You've landed at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), and home, or your hotel, is on the other side of Lake Pontchartrain. Getting from New Orleans airport to Mandeville or Covington takes under an hour on a normal day, but the route and the time you land make a big difference. Here's how locals and visitors get across the lake without the stress.
Three routes across the lake
The Causeway (Mandeville, Covington, Madisonville, Abita Springs). From MSY, the quickest way to western St. Tammany is I-10 East to the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, a straight 24-mile run across the water into Mandeville. Covington is a few minutes north. Expect 45 minutes to an hour door to door.
The Twin Span (Slidell, Pearl River, Lacombe). For eastern St. Tammany, the route follows I-10 East through New Orleans and over the Twin Span bridge into Slidell. Traffic through the city sets the pace, so allow about an hour, more at rush hour.
I-55 (Hammond, Ponchatoula, Tangipahoa Parish). Heading north to Hammond? The route runs I-10 West to I-55 North at LaPlace, then over the long Manchac swamp bridge. Plan on about an hour.
When timing matters
- Weekday rush hour (roughly 4 to 6 p.m.) slows I-10 through Metairie and the Causeway's south end.
- Saints and event days back up downtown and the I-10 corridor for hours.
- Bad weather can slow Causeway traffic, and high winds sometimes bring convoy rules.
- Late-night arrivals are quick to drive but tough to find a ride for. Rideshare pickups thin out after midnight, and few cabs want a cross-lake trip.
Your options
Rideshare. Fine for daytime arrivals, but surge pricing is common on busy days, and many drivers don't want to cross the lake and drive back empty.
Rental car. Makes sense for a long stay with lots of driving. For a quick trip home, it's a lot of hassle for a 45-minute drive.
Driving yourself and parking. Easy on the way out, but a week of airport parking adds up, and nobody enjoys finding their car at midnight after a long flight.
A private car service. A NorthshoreXpress driver tracks your flight, meets you at the airport, loads your bags and takes you straight to your door in Mandeville, Covington, Slidell, Hammond or anywhere on the Northshore. If your flight is early or late, we adjust. You'll have a confirmed booking with a flat fare in writing before you ever take off.
Tips for a smooth pickup
- Book ahead and include your flight number so we can track it.
- Turn your phone on as you taxi in. Your driver will text when they're in place.
- Tell us about extra bags, car seats or golf clubs when you book so the right vehicle shows up.
- Flying out early? We'll set your pickup with a cushion for the Causeway and check-in lines.
More on the airport itself: New Orleans Airport (MSY) transportation.
FAQ
About 45 minutes to an hour via I-10 and the Causeway, depending on traffic.
Yes. We run 24/7 and track your flight so we're there when you land.
Yes, along with Covington, Madisonville, Abita Springs, Lacombe, Pearl River, Ponchatoula and the rest of the Northshore.
Yes. Most of our riders book both directions.
Ready to head home?
Book your airport ride online, or call or text us any hour.