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.
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< 1 hour
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The area
Neighborhood: 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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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
16,238 reviews
Excellent
9,680
Very good
4,586
Average
1,413
Poor
347
Terrible
212
SNB
Southworth, WA472 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Using the Le Pass app, street car transportation in New Orleans is cheap and easy. We purchased a one day Jazzy pass for Seniors for less than a $/person ($0.80). After you activate your tickets using the Le Pass app, just show your screen to the driver when you board.
The 100 year old green street car on the St Charles line is worth trying. Although not air conditioned, it is fun to sit in the old but comfortable wooden benches. Take this street car to see the World War II museum.
The normal red street cars are air-conditioned but can be quite crowded.
The 100 year old green street car on the St Charles line is worth trying. Although not air conditioned, it is fun to sit in the old but comfortable wooden benches. Take this street car to see the World War II museum.
The normal red street cars are air-conditioned but can be quite crowded.
Written March 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tylerx2
Spokane, WA33 contributions
Apr 2022
We wanted to go walk around the Garden District, and this made it easy and was so much cooler than taking an Uber. It cost $1.25 per person(exact change) each way, and it didn't really take long to get there. Plus we got to see the Warehouse District and other sights on the way. We got on and off at Canal St. and took it down St Charles to Washington St. Definitely recommend downloading their app to help you know where the stops are at, plus it shows you in real time where the streetcars are at on their route. The streetcar was clean with locals and tourists; no homeless people. You might have to stand if the seats are all taken, but that really wasn't that bad. We went the first week of April 2022 and it was the only place our entire trip that we had to wear a mask; and, boy, do they enforce it! :)
Written April 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Doug W
Wembley, UK947 contributions
Apr 2022
The RTA electric streetcar is a great way to get around New Orleans, a single ride costs only $1.25 per person but better than that you can make great use of the by purchasing on board from the driver an all day ticket that only costs $3 for each person.
With that ticket in hand you can hop on and off the vintage looking streetcars as many , or few times as you like until midnight. They are useful if you just need to get a ride to break up your walks around town or if you would like to travel all the way down any of the four main routes in the city. For us, the most interesting of the routes is the Green St Charles line that passes through the beautiful Garden district with its lovely villas lining the route. Aa good spot to hop of in that part of town is Washington Avenue, before continuing on past Loyola University to Carrollton, where restaurants may be found. Both the red and pale green coloured line are called the Canal line. That one goes along Canal Street and has red streetcars, so a look at the destination board on the front is needed as some cars go to the Cemeteries and others to the City Park and Museum of Art. Another line also passes along part of Canal Street on its way from the French Market to the Union Passenger Terminal for Amtrak trains. There is a fourth line along the river front but due to construction works near a shopping mall it did not have any service while we were in New Orleans.
With that ticket in hand you can hop on and off the vintage looking streetcars as many , or few times as you like until midnight. They are useful if you just need to get a ride to break up your walks around town or if you would like to travel all the way down any of the four main routes in the city. For us, the most interesting of the routes is the Green St Charles line that passes through the beautiful Garden district with its lovely villas lining the route. Aa good spot to hop of in that part of town is Washington Avenue, before continuing on past Loyola University to Carrollton, where restaurants may be found. Both the red and pale green coloured line are called the Canal line. That one goes along Canal Street and has red streetcars, so a look at the destination board on the front is needed as some cars go to the Cemeteries and others to the City Park and Museum of Art. Another line also passes along part of Canal Street on its way from the French Market to the Union Passenger Terminal for Amtrak trains. There is a fourth line along the river front but due to construction works near a shopping mall it did not have any service while we were in New Orleans.
Written July 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lisa R
Dallas7 contributions
Nov 2022
We purchased a Jazzy Pass for $3.00 per person. We waited over 30 minutes only to see other street trolleys going by without stopping to pick up. We finally go on and the car was so full many people had to stand. Took it to the Garden District. You had better know where you want to get off, you can not hear the stops being announced. After walking around the Garden District we called an Uber to pick us up. Yes, more expensive, but wasted less time, and way more comfortable and timely. Definitely will skip the street car/trolley next time.
Written November 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Wes A
3 contributions
Apr 2021
We were originally attracted to give the streetcars a try based upon their unique look and the feel of stepping back into history. The cost was relatively low at $3/day which pays for itself if you avoid just a single Uber drive.
The cars were all clean and well maintained. I noticed that the windows were all fixed completely shut with screws, which was unfortunate. It would have been nice to ride with the window open to feel the breeze from the River.
We used the app to book and would recommend others follow suit. It's easy to navigate, reload your ticket, and is fast when boarding versus feeding cash in holding up the line. There's no discount for buying tickets for an extended period, so I would recommend just buying 1 day pass at a time.
In the French Quarter where we stayed and used the streetcars the most, they run every 30 minutes which requires some pre-planning if you have somewhere you need to be at a certain time.
The cars were all clean and well maintained. I noticed that the windows were all fixed completely shut with screws, which was unfortunate. It would have been nice to ride with the window open to feel the breeze from the River.
We used the app to book and would recommend others follow suit. It's easy to navigate, reload your ticket, and is fast when boarding versus feeding cash in holding up the line. There's no discount for buying tickets for an extended period, so I would recommend just buying 1 day pass at a time.
In the French Quarter where we stayed and used the streetcars the most, they run every 30 minutes which requires some pre-planning if you have somewhere you need to be at a certain time.
Written April 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bijal P
Flower Mound, TX37 contributions
Feb 2023
This was one of the highlight of our trips. We stayed at Troubadour and the station for street car was at Tulane. Very convenient, clean and amazing frequency. I would recommend anyone to ride these streetcar to jackson square and french market and not drive as those areas are very crowded and hard to navigate with cars. The street are small too.
These fare on the streetcars are also very reasonable . so anyone can afford and the crowd is decent. Most drivers are friendly and helpful and those "Jazzy pass" are a boon. I ordered one online and got delivered via USPS in 4-5 business days.
These fare on the streetcars are also very reasonable . so anyone can afford and the crowd is decent. Most drivers are friendly and helpful and those "Jazzy pass" are a boon. I ordered one online and got delivered via USPS in 4-5 business days.
Written February 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jimbilly
Beverly Hills, FL451 contributions
Apr 2022
When traveling to NOLA my # 1 transit means around the city are the trolleys and streetcars. If you are not in a hurry this is the way to go to enjoy the different areas especially the garden district on the St. Charles streetcar/trolley. Stops are frequent so don't be in a hurry. The price is good $1.25, or you can buy day passes from 1-3-5 days. Senior fares .40 cents or .80 cents for a day pass the way to go if over 65. Masks are no longer required I was there Apr 20-26. So, if you are going to Jackson Square, City Park, Audubon Park (zoo with a walk through the beautiful park) or just a tour of the city go for a ride.
Written April 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
texazcharlie
McKinney, TX64 contributions
Jul 2021
We road the streetcars on the Saint Charles line, and I would say that it is a cheap way to get around and see the sights without walking your tail off. All riders have to wear a mask, so keep that in mind. We bought the $3 all-day pass for each person and it was well worth it. Make sure to keep your arms and head inside the car at all times because the lamposts, trees, utility poles, etc. are inches from the side of the streetcar. Some of the tree branches even slap the side of the car so be aware of that, too.
Written July 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Susanne T
North Carolina Mountains, NC1,517 contributions
Apr 2022
The streetcar stop was within a half block of our B&B and that was the exclusive way we travelled into town. The red line travels rather frequently and we never waited for more than 10 minutes during the day. Fares are $ 3.00 per 24 hours for under 65 years of age and $ 0.80 for over 65.
The drivers ranged from absolutely awesome and helpful to rather unfriendly and almost rude, but we enjoyed riding the RTA
The drivers ranged from absolutely awesome and helpful to rather unfriendly and almost rude, but we enjoyed riding the RTA
Written April 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
bskramer
The Villages, FL344 contributions
Jan 2020
My family and I rode the St. Charles Streetcar on the afternoon of Saturday, December 28th. It was my second time riding the streetcar to tour the Garden District. I genuinely enjoyed just sitting in the streetcar and using a printed guide to identify many of the historic homes along the route. It was a peaceful and interesting ride through New Orleans history. We purchased a Jazzy Pass for $3.00 so that we could get on and off the streetcar any time we wished. It was very crowded for most of our ride and some people had to stand for part of it. Please keep in mind that the streetcar is heavily used by tourists so it stops frequently and often there are waits as the tourists figure out how to pay the fare. It is not a ride you want to make if you are in a hurry. We did note that the streetcar operators were very patient and helpful with the tourists. On the day we rode, the line only operated from the St. Charles and Erato Station due to some construction towards the center of the city. It was confusing to find the start of the line, but eventually, we were able to locate it. There was some replacement bus service that we were able to use on the way back, but we were not able to find it at the beginning of our excursion. Along the way, we had the opportunity to see the mule-drawn Roman Chewing Candy wagon selling its taffy-like candy. In all, we spent about 2 hours riding the line from beginning to end and then back again. If you are sightseeing in New Orleans, you should make an effort to include a ride on the St. Charles Streetcar as part of your itinerary. It was a delightful way to spend an afternoon seeing the Garden District.
Written January 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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, MN106 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, TX1,686 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
18 contributions
No but mask definitely required.
How far is a pickup point for the streetcar from the Maison St Charles?
Siobhan L
Belton, TX808 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, FL111 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?
Joe W
Boca Raton2 contributions
Can you please tell me what stop I would get off on the St Charles Street car to tour the Garden District and take advantage of the many great restaurants in the area? Thank You
sueww
Red Deer, Canada152 contributions
I would ride it to the end of st Charles and start walking back, then you can hop back on when your tired.
RTA - Streetcars (New Orleans) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about RTA - Streetcars
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