Is it better to fly or drive?

Flying is much faster, but driving is a great road trip experience.

How long is the flight?

The flight time is approximately 3 hours.

Yes, Amtrak's City of New Orleans line runs from Chicago to New Orleans.

What is the best way to get around?

Walking and the streetcar system are the best ways to explore the city.

Like any major city, it has safe and unsafe areas; stay aware of your surroundings.

Northfield

New Orleans

Flight Driving

Northfield to New Orleans

Updated: 28 May 2026

The distance from Northfield to New Orleans is approximately 1,200 miles. You can drive via I-35 South and I-55 South, which takes about 18 to 20 hours, or fly from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) to New Orleans (MSY), which takes about 3 hours in the air. Flying is significantly faster, while driving allows for a scenic road trip through the heart of the country. New Orleans is a unique city with a rich cultural heritage.

Total Distance: 1,930 km driving distance; 1,700 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Flying from MSP to MSY is the fastest method, totaling about 6 hours including airport time.

Cheapest Way

Driving is generally cheaper if you are traveling with more than one person.

Compare Northfield to New Orleans Routes

	Flight Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	3 hours	19 hours
Avg Price	$250-$450	$180-$220 in fuel
Operator	Delta or Southwest Airlines	Personal Vehicle
Route	MSP to MSY	I-35 South to I-55 South
Tip	Book well in advance for the best fares; direct flights are rare.	Plan for at least one overnight stop; Memphis is a good halfway point.

Travel Tips

Public Transit
Use the historic streetcars to navigate the city; they are a fun and convenient way to travel.
Traffic
Avoid driving in the French Quarter; it is best explored on foot.
Parking
Parking in the French Quarter is very expensive; use public parking garages.
Airport Access
Take a shuttle or taxi from MSY to downtown New Orleans.
Weather
New Orleans is very hot and humid in the summer; dress in light, breathable clothing.

Safety Tips

City Awareness
Stay in well-lit, populated areas, especially at night.
Driving
Be prepared for heavy traffic and complex street layouts in the city.
Personal Belongings
Keep your bag in front of you in crowded tourist areas to prevent pickpocketing.
Emergency
Dial 911 for emergencies; New Orleans has a robust emergency response system.