Getting Around New Orleans
The best ways to get around New Orleans are on foot and by public transportation. The city's neighborhoods are very compact, making them perfect for strolling sightseers. If you don't feel like walking, hop on one of the famous streetcars. To get into the city from the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)—located about 15 miles from the central business district—you can take the Airport Shuttle for about $20 per person (one-way). The shuttle services the Downtown and Uptown districts as well as the French Quarter. Taxis are also available, but you can expect to pay at least $30 more to get from the airport into town.
| Public Transport |
Streetcars, run by the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority, have been a staple attraction ever since Tennessee Williams' play, A Streetcar Named Desire, and they are a fun way to navigate the city. While many of them were replaced by less romantic buses, they have since made a comeback and are once again a staple sight in central New Orleans. The bus—although less charming than the streetcar—features more extensive routes. Single rides cost $1.25 per person. If you're planning to use public transportation more than once during your stay, your best bet is to purchase a Jazzy Pass, which offers you unlimited rides on both buses and streetcars for one, three, or 31 days. Jazzy Pass rates range from $3 to $55, depending on the length of its validity. |
| Taxi | Taxicabs are a good way to explore at night. However, rates can add up quickly. But just in case you find yourself in an unfamiliar area after dark, write down the telephone number of a well-established cab company. |
| On Foot | With small, compact neighborhoods, New Orleans is easily navigated on foot. Make sure to pack your walking shoes and hydrate properly, especially in the summer months. |
| Car | Car rentals are available at the MSY airport and throughout the city. But you might want to stick to public transport and cabs: Driving may prove more trouble than it's worth. Streets in central New Orleans are narrow, and one-way turns can throw you for a loop. There are numerous areas where poor road conditions (leftover from Hurricane Katrina) are still an issue. Additionally, residents are known for their aggressive manners on the road, so take precautions. Also, be aware that parking restrictions may vary around town. |
