A guide to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
Quick insights
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is owned by the city of New Orleans and is located approximately 11 miles west of downtown.
- There are short-term and long-term parking garages at MSY in addition to an economy parking garage which is accessible via airport shuttle.
- The airport has one terminal with three levels and three concourses—A, B and C.
MSY is the primary airport in the New Orleans metropolitan area. Sitting only a few feet above sea level, it’s also one of the lowest-lying international airports.
MSY serves many travelers every year and provides service to non-stop destinations in the U.S., Mexico and London, so you may find yourself passing through. Read on to learn more about how to get to and around this airport.
Navigating to and from MSY
MSY sits approximately 11 miles west of downtown New Orleans. It is located at 1 Terminal Drive, Kenner, LA and is accessible by I-10 from both the east and west.
Ground transportation is located on level one of the terminal. Options include:
- Rental cars: The rental car center is located off the airport grounds at 600 Rental Boulevard. To get there, travelers can take the rental car shuttle that stops in front of the long-term parking garage. Shuttles depart approximately every 5 minutes, and the ride takes roughly 15-20 minutes.
- Rideshare: Rideshare app services pick up passengers outside of the baggage claim area on the middle curb of Level 1.
- Taxis: Taxis pick up passengers in a dedicated taxi loading zone on the arrivals curb outside of baggage claim on Level 1 near Door 7. Taxis may charge a flat rate from the airport to the Central Business district or French Quarter in downtown New Orleans.
- Public transit: The Jefferson Transit Authority (JET) and the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) both operate buses that can take travelers to downtown New Orleans. Bus service is available from Level 1 baggage claim outside Door 2.
- Shuttles: Courtesy shuttles for off-airport parking and hotels near the airport are located in the Ground Transportation Center, outside of Level 1 baggage claim, Doors 1 through 5.
The MSY airport mapOpens overlay may provide more detailed information about ground transportation locations.
Parking at MSY
There are multiple parking lots at MSY, offering a mix of short- and long-term parking, covered garages and surface lots. Travelers can typically reserve parkingOpens overlay ahead of time on the MSY website.
Parking at MSY may include the following lots and garages:
- Short-term garage: The short-term garage has more than 2,000 spaces as well as a walkway directly from the fourth floor of the garage to the third level of the terminal. The first 30 minutes of parking in this lot are usually complimentary.
- Long-term garage: With more than 2,700 spaces, the long-term parking garage is located across from the arrivals area on the east side of the terminal. This garage offers electric charging stations.
- Economy garage: The economy garage is further from the airport terminal at 900 Airline Drive. A complimentary shuttle takes passengers to and from the garage, with the ride typically lasting 15 minutes or less.
- Surface lot: This 600+ space surface lot is located adjacent to the terminal, just a short distance from the airport. The first half hour in the surface lot is typically free.
- Cell phone lot: The cell phone lot is located just northwest of the terminal (about a minute or two drive).
The MSY website may provide additional maps and details about airport parking optionsOpens overlay. The website also generally displays the real-time availability of spaces in each lot.
MSY terminals and map
MSY has one terminal with three concourses—A, B and C—and three levels:
- Level 1: Arrivals and baggage claim
- Level 2: Security screening and departures
- Level 3: Ticketing and check-in
There is curbside check-in for select airlines at MSY. A map of the airport’s amenitiesOpens overlay, dining and shopping options may be available on the MSY website.
Security at MSY
There is one security checkpoint at MSY on Level 2 of the terminal. All airport concourses and gates are accessible after passing through security screening. The checkpoint is open from 3:30 a.m. until 30 minutes before the last scheduled departure flight (hours are subject to change).
It is generally recommended that passengers arrive at the airport 2 hours ahead of their departure time for domestic flights and 3 hours ahead for international flights. The airport website does not display estimated TSA wait times at MSY, but preparing for airport security screening in advance may help the process go smoothly.
Getting through airport security faster
Customs and TSA wait times can vary, but there are Trusted Traveler Programs (TTPs) that may help expedite the security and passport screening processes.
TSA PreCheck® enables members to use designated lanes at airport security checkpoints. Passengers in those lanes typically do not need to remove light jackets, shoes, belts or jewelry during screening.
Global Entry enables members to bypass the standard customs line and use a designated kiosk to scan their passport, provide fingerprints and complete a customs declaration. Global Entry members also receive TSA PreCheck benefits.
Some credit cards offer reimbursement for TTP application fees when the cardmember uses their eligible card to pay the fee.
Things to do at MSY
There are several dining optionsOpens overlay just past security and throughout the concourses at MSY. Travelers can enjoy a quick bite at a grab-and-go spot or have a more leisurely meal at a sit-down establishment. There are also shops in the concourses that sell gifts, apparel and travel essentials. Travelers can access all shopping and dining options once they pass through security.
In addition, MSY offers the following amenities:
- Airport lounges in Concourses B and C
- Pet relief areas post-security and at an outside area on Level 1 between the short-term parking garage and terminal
- Mothers’ rooms located in each concourse
- A lounge for military personnel located on Level 3 in the pre-security area
- Three stages with live performancesOpens overlay by local musicians
There is also complimentary Wi-Fi through the terminal.
In summary
MSY is located just west of downtown New Orleans. It has one terminal with three levels. Baggage claim and ground transportation are on Level 1, security screening and all gates are located on Level 2 and the ticketing counters are on Level 3. There is also curbside check-in for select airlines.
There are four parking lots at the airport with both covered garages and surface lots, plus a cell phone lot. The first 30 minutes of parking are usually free in the surface lot and short-term garage. There also are complimentary airport shuttles that can take passengers to the economy lot and rental car center.
Passengers are generally encouraged to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours ahead of their scheduled domestic flight and more than 3 hours for international flights. TTP programs, like TSA PreCheck, may provide an expedited security screening experience at MSY.
This article contains the most up-to-date information as of February 2026 and is subject to change. Please refer to the airport's official site.
