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New Orleans swamp tours location | Your complete getting there guide

Planning to explore Louisiana’s wild bayous but not sure where to begin? Good news, most New Orleans swamp tours include round-trip transportation from central New Orleans, so you don’t have to worry about driving, parking, or navigating rural roads. Whether you’re joining a small airboat, large airboat, or a combo tour with Oak Alley Plantation, your experience starts right from your New Orleans hotel or a designated meeting point.

Where to meet your tour

Address: French Quarter, New Orleans, LA, USA | Find on Maps

Getting there:

  • By bus: Buses 5, 55, and 88 stop near the French Quarter, placing you close to many hotel pick-up points.
  • By streetcar: The Riverfront and St. Charles lines offer convenient access to the Quarter.
  • By car: Around 25–35 mins from the airport via I-10 E.
  • By ride-shares & taxis: Uber, Lyft, and taxis operate frequently in and around the Quarter.

Tours:

  • Small Airboat Swamp Tour

Address: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA | Find on Maps

Getting there:

  • By bus: Several RTA routes connect Downtown with neighborhoods across the city, making it easy to reach your pick-up point.
  • By streetcar: The Canal Street and St. Charles Streetcar lines run directly through Downtown.
  • By car: About 20–30 mins from the airport via I-10 E.
  • By ride-shares & taxis: Rideshare services and taxis are widely available and typically quick in the CBD.

Tours:

  • New Orleans: Swamp Boat Ride & Oak Alley Plantation Tour

Address: 5145 Fleming Park Rd, Lafitte, LA 70067, United States | Find on Maps

Getting there:

  • By tour shuttle: You can choose swamp tours that include round-trip transportation from New Orleans.
  • By car: Around 35–45 mins from the French Quarter via US-90 BUS W and LA-45 S. Free on-site parking is available.
  • By ride-shares: Ride-shares may be limited due to the rural location. Transportation provided with your tour is the most reliable option.

Tours:

  • Large Airboat Swamp Tour

Tour starting points

All New Orleans swamp tours include round-trip transportation options from select hotels and central meeting spots in the French Quarter and Downtown New Orleans. Your exact pick-up point and time will be listed on your voucher once you complete your booking.

If your hotel isn’t on the pick-up list, you can simply head to the nearest designated location.

Make sure to be ready at least 15 mins before your scheduled pick-up time so you don’t miss your shuttle.

Common pick-up zones include:

  • French Quarter hotels
  • Canal Street hotels
  • Downtown New Orleans
  • CBD (Central Business District)

Getting to New Orleans

Reaching New Orleans is simple. Most visitors fly into Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), located just 20–25 mins from the French Quarter.

The airport receives daily domestic and international flights from major US cities.

If you’re already in Louisiana, you can also reach New Orleans via:

  • Intercity buses from Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and Shreveport
  • Amtrak’s Crescent route connecting to Atlanta, Washington DC, and New York
  • Driving via I-10 or I-55

Good to know

  • Since all swamp tours include hotel pick-up options, you won’t need to drive out to the swamp yourself. This is a major advantage because most swamp locations are 30–45 mins outside the city.
  • If you’re booking a combo tour such as Oak Alley Plantation with Swamp Boat Ride, your transportation between the plantation and swamp is also included.

Frequently asked questions about New Orleans swamp tours location

Where do New Orleans swamp tours pick up guests?

Most tours offer pick-up from select hotels in the French Quarter, and Downtown areas. Your voucher will list your specific meeting point.

Do all swamp tours include transportation?

Yes. Most airboat tours and plantation-plus-swamp combo tours come with round-trip transportation from New Orleans. The Large Airboat swamp tour gives you an option to upgrade to a tour with transportation.

What if my hotel isn’t on the pick-up list?

Just walk or ride to the nearest listed hotel or meeting point. Be there 15 mins before your scheduled pick-up time.

Do I need to reserve my pick-up spot?

No separate reservation is needed, pick-up is automatically included and scheduled once you book your tour.

How far are the swamps from New Orleans?

Most swamp tour departure points are 30–45 mins away, depending on traffic, which is why included transport is so convenient.

Can I drive to the swamp location myself?

Yes, but it’s not necessary since most bookings include transportation. If you prefer to drive, opt for the Large Airboat swamp tour.

Do combo tours like Oak Alley Plantation include transport?

Yes, transportation is provided from New Orleans to the plantation, then to the swamp, and back to the city.

Are pick-ups available from the airport?

No. Hotel pick-ups are only available within central New Orleans. You’ll need to travel into the city first.

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