How to get here from MSY and other airports

From Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) there’s no hotel shuttle; take a taxi, rideshare, shared airport van, or the public Airport Express bus to downtown. Taxis commonly use a regulated flat fare (commonly cited around $36) and take roughly 20–30 minutes; the Route 202 bus is the cheapest option but takes longer (45–90 minutes).
In this guide
From MSY (Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport)
The InterContinental New Orleans does not run an airport shuttle, and MSY has no direct rail link to downtown—ground transport is required.
Typical ground options from MSY are regulated taxis, rideshares, shared airport shuttles, or the public bus that serves the airport.
- Taxi: regulated flat fare commonly cited around $36 for up to two passengers; travel time roughly 20–30 minutes via I‑10 (subject to traffic).
- Rideshare: available at MSY; travel time similar to taxi but pick-up zones and wait times vary by operator.
- Shared shuttle vans: door-to-door shuttle services operate to downtown/French Quarter hotels; fares typically run about $20–$44 per person and take roughly 30–50 minutes.
- Public bus (Jefferson Transit/RTA Route 202 Airport Express): cheapest option (fare about $1.25–$1.50) but slower, often 45–90 minutes with possible transfers.
| Option | Typical fare | Approx. travel time |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi | $36 (commonly cited regulated flat fare) | 20–30 minutes |
| Shared shuttle | $20–$44 per person | 30–50 minutes |
| Public bus (Route 202) | $1.25–$1.50 | 45–90 minutes |
Shared shuttles and group transfers
Several shared-van shuttle companies serve MSY and will stop at downtown hotels. These are usually prebooked and operate on a scheduled basis or run when vans fill.
Shuttles are a middle ground between taxi and public transit: cheaper than private car service and faster than the bus, but they can make other hotel stops which lengthen door-to-door time.
- Book ahead if you need a guaranteed seat and an arrival-time window.
- Expect typical fares around $20–$44 per person; travel times depend on other stops and traffic.
- Shuttle terminal locations and boarding procedures vary by operator—check your confirmation for the pickup zone.
| When to choose | Best for |
|---|---|
| Traveling solo on a budget | Public bus or shared shuttle |
| Group arriving together | Private car or booked shuttle |
| Shortest door-to-door time | Taxi or rideshare |
Taxi and rideshare details
Taxis at MSY are metered/regulated with a commonly cited flat fare to downtown — sources in the hotel dossier list around $36 for up to two passengers. Rideshare pricing fluctuates with demand.
Taxis and rideshares drop off at downtown curbside and can take you directly to 444 St Charles Ave; travel time to the InterContinental New Orleans is typically 20–30 minutes without heavy traffic.
- Taxis: regulated flat fare commonly cited; available at the airport taxi ranks.
- Rideshare: app-based pickup areas at MSY—expect variable pricing and wait times.
- If you have lots of luggage or arrive late, a taxi or rideshare is the most direct option.
| Service | Notes |
|---|---|
| Taxi | Regulated flat fare; direct downtown drop-off |
| Rideshare | Price varies by demand; pickup location at airport |
Public transit and streetcar connections
The airport-to-downtown public bus (Jefferson Transit/RTA Route 202 Airport Express) is the lowest-cost option. Plan for a longer travel time and possible transfers; fares are around $1.25–$1.50.
Once in downtown New Orleans, the historic St. Charles Streetcar runs along St. Charles Avenue and passes the hotel—single-ride fare is $1.25 and Jazzy Passes cover multiple days (examples: $3 for 1 day, $8 for 3 days, $15 for 7 days).
- Bus: low cost but slower; check current schedules and stops.
- Streetcar: convenient for short transfers along St. Charles Avenue and to nearby neighborhoods; fares and pass prices are set by NORTA.
- If you arrive at Union Passenger Terminal (train) or a downtown bus stop, the streetcar or a short walk can get you to the hotel.
| Segment | Typical fare | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Airport bus (Route 202) | $1.25–$1.50 | 45–90 minutes; cheapest |
| Streetcar ride | $1.25 single ride / Jazzy Passes available | Runs along St. Charles Ave; hotel sits on the line |

Arriving from other local airports
New Orleans Lakefront Airport is a smaller general-aviation field north of downtown; travel time varies by route and service used. The hotel dossier notes the lakefront field is about 6.5–10 miles from downtown depending on source.
If you arrive by private flight, prearrange ground transport (taxi or car service) into the Central Business District—the InterContinental New Orleans address is 444 St Charles Ave.
- Lakefront Airport: no hotel shuttle; arrange private car, taxi, or rideshare.
- If you’re flying into nearby regional airports (Biloxi, Mobile), expect longer drive times and consider renting a car or booking private transfer.
| Airport | Notes |
|---|---|
| New Orleans Lakefront Airport | General-aviation field; arrange ground transport into downtown |
| Regional airports (e.g., Biloxi/Mobile) | Longer drives—consider rental car or private transfer |
Getting to the hotel, check-in, and parking
The InterContinental New Orleans is at 444 St Charles Ave in the Central Business District and sits directly on the St. Charles streetcar line. Standard check-in time is 4:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM.
The hotel does not run an airport shuttle. On-site valet parking is available (the hotel lists a daily valet rate on its site). Nearby self-parking options also exist if you prefer to park yourself.
- Address for taxi/rideshare drop-off: 444 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130.
- If you’re driving: the property offers covered valet parking (daily valet rates are published by the hotel).
- If you need help arranging tours, airport transfers, or local directions, the hotel’s front desk and concierge provide tours and ticket assistance.
| Need-to-know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Hotel address | 444 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130 |
| Check-in / Check-out | Standard check-in 4:00 PM; check-out 11:00 AM |
| Airport shuttle | None provided (MSY) |

Settling in and room options
Once you arrive, front-desk staff can confirm your booking and direct you to your room. Room types include names such as Classic Room, 1 King Bed; Classic Room, 2 Queen Beds; Premium Room; and Suite, 1 Bedroom, among others.
If you need a balcony, accessible features, or a top-floor room, request those preferences when booking or at check-in—some room types are identified specifically (for example, Premium Room, Balcony and Classic Room (Mobility)).
- If traveling with children, the hotel is family-friendly; the listed minimum check-in age of 21 applies to the lead guest only.
- For extra space look for Suite, 1 Bedroom or Suite, 1 Bedroom, Balcony when you book.
- Balcony rooms exist (Premium Room, Balcony; Suite, 1 Bedroom, Balcony) — ask availability in advance.
| Example room names | Notes |
|---|---|
| Classic Room, 1 King Bed | Standard single-king layout |
| Classic Room, 2 Queen Beds | Two-queen configuration |
| Suite, 1 Bedroom | One-bedroom suite with extra living space |



