Last updated: October 28, 2026 · By Ronen, Stay Near The Venue
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is in Kenner, about 16 miles west of the cruise terminals on the Mississippi River. The ride is simple, and the airport even sets a flat taxi rate into the city. Below we compare taxis, Uber and Lyft, cruise line transfers and the $1.25 Airport Express bus, with prices checked against official sources as of October 2026. If you’re arriving the night before, start with our main guide to hotels near the New Orleans cruise port.
Quick answer: The cruise terminals are about 16 miles from MSY, so plan on about 30 minutes each way. MSY’s flat taxi rate to the Central Business District is $36 for one or two passengers, or $15 per person for three or more. Carnival’s transfer starts at $27.99 per person. The cheapest option is RTA’s 202 Airport Express bus for $1.25.
Top hotel picks at a glance
| Hotel | Location & highlights | |
|---|---|---|
| Hilton New Orleans Riverside | 2 Poydras St, about 0.3 to 0.6 mile from the terminals. The closest big… | Check price |
| New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District | 859 Convention Center Blvd, about half a mile away. A comfortable full-service pick for… | Check price |
| Hyatt Place New Orleans Convention Center | on Convention Center Boulevard, about half a mile from the terminals. A practical mid-range… | Check price |
| Hampton Inn & Suites New Orleans Convention Center | 1201 Convention Center Blvd, about 0.7 mile away. Good for budget travelers who want… | Check price |
| Hilton Garden Inn New Orleans Convention Center | 1001 S Peters St, about 0.8 mile from the port in the Warehouse District.… | Check price |
| The Roosevelt New Orleans | in the CBD near Canal Street, about 1.5 miles from the terminals. A grand… | Check price |
Prices change daily – tap “Check price” for live rates on your dates.
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Compare live prices: See hotels near the New Orleans cruise port.
Hotel map: live prices near Erato Street Cruise Terminal
MSY to the cruise port: options at a glance
- Taxi: MSY sets a flat rate to the CBD and the French Quarter of $36 total for up to two passengers, or $15 per passenger for three or more. Taxis must accept credit cards.
- Uber or Lyft: Pickups are on the middle curb outside Level 1 Baggage Claim. Fares change with demand, so check the app. For two people, compare the quote with the $36 taxi rate.
- Cruise line transfer: Carnival’s MSY-to-pier transfer starts at $27.99 per person, one way, on sailing day. Other lines may sell their own, so check your booking.
- 202 Airport Express bus: RTA’s bus costs $1.25 and runs to downtown. Since January 2026 it also stops along Poydras Street as far as Convention Center Boulevard, a short walk from the terminals.
- Rental car: Handy if you’re driving on, but port parking runs $120 for four days and $180 for seven.
Which terminal are you sailing from?
Per Port NOLA, Carnival sails from the Erato Street Cruise Terminal at 1100 Port of New Orleans Place. Norwegian and Royal Caribbean use the Julia Street Cruise Terminal at 920 Port of New Orleans Place. New Orleans & Company says Disney sailings also use Erato Street. Both terminals sit side by side on the riverfront, next to the Warehouse District and the convention center.
Best areas to stay before your cruise
| Area | Distance / walk time | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Riverfront at Poydras Street | About 0.3–0.6 mile, a short walk | Walking to the ship |
| Warehouse District & Convention Center | About 0.5–0.8 mile | Value, galleries and restaurants |
| Central Business District | About 1–1.5 miles, short taxi ride | Classic hotels near Canal Street |
| French Quarter | About 1.5 miles, short taxi ride | Making a city break of it |
Walking distance to the terminals
- Hilton New Orleans Riverside – 2 Poydras St, about 0.3 to 0.6 mile from the terminals. The closest big hotel, and the 202 bus stops nearby on Poydras. Good for families and anyone who wants the shortest walk.
- New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District – 859 Convention Center Blvd, about half a mile away. A comfortable full-service pick for couples.
Best value near the port
- Hyatt Place New Orleans Convention Center – on Convention Center Boulevard, about half a mile from the terminals. A practical mid-range base for families.
- Hampton Inn & Suites New Orleans Convention Center – 1201 Convention Center Blvd, about 0.7 mile away. Good for budget travelers who want breakfast included.
- Hilton Garden Inn New Orleans Convention Center – 1001 S Peters St, about 0.8 mile from the port in the Warehouse District. Ask about current cruise packages when you book.
Luxury
- The Roosevelt New Orleans – in the CBD near Canal Street, about 1.5 miles from the terminals. A grand historic hotel for a special pre-cruise night; plan on a short taxi to the ship.
Getting there, shuttles & parking
Finding your ride at MSY. Per the airport’s website, as of October 2026, taxis load in a dedicated zone on the Arrivals Curb outside Level 1 Baggage Claim, Door 7. For Lyft, exit Doors 7–9 and cross to the middle curb. For Uber, exit Doors 9–11 and cross to the middle curb. The flat taxi rate covers the CBD and the French Quarter west of Elysian Fields. Confirm with your driver that your terminal is included before you set off.
Carnival’s transfer. Carnival’s page lists transfers from $27.99 per person. Your flight must land by 1 p.m. on sailing day, and transfers run from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Collect your bags, then find the representative in the Private Transportation area between Doors 3 and 4.
The Airport Express bus. Per MSY, RTA’s 202 Airport Express picks up outside Level 1 Baggage Claim, Door 2, in Zones B4 and B5. The fare is $1.25. It runs to Elk Place at Cleveland and Union Passenger Terminal, and RTA’s January 2026 service change added stops on Poydras Street from Loyola Avenue to Convention Center Boulevard. Check norta.com for times. Jefferson Transit’s E1 also serves the airport, but it ends at City Park Avenue, far from the river.
Parking at the port. Per Port NOLA, Carnival guests park in the Erato Street garage on top of the terminal. Norwegian and Royal Caribbean guests use the 100 Poydras Garage, which has a shuttle to Julia Street. Both open at 9 a.m. Rates are $120 for four days, $135 for five, $160 for six and $180 for seven, with a $1-a-day fee if you reserve. For more choices, see our New Orleans cruise parking guide.
Tips for the MSY-to-port trip
- Price it for your group. Two people pay $36 by taxi versus about $56 on Carnival’s transfer.
- Groups of three or more pay $15 each by taxi, so a family of four pays $60.
- Tell your driver to use the Henderson Street entrance. The port says not to use the Julia Street or Poydras Street entrances to Port of New Orleans Place.
- Take the 202 bus only if you’re traveling light. It’s a city bus with several stops.
- Fly in the day before. A night in the Warehouse District is an easy add-on to any cruise.
FAQ
How far is New Orleans airport from the cruise port?
About 16 miles. New Orleans & Company suggests allowing about 30 minutes each way by taxi or rideshare.
How much is a taxi from MSY to the cruise terminal?
MSY’s flat rate to the CBD is $36 for one or two passengers, or $15 per person for three or more, as of October 2026.
Is there a bus from New Orleans airport to the cruise port?
Yes. RTA’s 202 Airport Express costs $1.25 and stops on Poydras Street near Convention Center Boulevard. From there it’s a short walk to the terminals.
Where do I catch an Uber at MSY?
On the middle curb outside Level 1 Baggage Claim. Uber riders exit Doors 9–11, and Lyft riders exit Doors 7–9.
Which terminal does Carnival use in New Orleans?
The Erato Street Cruise Terminal. Norwegian and Royal Caribbean use the Julia Street Cruise Terminal next door.
More venue guides
- Hotels near the New Orleans cruise port
- New Orleans cruise parking
- Tampa Airport to the cruise port
- Where to stay for the Sugar Bowl 2027
- Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral
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We start at the venue and work outward: walking time, shuttle and transit options first, then guest review scores and value for money. Hotels can’t pay to be listed. Some links are affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Prices and availability change daily, so always check live rates before you book.
