Getting around New Orleans from the hotel
From InterContinental New Orleans (444 St. Charles Ave) you can reach downtown attractions on foot or by the St. Charles streetcar that runs past the hotel; taxis and rideshares work well for airport transfers since the hotel does not offer an airport shuttle. The front desk and concierge can book taxis, arrange tours, and advise on parking and parade access.
In this guide
Getting to and from Louis Armstrong MSY (airport)
InterContinental New Orleans does not provide an airport shuttle, so plan ground transport to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). The hotel’s address is 444 St. Charles Ave, which you can give taxi or rideshare drivers for pickup or drop-off.
Common options include taxi or rideshare, shared shuttle vans, or public bus connections. There is no direct train or streetcar link between MSY and downtown; bus and shuttle options require transfers and take longer than a direct car trip.
- Taxi/rideshare: door-to-door and the fastest option; regulated flat taxi fares from MSY are commonly quoted online (check the airport site or ask your driver).
- Shared airport vans: lower per-person cost but take longer and may stop at multiple hotels.
- Public bus (Airport Express): cheapest option but requires transfers and can take significantly longer (allow extra time).
| Option | Typical trade-off |
|---|---|
| Taxi / rideshare | Faster, direct, more expensive |
| Shared airport shuttle | Cheaper per person, longer travel time |
| Public bus (Airport Express) | Lowest cost, slowest with transfers |
Using the St. Charles streetcar and local transit
InterContinental New Orleans sits directly on the St. Charles streetcar line, which provides an easy, scenic way to reach the French Quarter, Garden District, and other points along its route.
One-way fares for New Orleans streetcars and buses are low; multi-day Jazzy Passes are available if you plan multiple rides in a day or over several days. Check current fares and pass options with the local transit authority before you travel.
- Streetcar: board at the stop in front of the hotel on St. Charles Ave.
- Fare options: single-ride fares or Jazzy Passes (1-, 3-, or 7-day) that cover buses, streetcars, and ferries.
- Schedule: streetcars run frequently but plan extra time during major events and parades.
| Ticket type | When to use |
|---|---|
| Single-ride | If you’re making only one or two trips |
| 1/3/7-day Jazzy Pass | If you’ll use transit repeatedly over several days |
| Exact cash | Accepted on-board for single fares |
Walking distances and nearby attractions
The hotel is in the Central Business District on St. Charles Avenue, about two to three blocks from the French Quarter and within a short walk of Lafayette Square, Canal Street, and Decatur Street.
Several major attractions are walkable from the hotel: Harrah’s Casino, the Mississippi Riverfront, Aquarium of the Americas, and Riverwalk Plaza are all within a few blocks or a short walk down Poydras Street.
- French Quarter: roughly a 10-minute walk or a short streetcar ride.
- Lafayette Square, Canal St., Decatur St., Royal St.: all within a 5–10 minute walk depending on your pace.
- National WWII Museum and the Superdome: a bit farther but reachable with a short taxi, rideshare, or transit trip.
| Nearby spot | Typical access from hotel |
|---|---|
| French Quarter | 2–3 blocks; walk or streetcar |
| Lafayette Square / Canal St. | 5-minute walk |
| Riverfront / Riverwalk | Short walk down Poydras St. |
Taxis, rideshares and parking
The hotel offers on-site valet parking; details such as daily valet rates and any vehicle-size surcharges are listed on the hotel’s site and may change, so check with the front desk at check-in. Nearby self-parking options also exist if you prefer to park and garage yourself.
The front desk and concierge can call taxis or help with rideshare arrangements. Height restrictions and covered parking details apply to the hotel’s parking; ask staff about oversized vehicles or electric vehicle charging availability.
- On-site valet parking: available (ask hotel for current rate and any height/size limits).
- Self-parking: nearby lots and garages exist; compare cost and convenience with valet.
- Taxis/rideshare: readily available; concierge can help arrange pickups or pre-book a car.
| Service | What to check with hotel |
|---|---|
| Valet parking | Current daily rate, height limits, oversized vehicle policy |
| Self-park nearby | Location and nightly rate |
| Rideshare/taxi | Meetup point at hotel entrance |
Hotel services that help you get around
Concierge and 24-hour front desk staff at InterContinental New Orleans can arrange taxis, recommend transit routes, book tours (swamp tours, plantation trips), and provide maps or directions. They also offer luggage storage and tour/ticket assistance.
If you plan many day trips, ask the concierge about recommended tour operators and expected travel times; swamp tours and plantation visits leave from launch points or sites that can be 20–60 minutes from downtown depending on the operator and route.
- Concierge: tour and ticket assistance, directions, and transport booking.
- Front desk: 24-hour support and luggage storage.
- Check-in/out times: check-in is 4:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM — useful when timing arrivals or departures.
| Service | How it helps |
|---|---|
| Concierge | Books tours, recommends local transit and routes |
| Front desk | Arranges taxis, stores luggage |
| Valet team | Manages hotel parking and vehicle questions |
Special travel notes: Mardi Gras, parades, and peak times
InterContinental New Orleans sits directly on the Mardi Gras parade route. During parade season expect street closures, heavier foot traffic, and limited vehicle access near the hotel on parade days.
If your travel dates overlap with major festivals or parade schedules, consult the concierge in advance about recommended arrival times, alternate pickup points for taxis and rideshares, and any advice on where to view processions from near the hotel.
- Plan extra time for transfers on parade days—taxi and rideshare pickup/dropoff locations may shift.
- Streetcar and bus service patterns can change during major events; check local transit updates.
- If you need to drive, ask valet about access and any temporary operational changes during parades.
| Issue | What to do |
|---|---|
| Street closures during parades | Use alternate pickup points; check with concierge |
| Heavier transit and taxi demand | Book earlier or allow extra time |
| Streetcar service changes | Check NORTA alerts before travel |
