There are so many things to do in New Orleans and the time you have is not always enough, while distances can sometimes be deceiving. So, as for other American cities, organizing your stay strategically is essential. We have already dedicated an article to how to choose the best places stay in New Orleans, but now we need to address the issue of distances and travel.
How do you find your bearings in this beautiful Louisiana city? Is it advisable to get around by car? How much can we rely on public transportation to get from one part of the city to another? In brief: how to get around New Orleans
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New Orleans by Car
Unless you are planning to stay for a number of days, exploring the main tourist areas, you will not need to rent a car in New Orleans. The city is in fact particularly suitable to be visited on foot, walking through its picturesque streets. The latter are often narrow, full of holes, and crowded, and finding a parking space can be a challenge (not to mention the prices!).
The city actually has a good public transportation system. Moreover, a ride in a streetcar (the New Orleans streetcar) can be not only practical but also a pleasant and characteristic experience. Obviously, if you visit New Orleans as a stop on a more extensive road trip, you will already be in a car, and in this case here are 2 tips:
- I don’t recommend taking a car to visit areas such as the French Quarter
- To save money and not be left unprepared, take a look at our tips on renting a car in the USA and save money.
New Orleans on foot
Walking is definitely the best way to visit New Orleans, the only real way not to miss the many attractions that characterize it, the important thing is to book the hotel in the right area, so I recommend you read our article on where to stay in New Orleans!
New Orleans by bus
New Orleans has a good public bus system. The fare is $1.25 but remember that you must have the exact amount in bills or coins to get on, alternatively, you can use a JazzyPass, a very interesting solution as it allows unlimited rides on all streetcar and bus lines. Prices are $3 for 1 day and $8 for 3 days and can be purchased when you board the public transportation.
You can find all the info on the website of RTA, the New Orleans public transportation authority.
Streetcar
This is the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world (it first went into operation in 1835) and is operated by the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA). In addition to being a National Historic Landmark, the St. Charles Avenue streetcar line is also a convenient, scenic and fun way to get from downtown to Uptown (and vice versa).
These are old green streetcars that have become true city icons in New Orleans, running 24 hours a day and at fairly frequent intervals (and often crowded). For info on schedules checks the RTA website.
Cabs in New Orleans
New Orleans is full of cabs and it will not be difficult to stop one among the many passing through the Central Business District or the French Quarter. Fares are as follows: $3.50 on entering + $2.40 per mile. During special events (such as Mardi Gras), however, prices increase.
New Orleans by Bike
The bicycle is also a wonderful way to roam the streets of New Orleans, which also boasts a number of new bike lanes. For a series of bike and mountain bike tours check out this page.
… now what? What are the next steps?
Once you understand how transportation and travel work in the city, it’s time to choose your accommodation. I suggest you have a look at our article on where to stay in New Orleans.
