Route guide
Cheap Flights from Houston to New Orleans: Book Airline Tickets
- Distance
- about 300 mi
- Typical flight time
- 45 min – 1 h 45 min
- Airports
- 2 × 1
- Time difference
- None
This page covers the practical side of flying between Houston and New Orleans: which airports to compare, how long the trip takes, and when it is busy. It works for either direction. For a price on your dates, ask a specialist.
Quick answer: Houston to New Orleans is about 300 miles (480 km) and a typical flight takes 45 min to 1 h 45 min. There is no time difference. Houston has 2 airports to compare and New Orleans has 1.
Airport pairs to compare
Houston has two main airports: Bush Intercontinental to the north and Hobby to the southeast. Hobby is closer to downtown. New Orleans' airport lies west of the city, roughly 15 miles from the French Quarter.
| Pair | Departure airport | Arrival airport |
|---|---|---|
| IAH to MSY | George Bush Intercontinental | Louis Armstrong New Orleans International |
| HOU to MSY | William P. Hobby | Louis Armstrong New Orleans International |
About the airports
- IAH · George Bush Intercontinental
The larger airport, north of the city, with a wide range of domestic and international flights. - HOU · William P. Hobby
Closer to downtown and a good option for domestic trips. - MSY · Louis Armstrong New Orleans International
About 15 miles west of the French Quarter.
Airlines with a major base at either end
- At Houston: United Airlines, Southwest Airlines
Airlines with a base at one end often connect through their hub. A specialist can compare nonstop and connecting options on your dates.
When to go and what to expect
Houston
Fall through spring is the most comfortable period. Summers are hot and humid, and hurricane season runs June through November.
Hurricane season runs from June through November, so check fare rules for changes if you travel in that window.
New Orleans
February through May and the fall are popular. Mardi Gras dates change each year, usually falling in February or March. Summers are hot, and hurricane season runs June to November.
Hurricane season runs from June through November, so check fare rules for changes if you travel in that window.
How long is Houston to New Orleans?
At about 300 miles, Houston to New Orleans is a short hop. On a route this short the trip to the airport, security and boarding can take as long as the flight itself, so compare total door-to-door time and pick the airport that is easiest for you to reach, not only the cheapest fare.
Getting between the airport and town
Houston: Rental cars and ride-hail are the most common choices. Distances are large, so check where your hotel is before choosing an airport.
New Orleans: Shuttles, taxis and ride-hail run between the airport and downtown.
Planning ground transport too? See our car rental guide.
Good to know
- Check every airport pairing when you compare fares. Schedules and airline options can differ between them.
- Compare both airports when you look at fares, and keep weather in mind if you travel in late summer.
- Festivals such as Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest raise demand sharply, so book earlier if your trip overlaps with them.
- Compare the total with bags included, not just the base fare. See baggage fees and taxes and fees.
Flying New Orleans to Houston?
This route guide works in both directions. For other trips, see all flights from Houston or all flights from New Orleans.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Houston from New Orleans?
The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 300 miles (480 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.
How long is a flight from Houston to New Orleans?
A typical scheduled flight takes roughly 45 min to 1 h 45 min in the air, depending on winds, the aircraft and the airports. Connecting itineraries take longer, and nonstop availability depends on the airline and dates.
Which airports can I use?
At Houston: IAH (George Bush Intercontinental), HOU (William P. Hobby). At New Orleans: MSY (Louis Armstrong New Orleans International). Ask for prices on more than one pairing.
Is there a time difference?
There is no time difference.
When is the best time to fly from Houston to New Orleans?
In Houston: Fall through spring is the most comfortable period. Summers are hot and humid, and hurricane season runs June through November.Hurricane season runs from June through November, so check fare rules for changes if you travel in that window. In New Orleans: February through May and the fall are popular. Mardi Gras dates change each year, usually falling in February or March. Summers are hot, and hurricane season runs June to November.Hurricane season runs from June through November, so check fare rules for changes if you travel in that window. Fares are usually highest in the busy periods described for each city, so flexible dates can help.
Which airlines should I compare for Houston to New Orleans?
Airlines with a major base at either end include United Airlines and Southwest Airlines. A specialist compares them with other carriers on your dates, since schedules and availability change.
Do you show fares on this page?
No. Fares change constantly, so we do not publish prices that might be out of date. A specialist checks live availability and confirms the full total, including taxes and bags, before you pay.
Route details updated October 18, 2026.