If you’ve got a layover in New Orleans, don’t let it go to waste sitting at NEW. The city, in United States, is within easy reach — roughly 60 minutes by Taxi/Rideshare. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at NEW:
First, verify that you can enter United States — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the Taxi/Rideshare takes about 60 minutes into New Orleans, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — USD is the currency here. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
What’s Worth Seeing in New Orleans
Two recommendations for your time in New Orleans:
Start with Explore New Orleans City Park. A calm place to walk around and decompress before your next flight. Then, if time allows, make your way to New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) & Sculpture Garden. You can see the highlights in about an hour without rushing.
If you’d rather stay inside NEW — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Admire the Art Deco Terminal Architecture
- Lakefront Airport Terminal Building Museum
Where to Grab a Meal
- In the city: Cafe Du Monde (Original) and Parkway Bakery & Tavern are both worth a visit if you’re exploring New Orleans.
- At the airport: Messina’s at The Terminal and Lakefront Terminal Grab-and-Go will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Transport from Lakefront Airport to Downtown
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi/Rideshare | ~60 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~80 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the Taxi/Rideshare is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
What to Budget for Your New Orleans Side Trip
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in New Orleans, budget roughly $40 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $20 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $10 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in New Orleans.
Where to Leave Your Bags
You can store your luggage at No public luggage storage facilities are available at this general aviation airport.. Rates typically depend on bag size and duration.
If the airport lockers are full or inconveniently located, services like Bounce and Stasher list verified storage spots in and around New Orleans as well.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at NEW, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in New Orleans itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for United States that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at NEW, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in New Orleans exploring the streets or relaxing at NEW, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.