Getting Around Metairie Terrace
Metairie Terrace is an unincorporated community in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, sitting within the New Orleans metropolitan area. It is not a standalone city with its own dense transit grid, so visitors should think of getting around here as part of navigating the wider New Orleans region. The practical picture is one of buses, regional rail connections, taxis and ride-hailing, and a car-friendly layout, with the parish transit agency JP Transit serving as the local backbone.
Public Transport: Buses and the Parish Network
Local bus service in and around Metairie Terrace is provided by JP Transit, the transit agency for Jefferson Parish. This is the agency to look to for neighborhood-level bus routes, and it is also the operator that links the area to central New Orleans.
- JP Transit runs the local bus network. Its website (jeffersontransit.org) and phone line, (504) 248-3900, are the places to confirm routes, schedules, and fares before you travel.
- The E2 route is a useful connector: it runs from Tulane @ Loyola in New Orleans out to Airline @ Division/Turnbull, and it is also known as the Airport route serving Kenner. If you are moving between downtown New Orleans and the Metairie/Kenner side, this is a practical option.
Rail and Regional Connections
There is no metro or tram system specific to Metairie Terrace itself. The rail option that matters for visitors is Amtrak's Crescent service, which connects Slidell Station to New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. From Union Passenger Terminal, you can transfer to a streetcar or bus to continue toward Metairie Terrace — for example, the UPT Streetcar Bay 1 to Tulane Station, where you can pick up connecting service. This is a slower, scenic option rather than a quick commuter link, so budget time accordingly.
Long-Distance Buses
Greyhound USA operates intercity buses into the New Orleans Bus Station. From there, local connections such as JP Transit's E2 carry you onward toward the Metairie Terrace side. If you are arriving from outside the region, expect to combine a long-distance bus with a local bus or streetcar transfer rather than finding a single through-service.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are available and are a straightforward option for direct trips, particularly for airport runs or when carrying luggage. Ride-hailing apps are widely used in the New Orleans metro and are a convenient way to reach Metairie Terrace from downtown or the airport. Because the area is spread out and car-oriented, a taxi or ride-hail is often the most practical choice for point-to-point trips that buses do not serve directly.
Walkability
Metairie Terrace is an unincorporated suburban community rather than a dense walkable district. Visitors should not expect to cover it comfortably on foot; plan on using buses, taxis, or a car for most trips, and treat walking as a way to cover short stretches near your destination rather than a primary way to get around.
Getting from the Airport into the Area
The region's airport sits on the Kenner side, and JP Transit's E2 route — the Airport route serving Kenner — is the transit link between the airport area and the New Orleans street grid. From the E2 you can connect to streetcars and other buses to reach your final destination. For a simpler, door-to-door arrival, a taxi or ride-hailing pickup at the airport is the most direct option. Confirm current E2 schedules and fares with JP Transit before you fly, since service frequency and pricing should be verified close to your travel date.
Practical Tips
- Check JP Transit's website or call (504) 248-3900 for route maps, timetables, and fare information before relying on a bus connection.
- Build in transfer time: many trips here involve combining a bus with a streetcar or a long-distance service with a local one.
- Keep a taxi or ride-hailing app handy as a backup, especially for evening trips or when carrying luggage.
- If arriving by train or intercity bus, plan your onward connection from Union Passenger Terminal or the New Orleans Bus Station in advance.