Route guide
Cheap Flights from Nashville to New Orleans: Book Airline Tickets
- Distance
- about 470 mi
- Typical flight time
- 1 h 15 min – 2 h 15 min
- Airports
- 1 × 1
- Time difference
- None
This page covers the practical side of flying between Nashville 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: Nashville to New Orleans is about 470 miles (760 km) and a typical flight takes 1 h 15 min to 2 h 15 min. There is no time difference. Nashville has 1 airport to compare and New Orleans has 1.
Airport pairs to compare
Nashville's airport is only a short drive from downtown, and the city is a popular weekend destination. New Orleans' airport lies west of the city, roughly 15 miles from the French Quarter.
| Pair | Departure airport | Arrival airport |
|---|---|---|
| BNA to MSY | Nashville International | Louis Armstrong New Orleans International |
About the airports
- BNA · Nashville International
A short drive from downtown. - MSY · Louis Armstrong New Orleans International
About 15 miles west of the French Quarter.
Airlines with a major base at either end
- At Nashville: 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
Nashville
Spring and fall are the most comfortable. Summers are humid, and weekends are often busy with events and group trips.
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 Nashville to New Orleans?
At about 470 miles, Nashville 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
Nashville: Ride-hail and taxis are the usual options for the airport-to-downtown trip.
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
- Hotel prices and fares can spike around large events, so check event calendars before choosing dates.
- 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 Nashville?
This route guide works in both directions. For other trips, see all flights from Nashville or all flights from New Orleans.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Nashville from New Orleans?
The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 470 miles (760 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.
How long is a flight from Nashville to New Orleans?
A typical scheduled flight takes roughly 1 h 15 min to 2 h 15 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 Nashville: BNA (Nashville International). 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 Nashville to New Orleans?
In Nashville: Spring and fall are the most comfortable. Summers are humid, and weekends are often busy with events and group trips. 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 Nashville to New Orleans?
Airlines with a major base at either end include 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.