RTA - Streetcars
RTA - Streetcars
4.5
About
Get wherever you want to go in New Orleans with the Regional Transit Authority (RTA). Our extensive network of buses and streetcars winds throughout every neighborhood of the Crescent City. From Uptown to Downtown, from Lakeview to the Lower Nine, from Mid-City across the Mississippi River and to the parish lines, the RTA goes there.As streetcars glide underneath grand live oaks and past stately mansions, they offer up relaxing views of the beauty, charm and history of New Orleans for little cost. When riders board these historic vehicles they are boarding a piece of movable New Orleans history. The RTA operates three streetcar lines: the famous, historic St. Charles line, the Canal Street line, and the Riverfront line. All lines either run along or intersect with Canal Street in the area between the French Quarter and the Central Business District (CBD) connecting Uptown/Garden District, Carrollton, Mid-City, City Park and the Marigny. The RTA is currently adding more Streetcar lines.
Duration: < 1 hour
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The area
Neighbourhood: Central Business District
Compared to the more evocative monikers of some other parts of New Orleans, the downtown’s humdrum title might suggest that this area is all about business and little else. But don’t let the bland name keep you away from the Central Business District. The CBD offers a wide range of fun things to do that would be touted as exceptional in less jubilant corners of the world. Bordered by the French Quarter, the Arts District and Tremé, with the river at its eastern extreme, this hub for sports, gaming, shopping, theatre, family-friendly activities, and amazing regional cuisine makes a smart base wherever your interests lie.
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See what travellers are saying
- Michele M21 contributionsRTA StreetcarsIt was a fun way to spend a few hours. This is not a tour, but the routes of the streetcar give you a great view of the city and it's $1.25 each way. You do have to have exact change and they will not give you change so if you put in a $20 bill expecting change, you will discover that your streetcar ride just cost you $20 lol. The streetcars turn around at the end so you can pretty much ride it all one way and then, it turns and goes back the other way. This is the oldest continually used transportation system in the world and they use early 1900 streetcars so just for those facts alone, it's a fun experience.Visited April 2023Written 19 April 2023
- Tammy MordenPelham, Canada15 contributionsExcellent way to get around!We got a Jazzy Pass (see the “lePass” app for easy use on your phone!) - 3 days for $8. But you can get 1 day, 15 day etc. Great deal! Used it for trolleys, buses, and ferry. Sooooo easy! The app is awesome. Easy to use and navigate.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 April 2023
- Steve PTiger, Georgia8 contributionsBargain day passes for seniors on the streetcars and buses!If you are a "Senior", check out the RTA Priority day passes. Eight cents gets you 24 hours of unlimited rides. You can install the app on your phone, buy it there, and just show it on your phone as you get on the bus or streetcar/trolley. What a convenient bargain!Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 April 2023
- dothebrittanyWalker, Louisiana45 contributionsGood transportationI rode the street car for the first time earlier this month then came back to New orleans and used it as my primary transportation for an entire day. It was great. There were a few times where there was standing room only but its a fun experience.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 April 2023
- FelixEssex, United Kingdom523 contributionsIconicIt’s a must do to ride the street cars in New Orleans, they are iconic. The drivers are second to none in having personal skills on how to talk to the public. They obviously go to the New Orleans training school of excellence in being friendly, warm and helpful. This school has probably trained many inspirational people as the drivers leave people intimidated and feeling worthless. Don’t let it put you off though. Ride the streetcars shouting, ‘Stella!’. It’s a must do. Tip: if you have the right amount of cash you won’t need to interact with the tyrant of a driver.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 16 May 2023
- Mixa's TravelsOldsmar, Florida3,090 contributionsTrolley Ride offers great views of New OrleansWe were pleased to again ride the famous St.Charles Trolley. Despite not getting our tickets in the internet, it was a simple process to purchase the Jazzy Pass ($3 per person for 24 hours) as we boarded the trolley. A fun wax to see so much of the Garden District and more. We ride the trolley to almost the end and then the return. Well sadly returning to Canal Street didn’t happen. Due to an accident between a car and the trolley ahead of us, we had to get off and wait for a bus to be dispatched. All trolleys to Canal Street were blocked. Since we were close to our hotel we opted to walk. The trolley is still a great way to see a lot of New Orleans.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 May 2023
- TheTravelYogiUnited States215 contributionsUnlimited pass.On time, clean, easy to use. My husband and I bought our unlimited Jazzy Passes through the app. There we also found the schedules. Luckily for us, we never had any issues with the street cars being too full. We always had a place to sit. We went everywhere we could and truly enjoyed seeing New Orleans this way too.Visited November 2022Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 May 2023
- Ken12 contributionsGreat and easy way to get aroundGreat way to get around the city. It was close to our Airbnb, easy to pay for and use through the app. They run all over the city and all throughout the day so it was perfect for those late nights in the French quarter and not gave to worry about finding a place to park your personal car.Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 June 2023
- Richard WDublin, Ireland184 contributionsSo easy to use and efficient too!My wife and I took the Canal Street Line Red Streetcar out to City Park where we explored the Sydney & Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden for a couple of hours. We then took the same journey back to Canal Street. Ask anyone, if unsure, and they will help. So simple to use and a fun way to see more of New Orleans!Visited June 2023Written 20 June 2023
- Nanette C9 contributionsFUN BUS RIDE!My husband and I purchased a one day pass and enjoyed riding back and forth from the cemetery to the ferry and becoming more familiar with New Orleans. The bus drivers were friendly and accommodating. Everyone should take an RTA street car ride before leaving New Orleans!Visited July 2023Written 12 July 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
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SeeYosemite
San Francisco, CA111 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
A must try for anyone visiting the Big Easy. The street cars go mostly on Canal street but brings you to within walking distance of many tourist areas. A big plus - super cheap - a jazzy day pass is $3.
Rather than uber’ing, decided to take RTA like the locals and walk. The added exercise was really needed in order to make room for the wonderful NOLA food. A win-win all around.
Rather than uber’ing, decided to take RTA like the locals and walk. The added exercise was really needed in order to make room for the wonderful NOLA food. A win-win all around.
Written 2 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shannon L
Kentucky26 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We spent several days in NOLA while awaiting a cruise. The St. Charles Streetcar ran right in front of our hotel. We enjoyed riding the car to see the sights in the Garden District. We were on the car with many other tourists who were new to the area. Our driver stopped and told us all to get off. Some of the ladies on the bus laughed because they thought it was a joke. He wasn't joking. We were unloaded in an unfamiliar area in an unfamiliar city and given zero instructions until the entire car demanded an explanation. We were told it was the end of the line and we had to wait for another car to pick us up. On the map, the car looks like it takes a circle. It doesn't mention that you must get off at some point and wait for a different car. This may not have been a problem if our driver had been bothered to explain it to a car full of tourists. I could see this being an issue for female travelers who ride at night and are not familiar with the area. Drivers....inform your passengers. There are MANY on the car who are tourists.
Written 11 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David R
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Family
Quick and inexpensive way to see the city. They run very often. A day pass ( currently $3 per person) is the way to go. You can get on and off the green or red streetcars for 24 hours. Be aware: they do not give change. Have exact currency.
Written 5 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DeniseAnne16
Nairobi, Kenya30 contributions
Jul 2023
The streetcars in NOLA are fantastic! $3.00 for an entire day. (Sure beats the very expensive bus tours of the city-more than $50!) We explored a large portion of the city and were delighted by the friendly and helpful drivers. Junius in particular was a great help and got us to the Art Museum. More cities need such a wonderful way to transit across town.
Written 5 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
blueXjello
Clayton, GA406 contributions
Jul 2023
These Streetcars offer a fun, cheap and reliable way to get where you're going in Nola. Easy to navigate. They were often less crowded than expected even during peak travel times. I will recommend to any travelers headed your way to use the streetcars. $1.25 for a single ride, $8 for a 3 day "jazzy" pass. Very handy when youve flown into the city. Love this history! Such an amazing piece of history. It would be nice to see more markers that explain a little extra about the history for us history lovers!
Written 2 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CasandraTP
Sydney, Australia1,094 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
We used the St Charles Line to discover the Garden District and couldn’t have picked a better way. A full day pass only cost $3 a day and you can hop on and hop off on any of the lines as often as you like. Get on early as it can get packed and those on this line are not air conditioned but having the windows up helps with the heat. Best way to discover New Orleans.
Written 30 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heather M
8 contributions
Jul 2023
Used daily from the Garden District to Canal Street. Note: the red street cars have A/C. Such a fun way to travel.
Written 28 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shawn Edwards
4 contributions
Jul 2023
This is the best way to explore New Orleans. Experience all of the different lines. Each line takes you to a uniquely different part of the city. It's fun and efficient!
Written 27 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stuart Beesley
St. Albans, UK544 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Great option to get around. Very frequent. $1.25 per trip or $3 per day. Get the Le Pass app to make it easy. Aircon. Frequent. Friendly.
Written 25 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nanette C
9 contributions
Jul 2023
My husband and I purchased a one day pass and enjoyed riding back and forth from the cemetery to the ferry and becoming more familiar with New Orleans. The bus drivers were friendly and accommodating. Everyone should take an RTA street car ride before leaving New Orleans!
Written 12 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there a streetcar pickup near 2303 Louisiana St -? If so, will it get us close the the French Quarter and back?
Randy C
Saint Cloud, MN110 contributions
Yes you will need to walk to St Charles St and get on the street car there. The street car system will take you where you want to go.
can i buy a senior jazzy pass from the streetcar driver in new orleans
Jon from Dallas
Dallas, TX1,687 contributions
Yes...you deposit 80 cents exact change in the fare box and request a Senior Jazzy Pass. A card will be issued good for 24 hours.
Or you can upload the Le Pass app on your phone and purchase a Senior Jazzy Pass with a credit card. The Jazzy Pass will display for 24 hours, and you show the drive your phone screen as you board.
The driver does not make change, nor does the fare box...exact change only. You must show your photo ID with date of birth to purchase a Senior Jazzy Pass.
Enjoy your street car ride!
Do you need to be vaccinated in order to ride on a streetcar. Thank you
Randy M
21 contributions
No but mask definitely required.
How far is a pickup point for the streetcar from the Maison St Charles?
Siobhan L
Belton, TX854 contributions
There should be an RTA sign on the corner- however the trolley line is shortened for repairs. I think it's a bus you catch from your hotel location and they will drop you off at the stop for the actual trolley. check with your hotel desk.
What is the cost of a week pass?
wpnyc
New York61 contributions
5 day Jazzy Pass $15
cattuzzis
Jönköping, Sweden
Var köper man 3 dagars biljett till Street ars i new Orleans?
Rocket Rancher
Cape Canaveral, FL118 contributions
You can purchase them online at the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority website. Have Fun!
DianaR
Dayton, OH
I have my car and need to park somewhere economical and in close proximity to a trolley stop...any suggestions would be great please! Thanks in advance 😊
Chester K
22 contributions
Hi , just drive to St. Charles Ave. From downtown go toward the garden district for about 15 blocks. In that area all the side streets are free parking. So you might be a block or two from the St Charles streetcar.
Joe W
Boca Raton2 contributions
Could you please tell me what stop I would get off at on the St Charles streetcar for the Garden District to tour the area and to take advantage of the many great restaurants in the area? Thank You
Samantha S
Guymon, OK8 contributions
What time do the street cars stop running daily?
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