How far/much is a cab from the New Orleans airport to the French Quarter? Are cabs readily available?

We will be there for five days and are assuming we will not need a car, but weren't sure about the airport.
Thanks

I believe the set fare from the airport to downtown is $21. Bags may be a few dollars extra. There is taxi stand just outside from the baggage claim, and taxis are always available.

I wouldn't suggest a car unless you are planning to get out of the city - to see the plantations or something of that nature. The French Quarter shuttle runs a loop through the Quarter, Central Business District with a stop at the Convention Center before heading back to the Quarter. They run every 15 minutess. Your hotel can probably provide you with a route map which shows where the stops are. The fare is $1.25, exact change required. The shuttle bus runs from 5 or 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. or so on weekdays and from 8 a.m. till 5 p.m. on week-ends. There is a riverfront street car that is great for getting from the French Market to the Aquarium or Riverwalk - I think it's now $1.50. The St. Charles street car can take you uptown - I think it's now $1.50 as well. You can buy a one day pass for all of these for $4. Multi-day passes are also available. If it's after operating hours - take a taxi. United Cabs is the company I prefer. Please let me know if you need any further info. Hope you have a great trip.

Meg is correct...$21 fixed price from MSY (airport) to the French Quarter area. Don't rent a car. Parking is expensive and hard to find. The streetcars/buses are great ways to get around. All cost $1.25 except for the riverfront line, which is $1.50. The tourist passes just went up to $5 for a one-day, $12 for three.

Thanks for the price update, John. I knew they raised the rates but wasn't sure exactly what they were.

When you say exact "change", does that mean all coins, or is a dollar bill and a quarter OK?

"Exact change" means the exact amount...they do accept dollar bills. It's also easy to forget to think about the "total" for multiple people...we rode the riverfront line last week and brought 2 quarters each for our $1.50 fare. DOH! Two people can ride for 3 one-dollar bills!

Does anybody suggest an airport shuttle to the French Quarter from the airport over the taxis or not?

The airport shuttle is only a good idea if you're traveling solo. For one person, it's $10 vs $21 for a cab. For two, it's $20 vs $21. Three, $30 vs $24, and so on... I always take a cab even when alone, since to me it's worth $10 not to have to stop at other hotels!

John, you're a sweetie! I appreciate your input and will take your advice. We've always taken taxis in the past, have had great luck with neat and informative drivers, and like you I don't want to spend time stopping at other hotels. Get me there so I can start enjoying the city. Thanks again!