Explore Louisiana United States

Explore Louisiana United States

What is the best time to travel to Louisiana

The best time to travel to Louisiana depends on what you are interested in seeing and experiencing. The state has a humid subtropical climate with long, hot summers and mild winters.

If you’re interested in Mardi Gras and the vibrant culture of New Orleans, the best time to visit is during the Mardi Gras season, which typically takes place in January or February, leading up to Fat Tuesday. However, keep in mind that hotels and flights can be more expensive during this time.

For outdoor activities such as fishing and wildlife viewing, the fall and spring are great times to visit as the temperatures are milder and the humidity is lower.

If you’re looking to experience Cajun and Creole culture, consider visiting during the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, which takes place in April and features music, food, and culture.

Overall, the best time to visit Louisiana may be from October to May, as the weather is generally more comfortable and there are many festivals and events throughout the state.

How to get to Louisiana

There are several ways to get to Louisiana, depending on your starting location and mode of transportation.

By Air: Louisiana has several airports, including the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) and the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR), which offer domestic and international flights. Other airports in Louisiana include the Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT) and the Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV).

By Car: Louisiana is accessible by major interstates, including I-10, I-20, and I-49. The state is also served by several US highways, such as US 90 and US 61.

By Train: As mentioned earlier, Amtrak offers train service in Louisiana, with several routes connecting to cities within the state.

By Bus: Greyhound, Megabus, and other bus companies provide bus service to cities in Louisiana from other parts of the country.

By Water: Louisiana is home to several ports along the Gulf of Mexico, and cruise ships also dock in New Orleans. Additionally, ferries provide transportation across the Mississippi River in New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

How to get around Louisiana

There are several ways to get around Louisiana, depending on your preferences and budget:

Car rental: Renting a car is a popular option for getting around Louisiana, especially if you want to explore the state’s rural areas and smaller towns. There are several car rental companies located at major airports and in cities throughout the state.

Public transportation: Louisiana has a few options for public transportation, including buses and streetcars in New Orleans, and bus services connecting some of the larger cities. However, the public transportation options are limited in some areas of the state, so it may not be the most convenient option for traveling between destinations.

Taxi/rideshare: Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are available in most cities throughout the state, but they may not be as readily available in smaller towns and rural areas.

Bike rentals: Some cities in Louisiana, such as New Orleans and Baton Rouge, have bike rental programs that allow you to rent a bike and explore the city on two wheels.

Walking: Walking is a great option for exploring Louisiana’s cities and historic areas, such as the French Quarter in New Orleans. Many areas have sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly streets.

Ferry: If you want to explore some of Louisiana’s coastal areas, you can take a ferry from New Orleans to the town of Algiers or to the nearby town of Gretna.

Overall, a car rental is the most convenient and flexible option for getting around Louisiana, especially if you want to explore rural areas and smaller towns.

National Airports

Louisiana has several airports, including:

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) – located in New Orleans, this is the largest airport in Louisiana and serves as a major gateway to the state.

Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR) – located in Baton Rouge, this airport offers both domestic and international flights.

Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT) – located in Lafayette, this airport offers both domestic and international flights.

Lake Charles Regional Airport (LCH) – located in Lake Charles, this airport offers both domestic and international flights.

Alexandria International Airport (AEX) – located in Alexandria, this airport offers domestic flights to several major cities in the U.S.

Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV) – located in Shreveport, this airport offers domestic flights to several major cities in the U.S.

There are also several smaller regional airports throughout the state that cater to private and chartered flights.

Trains in Louisiana

Amtrak provides train service in Louisiana with three routes:

The City of New Orleans: This route connects Chicago, Illinois with New Orleans, Louisiana, making stops in several cities in between.

The Crescent: This route connects New York City with New Orleans, making stops in several cities in between.

The Sunset Limited: This route connects New Orleans with Los Angeles, California, making stops in several cities in between.

All three routes offer coach and sleeping car accommodations. The City of New Orleans route also offers a lounge car and dining car with a full menu. The Crescent and Sunset Limited routes offer a dining car and a café car with snacks and beverages.

Buses in Louisiana

Louisiana has several bus companies that provide transportation within the state as well as to neighboring states. Some of the major bus companies operating in Louisiana include:

Greyhound: Greyhound offers bus service to several cities in Louisiana as well as other states.

Megabus: Megabus provides bus service between New Orleans and Houston, as well as between New Orleans and other cities in the Midwest and Southeast.

Jefferson Lines: Jefferson Lines offers bus service between Baton Rouge and several cities in Texas.

Louisiana Motor Coach: This company offers charter bus service for groups and events.

Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach: Amtrak provides bus service to connect with its train routes in Louisiana, including the City of New Orleans, Crescent, and Sunset Limited routes.

Local transit authorities also operate bus systems in some cities, such as the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (NORTA) and the Capital Area Transit System (CATS) in Baton Rouge.

Accommodations in Louisiana

Louisiana has a wide range of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets. Some of the options include:

Hotels and resorts: Louisiana has many hotels and resorts, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury accommodations. Many hotels are located in the larger cities, such as New Orleans and Baton Rouge, while resorts can be found in more rural areas.

Bed and breakfasts: There are many charming bed and breakfasts throughout Louisiana, particularly in historic areas like the French Quarter of New Orleans.

Vacation rentals: Vacation rentals, such as apartments and homes, are available throughout Louisiana, particularly in popular tourist areas like New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette.

Camping: Louisiana has many state parks and campgrounds that offer camping and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Plantation stays: Some of the historic plantations in Louisiana offer accommodations, allowing visitors to stay on-site and experience the history and culture of the region.

When choosing accommodations in Louisiana, it is a good idea to book well in advance, particularly during peak travel season or for major events such as Mardi Gras.