Flight
Driving
Eau Claire to New Orleans
Updated: 28 May 2026
Traveling from Eau Claire to New Orleans covers approximately 1,850 km. The most efficient route involves flying from Chippewa Valley Regional Airport to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Alternatively, driving takes you south through Illinois and Tennessee via I-55. You will cross the Mississippi River as you approach the Gulf Coast. This journey transitions you from the Northwoods climate to the humid subtropical environment of Louisiana. Expect a significant change in culinary culture and architectural styles upon arrival.
Total Distance: Driving distance 1,850 km, straight-line air distance 1,520 km.
Fastest Way
Flight is the fastest, taking roughly 6 hours including layovers.
Cheapest Way
Driving is the cheapest for groups of three or more people.
Compare Eau Claire to New Orleans Routes
|
Connecting
|
Direct
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 6 hours | 18 hours |
| Avg Price | $350 - $600 | $250 - $400 in fuel |
| Operator | United Airlines | Personal Vehicle |
| Route | EAU to MSY via Chicago O'Hare | I-94 E to I-55 S through St. Louis and Memphis |
| Tip | Book your connection through Chicago to minimize layover times. | Stop in Memphis for authentic barbecue to break up the long drive. |
Travel Tips
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Airport TransitUse the Airport Shuttle service or rideshare apps to reach downtown from MSY.
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FootwearWear comfortable walking shoes as the historic streets are often uneven.
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HydrationStay hydrated, especially during the humid summer months.
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BookingReserve your hotel well in advance if visiting during Mardi Gras.
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NavigationDownload offline maps as cell service can be spotty in rural areas during the drive.
Safety Tips
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Stay AwareStick to well-lit, populated areas when walking at night in the French Quarter.
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Vehicle SecurityDo not leave valuables in your car if parking overnight in public lots.
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Weather AlertsMonitor local news for tropical storm warnings during hurricane season.
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Emergency ContactsKeep a list of local emergency numbers saved in your phone.
People Also Ask
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Is there a direct flight?No, all flights from Eau Claire require at least one connection.
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What is the best highway?I-55 South is the most direct route from the Midwest to New Orleans.
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How long is the drive?The drive takes approximately 18 to 20 hours of pure driving time.
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Is public transit available?New Orleans has an extensive streetcar and bus network managed by RTA.
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Do I need a car?You do not need a car if you stay in the French Quarter or Central Business District.
Quick Info
- From Eau Claire, Wisconsin, United States
- To New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
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Modes
Best Time to Travel
March to May for mild weather and the Jazz Fest season.
Things to Do in New Orleans
1
French Quarter
Explore the historic heart of New Orleans featuring Spanish and French colonial architecture. Visit Jackson Square for street performers and local art.
2
Garden District
Walk through this neighborhood to see stunning 19th-century mansions and oak-lined streets. Take the St. Charles Streetcar for a scenic tour.
3
National WWII Museum
Experience one of the top-rated museums in the country located in the Warehouse District. It offers immersive exhibits and personal accounts of the war.
4
Café Du Monde
Enjoy world-famous beignets and chicory coffee at the original location near the river. It is open 24 hours a day.
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