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Getting Around New Orleans

Getting Around New Orleans

Louisiana USA Travel Guide

Public Transportation: RTA Streetcars & Buses

The RTA manages all city buses and streetcars, connecting several areas and attractions. Streetcars are iconic, historic, and practical for exploring major tourist areas.

Buses cover areas not served by streetcars, providing access to attractions further afield and complementing the streetcar system.

Streetcar Lines

  • St. Charles Line: Runs from French Quarter/CBD through Garden District, Uptown, to Carrollton.
  • Canal Street Line: Runs from French Quarter/CBD up Canal Street towards City Park/Cemeteries.
  • Riverfront Line: Runs along the Mighty mississippi Riverfront, connecting French Market to Aquarium.
  • Main Hub: Canal Street, at the foot of the French Quarter, a major transfer point.

Ticketing & Fares

Single ride: $1.25 (exact cash). Jazzy Pass: unlimited transport for 1-day ($3) or 3-day ($9).

Purchase Options

Le Pass app is the easiest. Also available from drivers (cash payments only) or ticket automated retail machines.

Accessibility

All RTA buses are wheelchair accessible. Canal Street and Riverfront streetcars are accessible; St. Charles Line is not.

Hours & Efficiency Tips

Operating Hours
  • Streetcars generally operate from early morning (5-6 AM) until late night (12-2 AM).
  • Frequency varies: every 10-20 minutes during peak hours, less frequent late in the evening.
  • Bus hours vary by route, most run early morning to late evening; weekend schedules may differ.
Efficiency Advice
  • Download the Le Pass app for real-time management and pass purchases.
  • Always possess exact change if paying cash on board.
  • Be aware streetcars can be slow; enjoy the journey. Check RTA alerts during festivals.

Route Maps & Important Hubs

Main Hub

Canal Street, a major transfer point for streetmotor vehicles and buses.

NORTA Website

Route maps are available on the NORTA website.

Le Pass App

Maps are also accessible via the Le Pass app for convenience.

Physical Maps

Often obtained at hotels and visitor centers throughout the city.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing services provide easy, direct transportation, especially when time is a factor. Always prioritize safety when choosing your transport.

Taxi Information

  • Licensed taxis are typically yellow or white, with a roof light and company branding.
  • Hailing is easier in busy areas like the French Quarter and CBD, or at designated stands.
  • Metered rates are standard for most city trips; flat rates apply for airport transfers ($36 to French Quarter/CBD).
  • Most taxis accept both cash and major credit cards; confirm ways to pay beforehand.

Ride-Sharing Details

  • Uber and Lyft are easy to find and popular, often offering good prices.
  • Download the app and set up your account with a payment method before requesting transportation.
  • Verify the driver's name, vehicle make/model, and license plate match the app before entering.
  • Share your trip status with a trusted contact for added security.

General Safety Reminders

  • Always use licensed taxis; confirm the meter is running or agree on a level rate.
  • Travel in groups at night where feasible.
  • Always be aware of your surroundings.
  • Avoid getting into unmarked vehicles posing as taxis.
  • Taxis are readily available at designated stands outside MSY and Union Passenger Terminal.
  • Follow airport signage for taxi queues for organized pick-up.

Rental Options Overview

Car Rental

Major companies like Hertz and Enterprise operate at MSY. A valid driving's license and credit card are needed.

Bicycle Rental

Blue Bikes offers bike-sharing. Many stores provide daily or multi-day rentals.

Specialty Vehicles

Pedicabs have short rides in the French Quarter; fares are negotiated directly.

Walking & Cycling in New Orleans

Walking and cycling present intimate ways to experience New Orleans, allowing for close discovery of its unique character.

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

  • French Quarter: Highly walkable, best for historic charm, though cobblestone lanes are uneven.
  • Garden District: Excellent for pedestrian tours to gaze at historic mansions and lush gardens.
  • Audubon Park/City Park: Surfaced trails are ideal for leisurely strolls amidst greenery.
  • Mississippi Riverfront: A paved promenade fine for pedestrian use, offering views of river activity.

Walking Tours & Safety

  • Guided Tours: Numerous companies offer historical, architectural, ghost, voodoo, and cemetery tours.
  • Self-Guided Tours: Maps and apps are available for flexible exploration.
  • No-Go Areas: Exercise caution in less-populated areas, especially at night, due to higher crime rates.
  • Constantly be mindful of your surroundings; if an area feels uncomfortable, leave.

Bicycle Infrastructure & Safety

Bike Lanes

Nola has an expanding network of bike lanes, especially in newer developments and along major thoroughfares.

Good for navigating outside the French Quarter.

Safety Concerns

Cyclists should be aware of traffic, watch for potholes, and be careful about streetcar tracks (tires can become caught).

Prioritize defensive riding and adherence to traffic laws.

Helmet Use

Helmets are recommended for safety, though not always legally mandated for adults only.

Protective kit is always a good choice.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Services
  • City Sightseeing New Orleans offers hop-on-hop-off double-decker bus tours of major attractions.
  • Gray Line Nola provides various guided bus tours, including urban sightseeing, swamp, and plantation tours.
  • These tours provide an overview of the city and specific historical sites.
Water & Accessibility
  • The Algiers Ferry provides pedestrian and bicycle transport across the Mississippi River.
  • RTA offers paratransit services for individuals with disabilities who cannot use fixed-route services.
  • Some tour operators offer accessible tours, featuring accessible swamp tours; inquire directly at the time of reservation.

Driving Laws & Road Conditions

  • Standard U.S. Driving regulations apply; drive on the right-hand side of the road.
  • A right turn on red after stopping is generally permitted unless otherwise marked.
  • New Orleans roads often have potholes and irregular ground due to subsidence plus common rain.
  • Parking can be challenging and expensive, especially in the French Quarter; read signs carefully.
  • Motorcycle and scooter rentals are limited, mostly from specialized retailers, not major rental chains.
  • A valid motorcycle license is needed for motorcycle rentals.
  • Cycling safety includes awareness of traffic, potholes, and streetcar tracks (tires can get caught).
  • Constantly be mindful of your surroundings, especially when exploring less-inhabited areas at night.

Final Transit Tip

Decide on your routes using the Le Pass app or physical maps to navigate efficiently.

Always check RTA alerts.

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Getting Around New Orleans. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental