Transportation
Upon arrival in New Orleans via the Louis Armstrong New Orleans Airport, you have three options for getting to your hotel: taxi, city bus, or Uber.
Taxi
- There is a cab stand outside Level 1 of the airport. Via taxi, it is a 25-minute drive ($36) from the Louis Armstrong New Orleans Airport (MSY) to the city center.
Uber
- You can use the Uber app to book a ride from the airport to the city center. Be sure to arrange a roaming data plan for your phone prior to travelling if applicable.
City Bus
- Hop on the RTA’s 202 Airport Express, which travels from the airport terminals to Elk Place at Canal Street in Downtown New Orleans. The fare is $1.50, and the bus makes 9 daily trips between the airport and city center.
When trying to order a rideshare from the Convention Center, keep in mind that the location has strict rideshare zones. You must order a ride share service from the Transportation Hub, located outside Hall G. Alternatively, you can walk to the nearest hotel to get an Uber/taxi.
Safety in New Orleans
When travelling around New Orleans, as with any other large city, please remain alert. We encourage you to be always aware of your surroundings and recommend the following safety measures:
- Travel in groups and avoid walking alone on unlit streets at night. Pay attention when walking and using your smartphone, as these devices have been the target of theft nationwide.
- If driving, remember to lock car doors. Stow valuables out of sight in your vehicle.
- Do not leave your personal belongings unattended, particularly on the back of a chair where it is not visible to you. Be on the lookout for pickpockets. For any travel, we recommend you consolidate the credit cards/personal information in your wallet. Move your wallet to your front pocket or wear a cross-body bag to keep your purse in front of you.
- Remove your convention badge when leaving the convention center.
- If you are intoxicated, please take a taxi, Uber, or Lyft instead of walking or driving. When hailing a ride via a mobile app, confirm the identity of your driver before getting into the car.
- If someone or something seems suspicious, leave the area, and alert a police officer or Safety Ranger. If approached by strangers for con games, such as, “I bet I can tell you where you got your shoes,” do not participate. Simply smile and walk past them.
- Ensure your hotel room door is fully closed and locked when leaving or retiring for the evening.
- Open containers of alcohol are allowed in public. Remember, do not leave drinks unattended or accept drinks from strangers.
- In an emergency inside the New Orleans Convention Center, please CALL 504-582-3040. Add this to “Favorites” in your phone for the conference. DO NOT DIAL 9-1-1 within the Convention Center. There is a medical office across from the IPF Exhibit Hall entrance (Hall B) that will be open during event hours.
- The New Orleans Downtown Development District has a team of public safety rangers that provide a walking escort free of charge within the downtown area 7 days per week from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Call 504-415-1730 at least 20 minutes before you plan to depart to organize an escort. For a full map of covered areas, visit downtownnola.com/district-map/
