Getting To and Around

In 2007, Money Magazine rated Shreveport as one of America's best places to live, based in part on its efficient highway system. Add to that train lines, boats, public and private bus services, and two regional airports, and you will find that traveling to, from or around the area is easy.

Shreveport-Bossier City residents also enjoy a first-rate highway system, with proximity to various state and interstate highways. The Louisiana Department of Transportation installed digital message boards at key locations on the highways to inform drivers of road conditions and driving times, making driving in the area or commuting to and from work even more accessible. Development of the Interstate 69 Corridor, which will connect Canada and Mexico, has routes planned that will include Shreveport, which will increase trade and lead to more jobs in both cities.

AIRPORTS
The closest international airports are more than three hours away from Shreveport-Bossier City, but two regional airports fulfill most travelers' needs.

International Airports
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
3200 E. Airfield Drive
DFW Airport, TX 75261
http://www.dfwairport.com
Located 193 miles from Shreveport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is a central hub for domestic and international flights. The airport covers more than 29 square miles and processes approximately 155,905 passengers daily. More than 17 airlines fly in and out of this busy terminal, with more than 189 destinations covered.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport
2800 N. Terminal Road
Houston, TX 77032
http://www.fly2houston.com/iah
Named one of the fastest growing airports in 2006, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) has five terminals and 17 passenger airlines with more than 700 departures daily. The airport currently ranks third in the U.S. for nonstop destinations served and had more than 40 million passengers travel through in 2010.

Regional Airports
Shreveport Regional Airport
5103 Hollywood Ave.
Shreveport, LA 71109 (318) 673-5370
http://www.shreveportla.gov/airport
Serving Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas since 1952, Shreveport Regional Airport is located on the western edge of Shreveport, about seven miles from Bossier City. It was originally opened due to an increase of demand in air service out of the Shreveport area, with expansion and renovations in 1998 to better accommodate the growing number of travelers through the airport. Today the airport has seven major airlines flying in and out, as well as most major cargo carriers.

Shreveport Downtown Airport
1550 Airport Drive
Shreveport, LA 71108 (318) 673-5398
http://www.shreveportla.gov/airport/dtnairport.htm
Shreveport's original commercial airport, this facility was built in 1931 and serves primarily as a general aviation/reliever airport. Many small aircraft owners keep planes there, and Southern University offers an A&P school for aircraft mechanic certification out of the facility.

TRAIN SERVICE
Amtrak
Exit 13 IH 20
Shreveport Regional Airport
Shreveport, LA 71109 (800) 872-7245
http://www.amtrak.com
hile there is no passenger rail service in Shreveport, Amtrak offers bus service that connects to their nationwide rail services.

INTERSTATE BUS SERVICE/CHARTERS
Greyhound Bus Service
408 Fannin St.
Shreveport, LA (318) 227-4034
http://www.greyhound.com
reyhound offers interstate service throughout the U.S. with regular departures from the Shreveport station.

A-1 Charter Service
2026 Desoto St.
Shreveport, LA 71103....... (318) 621-0700
http://a1charter.com
vailable for charters for parties and other special events, A-1 Charter has a fleet of minibuses as well as a trolley to meet all their customers' needs.

Tri-City Charter
1323 Canyon Court
Bossier City, LA 71172 (318) 747-4754
http://www.tricitycharter.com
ri-City Charters provides local and nationwide service for corporations, military, school and religious groups, and sports teams. They are handicapped-equipped and have wheelchair lifts.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
SporTran
1115 Jack Wells Blvd.
Shreveport, LA 71107-6613 (318) 673-7400
http://www.sportran.org 
SporTran is one of the souh's oldest transportation systems and services the Shreveport-Bossier City areas. There are 17 routes and more than 50 buses, all equipped to provide service to all passengers, including those with disabilities. Most routes run seven days a week, with varying hours. SporTran's LiftLine service offers transportation for persons with disabilities who are unable to use the bus without a wheelchair lift or who cannot travel to/from bus stops. LiftLine Service operates on the same schedule as SporTran's fixed route service, providing curbside service to and from any destination in the Shreveport or Bossier City district.

DRIVING AND COMMUTING
Shreveport-Bossier City's well-planned road system makes commuting fairly painless for most drivers. With the digital message boards installed by the state of Louisiana, drivers are kept apprised of road conditions and any potential hazards, including traffic delays. The City of Shreveport's Office of Public Works is responsible for maintaining city streets, traffic signals, street lights and sign maintenance.

Traffic signals/Sign maintenance
The city has a computerized traffic signal system that allows signals to be monitored from their main office. Crews install and maintain traffic signals and some street lights, as well as sign maintenance, parking meters and street striping. Call (318) 673-6181 during regular business hours for service issues, or call the police department at (318) 673-7300 for after-hours emergencies.

Road Closures/Inconveniences
The Louisiana Department of Transportation provides updated information about road closures or construction slowdowns in the Shreveport area. The City of Shreveport website provides links that allow drivers to see both local and statewide closures, construction and traveler information. Go to http://www.shreveportla.gov/service/Streets.htm and click on the link of your choice.

Traffic Safety
Both Shreveport and Bossier City Police departments enforce traffic laws. These include radar, traffic directing, DUI checkpoints, special events and collisions. Call Shreveport at (318) 673-7300 or Bossier City at (318) 741-8611

Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles

Driver's License Offices
Bossier OMV
3802 Kilpatrick Road
Bossier City, LA 71112 (877) 368-5463

Shreveport OMV
9310 Normandie Drive
Shreveport, LA 71118 (877) 368-5463

Hours for both offices: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Services:
• Driver's license renewal/issuance
• Identification cards
• Written and road tests
• Registration
• Titles
• License plates
• Commercial services
• CDL renewals
• CDL written/driving (Shreveport location only)

Applying for a Driver's License in Louisiana
If you are a new resident to the state of Louisiana, you must transfer your out-of-state driver's license to a Louisiana license within 30 days. You are required to appear in person at the OMV to apply for a license. Be sure to bring: • Current, valid, out-of-state license or official driving record
• Social Security card
• Proof of insurance

All applicants must pass a vision test, but no other testing is required unless the current out-of-state license is expired by one year or more. You will be issued a Louisiana license that is the equivalent of the one you surrender.  read more...

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