How to travel from Houston to New Orleans, United States of America

The distance between Houston and New Orleans is around 328 miles (528km) and the quickest way to get there is to take a tram and then fly which takes around 2h 50m.

5 routes found

We've found 5 different ways to get from Houston to New Orleans by bus, train, car, tram and plane. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out New OrleansHouston if you're planning a return trip.

🚀 Fastest
1
tram
+
plane
+

Tram and Plane

Take a tram to Magnolia Park Transit Center EB then fly from Houston Hobby Apt (HOU) to New Orleans (MSY).

  • Duration2h 50m
  • Flight time1h 10m
  • Typical cost
    $225
Operated by

Multiple operators

1 similiar route

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

💰 Cheapest
2
bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to New Orleans LA.

  • Duration6h 20m
  • Departsevery 4 hours
  • Typical cost
    $60
Operated by

Megabus

+ 2 others
3
train
+

Train

Take the train to New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal.

  • Duration9h 30m
  • Departs6 times a week
  • Typical cost
    $60
4
car
+

Drive

Drive to New Orleans.

  • Duration5h 45m
  • Distance347 miles (558km)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Houston and New Orleans

There are several options for getting from Houston to New Orleans by bus, train, car, tram and plane. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around $60 and will take around 6h 20m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can take a tram and then fly and arrive in approximately 2h 50m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately $225.

The distance between Houston and New Orleans is around 328 miles (528km). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 318 miles (511km)

It takes around 6h 20m to get from Houston and New Orleans by bus. If you are travelling by car it will take around 5h 45m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Houston to New Orleans is to take a tram and then fly which takes around 2h 50m and will set you back approx $225.

The cheapest way to travel between Houston and New Orleans, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around $60 for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Houston and New Orleans. It typically takes around 9h 30m and departs 6 times a week.

Yes there is a direct train service that runs between Houston and New Orleans with no changeovers required. The train runs 6 times a week and takes 9h 30m.

Amtrak run train services between Houston and New Orleans. Trains depart 6 times a week and will take around 9h 30m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Houston and New Orleans. It typically takes around 6h 20m and departs once daily.

Yes there is a direct bus service that runs between Houston and New Orleans with no changeovers required. The bus runs once daily and takes 6h 20m.

Megabus run regular bus services between Houston and New Orleans. Buses run once daily and take around 6h 20m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Houston to New Orleans. We recommend that you take a tram to Magnolia Park Transit Center EB then fly from Houston Hobby Apt (HOU) to New Orleans (MSY). instead which will take 2h 50m.

The closest major airport to New Orleans is Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) (MSY) which is approximately 18km (11 miles) from New Orleans. Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT) (GPT) and Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR) (BTR) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Houston and New Orleans. The distance is around 347 miles (558km) by road and it will take around 5h 45m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Houston to New Orleans is to take the bus which takes, on average, 6h 20m and will usually cost around $60.

How do I get from Houston to New Orleans

Compare travel optionsbetween Houston and New Orleans

Transport options from Houston to New Orleans
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Tram and Plane + 1 similar
2h 50m
$225
hourly528km (328 miles)
Plane and Bus3h 40m
$295
5 times a week588km (366 miles)
Bus
6h 20m
$60
every 4 hours564km (351 miles)
Train
9h 30m
$60
6 times a week584km (363 miles)
Drive
5h 45m
$35
on demand558km (347 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Houston and New Orleans

Bus companies

Train operators

Airlines

Airports near New Orleans

The following major airports near New Orleans offer regular flights to various popular destinations within United States of America and internationally.

MSY
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
International Airport
Distance
11 miles (18km) from New Orleans
GPT
Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT)
International Airport
Distance
68 miles (109km) from New Orleans
BTR
Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR)
Domestic Airport
Distance
76 miles (123km) from New Orleans