Getting Around the City

 

Depending on your starting point, there are many ways to arrive and travel in the Crescent City.

If arriving by car, be sure to review parking opportunities at your accommodation.  Hotels will generally provide a garage, valet or designated spaces for guests.  If you are staying in a rental property, if not dedicated, parking may be on the street on a first-come basis.    Once you arrive in New Orleans by car there may be destinations on your planned itinerary that make more sense to Uber or take a Lyft.

Compared to cities like New York, NOLA passenger rates are modest and the convenience can cut down on the stress of finding that coveted parking spot.

If you don’t use these services often, be sure to download the free apps before you arrive in the City.

Arrival by plane may be the best option for many.   The NOLA airport, known as the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), is newly renovated and an under 30-minute drive to most City destinations.

Rental cars are available through national rental companies.   We have also been successful in renting through Turo in New Orleans, a peer-to-peer car-sharing company  — think VRBO for car rentals. Generally less expensive than the national rates, many Turo owners will bring the car to you and provide pick-up as well,    Check out turo.com for an inventory of what’s available. Amtrak also offers routes to New Orleans from a number of cities across the nation and could be an adventure in and of itself. 

A unique and fun way to see the City is by Streetcar.   There are four distinct lines that will take you to places you might not otherwise see.  Our favorite line is the Saint Charles Avenue Streetcar — through a tunnel of live oaks, the streetcar passes dozens of antebellum mansions, Loyola and Tulane universities and beautiful Audubon Park.   You can stop along the way (hop on and hop off) and enjoy refreshment from numerous bars, pubs, patios and restaurants.

For more information on navigating your preferred route, go to (www.neworleans.com) and search under Trip Planning Tools-Maps and Transportation.  There is also an excellent neighborhood by neighborhood city guide on this site.     You can purchase single-day or multiple-day passes on-line through the Le Pass App;  www.norta.com.  A full-day Jazzy Pass is just $3.00 and also allows you to take a ferry ride.    You can also pay in cash per ride ($1.25 per adult), with discounts for senior and students;  correct change required.

Finally, New Orleans is a safe city but visitors should take the same safety precautions they would at home or any other city.   If visiting the French Quarter be a little extra vigilant —here are a few common sense safety tips to keep in mind:

  • In general, avoid walking alone or on unlit streets at night.
  • Pay attention when walking (older sidewalks can be uneven) and using your smartphone. Cellular devices have been a theft target nationwide.
  • Do not leave personal items unattended — such as a purse or a backpack on the back of a chair.
  • Secure your wallet in your front pocket and/or wear a cross-body bag rather than a shoulder strap, keeping your purse in front of you.
  • When hailing a ride via a mobile app, confirm your driver’s identity (via license plate) before entering the car.
  • Don’t leave valuable personal items in your car if you can avoid it — or remove them from view. Always lock your car when exiting.
  • If you have been drinking, take an Uber or Lyft instead of walking or driving. Better safe than sorry — especially in an unfamiliar city.
  • Enjoy street performers but remain aware of your surroundings. Walk away if you feel others are too close and you may get jostled.
  • If approached by a stranger with a sad “victim” story — walk away.