Quick answer
Cheapest on airport: the Economy Garage at a $12 daily maximum. Closest: Short Term ($26 a day, first 30 minutes free), handy for pickups. Valet is $36 a day.
On-airport parking
MSY parking rates as published by the airport, October 2026
| Facility | First 30 min | Each extra 30 min | Daily max | Spaces |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Garage | $4 | $3 | $12 | 1,476 |
| Surface Lot | Free | $3 | $20 | 284 |
| Long Term | $4 | $3 | $22 | 888 |
| Short Term | Free | $3 | $26 | 676 |
| Valet (6 a.m. to midnight) | $36 a day |
Source: airport parking page. Rates change; check before you travel.
- Payment
- Credit cards only at airport parking.
- Reservations
- The airport sells reserved parking online. Reservations cannot be refunded if cancelled, cannot be changed within 24 hours, and you need to enter within two hours of your booked time.
- Picking someone up
- Short Term and the Surface Lot are free for the first 30 minutes. Ride app and taxi pickups use the Level 1 curbs.
- Long trip
- At the $12 daily maximum, a week in the Economy Garage costs about $84 before any changes.
Off-airport parking
Private lots near the airport, along Airline Drive in Kenner and nearby streets, sell parking with a shuttle to the terminal. Compare the total with the airport's Economy Garage, which is already cheap, and check how often the shuttle runs before you book.
Compare off-airport parking
Parking booking is not connected here. The Economy Garage at $12 a day is the price to beat.
Questions travelers ask
What is the cheapest parking at MSY?
The Economy Garage, with a $12 daily maximum (October 2026 rates). The first 30 minutes cost $4, then $3 per 30 minutes until the cap.
Is there free parking at MSY?
The Short Term garage and the Surface Lot are free for the first 30 minutes, which covers most pickups.
Can I pay cash for parking at MSY?
No. The airport says its parking takes credit cards only.
Sources
Last checked October 12, 2026. Spotted something out of date? Details at the airport change often; the airport's website and your airline have the final word.