Visit New Orleans and you will have some idea of how the city earned its nickname of the Big Easy. It is one of the most exciting and distinctive cities in the United States – in fact, with its Spanish, French and Cajun influences, it’s easy to forget that you are still in the United States. You can see New Orleans by walking, although a limo ride will allow you to enjoy your visit even more.

If you are traveling by air, you will arrive at Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY) which is located about 15 miles west of the city in the suburb of Kenner. It’s served by most of the major domestic airlines, as well as several international carriers. Arriving in the airport, you are met with murals of famous musicians, as well as jazz music – just to get you in the mood.

Limos – as well as hotel shuttles and taxis - all leave from the airport’s lower level, just outside the baggage claim area and limo information desks can be found in this area as well. Most car service in New Orleans allows their vehicles to be booked in advance, or you can simply try to book one when you arrive.

A taxi from the airport into town will cost around $28 for one or two people; for three or more passengers, the fare is around $12 each. Limo service will cost a little more – although it may be worth the extra cost for the comfort and convenience. Trips by limo also have fixed prices. Journey time between the airport and the French Quarter or the Central Business District is around 40 minutes, depending on traffic.

If you take a car service to or from the airport, it may actually be a shared van or shuttle bus operated by one of the limo companies – it may make several stops at various hotels. If you want the added convenience of an actual limo, it will cost closer to around $35.00 for one or two people and around $10.00 for each additional passenger for up to 8 people. All these charges are for one way trips.

New Orleans attracts visitors from all over the world and if English isn’t your first language, it’s possible to find a limo driver who speaks French, German or Japanese. Limo companies in the city specialize not only in sightseeing and airport transfers, but also in providing transportation to and from conventions or one of the many sporting events or concerts that the city regularly plays host to. And of course, New Orleans is a party town – you can hire a limo for that bachelor party, graduation party or just for a special night out on the town.

Limo rental rates by the hour are similar to the rates in other large cities – an hour’s rental will typically range from around $50 for a sedan, $100 for a stretch limo and $150 for a stretch Hummer limousine. The rate can also vary according to the day of the week, the time of year and any additional waiting time incurred. If you are taking a limo to or from the airport, extra baggage may incur extra charges.

The city’s busiest time of year is in February, when the world famous Mardi Gras festival takes place – be sure to book as far ahead as you can if you will be in the city and will need a limo. Hotel rooms should be booked early, as well. Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans attract around a million visitors each year to enjoy the festivities which culminate with the fantastic parade of decorated floats through the city.

Most visitors from the airport are heading towards the most popular area of the city – the world famous French Quarter. Here you will find many of the city’s better hotels, bars, restaurants – and of course plenty of music, ranging from jazz to blues to Cajun. The area is home to institutions such as the Café du Monde on Jackson Square, which serves hot beignets (a kind of sugary doughnut) 24 hours a day; and the legendary Preservation Hall jazz venue.

Apart from the sights in the city itself – the French Quarter, Audubon Zoo, the Garden District and the famous cemeteries – there are several fascinating destinations that can be easily reached by car or limo from New Orleans. Popular tours include day trips to nearby plantation homes, or one of several options that take in the surrounding swamps and bayous and Cajun culture. And it’s also possible to combine a car or limo excursion with a ride on the mighty Mississippi.

Hurricane Katrina may have devastated parts of the city – but the good times still roll in New Orleans. Make your visit even more enjoyable with the services of a professional and knowledgeable limo driver.