Cheap bus tickets from New Orleans to Louisville
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Bus from New Orleans to Louisville: Journey Information
There are 4 intercity buses per day from New Orleans to Louisville. Traveling by bus from New Orleans to Louisville usually takes around 19 hours and 20 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 16 hours and 5 minutes.
- Distance
- 624 mi (1005 km)
- Shortest duration
- 16h 5m
- Cheapest price
- $106.46
- Trips per day
- 4
- Most frequent service
- Greyhound
- Bus lines
- 2
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New Orleans to Louisville Bus Schedule

There are several bus options that can take you from New Orleans to Louisville:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from New Orleans to Louisville?
Bus tickets for a trip from New Orleans to Louisville cost about $116 when you book at the cheapest time, 12 days ahead. Bus tickets on this route can be a bit expensive due to the length of the trip. But even with a higher price tag, taking the bus is often more affordable than flying to Louisville. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Average bus ticket prices from New Orleans to Louisville by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from New Orleans to Louisville in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $98 to $163. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on November 16, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Louisville this week, bus tickets are available starting at $117.
Average bus ticket prices from New Orleans to Louisville by month
Taking the bus from New Orleans to Louisville is usually cheapest in October, when the average ticket price is only $119. If you're planning to take the bus from New Orleans to Louisville during March, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $178. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.
Prices as travel date approaches
Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. To find the cheapest bus tickets, book your trip at least 12 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $91.34 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from New Orleans to Louisville?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from New Orleans to Louisville that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 3 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 1 | 24h 47m | $150.32 |
| Greyhound | 3 | 17h 55m | $147.22 |
FlixBus US is the American branch of German bus company FlixBus, known for providing sustainable, affordable, and modern bus travel. The company offers cheap bus tickets to popular urban destinations throughout the United States. FlixBus US buses include many amenities, including comfortable seats, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and an online portal for free entertainment. On average, FlixBus US operates 1 trip per day from New Orleans to Louisville, and the average ticket for this route costs only $150.32.






Greyhound is the largest nationwide bus carrier in the United States, offering cheap, safe and reliable service across the country. Greyhound has become a household name, serving over 16 million passengers per year with daily trips to over 2,400 destinations. Greyhound performs about 3 bus trips from New Orleans to Louisville every day, with the average journey taking around 17 hours and 55 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Louisville usually start from $106.46.






Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from New Orleans to Louisville
There are 4 scheduled buses that travel from New Orleans to Louisville every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so no matter which bus you take, you will have to transfer buses at least once during your journey.
Trips per day
4
Direct trips
0
The bus takes an average of 19 hours and 20 minutes to cover the 624 miles from New Orleans to Louisville. However, the fastest bus only takes 16 hours and 5 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
Distance (mi)
624
Distance (km)
1005
The first bus leaves at 5:05 AM and the last bus leaves at 11:55 PM. To see the times for all buses from New Orleans to Louisville, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
Earliest bus
5:05am
Latest bus
11:55pm
Thursday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Thursday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out. On the other hand, Tuesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Tuesday ticket is the way to go.
Most crowded
Thursday
Least crowded
Tuesday
City Information
New Orleans



New Orleans is the most populous city in the southern state of Louisiana and one of the most popular party destinations in the whole world. Known as The Big Easy, New Orleans is famous for its distinct French-Spanish architecture, Creole cuisine, and unique music. Around the globe, New Orleans is best known as the host city of Mardi Gras, a late-winter carnival known for flashy costumes and never-ending street parties. Because of that, NOLA is consistently among the preferred vacation destinations among spring breakers and post-grad travelers.
There’s a lot more to New Orleans than just partying, though. While you’re in town, connect with the artistic side of your personality with a visit to the famed New Orleans Museum of Art where you will find the South’s most impressive collection of French and American art. A visit to the Big Easy will not be complete without stopping by some of the city’s iconic cemeteries. Whether you take a guided tour or you explore on your own, you will learn a lot about the area’s history and urban legends.
New Orleans is one of the main economic and commercial centers of the U.S. Gulf Coast region, and as such it is easily accessible by all kinds of transportation. The airport is located not too far from the city center, while the city’s main bus and train station, the Union Passenger Terminal, is placed right in the heart of downtown New Orleans.
Louisville



A mecca for fans of sports, Louisville holds the honor of being the birthplace of many sports legends. Even non-sports fans should not miss out on the Muhammad Ali Center, where tourists can learn more about the life and legacy of the legendary boxer. Aside from permanent galleries dedicated to the boxer himself, the museum also features temporary exhibitions on topics such as race and gender equality. Another top highlight from the city is Churchill Downs, where the famous Kentucky Derby is hosted. Contrary to what people might imagine, the racing track is actually quite idyllic, and if there is one place you must visit in Louisville, this is probably the one. If you are looking for a unique experience, head towards the Louisville Mega Cavern. This cavern system was created out of a 19th-century limestone quarry and it features the world’s only underground zip line course.
Three things dominate the food scene in Louisville: barbecue, bourbon, and mint juleps. Some local favorites are Mark’s Feed Store and Feast BBQ. If you are looking for the finest bourbon, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is certainly a good call.
The central bus station in Louisville is the Bus Terminal on W Muhammad Ali Blvd, connecting the city with near and far destinations such as Cincinnati, Chicago and Nashville. There are no train tracks that run through the city. However, the city is still a part of Amtrak’s network via the carrier’s Thruway bus line. The Louisville International Airport fulfills air services for the city.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in New Orleans?
Main departure station: Union Term - 1001 Loyola Ave

Opened in 1954 to replace the five depots spread throughout the city, the Union Passenger Terminal connects all of New Orleans’ passenger rail into one iconic building. To this day, it remains the largest transportation hub in New Orleans and is a key link for travel throughout the Southern United States. Three of Amtrak’s long distance train lines end their service at Union Passenger Terminal: the City of New Orleans line from Chicago, the Crescent line from New York City, and the Sunset Limited line from Los Angeles to New Orleans. Buses operated by Greyhound and Jefferson Lines also serve this station, as well as public transit which connects to New Orleans’ famous streetcars. At the station, there are shops, a game room, and food for purchase, and the city’s must-visit French Quarter is just a mile away.
All bus stations in New Orleans:
- Union Term - 1001 Loyola Ave
Where does the bus arrive in Louisville?
Main arrival station: Louisville Bus Station
The Louisville Bus Terminal, located at 720 W Muhammad Ali Blvd, serves interstate Greyhound bus services. The station is equipped with restrooms, vending machines, and indoor seating. The station also has an adjoining cafeteria in case vending machine snacks aren't enough to satisfy your hunger. In addition, there is also a customer service and ticket kiosk where station staff can answer any questions you may have. The station is located in Downtown Louisville, only a short walk from the city's most exciting amenities and several nearby restaurants and convenience stores.
All bus stations in Louisville:
- Louisville Bus Station
Need a return trip from Louisville to New Orleans?
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