GETTING THERE

GETTING THERE
Airlines serving New Orleans International Airport, 11 miles west of downtown, include Aeromexico, AirTran, American, ConAir, Continental, Delta, LACSA, MetroJet, Northwest, Southwest, TACA, TWA, United, US Airways and US Airways Express.The Traveler's Aid Booth in the baggage claim area provides tourist information.
GETTING AROUND
Airport shuttles depart every 10 minutes, running between the airport and various drop-off points around the city. One-way fare is $10. Call (504) 465-9780.City buses depart every 10 minutes during peak hours -- 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. -- and every 23 minutes at other times. The fare is $1.50.Cabs can be hailed outside the baggage claim area. Fare to the Central Business District is about $21, or $8 per person for three or more passengers.Driving in New Orleans can be daunting, but no wheels are needed in the French Quarter and the city bus service is extensive and frequent. The fare is $1.25 and transfers are 10 cents.Cruising taxis are rare, so call for a pickup. Rates are reasonable.
LODGING
Hotel reservations should be made well in advance, except in the summer months, and as much as a year in advance for special events such as Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest, when room rates go through the roof.Alternatives to hotels include modest family houses and posh historical inns. Call the Bed and Breakfast Inc. Reservation Service at (504) 488-4640, or visit bedbreakgnofn.org on the Web. New Orleans Bed and Breakfast and Accommodations can be reached at (504) 838-0071. Bed & amp; Breakfast Access can be reached at (888) 766-6707.
DINING
No palate should go unsatisfied in this city known for its creole and Cajun cooking and its wide variety of restaurants and bistros. But reservations are necessary for lunch and dinner at such popular places as Commander's Palace, Antoine's, Brennan's, Bayona, Emeril's and Nola.
WEATHER
They like to say New Orleans has two seasons, summer and February, but it can be muggy even in the winter. Dress accordingly.Average temperatures are: December and January, 53; March through May, 69; June through August, 82; September through November, 70.The hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30.
MISCELLANEOUS
Admission to the National D-Day Museum is $7 for adults, $6 for students and seniors, $5 for children under 17 and free for those under 5.Walking tours average about $15 per adults, much less for kids.The fare on the trolley along the Mississippi River is $1.50, but the St. Charles trolley is only $1.25 in each direction. An all-day fare costs $5.
INFORMATION
The New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau operates three information desks at the New Orleans International Airport. Phone (800) 672-6124 or (504) 566-5011. On the Net: www.neworleanscvb.com.
The New Orleans Welcome Center in the French Quarter is at 529 St. Ann St., between Decatur and Chartres Sts. Phone (504) 568-5661.