RTA - Streetcars
4.5
Public Transportation Systems
Write a review
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
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Full view
What is Travellers’ Choice? Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
- BEST SELLERNew Orleans City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour2,428Bus Toursfrom S$63.47 per adult
- Large Airboat Swamp Tour with Transportation from New Orleans 353Recommended97% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.Airboat Toursfrom S$124.18 per adult
- BEST SELLERSwamp Boat Ride and Oak Alley Plantation Tour from New Orleans1,534Recommended96% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.Full-day Toursfrom S$150.40 per adult
- New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour with Transportation1,550Recommended95% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.Carnivalfrom S$96.75 per adult
- BEST SELLERNew Orleans Ghost, Voodoo and Vampire Combo Tour6,395Historical Toursfrom S$45.52 S$40.97 per adult
- SPECIAL OFFERNew Orleans City and Cemetery Tour 852Recommended96% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.Historical Toursfrom S$75.89 S$60.71 per adult (price varies by group size)
- Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise629Historical Toursfrom S$57.95 per adult
- New Orleans Garden District Walking Tour Including Lafayette Cemetery No. 11,380Recommended99% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.Historical Toursfrom S$48.29 per adult
- New Orleans Jazz Tour: History and Live Jazz238Recommended94% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.Art Toursfrom S$83.56 per adult
- Small-Group Airboat Swamp Tour with Downtown New Orleans Pickup423Recommended98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.Airboat Toursfrom S$158.68 per adult
- The National WWII Museum Admission Ticket New Orleans1,204Recommended96% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.Historical Toursfrom S$50.45 per adult
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.
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,508 within 5 kms
See all
Attractions
593 within 10 kms
See all
See what travellers are saying
Mixa's Travels
Oldsmar, Florida3,608 contributions
Trolley Ride offers great views of New Orleans
We 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 2023
Travelled as a couple
Written
27 May 2023
TheTravelYogi
United States350 contributions
Unlimited 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 2022
Travelled as a couple
Written
30 May 2023
Ken
25 contributions
Great and easy way to get around
Great 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 2023
Travelled as a couple
Written
14 June 2023
Richard W
Dublin, Ireland179 contributions
So 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 2023
Written
20 June 2023
Nanette C
8 contributions
FUN 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 2023
Written
12 July 2023
CasandraTP
Sydney, Australia3,188 contributions
Cheapest & best way to explore New Orleans
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.
Visited July 2023
Travelled as a couple
Written
30 July 2023
blueXjello
Clayton, Georgia634 contributions
Thank You RTA!
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!
Visited July 2023
Written
2 August 2023
DeniseAnne16
Nairobi, Kenya30 contributions
The streetcars in NOLA are fantastic!
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.
Visited July 2023
Written
5 August 2023
David R
3 contributions
Great views/experience
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.
Visited July 2023
Travelled with family
Written
5 August 2023
Deborah K
Saint John, Indiana512 contributions
Away We Go
Took the St Charles Route Street Car, admired all the mansions along the route in the Garden District. Great way to see the area & also taking us past Loyola & Tulane. The cost is 1.25 each way & seniors are 40 cents each way, best deal in town! We really enjoyed the Streetcar & recommend it to everyone visiting New Orleans.
Visited November 2023
Travelled with friends
Written
16 November 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Write a reviewUpload a photo
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
4.5
16,303 reviews
Excellent
9,729
Very good
4,595
Average
1,419
Poor
347
Terrible
213
linjmit
Barnegat, NJ46 contributions
An experience.
Sept 2013 • Couples
Take a quick ride to get the experience. $1.25, to your destination. Drivers are not very giving with the "southern hospitality". It must be a tough job, though, with all the tourists.
Written 7 October 2013
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.
justice923
Jackson,ms5 contributions
convenient
Sept 2013 • Couples
It was very convenient to use the street car if you prefer to save your feet for walking later on and it is very cheap also there is air on the street cars and it was exciting to try something different
Written 7 October 2013
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.
PabloYYZ
Toronto, Canada56 contributions
Don't miss a ride on the St. Charles line!
Sept 2013 • Friends
Coming from Toronto, streetcars are part of everyday life, but the St. Charles streetcar line is something else entirely - living history! Make your journey on the streetcar part of a trip to the Garden District. Most Garden District walking tours seem to start around Lafayette Cemetery. Coming from the downtown area, get off at Washington and walk a few blocks south and you are there. If you have the chance (usually if the car is full) try to stand on the left hand side of the car, just behind the driver. You'll have the best view of both the line and the driver - nothing is automated on these streetcars except for the fare box. The cost for a day pass is $3 - an incredible deal. Just pay the driver and they will give you the pass.
Written 7 October 2013
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.
Amanda J
Houston, TX43 contributions
Great way to get to Garden District
Oct 2013 • Family
This was a great way to get to the Garden District from Canal street. We also used it to go up and down Canal Street. Very handy and cheap!
Written 7 October 2013
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.
Chaz114
Richardson, TX55 contributions
Weekend in NOLA
Sept 2013 • Couples
Great way to get around. Buy a day pass for $3 and ride all day. That includes buses too. Be sure to have correct change. Street car didn't go all of the way to the zoo like the map says.
Written 6 October 2013
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.
jogger2
New York City, NY53 contributions
Unique way to travel
Oct 2013 • Family
This is a terrific way to travel on St. Charles Avenue. The fare is very reasonable particularly if you purchase a one day pass for three dollars but you can easily view the wonderful architecture in the Garden District as you travel to your destination.
Written 6 October 2013
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.
Scott M
Saratoga Springs, NY81 contributions
Streetcars are great!
Sept 2013 • Couples
The street cars in New Orleans are the best. $1.25 or $3.00 for all day, you can't beat it. Clean and safe and not complicated. We stayed in the French Quarter, took the street cars to city park and toward Carrollton.
Written 6 October 2013
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.
jonsha
Sarasota, FL357 contributions
Good way to get around town
Sept 2013 • Couples
We didn't have a car so we used public transportation and taxis to get around. A day pass on the streetcar is $3. This allows you unlimited use of the streetcars, trolly and buses for the day. Get a route map from the hotel concierge or on the streetcar and enjoy the ride. The streetcar has three routes that basically take you to most of the tourist sights. They run approximately every 20 minutes.
Written 6 October 2013
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.
Floridatraveller75
Homestead, FL46 contributions
A slice of NOLA history.
Oct 2013 • Couples
Fun to do, but not more than once, especially on a hot and humid day. $3 gets you a day pass which is a good value considering one ride by itself is 1.25. Slow go and a lot of stops. Definite must do at least once. Dont be surprised if its full and you have to wait for the next one...just a few minutes wait.
Written 5 October 2013
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.
2015Roadrunner
Pensacola, FL108 contributions
Great way to get around
Oct 2013
Be sure you have the correct change...they will not make change for you. Have the money out and ready. $1.25 for one ride. You can't get back on. $3.00 for day pass... Not 24 hour pass. You can hop on and off. $9.00 for 3 day pass. You can go out through the garden district. Nice ride and very clean.
Written 5 October 2013
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.
1
…
1290
1292
…
Showing results
12,901
-
12,910
of
15,434
Also popular with travellers
See all
- 2023Gray Line Transportation Services89Bus ServicesFrench Quarter
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing
