Getting There

By air: Most major and a few regional airlines serve Louis Armstrong International Airport (504/464-0831), 15 miles east of downtown New Orleans. A taxi from the airport to the French Quarter costs a flat rate of $33 for two people; for more than two passengers the fixed rate is $14 per person. Shared-ride shuttles to hotels are available for about $20 per person. If you're traveling light and have a lot of extra time, you can take Jefferson Transit's airport bus, which runs between the main terminal entrance and the Central Business District (CBD). Fare is $2.

By car: Interstate 10 is the major thoroughfare into and out of New Orleans and can be used to reach downtown from the airport. Lanes can get backed up during morning and evening rush hours; plan accordingly.

By train: Three Amtrak lines serve New Orleans: the City of New Orleans from Chicago; the Sunset Limited service between New Orleans and Los Angeles; and the Crescent, which connects New Orleans and New York by way of Atlanta. For tickets and schedules, call 800/872-7245 or visit www.amtrak.com.