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Clang Clang Clang Goes the Streetcar. Yes, the Streetcar.

Writer: Guide Michelle
Guide Michelle
Jan 8, 2024
2 min read

Updated: Sep 29

PRO TIP:

You can take the St Charles streetcar to my Garden District Walking Food & History tour on your way to save time & experience more of the city in one afternoon!


"How do we catch the trolley?" is an often-heard tourist question that sounds so, so wrong to New Orleans ears. From our friend Google: "Trolleys looks like regular buses but they are completely electric and have twin poles on the roof of the bus that draw power from double overhead wires. If it connects to a pair of overhead wires but has rubber tires like a bus it's a trolley. If it runs on steel rails propelled by overhead wires it's a streetcar." We only have a streetcar in New Orleans!


How to take the streetcar in New Orleans

  • St. Charles Ave. Line: The world's oldest continuously operating street rail system. It provides an affordable ride from Canal St. through Uptown to the Riverbend/Carrollton neighborhood, making it ideal for viewing architecture, dining, and walking along the Mississippi River levee. A recommended stop is Audubon Park to visit its live oaks, waterfowl, and the zoo.

  • Canal St. Line: Connects Canal St. to Mid-City and City Park (including the New Orleans Museum of Art). This area features popular local restaurants and bars.

  • Riverfront Line: A short line ideal for getting from one end of the French Quarter to the other (e.g., traveling from Canal St. to the French Market or live music on Frenchmen St.).

  • Convenience: Both the St. Charles and Canal lines pick up on Canal St., which borders the French Quarter and Central Business District where most tourists stay.

  • Don't be in a hurry: The streetcars are not high speed rail or subways- they have to follow the same traffic rules as buses so they can be somewhat slower than other public transit people are used to. But they are lovely, just give yourself some leisurely time to enjoy them!

How much is the street car? Is there a map?

  • Buy a Jazzy Pass or pay as you ride- the fee is $1.25 (just $.40 for seniors) but it's cash only and drivers do not give change, so have exact change. You can also download the app

  • To get the most up-to-date & reliable info to plan your route, use the RTA trip planner. It also has bus routes.


New Orleans street car or streetcar map - not trolley map
 
 
 

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