You probably took a plane or drove your car to get here, but now that you’re here, what is the best way to get around town?  Of course, you know about the St. Charles street car, but what about buses, shuttles, bikes, and cabs?  Boat rides?  411 NOLA has complied a guide to transportation and parking to help you to figure it all out, no matter how you roll.

Airport Transportation

• By Cab: See entry under “cabs” for information about taking a cab from the airport to New Orleans.
• By Car: See entry under “car” for information about renting a car in New Orleans.
• By Bike: Believe it or not, it is possible to ride from the New Orleans airport to downtown New Orleans on a bike.  Click here to find out how.
• By Bus: The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (NORTA) gives this information about catching a bus from the airport:

You can catch the E-2 – Airport Route (operated by Jefferson Transit (JeT, not the RTA) on the upper level at the Airport.  The Airport bus stop is on the second level of the airport, near the Delta counter, in the median (look for the sign and bench).   The E-2 – Airport Route provides service from the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport in Kenner down Airline Drive into New Orleans.  During weekdays only, this route provides service to the New Orleans CBD.  On weekdays, the bus will take you to the corner of Tulane and Loyola Avenues in downtown New Orleans, which is two blocks from Canal Street.  The fare on this bus is $2.00 one way.  For more information on the E-2 Airport Bus go to www.jeffersontransit.org.

• By Shuttle: Airport Shuttle is the official ground transportation provider for the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.  It offers transportation to and from downtown & Uptown New Orleans hotels, the French Quarter, the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and the cruise terminals.  Rates are $20.00 per person each way or $38 round trip (if booked in advance).  Children under the age of 6 ride for free.  Wheelchair-accessible service is available but only when an advanced reservation has been made.  Please call the reservations department at 866-596-2699 for assistance.

Biking

Many folks own bikes in New Orleans and for good reason:  our city is beautiful!  Biking in NOLA is also a great option for many reasons:  1) no parking hassles, lock up your bike almost anywhere, 2) no gas money needed, and 3) it’s a great way to explore neighborhoods and discover local life.  Getting around on two (non-motorized) wheels has its challenges as well as its joys.  Hook up with these organizations to get the most out of your Big Easy biking experience:

• The New Orleans Metro Bicycle Coalition
• The New Orleans Community Bike Project
• Bayou Bicycles
• Bicycle Michaels

Buses

The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (NORTA) operates the buses and street cars in the city.  NORTA’s website has schedules and maps for all bus routes.  The site also features a trip planner that will tell you how to get from point A to point B using public transportation.

Regular fare for a bus ride (or street car trip) is $1.25 each way.  Transfers cost $0.25 more.  If you plan to use public transportation frequently during your visit, then you should consider buying a multi-day pass to save money.  A one-day pass good for unlimited rides costs $5.00 and is available for purchase from the bus or street car operator at at Walgreens on Decatur St.  Visitors to the city can qualify for reduced fare by presenting a Medicare card in addition to a driver’s license or state identification.

Car Rental

All of the major car rental companies have offices at the airport and downtown.  Click here for a list of companies.

Cabs

Without a doubt, United Cab (504-522-9771) is the premier taxi service in New Orleans.  When big events (like Jazz Fest or the Superbowl) are happening in town, catching a cab may take some time, so plan accordingly.  If you are in the downtown area, then go to Harrah’s or a major hotel like the Marriott.  Cabs are always picking up passeners at these hot spots.  If no cabs are in sight, then ask the doorman to call one for you.  (Just remember to tip him for the courtesy).  Cab fares are standardized:  cost is $3.50 to begin and $2.00 for every mile or $0.25 for every 40 seconds of waiting time (that includes being stopped in traffic).  Airport rates are different but are still standardized.  Click here for airport rates.  If you want to charter a cab, then you will pay $32.00 per hour with a two hour minimum.  None of the rates includes gratuity.

Ferries

Two ferries carry passengers and cars across the Mississippi River to two of the Westbank’s most interesting destinations:  Old Algiers and Gretna.

Motorcycles and Scooters

Motorbikes are a convenient way to get around town, especially considering that parking in the French Quarter and downtown area is at a premium.  If you need to rent a bike, then contact Eagle Rider or Big Easy Scooters.  For info on cycle safety and local laws contact the Motorcycle Awareness Campaign.

Parking Rules

Parking tickets do not make good vacation souvenirs.  Review New Orleans parking rules and regulations before you come here to avoid taking one home.  In addition to heeding street signs and posted parking meter rules, keep these regulations in mind.  Parking is not allowed

• on or blocking sidewalks
• on the front lawn of private property
• on the neutral ground (aka “medians”)
• within a bus stop lane or crosswalk
• within 3 feet of driveways
• within 15 feet of fire hydrants
• within 20 feet of an intersection
• against traffic (the “wrong way” on a street).

RVs and Campers

If you are coming to New Orleans in an RV or camper but do not plan to stay in it, then click here to find places where you can safely and legally park it.  If you plan to say in your RV or camper, then you can reserve a spot at one of the area’s RV parks or campgrounds.  The premier park is the French Quarter RV Resort.  It is walking distance from the French Quarter and many other attractions.  The clubhouse offers necessities (like washers and dryers) as well as luxuries (like a swimming pool).  Visit the resort’s website or call 504-586-3000 to make your reservation.

Street Cars

Street cars have been a fixture in New Orleans for more than 150 years.  They are more than just a way of getting around the city; they are time machines.  As the Saint Charles street car makes its way through the CBD, the Garden District, Uptown, and Carrollton, it transports you to an antebellum city filled with mansions, oak trees, restaurants, museums, and more.  A ride on the Saint Charles street car is must-do for all visitors, even those who eschew tourist activities.  At a $1.25 each way, it is also a bargain.

Street cars also run along the riverfront and on Canal St.  The riverfront car will take you to points in the French Quarter and to the Riverwalk and to the Morial Convention Center.  The Canal St. street car will take you through the heart of the CBD and into Mid-City, a vibrant neighborhood that is home to Bayou St. John, Angelo Brocato’s (a Sicilian ice cream shop and bakery), City Park, the Mardi Gras Endymion parade, and Bayou Boogaloo Festival.  The cost for a ride on the Canal street car is the same price as the cost for a ride on the Saint Charles street car:  $1.25 each way.

See entry under “buses” for info about buying a multi-day pass getting a reduced fare with your Medicare card.

Trains

The Amtrak station is located at 1001 Loyola Avenue in downtown New Orleans.  It sits next to the main post office near Howard Ave.  Three lines stop at the New Orleans station:  The Sunset Limited, The City of New Orleans, and The Crescent.  Information about schedules, fares, and other details can be found at http://www.amtrak.com or by calling (504) 528-1610.  There are so subways in New Orleans (after all, this is a city built on swamp land).

Walking

If you enjoy walking, then you will enjoy seeing New Orleans by foot.  Our neighborhoods were built when there were no cars, so much of the city is designed for pedestrian traffic.  You can enjoy shopping, studying architecture, and people-watching just by putting one foot in front of the other.  As you do, keep a few things in mind to maximize your pleasure:

• New Orleans is an old city and is also under a lot of construction.  Sidewalks can be unevenly paved or be missing some bricks.  Big oak trees like to stretch out their roots, and when they do, they can cross your path.  Bottom line:  watch where you are going.

• If you plan to be on your feet for any length of time, then wear comfortable shoes.  Flip flops and fashion sandals will not give you the support that you need for the long haul.  Nothing can ruin a good vacation like a blister.  If you need to buy some good walking shoes once you get here, then head on over to the Riverwalk Marketplace next to the convention center.  Inside you will find many shoe stores including Clark’s and The Walking Store.

• This is from the City of New Orleans Traffic Code:  But no pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield. Pedestrians do not have the right of way in New Orleans.  New Orleanians are happy to show you a good time, but they will not stop their cars to let you pass; this includes police vehicles.  Don’t take this custom of ours the wrong way.  We care about you.  We just assume that you’re not in any hurry, that you want to take things nice and easy, the N’Awlins way.

• Do heed traffic lights, especially downtown.  U-turns are commonly (and legally) made in New Orleans all of the time.  Just because you don’t see traffic coming doesn’t mean that a car isn’t about to cross your path.

• At night, stay on well-lighted paths and walk with a companion at all times.  If someone is behind you, let that person pass.  If someone is coming towards you, just say “How you doin’?”  Personal safety issues are the same the world over in cosmopolitan cities, including here in New Orleans.

Wheel Chair Rental and Information

If you need to rent a wheel chair or scooter while you are in New Orleans, then visit Scootaround for info.  For information about accessibility-related issues for New Orleans buses and street cars, click here.