About this Location

Facility Overview

The Short Term Parking Garage at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is a state-of-the-art, multi-level covered parking structure positioned directly opposite the modern consolidated terminal at 1 Terminal Drive in Kenner, Louisiana. Designed specifically to support passenger drop-offs, pick-ups, and brief stays, this facility provides seamless, weather-protected pedestrian access to airport ticketing, departures, and baggage claim via enclosed walkways and high-speed elevators. The garage accommodates standard passenger sedans, crossovers, mid-size SUVs, and standard pickup trucks with clear lane markings, high-visibility digital bay monitoring, and an overall vertical vehicle clearance of 8 feet 2 inches on the ground level and 7 feet 6 inches on upper levels. Oversized commercial cargo vans, high-roof conversion vans, and lifted off-road trucks exceeding clearance specifications should utilize the dedicated surface overflow or oversized vehicle parking areas on airport grounds.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Strategically situated on the north side of the MSY airport campus, this garage represents the closest and most convenient parking option for terminal access. In addition to serving travelers, flight crews, and greeters, the facility is centrally positioned relative to key local venues:

MSY Main Terminal & Concourses A, B, and C: Directly adjacent, requiring only a 2 to 3-minute covered walk from your parking bay to the TSA security checkpoints and baggage claim.
The Esplanade Mall & Kenner Retail Corridors: Approximately 3 miles northeast (5–7 minutes by car) along West Esplanade Avenue.
Pontchartrain Convention & Civic Center & Laketown: Situated 4.5 miles north on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, host to regional conventions, athletic tournaments, and waterfront recreation.
Treasure Chest Casino: Around 4.8 miles north (10 minutes driving time) in Kenner.
Downtown New Orleans & French Quarter: Located roughly 13 miles east (a 20 to 25-minute drive via Interstate 10), making this garage an efficient rendezvous point for visiting travelers arriving into the Crescent City.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Ingress and egress are straightforward and optimized for high-volume airport traffic. Motorists access the garage directly via the dedicated elevated airport roadway network from Interstate 10 (Exit 221 / Terminal Drive) or Veterans Memorial Boulevard. Clear overhead electronic signage guides drivers into the Short Term entry lanes, equipped with automated ticket dispensers and credit card tap-and-go technology. Ground transportation and regional transit options are right at the terminal doorstep, including New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) Express Bus Route 202 connecting directly to Downtown New Orleans, Jefferson Transit (JeT) Route E1, authorized hotel shuttles, and designated app-based rideshare staging (Uber and Lyft) on the ground arrivals level.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

Covered Multi-Story Parking: Total protection against Louisiana heat, heavy rain, and inclement weather.
Direct Terminal Connection: Covered pedestrian walkways and elevator banks provide immediate access to departures and arrivals.
EV Charging Stations: Dedicated Level 2 electric vehicle charging bays available for eco-conscious travelers.
Smart Space-Tracking Technology: Integrated overhead green/red sensor lighting systems showing real-time space availability down each aisle.
Comprehensive Security: 24/7 monitoring with continuous CCTV coverage, dedicated New Orleans Aviation Board and Kenner Police airport patrols, and bright LED illumination.
Flexible Payment Options: Contactless credit card entry/exit, automated walk-up pay stations, and seamless digital transaction processing.
ADA Accessibility: Clearly designated accessible parking stalls positioned adjacent to elevator lobbies on every floor.

Ideal For

Meet-and-Greet Visitors: Friends and family picking up arriving passengers inside the terminal baggage claim.
Fast Departures & Drop-Offs: Escorting departing passengers directly to the airline check-in desks without curb congestion.
Day-Trip & Overnight Travelers: Executive business flyers embarking on quick same-day or 24-hour round-trip flights requiring instant vehicle retrieval upon return.
Airport Visitors: Guests attending airport board meetings, dining landside, or conducting brief business on the terminal campus.

Visitor & Driver Tips

If you are simply waiting to pick up a passenger whose flight has not yet landed, consider utilizing the free MSY Cell Phone Waiting Lot located nearby off Airline Drive or the Airport Access Road to avoid paying short-term parking fees until your passenger has retrieved their luggage. For drivers parking in the garage, note your level number, row, and nearest elevator letter, or snap a photo of the nearby pillar to easily relocate your vehicle upon return. During major New Orleans holiday and event peaks (such as Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, and Sugar Bowl), parking occupancy can rise quickly; monitor real-time parking space availability on the official Louis Armstrong International Airport web portal before approaching the access ramps.