trip from chicago to new orleans

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14 Awesome Stops on a Chicago to New Orleans Road Trip

Here’s everything you need to know about your Chicago to New Orleans road trip!

The drive from Chicago to New Orleans has some great places to stop off. Going from north to south will take you through some interesting places in the USA. I did the route a few years ago, when I was in America for three months. 

You can’t beat a road trip in the USA – they’re a dream. Taking in the country’s never-ending landscape, long freeways, and roadside motels is a great way to experience the USA. 

The Chicago to New Orleans road trip is a long one, at 925 miles if you were to go straight. But, going straight isn’t the point of a road trip now, is it? It’s in all the twists and turns that you find the interesting places and people, the experiences that really make your road trip unique to you. 

Here are my top recommendations for where to stop off on the Chicago to New Orleans drive, enjoy!

Road Trip from Chicago to New Orleans

Map of the road trip from Chicago to New Orleans 

This Chicago to New Orleans road trip will take you through Illinois, Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana.

1. Chicago – your road trip begins!

I presume you’ll have had a few days to enjoy in Chicago before the road trip to New Orleans. Seriously, Chicago is the best city in the USA, and I don’t say that lightly. I love it there. So much to see, do and eat – it’s awesome. Been twice and I hope to go again ASAP!

Wintry things to do in Chicago – the video

Here are just some of the things to do in Chicago , and make sure to check out my YouTube video whatever the season. Lots of ideas for Chicago activities in there too.

So yes, make sure to book in plenty of time to enjoy Chicago, before you embark on the Chicago to New Orleans drive. I’d definitely recommend doing a food tour in Chicago so that you can enjoy some of the local flavours, and have a tour guide to ask questions to, too. Just a warning to arrive very hungry for this!

2. 1950s Park Forest House Museum

Address: 227 Monee Road, Park Forest, Illinois 60466 USA

This is where you’ll find the hidden treasure of Illinois. The 1950s Park Forest House Museum is called a Museum because it houses a lot of antiques. In layman terms, it’s just a well-preserved house from the 1950s.

If you’re fond of the simpler times of those cupboards like television boxes, gramophones & analog telephone sets, this will take you to a trip down the memory lane.

This is one of the best road trips from Chicago .

3. Kankakee County Historical Museum

Address: 801 S 8th Ave, Kankakee, Illinois 60901 USA

Every US County has its history and cultural heritage, and Kankakee is no different. This well-maintained museum elaborately takes you through Kankakee’s history and its people. The building might look small from the outside, but the collection this museum has might baffle you once you get in. It’s got a beautiful park to go for a walk and also houses an old one-room school building.

If you want unique attractions on your Chicago to New Orleans Road Trip then this is a great choice. 

4. Krannert Art Museum

Address: 500 E Peabody Dr, Champaign, Illinois 61820 USA

Krannert Art Museum, named after its benefactors, is the second-largest fine arts museum in Illinois. It has a wide range of artwork on display ranging from ancient Egypt to modern-day photography. The museum gets close to 132000 visitors every year and is a must-see spot for anyone on an art trail.

READ MORE on USA road trips

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5. Springfield 

I’ve written about the best things to do in Springfield , as I spent a few days there last year. It’s a cool little city – the main attraction is City Hall. 

You can drive some of the genuine Route 66 here – a must for all American road trip lovers, surely? This is a unique stop on the road trip from Chicago to New Orleans I think you’ll really enjoy. Check out the best hotels in Springfield to plan your trip.

6. Heartland Classics

Address: 1901 W Evergreen Ave, Effingham, Illinois 62401 USA

Spoiler Alert! This one might seem like a museum, but it isn’t.

It’s a 30000 sq ft showroom that houses more than 200 vintage cars for sale & display. If you’re a car enthusiast who likes collecting trivia about vintage cars, you’ll love it. Even if you’re not looking to buy, this is a place worth visiting on your Chicago to New Orleans drive.

7. Shawnee National Forest 

Take some time out from your Chicago to New Orleans road trip to explore nature at its finest in the Shawnee National Forest. Here you can see bears and bald eagles, you’re allowed to wild camp, and there are some incredible views to enjoy from up on the rocks. 

8. Visit Nashville!

This one is a little off-route, and it’s not a pitstop. If you’re stopping at Nashville, you might as well spend a couple of days.

It will add three hours to the journey – but totally worth it. 

If it’s your first time, you have to explore the city’s rich history and culture. As someone who’s a country music enthusiast, I cannot get enough of this city. So many must-see places. Ryman Auditorium , the mother church of Country Music. Grand Ole Opry House , which has been hosting its namesake event since 1974.

The Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum , that’s home to 200,000 sound recordings, including an estimated 98% of all pre-World War II country recordings released commercially.

Then there’s the Johnny Cash Museum. It’s home to various artefacts that chronicle the legend’s life like Stage Costumes, including his infamous prison jumpsuit costume, vintage guitar amps, highwaymen memorabilia, gold and platinum records, and much more. The final room here is pure emotion. They had him up on the big screens singing Nine Inch Nails’ Hurt, and to see him doing that, as an old man, after everything you’ve learned before is just emotional! 

Ended up buying a tshirt here – loved the whole experience. And from dabbling in his music, a visit here has set me on the path to be a lifelong fan. 

If you’re planning on doing a few different Nashville attractions, then I’d recommend you look into buying the Nashville City Pass – it can save you a lot of money and time if you use it right.

– Me posing in Chicago in my Cash tshirt. I road tripped the other way! 

At night you can visit broadway and visit one honky-tonk bar after another and listen to some upcoming country musicians. Some of my recommendations are:

– Nashville Underground: This one is not your typical local bar. It has got four floors with live music and food. Therefore, plenty of choices available at one single place.

– Jack’s Bar-B-Que: It’s known for its signature smoked Tennessee pork shoulder sandwiches. Jack’s Bar-B-Que Texas Sweet Hot Sauce was named “The Best Sauce on the Planet” by American Royal in 2014.

READ MORE: Best Spots on the Nashville to Memphis Road Trip

9.  Chattanooga

I had a great time in Chattanooga on my Chicago to New Orleans road trip. It was a random choice, and somewhere I’d never even heard of, but all the signs were there, telling me to go, so I did.

I explored the beautiful Ruby Falls – America’s deepest commercial cave and largest underground waterfall. And then went to Rock City on Lookout Mountain to see the incredible natural rock formations and views over Chattanooga. There are some pretty gardens up here, with over 400 native plant species. And you can also stand at a marked point where you can look out on the panoramic views over 7 different states. Pretty impressive! 

– Follow this Chicago to New Orleans road trip itinerary and you’ll see some impressive views! 

I also went up the Incline Railway – less impressive, but fun all the same! 

I was randomly in Chattanooga for the celebration of the famous Chattanooga Choo Choo song by Glenn Miller, and even got a train whistle to prove it. 

Do you know the Chattanooga Choo Choo?

9. Blue Sky Vineyard

Address: 3150 S Rocky Comfort Rd, Makanda, Illinois 62958 USA

Even if you’re not a wine enthusiast, you should visit this place for its scenic beauty and Tuscan inspired architecture. It’s a family-owned Vineyard that produces 17 different kinds of Illinois wines and 5 Americans wines ranging from dry to sweet.

89 Road Trip Quotes to Inspire Your Next Adventure

10. Johnny Cash’s Boyhood Home

Address: 4791 W County Road 924, Dyess, Arkansas 72330 USA

Who doesn’t want to see the house where Man In Black grew up? It’s the same house where the 2006 classic ‘Walk The Line’ starring Joaquin Phoenix & Reese Witherspoon shooting happened. Not much to see here, but visit this one for the bragging rights. After all, you can say you’ve been to Johnny Cash’s house. It will also be the perfect prelude for your next stop.

11. Memphis 

Head to Beale Street for the main attractions. I’d also recommend visiting the National Civil Rights Museum to learn more about Martin Luther King – how he got started and the impact he made on the world. 

Book early to get into Sun Studio – known as the ‘Birthplace of Rock n Roll’, here you can see a real life studio and learn more about the careers of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis. You can book a Memphis: Big Mojo Sun Studio + Music History 3-Hour Bus Tour if you want to really delve deep into the music history here. You’ll enjoy a guided tour of world-famous Sun Studio as well as a crash-course in Memphis music history with a professional musician as your guide. Sing along as you visit music-related landmarks and all the places that make Memphis so special.

I loved the Sun Studio and would definitely have done this tour as I was travelling solo and I think it’d be a great place to experience in a group.

Just watch out here. I actually got picked up by a cop for walking in a sketchy area, totally oblivious to the danger I was putting myself in. Still loved my weekend in Memphis though.

12. Graceland

Address: 3734 Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, Tennessee 38116 USA

The home of the king! What could be better than visiting Elvis Presley’s fabled mansion right after visiting Johnny Cash’s boyhood home? Chicago to New Orleans is the only road trip that gives you the chance to revisit the lives of two icons.

Graceland is the first property owned by a rock icon to be declared a National Historic Landmark. It is also the most visited house in the USA after the White House, with over 650000 visitors every year.

Spanned across 13.8 acres, the elaborate tour of the property will take you through the house, the famous jungle room, you’ll get to see Presley’s Gold Record for Jailhouse Rock, and tour ends with the spine-chilling visit to his grave in the meditation garden.

I loved it here. Spent the day there and couldn’t stop just imaginging him walking there – and what an incredible life he led. If those walls could talk! 

Graceland is an absolute highlight of the Chicago to New Orleans road trip. Don’t miss it! 

13. Holmes County State Park

Address: State Park Road, Durant, Mississippi 39063 USA.

This state park built around two lakes covering a land span of 88 acres has around 28 campsites fro travelers to bunk. The lakes are popular spots for fishing. The architecture is rustic and aligns well with the natural landscape of the property. It’s also home to a wide variety of wildlife. This will make for a great stop on your Chicago to New Orleans road trip, before you hit the bright lights of NOLA. 

14. Oak Alley Plantation 

I visited the Oak Alley Plantation for the night and got a fascinating insight into the dark history there. It was home to the rich and wealthy, and slaves.  

15. New Orleans

You’ve made it! You’ve completed somewhere around 1300 miles on the scenic drive from Chicago to New Orleans – congratulations. 

Check out all the cheap things to do in New Orleans here… 

I loved New Orleans – so much so I ended up staying there for two weeks. I went to the New Orleans Jazz Festival , to Hogs for the Cause Festival and the French Quarter Festival too. I ate as much as I could of the many New Orleans specialities there are, and filled my time with the amazing wealth of cheap things to do in NOLA . 

FAQs about Chicago to New Orleans Road Trip

1. what does chicago to new orleans road trip look like.

Road trip from Chicago leading to New Orleans is hinted with historical traces, sights of wildlife, and nature landscapes that will surely give you a nostalgic feels.

2. What is the distance between Chicago to New Orleans?

Chicago to New Orleans is separated by a driving distance of approximately 925 miles or 1489 km.

3. How long is the drive time from Chicago to New Orleans?

The drive on a road trip from Chicago to New Orleans would take about 13 and a half hours non-stop.

4. Which is the most visited stop from Chicago to New orleans road trip?

Among the many stops between Chicago to New Orleans road trips, the most visited is Jackson Square. It’s where the prominent statue of General Andrew Jackson is erected at the intersection of the French Quarter and the river bank.

5. What are things to do in Chicago before going to New Orleans?

Before you embark on your journey going to New Orleans, make sure you have fun in Chicago first. The activities you must try are seeing art at the Art Institute of Chicago, exploring Grant Park, eating Chicago-style pizza, witnessing theater shows at Goodman Theatre, and taking a river cruise to see the Chicago skyline.

6. What are things to do in New Orleans?

The things you could do once you arrive in New Orleans are stroll the Bourbon Street or French Quarter, indulge yourself in music and dancing just from the streets, try the city’s beer, and explore the zoos.

7. Is there a scenic route from Chicago to New Orleans?

When you take a road trip from Chicago to New Orleans, you are expected to pass a total of six states. And if you take the Great River Road, you will be rewarding yourself with different views of the landscape. One of which is the Mississippi River, The Gateway Arch, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, and Saint Louis Zoo. Given this, it is without the best scenic route between the two places.

Keen to carry on the American road trip dream?

How about driving from New Orleans to Austin ? 

Apartments in New Orleans 

Want to stay somewhere comfy and chill? How about booking an apartment in New Orleans – lots of cool options to choose from on that link. This way you get to relax in your own space, have space to walk around, and get to stay in a cool NOLA home too. Winner! 

Looking for budget accommodation in New Orleans? Check out my post on the top 5 hostels in New Orleans !

More on road trips in the USA 

How to Save Money on a Road Trip in the USA

12 Awesome Stops on a San Francisco to LA Road Trip

Guide to Your Florida Road Trip

11 Unique Stops on a Chicago to Atlanta Road Trip

PIN THIS Chicago to New Orleans drive FOR LATER

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• 7 Ways to Make the Most of Your Road Trip Budget
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• 19 Awesome Road Trips from Chicago (with Timings)
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Hi, I'm Vicky! I wrote this. You can find me on all the social media @VickyFlipFlop. I love a bit of adventure, will try anything once, and have a strong passion for the local food and drink, whatever it may be. I'm here to help inspire you to travel to places a little out of your comfort zone, or at least to explore the usual destinations in a different way. Stay, have a look around, and if you have any questions – let me know below.

Whats the best season/month to do the roadtrip from chicago to new Orleans?

Hi Vicky, Great blog and info about this trip. Could you tell me how many days it took you? greating, Ite (Netherlands)

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39 Best Stops Between Chicago and New Orleans

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How long is the drive from Chicago to New Orleans?

The direct drive from Chicago to New Orleans is 926 mi (1,490 km) , and should have a drive time of 14 hrs 28 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Chicago to New Orleans, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Memphis , Saint Louis , Tunica , Springfield , Natchez , Vicksburg , Baton Rouge , Paducah , and Jackson , as well as top places to visit like Harrah's Joliet and Fair Oaks Farms, or the ever-popular Chicago Premium Outlets.

Top cities between Chicago and New Orleans

Springfield.

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Baton Rouge

Best stops along chicago to new orleans drive, chicago premium outlets.

Harrah's Joliet

Fair oaks farms, starved rock state park, indiana beach boardwalk resort, turkey run state park, lincoln monument association.

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

Lincoln home national historic site.

City Museum

The Gateway Arch

Busch Stadium

Saint louis zoo, the national quilt museum, paducah wall to wall.

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Discovery Park of America

Casey jones home & railroad museum, national civil rights museum.

Horseshoe Tunica

Delta blues museum, uss cairo gunboat and museum, vicksburg national military park.

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Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site

Tiger stadium, houmas house estate and gardens, nottoway resort, top searches in new orleans, other popular road trips from chicago, explore nearby places.

• New Orleans
• Bridge City
• River Ridge
• Belle Chasse
• Braithwaite
• Crown Point
• Saint Bernard
• Des Allemands

All related maps of New Orleans

• Map of New Orleans
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• Map of Terrytown
• Map of Arabi
• Map of Metairie
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• Map of Chalmette
• Map of Elmwood
• Map of Harahan
• Map of Avondale
• Map of River Ridge
• Map of Belle Chasse
• Map of Braithwaite
• Map of Kenner
• Map of Crown Point
• Map of Saint Bernard
• Map of Barataria
• Map of Luling
• Map of Jefferson
• Map of Lafitte
• Map of Destrehan
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• Map of Norco
• Map of Des Allemands
• Map of LaPlace
• Map of Lacombe
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New Orleans throughout the year

• New Orleans in January
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• New Orleans in June
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Looking for day-by-day itineraries in New Orleans?

Get inspired for your trip to New Orleans with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day New Orleans Itinerary
• 2-Day New Orleans Itinerary
• 3-Day New Orleans Itinerary
• 4-Day New Orleans Itinerary
• 5-Day New Orleans Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from chicago to new orleans.

Yes! You can drive from Chicago to New Orleans.

How far is New Orleans from Chicago by car?

The drive from Chicago to New Orleans is 926 miles (1,490 km).

How long does it take to drive from Chicago to New Orleans?

Driving from Chicago to New Orleans should take you 14 hrs 28 mins in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Chicago to New Orleans?

Gas from Chicago to New Orleans would cost around $81 to $189 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Chicago to New Orleans?

You could check out Harrah's Joliet and Fair Oaks Farms, or the always popular Chicago Premium Outlets!

What are the best cities to visit between Chicago and New Orleans?

People love visiting Memphis, Saint Louis, and Tunica, among others.

What's the weather like in Chicago?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Chicago in January
• Weather in Chicago in February
• Weather in Chicago in March
• Weather in Chicago in April
• Weather in Chicago in May
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• Weather in Chicago in December

What are some other road trips from Chicago?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Chicago.

• Chicago to New York City drive
• Chicago to Washington DC drive
• Chicago to Orlando drive
• Chicago to Toronto drive
• Chicago to Las Vegas drive
• Chicago to Nashville drive
• Chicago to Milwaukee drive
• Chicago to Saint Louis drive
• Chicago to New Orleans drive
• Chicago to Niagara Falls drive
• Chicago to Boston drive
• Chicago to Louisville drive
• Chicago to Indianapolis drive
• Chicago to Branson drive
• Chicago to Cleveland drive
• Chicago to Gatlinburg drive
• Chicago to Montreal drive
• Chicago to Memphis drive
• Chicago to Atlanta drive
• Chicago to Philadelphia drive
• Chicago to Cincinnati drive
• Chicago to Pittsburgh drive
• Chicago to Baltimore drive
• Chicago to Wisconsin Dells drive
• Chicago to Detroit drive
• Chicago to Savannah drive
• Chicago to San Antonio drive
• Chicago to Madison drive
• Chicago to Charleston drive
• Chicago to St. Augustine drive

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Chicago to New Orleans Flights

Whether you’re looking for a grand adventure or just want to get away for a last-minute break, flights from Chicago to New Orleans offer the perfect respite. Not only does exploring New Orleans provide the chance to make some magical memories, dip into delectable dishes, and tour the local landmarks, but the cheap airfare means you won’t bust your budget. So no matter whether your ideal itinerary involves flying one way, non-stop, or round trip, you’re bound to find flights that match your schedule on Expedia, and at prices that won’t shock your wallet.

Bagging a cheap flight from Chicago to New Orleans may mean more dollars to spend on for one-of-a-kind souvenirs when you arrive, but it doesn’t mean you have to skimp on your travel experience, as Expedia offers a sizzling selection of cheap airlines that’ll put you in your happy place on their planes, whether that’s getting lost in a hair-raising airport thriller, dreaming on the passing landscape over a glass of bubbly, or jotting down your vacation bucket list at 38,000 feet. There’s also bound to be plenty of opportunities to snap a few photos of the high life that will make your friends green with envy. After all, enjoying the journey is part of the fun.

With so many affordable flights and so many wonderful adventures awaiting you, there’s no reason to put off booking a fantastic flight from ORD to MSY today. So don’t leave it to the last minute to make your dream trip a reality: pack your bags with your go-to travel accessories, put together your list of must-see attractions and can’t-miss activities, and get ready to broaden your horizons – with Expedia, the wonders of New Orleans are only a plane trip away. Book your travel arrangements with us today!

If you would like to book flights to New Orleans more flexibly many prefer to purchase one-way tickets with options to take different airlines. A one way ticket to New Orleans is $21 now!

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Top Routes to New Orleans

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12 Essential Stops on Chicago to New Orleans road trip

Planning Chicago to New Orleans road trip and looking for best places to stop along the way?

This road trip from Windy City to the Deep South is one of our favorites.

Love music? Then you should definitely do this iconic road trip!

Listen to live music in Chicago and St. Louis and explore the blues music on Beale Street in Memphis….

….drive the Blues Highway and visit honky tonk bars on Music Row in Nashville…

….off course, and listen to New Orleans jazz on Frenchmen Street!

Here are some of the best stops on the Chicago New Orleans road trip.

Things to do in Chicago

Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago is a beautiful city.

If you are new to Chi-town, take some time to explore Chicago’s iconic attractions .

Visit Millenium Park, home to the popular Bean sculpture, and the Art Institute of Chicago.

Take a walk on Navy Pier or enjoy a ride on the Ferris wheel.

For some fun shopping head to the Magnificent Mile.

Eat some deep-dish pizza and then drive south for an iconic road trip.

Chicago to New Orleans via I-55

The road trip along I-55 from Chicago to New Orleans is a great way to see some of the Midwest and the South.

Springfield

The first stop on the road trip is Springfield, IL.

This city is home to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, as well as several other historical sites.

If you are a fan of the 16th president, make sure to visit this museum.

Just across the Mississippi River from Illinois, St. Louis is an easy stop on your road trip

Visit the iconic Gateway Arch National Park or take a ride to the top for some amazing views.

If you are a baseball fan, catch a Cardinals game at Busch Stadium.

Visit the Museum of Westward Expansion or walk through the Butterfly House at the Missouri Botanical Gardens.

Take the kids to see the Saint Louis Zoo which is home to more than 700 species of animals.

The home of the blues, Memphis is a must-stop on any road trip through the South.

Visit Beale Street and explore the history of blues music.

Tour the iconic Sun Studio and the famous Blues Hall of Fame.

Be sure to book your Sun Studios tour in advance as they get full early on.

Check out Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley.

Visit the National Civil Rights Museum, the site of Martin Luther King, Jr’s assassination.

Learn about music history as it was created at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

If you are in town on a Saturday, head to the Memphis Farmers Market for local produce and goods.

From Memphis, drive south to Jackson, MS.

This city is the capital of Mississippi and home to several interesting attractions.

Visit the Governor’s Mansion, the state capitol building, and the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science.

Take a walk down Capitol Street and enjoy the unique architecture of this historic city.

From Jackson, take the historic Natchez Trace Parkway west to Natchez.

This stretch will take you deep through the Mississippi Delta.

This city is home to several antebellum mansions, as well as the Natchez National Historical Park.

Visit Longwood, one of the largest octagonal houses in the country.

Explore Stanton Hall, an opulent Greek Revival mansion.

For a look at Natchez’s African American history, visit the Forks of the Road slave market site.

New Orleans

The final stop on this road trip is New Orleans.

This city is known for its jazz music and Cajun food.

Explore the French Quarter and enjoy the unique architecture of this historic district.

Take a walk down Bourbon Street and listen to some live jazz music.

Visit Jackson Square and the St. Louis Cathedral.

Sample some of the local cuisines at one of the many restaurants in the city.

Visit the City Park or take a ride on the streetcar.

End your trip by listening to some New Orleans jazz on Frenchmen Street!

Chicago to New Orleans via I-65 & I-20

Another option for your road trip from Chicago to New Orleans is to take I-65 south through Kentucky and then I-20 east through Mississippi.

This route will take you through some of the scenic countrysides of the Midwest and the South.

Indianapolis

The first stop on this road trip is Indianapolis, IN.

This city is the capital of Indiana and home to several interesting attractions.

Visit the State Capitol building and the Soldiers and Sailors Monument.

Explore the Indianapolis Museum of Art or take a walk through White River State Park.

If you are a racing fan, catch a race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The next stop on this road trip is Louisville, KY.

This city is home to the Kentucky Derby, as well as several other interesting attractions.

Visit Churchill Downs and take a tour of the historic racetrack.

Explore the Frazier History Museum or walk through the Waterfront Park.

For a taste of local culture, head to the Louisville Slugger Museum.

The next stop on this road trip is Nashville, TN.

This city is known as the country music capital of the world.

Music City is also the largest city in Tennessee and is great to visit for couples .

Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and learn about the history of country music.

Take a walk down Music Row and see where some of the biggest stars in music got their start.

If you are a fan of country music, be sure to catch a show at the Grand Ole Opry.

Tour the Johnny Cash Museum and eat some Nashville hot chicken.

Also Read: Nashville Itinerary

Take the scenic drive from Nashville to Franklin and explore this charming small town in Tennessee.

Visit the Carter House and the Lotz House, two historic homes from the Civil War.

For a taste of local culture, head to the Main Street Festival or the Franklin Art Scene.

The next stop on this road trip is Birmingham, AL.

This city is home to several interesting attractions.

Visit the Civil Rights Institute, the Birmingham Museum of Art, and the Birmingham Zoo.

Take a walk through Railroad Park or enjoy a meal at one of the city’s many restaurants.

Your final destination is here!

Spend 2 to 3 days in New Orleans to explore all that the Crescent City has to offer.

Visit the French Quarter, Jackson Square, and the St. Louis Cathedral.

Listen to some live jazz music and eat iconic Cajun dishes such as gumbo and crawfish.

Take a streetcar ride to Garden District or visit one of the city’s many parks.

Things to do in New Orleans

At the end of your trip lies New Orleans, a soulful city that makes visitors fall in love with its culture and history.

Take a jazz cruise on the Mississippi River.

Explore the architecture and eclectic shops in the French Quarter, the city’s most popular attraction.

Tour the historic mansions in Garden District.

Eat beignets at Café Du Monde and try the turtle soup at Commander’s Palace.

Take a day trip to see the historic River Road plantations including Oak Alley Plantation and Laura Plantation.

The Chicago to New Orleans drive is full of amazing attractions and lively cities!

There are so many amazing things to see and do on the Chicago to New Orleans drive, it’s hard to choose a favorite.

What is your favorite stop on this road trip?

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Cheap flights from Chicago to New Orleans

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• Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) Chicago 24 min 25 km
• Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) Chicago 22 min 14 km
• Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) Milwaukee 1 hr 23 min 120 km
• Indianapolis International Airport (IND) Indianapolis 2 hr 57 min 265 km

Popular airports near New Orleans

• Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) New Orleans 20 min 18 km
• Pensacola International Airport (PNS) Pensacola 3 hr 2 min 283 km
• Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR) Baton Rouge 1 hr 25 min 122 km
• Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT) Gulfport 1 hr 14 min 108 km

Frequently asked questions about flying from Chicago to New Orleans

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• Seattle RUB 15,503 Aug 17 — Aug 19 Nonstop 4 hr 39 min United
• New Orleans RUB 8,083 May 18 — May 20 1 stop 2 hr 25 min Spirit
• London RUB 45,283 Sep 19 — Sep 22 1 stop 14 hr 11 min Spirit, Norse Atlantic UK
• New York RUB 8,128 Aug 22 — Aug 26 Nonstop 2 hr 9 min Spirit

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Chicago to New Orleans drive

Chicago to new orleans road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Chicago to New Orleans. If you're planning a road trip to New Orleans, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Traveling with a dog or cat? Find pet-friendly stops . Camping along the way? Search for RV campgrounds . Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

10:00 am  start in Chicago drive for about 2 hours

12:14 pm   Champaign stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:14 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

2:50 pm   Altamont stay for about 1 hour and leave at 3:50 pm drive for about 3 hours

day 1 driving ≈ 7 hours find more stops

8:00 am  leave from Sikeston drive for about 2 hours

10:13 am   Memphis stay for about 3.5 hours and leave at 1:43 pm drive for about 2 hours

3:40 pm   Winona (Mississippi) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 4:40 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

6:11 pm   Jackson (Mississippi) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 7:11 pm drive for about 2 hours

9:17 pm   Hammond (Louisiana) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 10:17 pm drive for about 1 hour

11:19 pm  arrive in New Orleans stay at Hotel Monteleone

day 2 driving ≈ 9 hours find more stops

Where should I stop along the way?

Champaign   (4 answers) Altamont Sikeston Memphis   (140 answers)     Beale Street   (9 mentions)     Graceland   (9 mentions)     National Civil Rights Museum   (8 mentions)     Memphis Zoo   (7 mentions)     Mud Island   (6 mentions)     restaurants around Memphis:         Central BBQ         Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken         Charlie Vergos Rendezvous         Payne's Bar-B-Q         Cozy Corner Restaurant     questions about Memphis:         What's the best neighborhood in Memphis for a first time visitor?         What are the musts of Memphis, y'all?         Must sees in Memphis TN?? Hidden gems places to eat??         Best blues clubs in Memphis?         Good Food and Fun With Kids Winona (Mississippi) Jackson (Mississippi)   (16 answers)     questions about Jackson (Mississippi):         What's going down in Jackson, MS for New Years Eve? Hammond (Louisiana)   (2 answers)

Where's the best place to stay in New Orleans?

Are you going straight to a hotel, or looking for a vacation rental or Airbnb?

The best resource on neighborhoods, areas, and hotels is the Trippy page on where to stay in New Orleans .

If you're looking for a quick answer, you can check out Hotel Monteleone , which was mentioned 11 times on Trippy.

Here are some more hotels people talk about:

Want to research more popular hotels in New Orleans? Click the blue button below.

Where's the best place to eat in New Orleans?

Need some recommendations on somewhere to get food?

Trippy members suggest Café du Monde , which was mentioned 62 times.

Here are some more restaurants people talk about:

Want to research more popular restaurants in New Orleans? Click the blue button below.

What are some things to do in New Orleans?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

These are some of the places people talk about on Trippy:

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

For example, here are some questions people have asked about New Orleans. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to New Orleans.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a New Orleans to Chicago drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Chicago to New Orleans . Or get a full Chicago to New Orleans flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend. Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, or Sydney, and get inspired for your dream trip around the world.

And if you know Chicago well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Chicago!

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Flights from Chicago to New Orleans with American Airlines

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Explore New Orleans.

The bayou is calling. The rich culture and deep history of New Orleans awaits you when you deplane at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Let the local lore and legends of Crescent City cast their spell upon you—book a car, call a ride share, or hop on the public transit system and see which wonders will draw you to them.

If you find yourself in town for it, Mardi Gras is a rager to end all ragers. This citywide party stretches on right up until Ash Wednesday. Catch some beads, take in a parade, and have a drink! New Orleans is known for live music. The saints will always be marching in, whether you’re enjoying some Dixieland ditties out in the street, jazz or blues in a smoky night club, zydeco at a pop-up party, or a big-stadium pop music show. And Nawlins’ food is just as eclectic as its music: gumbo, red beans and rice, jambalaya, muffaletta, po-boys, beignets—the menu goes on and on. Add in some cocktails, and you might never find your way home from the Big Easy.

If you’re not sure what to do first, consider booking a tour (or two, or five). Swamp tours, cemetery and haunted location tours, bar and restaurant tours, and tours exploring neighborhoods beyond the famous French Quarter and Bourbon Street are available. What’re you waiting for? Your adventure awaits.

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Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is just 11 miles east of New Orleans. Call a car, hop on a bus, or hit the road to your New Orleans adventure.

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May 30 - jun 4, chicago (chi) to new orleans (msy), new orleans (msy) to chicago (chi).

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More About Flying To New Orleans from Chicago

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Route Information for Flights from Chicago to New Orleans

Traveling from chicago to new orleans, airports in chicago.

The city of Chicago is primarily served by two international airports. Travelers looking for low-fare flights from Chicago can use Orbitz.com to find flights from both O'Hare and Midway. O'Hare International Airport is located approximately 17 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. Midway International Airport is located on the city's southwest side, approximately eight miles from Chicago's Loop. O'Hare serves as a hub for American Airlines and United Airlines, and Midway is a hub for Southwest Airlines.

Chicago Airport Parking

Daily, hourly, and valet parking are available at O'Hare. Rates vary from $2.00 to $10.00 per hour. An economy parking lot is also available at a rate of $2.00 per hour. Similar parking options and rates apply at Midway.

Chicago Airport Transportation

There are numerous transportation options for getting to and from both O'Hare and Midway. O'Hare can be accessed via regional trains, buses, and local mass transit lines. The CTA Blue Line offers a fast and convenient transportation option to and from this airport. Midway is served by the CTA Orange Line. Car rental services are available at both airports, and travelers can quickly book car rental services at either airport using Orbitz.com.

Chicago Airport Restaurants

Both O'Hare and Midway offer a variety of restaurant options for travelers. Restaurants located in both airports include Starbuck's Coffee, Chicago Style Hot Dogs, McDonald's, Auntie Anne's, Chili's, Cinnabon, and Dunkin Donuts, making it easy for visitors to grab a quick breakfast, snack, or meal. By using Orbitz.com, travelers can quickly and easily find low-fare flights from Chicago.

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport

Use Orbitz.com to help you find cheap flights to New Orleans. Louis Armstrong International Airport is the major airport that serves the city. It is located 10 miles west of downtown New Orleans in the city of Kenner, Louisiana. The airport services over 8.5 million passengers each year. Louis Armstrong International Airport is a hub for American Airlines, JetBlue, Delta, and Southwest Airlines. To get low fares, use Orbitz.com when booking a flight to New Orleans.

Transportation at Louis Armstrong International Airport

Louis Armstrong International Airport has several transportation and parking options for visitors. The airport offers over 3,000 parking spaces for both short-term and long-term parking. Rates for short-term parking start at $2 an hour, and long-term parking prices are as low as $13 a day. Ground transportation includes airport shuttles, Amtrak, taxis, and public transportation. Taxi cabs from the airport to the city's center usually charge a flat rate of $33 per person.

Weather in New Orleans

New Orleans generally has a subtropical climate. Winters are usually very cool, with temperatures averaging 50 degrees. Pack light sweaters and coats. Spring and fall tend to be pleasant, with temperatures averaging 79 degrees. Summers can get very hot and humid, with temperatures reaching as high as 95 degrees. Be alert when travelling to New Orleans during hurricane season, which lasts from August to November.

Popular Attractions in New Orleans

New Orleans is home to a plethora of tourist attractions. Visitors to the city can tour the historic French Quarter and Garden District, which both offer sightseeing tours, as well as fantastic shopping. Audubon Park is another popular attraction. Its lush greenery stretches across Uptown New Orleans, right across the street from Tulane and Loyola Universities. If you are visiting during Mardi Gras season, which starts in February, you can watch a variety of parades traveling from Uptown New Orleans to the French Quarter. You can book cheap flights to New Orleans with the help of Orbitz.com.

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The Bazaar Guide to New Orleans

Just in time for Jazz Fest

Even if you can’t make it to Jazz Fest, the city’s busy cultural calendar means there’s really never a bad time to plan a trip to the Crescent City. Ahead, Harper’s Bazaar shares our favorite spots to eat, drink, dance, and shop in New Orleans. Laissez les bon temps rouler —let the good times roll!

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One of the greatest things about New Orleans is that there’s no shortage of gorgeous hotels to host you. A personal favorite of mine is Hotel Saint Vincent —a former orphanage turned mod-inspired abode (and also where I happened to get married)—tucked away in the quiet Lower Garden District and home to one of the best pools in the city. Those who want to be closer the action (i.e., the reckless abandon of Bourbon Street) can opt for lodging closer to the French Quarter, where Expedia-approved properties such as the Eliza Jane , the Kimpton , and the newly renovated Four Seasons New Orleans provide not only top-tier hospitality, but also the ultimate convenience: being able to step out the door and join any party that’s passing by. New Orleans has a subtle duality that one notices once they get to know the city better—and part of its beauty is being able to switch between the lavish celebrations and the more laid-back, slow-to-start Southern mornings.

WHERE TO DRINK

There’s no such thing as a bad drink in New Orleans. Whether you’re looking for an artisanal cocktail or a glass of funky natural wine, anywhere you stumble into will likely have the libation you’re looking for. For those who want to spend the day with a bottle and the best damn charcuterie plate you’ll ever have, head to Bachannal in the city’s hipster haunt of Bywater. If it’s time for happy hour, Luke’s downtown has a perfect French 75 (with cognac! the NOLA way!) paired with a dozen fresh oysters, and there’s Peychaud’s or Columns Bar for dirty martinis done right. Paradise Lounge at Hotel Saint Vincent also makes a mean Italian margarita and rosemary spritz, and the roof of the Ace Hotel is the perfect spot for a nightcap (and makes a top-shelf espresso martini).

WHERE TO EAT

Don’t tell New York, but to me, New Orleans is America’s best food city. While on a macro level the town is known for the obvious contenders (beignets! gumbo! po’boys!), it also has so many hidden gems from local chefs aiming to reinvent how the world sees Creole cuisine. Be sure to visit Acme’s Oyster House for traditional New Orleans eats, (get a dozen chargrilled, add hot sauce, and ask for extra bread), Elizabeth’s in Bywater for a perfect Southern breakfast (praline bacon: Don’t ask, just do!), and Cafe Sbisa for chicken and (sweet potato!) waffles and sinfully good shrimp and grits. For chef-driven sandwiches bigger than your head, head to Turkey & the Wolf ; or for a gorgeous weekend brunch in a dreamy garden, opt for Cafe Amelie . Satsuma is great for vegetarians or anyone hoping for bit of lighter fare, and Dakar has been highlighted nationwide for its take on Senegalese cuisine. Cafe du Monde and its pillowy-soft beignets are, of course, nonnegotiable.

WHERE TO DANCE

Technically, the party can be wherever you want it to be in New Orleans, but for the sake of brevity, the best place to find live music in the city would be anywhere on Frenchman Street. Nightlife staples include DBA New Orleans , the Spotted Cat Music Club , the Rabbit Hole , and Treme Hideaway , among many others .

WHERE TO SHOP

New Orleans is a city for music lovers and eccentric dressers. Any vinyl fan will have a field day sorting through vintage LPs at NOLA Mix Records in the Lower Garden District, while independent boutiques like Lekha , Elysian by Emily Morrison , and Saint Claude Social Club provide provide eclectic pieces for your home and wardrobe. Nestled inside of Hotel Saint Vincent, ByGeorge is perfect for any luxury lover: The mini boutique sells resortwear and accessories from brands like Loewe, Dries Van Noten, Christopher John Rogers, and Rabanne.

Bianca Betancourt is the culture editor at HarpersBAZAAR.com , where she covers all things film, TV, music, and more. When she's not writing, she loves impulsively baking a batch of cookies, re-listening to the same early-2000s pop playlist, and stalking Mariah Carey's Twitter feed. 

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Road Trip from New Orleans to Chicago

A road trip from New Orleans to Chicago is an unforgettable travel experience, offering a sumptuous selection of cultural and scenic places to visit along the way. This adventure from the south to the north of the US is guaranteed to leave you with lasting memories even before you reach your final destination.

This 1,000-mile road trip from New Orleans to Chicago takes 15 hours to drive. Highlights en route include the Mississippi, Talladega National Forest, De Soto National Forest, and the cities of Memphis, Jackson, St Louis or Nashville, and Indianapolis.

Read on to find out how to make the most of this fantastic drive, including our preferred route options, the best places to stay to break things up, and the best time of year to make the trip from New Orleans to Chicago.

How far is Chicago from New Orleans and how long will the road trip take?

Driving to Chicago from New Orleans takes around 15 hours and covers approximately 1,000 miles. Both the Nashville and Memphis routes are roughly the same, with the Memphis route being about 20 miles shorter, and just minutes quicker.

The road trip to Chicago takes a full day of driving as a straight route, so in order to appreciate the gorgeous landscapes, you should extend your vacation by at least two to three days to make the road trip truly unforgettable.

Best road trip route from New Orleans to Chicago

There are two truly great routes to choose from for a road trip from New Orleans to Chicago, taking you through some of the most memorable landscapes, sights, and attractions in the south.

Both routes take you through some of the more urbanized parts of the American south, such as Nashville, Louisville, and Indianapolis, or Jackson, Memphis, and St Louis. Depending on the season, like in any city, there is the possibility of traffic congestion.

The Nashville route includes Talladega and De Soto National Forests, Spring Mill, Brown County and Turkey Run State Parks as well as a great number of attractions suitable for younger generations.

The Memphis route has comparable attractions with lakes, parks and forests as well as the deeply historical and important cities like Jackson and Memphis.

How to drive from New Orleans to Chicago

The map above shows our suggestions for the best road trip routes between New Orleans and Chicago. Keep reading for detailed descriptions of both routes, where to stay on either, and the best things to do on the way.

The Nashville Route

On your way out of New Orleans, get on Interstate 10 (I-10) and drive north over the Twin Span Bridge and Lake Pontchartrain. You then have a couple of options for stops and detours to Fontainebleau State Park, INFINITY Science Center to the east, and Gulf Islands Waterpark.

Back on the main route, head towards De Soto National Forest where you can either make a stop or continue further along to Hattiesburg.

Here, you could visit the zoo before continuing on to Meridian, and either driving on to Birmingham and enjoying some of the city's attractions. or detour to Talladega National Forest for a stop in nature.

Your next stop will be Nashville where you could rest for the night and enjoy an exciting morning at some famous local attractions. Once ready to leave, drive north towards Mammoth Cave National Park where you can detour.

After that, stick to the interstate until you reach Louisville where you can visit the zoo, the science center, and more local attractions. Before you drive off towards Indianapolis, on the way there, you should definitely detour to Hosier National Forest to the west.

Take some time to appreciate the amazing city of Indianapolis and some of the gorgeous sites around town, before you cover the last few hundred miles into your final destination – Chicago.

The Memphis Route

Coming out of New Orleans on I-10 West, you skirt Lake Pontchartrain and drive on the Bonnet Carré Spillway Bridge. Head through Joyce Wildlife Management Area, through Ponchatoula and on to Summit, where you can detour to Natchez, and drive parts of the historic Natchez Trace Parkway .

Continuing on I-55 north, you hit Jackson where you can decide if you wish to stop over. Otherwise carrying on the interstate, you can take a short detour to the beautiful Grenada Lake.

The route then continues again on the interstate to the iconic city of Memphis. From here, you will drive all the way north to St Louis and on to Chicago.

Best places to stop between New Orleans and Chicago

Driving from New Orleans to Chicago cuts a path south to north of the US and covers a significant stretch. Given this, it's recommended to make several stops to find comfortable accommodation for a regenerating overnight stay.

Read on for a look at some of the best hotels:

Take a break in Birmingham

At just over 5 hours from New Orleans, Birmingham is an obvious candidate for your first stop en route to Chicago if you're taking the Nashville Route.

A visit to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is reason enough to make this city a stop on your itinerary. This monumental museum charts the journey of civil rights advocates throughout the 1950s and 60s, and their profound impact on American and Global culture, society and politics.

If you're planning a visit, the Elyton Hotel, Autograph Collection is an outstanding choice for your overnight stay . Not only is this hotel situated close to the Civil Rights Museum (as well as the Museum of Arts and Vulcan Museum), it is unsurpassed in the city in terms of style and luxury.

This old-world, historical building, located in the center of the entertainment and financial district, has been painstakingly restored. Its rooms and suites have a bright and open feel, with tall ceilings and massive view-enhancing windows - perfect to wake up to before resuming your journey to Chicago.

Feed the soul in Jackson

Heading out on the Memphis Route, you'd be wise to choose Jackson, Mississippi as your first stopover point. "The City of Soul" is famed for its excellent cuisine, a wealth of museums, and a deep sense of history.

And at just under 3 hours' drive from New Orleans, this choice sets you up for an easy first day on the road. If you decide to make Jackson your base for the night, Old Capitol Inn is an ideal hotel for your stay, situated downtown . This designer boutique hotel is intimate and welcoming, with quirky rooms themed around interesting events, places, and people of Mississippi.

The hotel is in ideal proximity to a plethora of historical attractions, ideal to give the traveler an intimate glimpse of US history with a visit to Medgar Evers Home; a pioneer and spearhead for civil rights.

Then there's the Museum of Civil Rights itself. Additionally, there's the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, and for some urban downtime, LeFleur's Bluff State Park is close by.

Admire the beauty of Nashville

If taking our suggested Nashville Route you must, of course, stay in the world-famous home of country music. At 8 hours' drive from New Orleans, you could technically make this your first (or only) overnight stop, if you're in a hurry.

In any case, with its legendary nightlife - and much more culture besides - we suggest you plan this city into your road trip itinerary.

The Hyatt Centric Downtown Nashville is a great base for a short stay, with its excellent city views, chic design and a handy on-site coffee house with a sunny terrace to enjoy your beverage on.

If you decide to spend your time in downtown Nashville, the excellent location gives easy access to highlights of the city like the Johnny Cash Museum, Tootsies Orchid Lounge, and Bridgestone Arena.

And after a busy day exploring all that Nashville has to offer, don't forget the hotel's fabulous rooftop pool. Take the opportunity to cool off and relax before heading out for the night!

Submerge yourself in Memphis

You can't go on the Memphis route without stopping in Memphis! There is so much to see and do in this city, known the world over as "Home of the Blues and Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll".

Spend quality time on one of Memphis' riverboat cruises, stroll through a Historic Memphis Guided Walk, or submerse yourself in the music scene with a visit to the world-famous Memphis Music Hall of Fame. Or simply hang out on Beale Street - one of the most iconic streets in America, with its plethora of buzzing bars and live music venues.

The lovely River Inn of Harbor Town is our recommendation for your overnight stay, with typical southern hospitality and a European aesthetic, it is close to the Mississippi River and most rooms look over the river itself.

You wouldn't want to visit Memphis and not visit the King of Rock n' Roll's house, Elvis needs no introduction, and his converted home at Graceland is now a museum to the south of the city.

Things to see on a road trip from New Orleans to Chicago

The road trip from New Orleans to Chicago is best enjoyed over the span of at least two to three days, if not a whole week.

With all the excitement and exhilaration crammed into this trip, you should definitely spend at least a couple of days sampling some of the great places listed below:

• Fontainebleau State Park – Here, as a nature lover, you can escape the fast city life, surrounded by lakes on all sides, amidst shrubbery and diverse wildlife. Fontainebleau State Park also offers activities such as biking, boating, and paddling.
• INFINITY Science Center – Infinity Science Center is a museum dedicated to inspiring like-minded, young, and adventurous future scientists. Check out their newest and largest attraction – the mighty Saturn V, a first-stage booster, and its five giant engines.
• Gulf Islands Waterpark – Spend a fun and thrilling afternoon at Gulf Islands Waterpark and go for a ride on some of the exciting water attractions accessible to both adults and children.
• De Soto National Forest – Enjoy year-round recreational opportunities such as biking, canoeing, horseback riding, and for the fans of adrenalin-inducing experiences – ATV rides.
• Hattiesburg Zoo – Head over to where grownups and kids alike can fulfil their unrealized dream of hugging a sloth! Here, you can also admire a multitude of exotic animals such as jaguars, prairie dogs, and many more reptilian species.
• Talladega National Forest – Talladega National Forest covers around 400,000 acres through which you can either enjoy a quick scenic ride or better yet camp for a while and relish some peace and quiet.
• Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park – Admire the graceful waterfalls and dramatic scenery of the Old Stone Fort State Archaeological State Park, home to an important part of Native American history, and now hosts events & activities for visitors.
• Nashville – Packed with a long list of museums, historical landmarks, and exciting attractions, Nashville is an amazing place to spend the better part of an afternoon.
• Mammoth Cave National Park – Visit the longest cave system in the world and join the seemingly endless exploration of this beautiful naturalistic monument.
• Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park – Honor the humble beginnings of the 16th president of the United States – Abraham Lincoln, by visiting his birthplace and learning about what prepared him to lead the nation through the Civil War.
• Dinosaur World – Dig for fossils and pan for minerals, just a short drive away from Mammoth Cave National Park.
• Louisville –Besides the plethora of attractions, museums, and exhibits, there are plenty of places to escape the urban scene in Louisville.
• Brown County State Park – Because the park resembles the Great Smokey Mountains, Brown County State Park has been nicknamed “Little Smokies”. The magical park encompasses 16,000 acres of ridges, rugged hills, scenic vistas, and fog-shrouded ravines.
• Indianapolis – Best known for annually hosting the world's largest single-day sporting event – the Indianapolis 500, the city is also known for its amazing zoo, botanical garden, and the world's largest children's museum.
• Bowling Green – Home to the National Corvette Museum, the amusement park Beech Bend and the stunning Lost River Cave, this city is an excellent tourist destination.

• Joyce Wildlife Management Area - Take a "swamp walk" and experience the wildlife, eye to eye.
• Natchez - An hour or so detour off the main route, this is worth a stop to view the palatial plantation mansions - this classic southern city has stories to tell in every brick.
• Jackson - The state capital, steep yourself in history and atmosphere on the banks of the Pearl River.
• Sardis Lake - A lovely stop at this lake that feeds into the Little Tallahatchie River. Take a walk along the waterside and view the dam, the marina, and even take a dip in Lower Lake Beach.
• Arkabutla Lake - Take a walk along the Ark Trail at the Coldwater River Nature Conservancy and soak up the lush woodland.
• Memphis, Tennessee - If you choose this as part of your stopover, you can soak in all the many attractions like Graceland, the legendary home of Elvis, a boat ride on the Mississippi River, and the Memphis Music Hall of Fame.
• Mark Twain National Forest - This gigantic forest, named after famous Missouri author Mark Twain, has so many attractions, take your time and soak up experiences like Elephant Rocks State Park, Taum Sauk Mountain, and the Onondaga Caves.
• Gateway Arch National Park - The famous Gateway Arch in St Louis, is a must-see feat of architecture. The arch was built to symbolize the gateway to the west during the westward expansion in the 1800s.
• St Louis, Missouri - A wonderful city, and another potential stopover, well worth it as a base to visit the Gateway Arch and many other attractions like the St Louis Zoo and Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis.
• Springfield - Stop off at the home of President Lincoln and visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum to keep your historical knowledge up to date.
• Kankakee River State Park - A lovely stop in nature before the big city - home to Smith, Hoffman, Langham, and Willow Islands, great for fishing, biking, and hiking.

Best time to go on a road trip from New Orleans to Chicago

The road trip from New Orleans to Chicago is best enjoyed from April through May and from September to October. Fall and Spring are both preferable for a road trip because temperatures are pleasant and warm during both seasons.

The most enjoyable period for such a trip would be from April through May. Average daytime temperatures hover between the high-50s and low-70s, perfect for all sorts of outdoor activities.

Occasionally, you might run into some rain clouds but with a few warm clothes on hand and an umbrella, it shouldn't pose a problem. Crowds are manageable during spring, so you shouldn't worry much about queues and delays.

Fall in Chicago is not only beautiful but is also packed with exciting and memorable events like the Chicago Jazz Festival in September. The weather conditions are perfect for exploring popular local attractions – maintaining enjoyable temperatures around the 70s during the day.

Temperatures can get a little colder in the evening, so come prepared with some additional layers.

It can be a challenge embarking on a summer road trip to Chicago. Average summertime temperatures range from the high-50s to the mid-80s, but fluctuation is to be expected due to passing heat waves, humidity, and strong breezes.

Visiting between June and August means organizing well in advance and booking around a month before, as hotel vacancies and deals are snapped up early. But it is certainly worth it to experience the multitude of distractions Chicago has.

From sampling its world-famous pizza, taking a boat trip on the Chicago River, to rocking out at the famous Lollapalooza and Chicago Blues Festivals, there's so much to soak in.

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Find cheap flights from New Orleans to Chicago from $41

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from new orleans to chicago departing on 5/29. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to chicago.

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Cheap flight deals from New Orleans to Chicago (MSY-CHI)

Flights from new orleans to chicago - travel insights & trends, get data-powered insights and trends into flights from new orleans to chicago to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more., what is the cheapest new orleans to chicago flight route, our data shows that the cheapest route for a one-way flight from new orleans to chicago cost $68 and was between new orleans and chicago o'hare intl airport. on average, the best prices are found if you fly this route. the average price for a return flight for this route is $64., what’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from new orleans to chicago, if you are looking for a flight deal from new orleans to chicago, look for departures on thursdays and avoid leaving on a sunday, as it's usually the priciest day. when flying back from chicago, tuesday is the cheapest day to fly and friday is the most expensive., what is the cheapest month to fly from new orleans to chicago, the cheapest month for flights from new orleans to chicago is february, where tickets cost $180 on average. on the other hand, the most expensive months are june and july, where the average cost of tickets is $336 and $304 respectively., how far in advance should i book a flight from new orleans to chicago, to get a below average price on the flight from new orleans to chicago, you should book around 1 week before departure. for the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 71 days before departure., which airlines provide the cheapest flights from new orleans to chicago, in the past 3 days, the cheapest one-way tickets to chicago from new orleans were found on spirit airlines ($41) and frontier ($55), and the lowest round-trip tickets were found on spirit airlines ($53) and united airlines ($158)., which airlines fly most frequently between new orleans and chicago, united airlines connects new orleans to chicago with up to 5 flights per day. american airlines also offers 3 flights per day, while southwest follows with 3 flights per day., which airlines fly non-stop between new orleans and chicago, there are 4 airlines that fly nonstop from new orleans to chicago. they are: american airlines, southwest, spirit airlines and united airlines. the cheapest price of all airlines flying this route was found with spirit airlines at $51 for a one-way flight. on average, the best prices for this route can be found at spirit airlines., how many flights are there between new orleans and chicago per day, each day, there are between 10 and 14 nonstop flights that take off from new orleans and land in chicago, with an average flight time of 2h 32m. the most common departure time is 10:00 am and most flights take off in the morning, while the most flights land at chicago o'hare intl airport. each week, there are 85 flights. the most frequent day of departure is sunday, when 16% of all weekly flights depart. the fewest flights depart on a tuesday., which cabin class options are there for flights between new orleans and chicago, there are 4 cabin class options for the route. these are first, business, economy and prem economy. perform a search on kayak to find the latest prices and availability for all cabin fares, which differ across airlines., how long does a flight from new orleans to chicago take, direct flights take on average 2h 32m to travel the 834 miles between new orleans and chicago., what’s the earliest departure time from new orleans to chicago, early birds can take the earliest flight from new orleans at 5:10 am and will be landing in chicago at 7:30 am., what’s the latest departure time from new orleans to chicago, if you prefer to fly at night, the latest flight from new orleans to chicago jets off at 9:35 pm and lands at 12:11 am., good to know, when to book flights from new orleans to chicago, faqs for booking flights from new orleans to chicago, which is the best arrival airport if i want to visit millennium park.

Two of Chicago’s international airports, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW) have direct connections to Millennium Park. However, MDW is the best arrival option as it lies about 9 miles away, compared to ORD which is about 16 miles away. The quickest way to get there is via a taxi, which takes approximately 15min.

What is the best way to get to downtown Chicago from the adjacent airports?

There are several transportation options to get you to downtown Chicago after landing from any of Chicago City's airports. From Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), you can take CTA "L" trains or Metra which are the cheapest means to travel to the city center of Chicago. If you’re arriving at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, the Blue Line 'L' train will take you to downtown Chicago in about 45min.

What is the best way to get to MSY from downtown New Orleans?

It takes about 50min to reach MSY from downtown New Orleans by bus. The bus departs at a 30min interval from the outer curb outside Level 3 Ticket Lobby, making stops at Elk Place at Cleveland or the Union Passenger Terminal/Bus Bay 2. Alternatively, you can order a taxi and reach the airport in around 30min.

Are there any hotels in MSY?

Yes, you’ll find plenty of hotels close to the airport in New Orleans that also offer courtesy shuttle services to and from the airport. Such facilities include Hampton Inn & Suites New Orleans-Elmwood/Clearview Pkway, LA, Comfort Suites Airport, and Holiday Inn Express & Suites New Orleans Airport South, An IHG Hotel. These hotels are handy if you have an early morning flight.

What is the cheapest flight from New Orleans to Chicago?

In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight from New Orleans to Chicago was $41 for a one-way ticket and $53 for a round-trip.

Do I need a passport to fly between New Orleans and Chicago?

No, a passport isn't needed to fly from New Orleans to Chicago. However, local authorities might ask for an official ID.

Which airports will I be using when flying from New Orleans to Chicago?

New Orleans is served by only 1 airport and there are 2 airports in Chicago. You will leave New Orleans from New Orleans Louis Armstrong and you will be arriving in Chicago at one of these airports: Chicago Midway or Chicago O'Hare Intl.

Which airlines offer Wi-Fi service onboard planes from New Orleans to Chicago?

All the following airlines offer inflight Wi-Fi service on the New Orleans to Chicago flight route: American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, and United Airlines.

Which aircraft models fly most regularly from New Orleans to Chicago?

The Boeing 737-800 is the aircraft model that flies most regularly on the New Orleans to Chicago flight route.

Which airline alliances offer flights from New Orleans to Chicago?

oneworld, and Star Alliance are the airline alliances operating flights between New Orleans and Chicago, with Star Alliance being the most commonly used for this route.

On which days can I fly direct from New Orleans to Chicago?

There are nonstop flights from New Orleans to Chicago on a daily basis.

Which is the best airline for flights from New Orleans to Chicago, Delta or United Airlines?

The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from New Orleans to Chicago are Delta and United Airlines. With an average price for the route of $376 and an overall rating of 8.0, Delta is the most popular choice. United Airlines is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of $308 and an overall rating of 7.4.

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from New Orleans to Chicago?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from New Orleans to Chicago.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from New Orleans to Chicago?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Chicago from New Orleans is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from New Orleans to Chicago?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to Chicago with an airline and back to New Orleans with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from New Orleans to Chicago?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Chicago from New Orleans up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding a cheap flight from New Orleans to Chicago

• Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for $131 or less one-way and $222 or less round-trip.
• Both the departure and arrival airports have lounges for your relaxation and convenience. There are three main lounges at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), including Delta Sky Club, United Club, and The Club MSY. Various airports in Chicago have lounges with amenities such as meals and showers.
• When you fly out of MSY, plan to arrive at least 2h before the take-off, although wait durations will vary depending on the day, holiday, and season. It’s helpful to visit the MYS website before you go, as you’ll see the security line wait times in real-time and plan for your trip well.
• MYS provides services for travelers with reduced mobility upon request. To utilize these services, make early arrangements with your airline, letting them know your needs. Also, you can request special aid or a wheelchair service in preparation for your arrival at any of the airports in Chicago. Take advantage of this service by contacting your airline in advance, and your assistance will be ready when you land in Chicago.
• If you're arriving late at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and looking for a hotel adjacent to the airport in Chicago, look no further than the Four Points by Sheraton Chicago O'Hare. Conveniently located within O'Hare International Airport, it is easily accessible and boasts excellent amenities such as an indoor pool, a sauna, and free parking.
• If you are traveling with the family, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport has nursing facilities for the little ones. There are three nursing rooms at Concourse A, near Gate A3, Concourse B, close to Gate B9, and Concourse C, near Gate C8.

Prefer to fly non-stop from New Orleans to Chicago?

Find which airlines fly direct from Louis Armstrong to Chicago, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Nonstop departures

New Orleans Louis Armstrong to Chicago

ANA, Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +14 more

ANA, Air Canada, +15 more

ANA, Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +13 more

ANA, Air Canada, +14 more

Nonstop returns

Chicago to New Orleans Louis Armstrong

ANA, Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +15 more

ANA, Air Canada, +16 more

ANA, Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +17 more

ANA, Air Canada, +18 more

ANA, Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +16 more

ANA, Air Canada, +17 more

Top 5 airlines serving from New Orleans to Chicago

Delta is one of the best airlines I have flown

Made the Atlanta to Pittsburgh trip many times, with Delta no issues

I always fly with Delta. My friends tell me their horror stories of flying with other airlines. I just smile and say, “You should fly Delta”

I'm a larger, athletic guy (6'2", 260lbs powerlifter) and I found the seats incredibly uncomfortable with minimal leg room, especially in a window seat. Now, I full understand that being smaller may change my view but even if I was 80lbs less, my legs would be the same size and I was sandwiched between my seat and the seat in front of me.

Horrible. This was not first class. This was a connecting flight whi h was late. My original flight never came. I hated the fact that delta gave me a connecting flight from New York to Orlando Florida. No meals and the television screens were not working. There wasn't even any power to charge your phones. This is NOT FIRST CLASS DELTA!!! Do better next time!

This flight was ridiculous. I had to have a connecting flight from New York to orlando Florida??? The flight left late and because it was a short flight there was no first class amenities. I had one alcohol drink. The flight crew was fine, but it sure did not feel like first class. Delta to me dropped the ball by giving me a connecting flight. By the time we got to Raleigh we would have missed the next flight. Lucky for me the flight never came so now I was stuck waiting for a later flight that came in late also.

Our flight was delayed in Atlanta. The staff could have gave us an explanation for the delay and how long it would be.

I liked the ease of checking in, luggage check in, wheel chair assistance, boarding and flight.

On my way home I had a layover. The flight from ATL to CLT was amended 5x while I was waiting. I could have driven home sooner. Overall from Dallas, Tx to Charlotte, NC I started my trip at 4:30pm, I didn’t get home until past midnight. I know things happen, but 5x to make me run back and forth in an airport from different terminals is excessive. I also upgraded to comfort + , I didn’t feel it was worth it. There was no benefit

On my way home I had a layover. The flight from ATL to CLT was amended 5x while I was waiting. I could have driven home sooner. Overall from Dallas, Tx to Charlotte, NC I started my trip at 4:30pm, I didn’t get home until past midnight. I know things happen, but 5x to make me run back and forth in an airport from different terminals is excessive.

The delays (5 hrs) were a comedy of errors, and the multiple safety issues encountered were very concerning.

The flight was delayed instead of leaving at 11 it left at 12.20

United WiFi is consistently unusable (it can take 10 mins to load a single web page). If you need Wifi to do work, be prepared to lose half a day of productivity.

Good movies, iffy pay WiFi, food ok- on time though and that was great!

The plane boarded and deplaned twice before the crew timed out. Flight was 7 hours late departing. Horrible experience!

Awful…flight was delayed more than 12hrs, missed all connections to Fort Wayne, IN, had to get flight to another city 2 hours from my destination, flight was again delayed by 40 mins because they did not have enough fuel, again missed a connection, finally arrived in Indiana at 11pm…but before my 2 hour drive home, ay, no Five That Our Luggage Never Made On The plane and Still In Chicago

Boarding was friendly and quick. While the plane model was older with no live tv, the entertainment was full of movies and tv shows. All food was available. Pilots were very communicative with status of the flight. Flight landed on time.

The Palm Springs to Chicago O’Hare was on Time and Palm Springs airport is easier navigate. As our connection was only an approximately 50 minutes, we asked staff for insights for the Chicago airport in terms of transferring into the other terminal from which our flight left, and they were unhelpful. However, the United App was very helpful in terms of notifications and even providing directions. The Chicago to Detroit flight was significantly delayed which we all know does happen. However, there were very few updates or notifications as to why this was happening when we would actually arrive. It took nearly 30 minutes for bags to make it to baggage claim. We arrived nearly 1 hour late on a 40 minute flight.

They rerouted flight to LAX. Offered nothing but a 5 hr drive to SBP. No compensation. No regards to our healthy and safety.

Flight cancelled due to fog. No other flights available for 36 hours. Directed by United to book passage on another carrier, and submit receipts for reimbursement. Did that. United now states they will not reimburse. Currently out 2 grand.

This flight is frequently delayed. The connections seemingly are more frequently delayed. I’ve missed connections as a result twice on the same route to charlotte then Charleston. Final destination arrival has been the next day, twice in a row. No pilots, no crew. Too many excuses. Unfortunately, my days with American are over.

Entertainment was okay not because anything was wrong but it is a short flight so having no wifi is annoying but understandable. Crew was outstanding as usual

Those seats were way too narrow. I had the middle seat, one person was a very skinny person and we still couldn’t avoid touching each other anytime one of us moved. The other person was larger and we were basically sitting in each others lap the entire flight. There was zero entertainment. The flight was long enough to justify tvs, but no. Gotta sit there in your infant seat and twiddle your thumbs.

Flight was fine. It took an unusually long time to have baggage delivered to the carousel in ORD.

Average - flew with Jet Blue internal and it was far more comfortable and better food and entertainment. Notable difference

The flight got canceled due to mechanical issues, and he to be rebooked and missed my appointments for that day

Nice aircraft. Plane was PACKED full and distance between seats was tight. Had it been more than a two hour flight it would not have been tolerable. I had much more knee space on the JetBlue flight I went out on.

The flight was scheduled to depart DCA at 12:30 pm but was delayed twice on the ground so that we were finally scheduled to depart at around 4:00 pm. Once we boarded, it was announced that takeoff would be delayed again to fix a hydraulic problem which delayed our eventual takeoff until around 5:00 pm. Once we departed, it was a smooth flight back to ORD. We did not get any explanation about what caused the original significant delay. In my experience, this happens frequently with AA.

Flight attendants had no personality! The looked miserable! My seat was broken in first class. I can’t believe how American Airlines changed. 😞

The only problem experienced was a ground stop in Chicago due to weather. But the crew handled everything professionally. They prioritized rebooking those passengers who had connecting flights and then deplaning the other passengers. When the hold was lifted, they efficiently re-boarded all the passengers so that we could depart before our departure limit expired.

The seat are terrible. Don’t even think of sleeping on a Spirit flight. The kids that run the plane aka flight attendants are pretty rude and straight forward. They get the job done but without class.

I had a death in my family and booked my flight on Spirit. My flight was cancelled the morning of my flight, no explanation, no help to rebook, nobody to talk to. The next available flight was 2days later !!!! Terrible airline, will NEVER fly with them again!

They took a horrible route with a lot of turbulence and I eneded up getting sick. Even if the flight takes longer. Don't put people life at risk just to get to the airport on time.

Every thing was fine ,low price,easy on time ,clean, good staff, really no issues

Had to board plan 2x due to lack of security check after 1st boarding

Miserable. The crew was rude, the flight was delayed 5 hours for mechanical reasons and then “weather” even though other planes were leaving.

They kept Changing the flight times. It was delayed several times and at one point it was supposed to depart at 3.40am! At which point we ended up staying overnight and booked long a separate United flight for early morning departure. The spirit flight then got moved up and left at 1.30 in the morning when it was supposed to leave at 9.40pm the night before.

Flight was delayed...not horribly late. Just before push back engine shut down for a quick replacement item that took about five minutes. After that, everything was smooth and the pilot was able to make up time in the air so that our arrival time was not too far off the original anticipated arrival time.

Well those seats! Man! On a short flight tolerable but too stiff and lack of cushioning make a longer flight uncomfortable. Good leg room tho, but I’m only 5’3”….

The flight was delayed almost two hours on the front end, and an hour on the backend once we landed and waited for a gate to open up. We were told to remain in our seats during that whole delay and I had to go to the bathroom badly. I was unable to hold it and was forced to urinate in my pants while in my seat. I then had to sit in it until we finally deboarded and I was able to change my clothes.

I purchased a carry on bag online…was supposed to cost $72 but after a whole slew of bs charges, the total was over $175.00. Because of these hidden charges, I will not even consider flying Frontier ever again. It’s just not worth the hassle. I’m scratching this company off my list forever.

Flight was OK. Seats were good no cell phone charges on the plane no TVs or entertainment.

There were 3 leg for the trip and each leg was delayed by 90 minutes or more. The boarding process takes forever with people waiting on the jetway even though most folks do not have carry-on. The whole process is poorly managed.

Flight cancelled and was told by a rude gate agent that they don’t accommodate on other airlines. Had to wait 5 hours for a connecting flight that had a 7 hour layover. Would not allow bags to be checked early so we couldn’t go through security .Had to rent a car for the afternoon to store bags and get a meal. Also incurred a hotel fee. No apology or reason given for the cancellation- just rudeness.

They cancelled the flight then did nothing to help us rebook. It was awful - I won’t fly with them again

The process of buying the ticket and navigating all the hidden charges that Frontier throws at you was a terrible experience. The actual airport experience and flying was fine.

The truck that was refueling the plane drove away with the hose still connected to the plane and ripped part of the plane off with it

Not have to pay for every single item to take a flight. Seating and delays sucked.

Flight was cancelled and I had to spend the night in the airport lugging my suitcase around

If you don’t check in 24 hours in advance, they will charge you $110 to check your bag instead of the $30. I did not get an email with this information and did not check in. In addition, my flight home was cancelled at layover and I had to spend the night in the airport, and then have another layover at another airport before making it home. Will not fly frontier again.

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Travel | Your friends aren’t wrong: For girls trips,…

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Travel | your friends aren’t wrong: for girls trips, charleston is now a mainstay.

Walking out of the Charleston airport, we trailed behind a group of women, including one with a gold crown and birthday sash. Clearly this was a girls trip.

And we, too, were there for such a trip, three friends celebrating the five-year anniversary of our friendship and hoping for good food and some sunshine.

Turns out, we found just the place.

We chose South Carolina because we kept hearing about the historic port city of Charleston. A friend’s friend had gone there; a neighbor had just returned from a girls trip, drinking frozen rosé and riding a mechanical bull at El Jefe restaurant.

The city won out over mainstays like Miami and Nashville because it had sun — a must for leaving Chicago in March — and none of us had been there. Plus, so many friends couldn’t be wrong, right?

Charleston’s Instagram-worthy streets have long made it a wedding destination and now, too, a women’s trip destination. Gorgeous scenery abounds, from the brightly colored houses on Rainbow Row to the poolside scene at Little Palm restaurant and the fragrant, blooming wisteria trees.

The city’s tourism bureau actively advertises the Girlfriend Getaway for “4 days to sip, shop & selfie in Charleston,” including candle shops, spa offerings and Parisian cocktails.

The hospitality director of the downtown Guesthouse Charleston, where we stayed, said it often hosts such getaways. “Women travel groups have definitely increased in the last few years,” Kerri Beasley said. “Ages range from early 20s to 70s-plus.”

We arrived on a sunny day in Charleston, escaping cold, driving rain in Chicago. We lucked out with the weather, which featured 70-degree days. But the bright greenery flowing throughout the city and bold colors of the homes would have brightened our winter getaway regardless of weather. Every street seemed to have some hidden courtyard or bright blooms.

Our goal was simple: wine with dinner, interruption-free sleep and some unfettered time to really talk and hang out together.

Charleston itself skews more toward women; the city is 52.5% female, according to census data. And as we kept asking various people we encountered, more than one told us it’s hard to date in Charleston because the apps seem to have way more single men than women.

On our first morning, we took a walking excursion offered by Two Sisters Tours, run by two sisters whose family roots in Charleston date to 1793. We heard about Charleston’s history while strolling through streets and hidden nooks we’d never have known were pathways. We learned about everything from how the palm trees are actually palmettos to noting bolts used to repair earthquake damage to buildings.

Charleston is known for its cobblestone streets, many of which we meandered through on the walking tour. We also saw horse-drawn carriages ferrying people on their own historical tours. The city also has many historic houses; we visited during the annual Charleston Festival, which provided access to some private homes and gardens .

We stopped outside the Nathaniel Russell House Museum and toured its garden. If we had more time, we would’ve gone inside to see exhibits about the lives of both the elite and the “enslaved men and women whose forced labor made possible their lavish lifestyles,” according to the website of the Historic Charleston Foundation.

On King Street, the Preservation Society of Charleston has a neat shop with local art and items like feathered jewelry and thoughtful, local children’s books. Proceeds help preserve the city’s character, quality of life and diverse neighborhoods.

Walking along King Street, dotted with shops and restaurants, we saw so many groups of three or four women clearly vacationing together it felt comical at first, but eventually we began to feel a sense of camaraderie. One morning we waved to a group of four ladies on a porch on the same property where we were staying, all with coffees and gold under-eye masks.

The female-heavy vibe felt empowering, not overpowering. We saw bachelorette parties. We saw midlife women celebrating birthdays. We met a waitress whose mom had just come through on her own trip.

Charleston’s restaurants are well known for award-winning cuisine, and we found our experience no different. At Vern’s, often seen on must-visit lists, we ordered multiple dishes, including a delicious pork loin and appreciated the selection of natural wines. Our waiter was patient with our slow decisions, and it was a cozy space to watch the sky darken outside.

We also enjoyed a laid-back vibe downtown at Indaco, where the spicy soppressata pizza had a surprising amount of flavor and the pastas included raviolini with peas and prosciutto.

Wherever you dine, make reservations early as places book up. Even a 7:15 p.m. reservation couldn’t be moved to 8, as many spaces are small and can’t easily shift table plans.

At Sorelle, which opened about a year ago, we found an inviting space with small, elegant touches throughout, including marble imported from Italy. The airy space serves espresso in the morning, inventive cocktails in the afternoon and dinner as well. We went twice.

Over at Millers All Day, we watched women filter in with matching hats or shirts for the popular brunch, boasting a hot honey chicken sandwich and the King Street bowl, a flavorful mix of eggs, grits, sausage, pimento cheese, home fries and sausage gravy.

Server Noelle Verrusio said girls trips are ubiquitous. At a previous place where she worked, which was coated in pink décor, she said, “It was like 15, 15, 15 (in each party) and we were on a wait all the time.”

If she saw a bachelor’s party, she said laughing, “I would’ve been like, ‘Are you guys, OK?’”

When we ventured to Folly Beach, seeing men playing frisbee in the sand brought to mind the feeling of leaving Barbieland and entering Kendom.

Throughout our trip, we encountered Southern hospitality, with people always eager to give us recommendations for activities. Downtown shop Candlefish offers BYOB candle-making classes at $60; or you can try your hand as a mixologist at Sweet Grass Vodka , with classes at $85 per person.

Be sure to visit the water. We tried a sunset cruise on the Schooner Pride — cruise options include dolphin spotting — which departed from a harbor by the aquarium and featured a gorgeous sunset; passengers could even help put up the sail. But do note, however, that alcohol is not allowed on public beaches, and police do issue tickets.

As we were leaving Charleston, we were already planning to perhaps bring back the families and stay on the water, driving into downtown for those delicious meals.

On the flight home, I sat near yet another woman returning from a girls trip. So did my friend, in a separate row.

Although we never did try the mechanical bull at El Jefe, it’s awaiting our next girls trip. We’ll prepare to wait in line.

Alison Bowen is a freelancer.

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