airport to your hotel or various other locations in New Orleans. Tickets can be bought at the Airport Shuttle ticket booths placed on the first level throughout the Baggage Claim area at the airport. The taxi booths are situated on the first level of the Terminal, outside the Baggage Claim Belts 1 and 14. If you want to rent a car, there is a rental car facility (CONRAC) situated only a short walk away from the main terminal.

• Web:

  flymsy.com

• E-mail:

  customer.service@flymsy.com

• Address:

  1 Terminal Drive, Kenner, LA

• Phone:

  +1 504 303 7500

New Orleans Lakefront Airport (NEW)

Lakefront Airport is located 7km from the central business district. It is a general aviation airport with charter and private flights to Destin, Gulf Shores, Memphis, Oxford, Mississippi and Panama City Beach. Cabs may be hired outside the baggage claim area. There is a public transit bus stop not too far outside the airport.

• Web:

  www.lakefrontairport.com

• E-mail:

  bmorris@orleanslevee.com

• Address:

  6001 Stars & Stripes Boulevard, New Orleans

• Phone:

  +1 504 243 4010

Public Transport

Bus: NORTA (New Orleans Regional Transit Authority) operates 40 bus routes throughout New Orleans. The new, bio-diesel buses have great windows for a scenic ride. Learn more about routes and maps at the website below. The Regional Transit Authority Bus Lines (RTA) offers different ticket types such as: One-Way Fares, 1-day, 3-day and 31-day Jazzy Passes. Theses tickets can also be used on the Streetcar. You can buy one-way tickets and one-day pass directly from the bus driver with cash (use exact change). You can also buy your tickets with GoMobile App, just download the app and buy the right pass on your smartphone and ride instantly. The third option is to get your pass online with MyRTA and have them delivered to your doorstep. There also numbers of stores across the city that sells 1-day, 3- day and 31-day Jazzy passes. The last option where to buy tickets are from the Ticket Vending Machines (TVM). There are four TVMs along the Canal Streetcar Line. Streetcar: Streetcars are the marquee method of transportation in New Orleans. There are four lines in operation - St. Charles, Canal Street, the Riverfront and the newest line, the N. Rampart line - each originating downtown. Streetcar fares (one-way tickets and one-day pass) may be paid with exact change upon boarding. There is also 3-day and 31-day Jazzy Passes which can be bought on the GoMobile App, online with MyRTA, from numbers of stores across the city and from Ticket Vending Machines. Alternatively, bike rentals are available throughout the city.

• Web:

  www.norta.com/routes

• E-mail:

  comments@norta.com

• Address:

  2817 Canal Street, New Orleans

• Phone:

  +1 504 248 3900

Taxi

The following are a selection of the taxi companies serving the New Orleans area: Alliance: +1 504 872 0221 American Taxi: +1 504 299 0386 Checker Cab: +1 504 207 7777 New Orleans Carriage Cab: +1 504 207 7777 United Cabs, Inc.: +1 504 522 9771 White Fleet: +1 504 822 3800