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New Orleans Travel Info

New Orleans is the top travel destination in the United States. Approximately 10 million visit New Orleans each year. Before you join them, study the useful information on this page; it will help you to plan your New Orleans travel.

When to go

February through April is the best time for New Orleans travel. In this period the easygoing weather coincides with the city's two most spectacular events, Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest. Summer months are hot and wet here, and if you travel to New Orleans in summer, prepare for the 'oven' effect of going from chilly air-conditioned interiors to overwhelmingly tropical streets. Visit our Climate page to learn more about New Orleans climate and weather.

Travel to New Orleans by car

New Orleans can be reached from the East or West via I-10 into the Central Business District (CBD); there are several highways from the North that lead into I-10: in the west, coming from the north I-55 (south) will lead you to I-10 west; coming from northeast I-59 will lead you to I-10 east.

Travel to New Orleans by plane

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is located 16 km (10 miles) west of the city. The Airport Shuttle leaves the airport every 10 minutes for all major hotels in downtown and French Quarter as well as the universities.

New Orleans International Airport's flights are about 98% domestic - the only 'international' flights are with other North and Central American countries.

Travel to New Orleans by train

Several Amtrak passenger trains leave from New Orleans weekly, one for Chicago; and others for Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami and NYC Union Passenger Terminal (downtown); 1001 Loyola Ave; (504)528-1631; (800) 872-7245

Travel to New Orleans by bus

Greyhound-Trailways bus service. Transportation Center, Union Passenger Terminal (as above); (504)525-6075; (800) 231-2222

Other travel info

Telephone Codes: New Orleans area codes are 504 and 985.

Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST), six hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Electrical Current: Electrical devices here run on 110/115 volt, 60-cycle current. International visitors therefore may need to use adapters or converters.

Liquor Laws: The legal drinking age in Louisiana is 21, but don't be surprised if people much younger take a seat next to you at the bar. Alcoholic beverages are available around the clock, 7 days a week. You're allowed to drink on the street but not from a glass or bottle. Bars will often provide a plastic "go cup" so that you can transfer your drink to as you leave (and some have walk-up windows for quick and easy refills).

Hospitals: Should you become ill during your visit, most major hotels have in-house doctors on call 24 hours a day. If no one is available at your hotel or guesthouse, call or go to the emergency room at Ochsner Medical Institutions, 1516 Jefferson Hwy. (tel. 504/842-3460), or the Tulane University Medical Center, 1415 Tulane Ave. (tel. 504/588-5800).