New Orleans sits along I-10, which runs from California to Florida and is the main thoroughfare used to enter the city from Metairie and Kenner. Those looking to bypass downtown traffic use I-610 for a convenient detour.

Commuters have multiple options for crossing Lake Pontchartrain, the 630-square-mile lake north of Orleans and Jefferson Parishes and south of St. Tammany and Tangipahoa Parishes. The Causeway, which connects Metairie to Mandeville, spans an impressive 23.83 miles. Commuters from the Northshore’s eastern communities, including Slidell, enter the city via the I-10 Twin Span Bridge, which crosses the narrow mouth of the Lake.

Residents of the West Bank (south of New Orleans) use one of four bridges to cross the Mississippi River, including the Crescent City Connection.

An added benefit for those who commute by car: Louisiana gas prices are among the lowest in the nation. Paired with low traffic in a compact city, residents spend significantly less money at the gas pump and time in the car.

With its flat streets, New Orleans is an ideal city for biking. It’s no surprise, then, that bicycling is an important element of the city’s transportation network. According to the American Community Survey, New Orleans has the 10th highest percentage of people who cycle to work each day. New Orleans also has been named a Bronze Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists.

Regionally, there are more than 300 miles of bike paths, trails, and dedicated lanes. The bikeway network in Orleans Parish alone currently boasts more than 100 miles of on- and off-street bikeways, with even more planned or in development.

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is the largest airport in Louisiana, located just 14 miles from downtown New Orleans. It currently hosts 15 airlines, offering service to over 57 nonstop destinations with 156 average daily departures. Since the opening of its new $1.3 billion terminal in 2019, MSY has become a key regional hub for both domestic and international travel.

Lakefront Airport (NEW), mainly serving private and corporate flights, is located just four miles from the Central Business District. It’s a popular choice for recreational flying and pilot training, with some regional services offered by Southern Airways Express.

Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR), another viable option located about 87 miles from New Orleans, offers direct flights to several destinations in the region, making it convenient for residents in surrounding parishes.

These airport options ensure New Orleans is well-connected for both local and international travel​

Public transportation in the City of New Orleans is anchored by the iconic New Orleans Streetcar, a light rail option that has enjoyed a recent expansion. Five streetcar lines provide convenient access through the city. The streetcar lines are managed by the New Orleans Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), which also operates bus service. A one-way fare via either bus or streetcar costs just $1.25, while a 31-day unlimited pass costs $55.

The RTA works closely with Jefferson Transit (JeT) to provide services between Orleans and Jefferson Parishes, including shared routes, dual-access rider passes, and a consolidated customer service program, Ride Line. JeT brings thousands of daily commuters into downtown New Orleans and serves the most heavily suburbanized areas of the city.

A handful of other parishes in the region offer public transportation services, including SBURT in St. Bernard Parish, STAR Transit in St. Tammany Parish, Tangipahoa Parish Public Transit, and the River Parish Transit Authority.