St. Charles Streetcar Line

The St. Charles Avenue Streetcar is the oldest and most notable streetcar line. Its route – spanning from Uptown to the Central Business District – passes by classic New Orleans stops under live oaks along the neutral ground.

Breakfast - Get Your Day Rolling

Back to Top of List

Take the line to the Maple Street stop. Camellia Grill is a favorite among locals and visitors. The friendly staff will brighten your morning at this casual diner, where you can find traditional greasy spoon faves like omelets, perfectly crisped waffles, and their signature “freeze” milkshakes to wash it all down.

Audubon Park - An Outdoor Oasis in the Heart of the City

Back to Top of List

Located just off Walnut Street stop across from Tulane and Loyola universities, Audubon Park is the perfect spot for those who want to see the beautiful nature that inhabits New Orleans with the park’s oak trees, lagoons, and green spaces. Families will love the various playgrounds that are scattered throughout the park. Audubon Zoo is located just at the back of the park. For those looking for a competitive activity, Audubon Park Golf Course is a great post-breakfast activity. No need to carry your clubs all day as they offer rentals.

Lunch - Refuel Along the Avenue

Back to Top of List

The St. Charles Avenue line passes by a wide array of perfect lunch options. Exit the line at Robert Street and walk two blocks to St. James Cheese Company for soups, salads, sandwiches, and, of course, cheese. Take the line a little further to Napoleon Avenue and dine at Superior Seafood, located right on St. Charles Avenue.

Garden District - Explore Stunning Architecture, Shopping, and More

Back to Top of List

After lunch, take a walk through the historic Garden District and observe the classic New Orleans architecture. Want a more structured visit? Take one of the tours found here. For shopping and other dining options, Magazine Street runs parallel to St. Charles Ave. and is just a few blocks from the route. Check out our guide to the Garden District for more recommendations. 

Drinks - Where to Stop for the Perfect Sip

Back to Top of List

There are a variety of options along St. Charles Avenue for great drinks and happy-hour specials. The Columns Hotel Bar has outdoor seating along St. Charles Avenue and offers craft cocktails. Delachaise is the stop for wine lovers, and Avenue Pub offers 40+ beers on tap. 

Dinner - Where to End the Night

Back to Top of List

Also on the Washington Avenue stop, you’ll find Commander’s Palace, a New Orleans classic. The Josephine stop will put you right in front of the Pontchartrain Hotel, home to Jack Rose and the Hot Tin Rooftop Bar. Both are hip places to spend your evening. Take the line further downtown, back to the CBD, and dine at Herbsaint or Luke

Canal Streetcar Line

Take the Canal Streetcar Line from Mid-City to the Central Business District in Downtown New Orleans.There are two different routes along this line – one runs to the historic Mid-City Cemeteries, and the other stops at the foot of City Park. You can find the final destination of the route written on the front of the streetcar.

Breakfast - Start Your Day in Mid-City

Back to Top of List

Start your day a little further down the line at the Canal Street and Scott to stop to have a tasty and affordable breakfast at Up&Adam Eatz.

City Park - Art, Mini Golf, Botanical Gardens & More

Back to Top of List

Get on any Canal streetcar that says City Park/ Museums to start or finish your day at City Park in Mid-City. Play in the park at the family attractions, visit the New Orleans Museum of Art, or walk around and enjoy the greenery of the oak trees in the park.

Dinner - From Neighborhood Gems to French Quarter Classics

Back to Top of List

Ride back up the streetcar line to the Canal + Scott stop to have staple Creole dishes at New Orleans famous Mandina’s . Take the line a little further down and have dinner at Zasu, recipient of one MICHELIN Star, in Mid-City. Craving gelato? You can’t go wrong with a scoop from Brocato’s, a New Orleans tradition since 1905. If wanting to stay downtown, Red Fish Grill is a great option just steps from the streetcar line in the French Quarter.

Riverfront Streetcar Line 

Located along the Mississippi River, the Riverfront Streetcar Line has six red streetcars that travel a few blocks between the Aquarium and the French Market.

Breakfast - Beignets at Cafe du Monde

Back to Top of List

Take the Riverfront Streetcar Line to the Dumaine Station to enjoy beignets at the famous Cafe Du Monde. Be sure to make time for a quick stroll around historic Jackson Square.

Shopping - Find Gifts for Others (and yourself!)

Back to Top of List

The French Market Station is a great stop to buy local goods, grab a snack or to just wander through the French Market. The Canal Street stop will drop you right in front of Canal Place, which is full of high-end finds. You can also shop for discounted designer goods at the Outlet Collection at Riverwalk, which is located at the Poydras Station stop.

Lunch - Iconic Sandwiches Await

Back to Top of List

Take the streetcar line to the Dumaine Station and enjoy a Muffaletta at the Central Grocery Get other New Orleans delicacies off the Toulouse Station stop. Walk a block to Johnny’s Po-boys or check out Manolito for Cuban sandwiches and fresh fruit daiquiris.

Riverfront Attractions - Connect with Nature

Back to Top of List

With over 600 species, including penguins, white alligators, and sharks, this is a must-see! Visit the Audubon Aquarium along the Mississippi River to spend the day learning about rare sea creatures. The world-class facility also now holds the Audubon Insectarium on a shared campus, creating the perfect activity for nature lovers of all ages. Looking to explore more New Orleans culture and history? Dive into the history of jazz at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, located at the French Market Station stop.

Dinner - End the Evening at a French Quarter Eatery

Back to Top of List

Following your afternoon activity, take the streetcar to the Poydras Station and enter the Hilton to dine at Drago’s, a New Orleans favorite for chargrilled oysters. You can also indulge at one of two restaurants at the Four Seasons New Orleans–Alon Shaya's Miss River or Donald Link's Chemin a la MerThe Italian Barrel, another great upscale pick, is located at the opposite end of the line at the French Market stop.

Rampart/ St. Claude Streetcar Line

Ride through Treme and into the Marigny/Bywater on this newly refurbished line. Located just on the edge of the French Quarter, the Rampart line will take you through a historic section of the city.

Start at the Park - Explore Armstrong Park & Congo Square

Back to Top of List

Spend your morning relaxing at Louis Armstrong Park, located at the N. Rampart and St. Ann street stop. Wander through Congo Square, sculptures dedicated to the music legend, and duck ponds. The park is an urban oasis right outside of the French Quarter.

Lunch - A Quick Bite (Or Sweet Treat)

Back to Top of List

Backatown Coffee Parlour offers great coffee, snacks, and lunch for those near Armstrong Park. A block before the last stop is Frenchmen Street and houses Loretta’s Authentic Pralines just a block off the route. Loretta’s is not only great for a sugary treat, but also Cajun delicacies. 

Explore History & Culture

Back to Top of List

Explore art and music against a vibrant backdrop at JAMNOLA, located just off the Saint Claude and Elysian Fields stop. Booklovers will enjoy Baldwin & Co. Coffee and Books, a Black-owned shop that hosts frequent readings and community events. Interested in Voodoo? Visit Priestess Miriam and Priest Oswan Chamani at the Voodoo Spiritual Temple for a consultation, potion, tour or lecture. Currently, they’re open by appointment only. 

Drinks and Dinner - From Award-Winning Cocktails to Laid-Back Gems

Back to Top of List

If you're looking for craft cocktails, Bar Tonique is a local favorite and a must-visit. The Conti stop will put you just one block from Jewel of the South, owned by legendary bartenders Chris Hannah and Nick Dietrich. MaMou (located at the N. Rampart and Ursulines stop) is a great pick for upscale French cuisine and Budsi's Authentic Thai (two blocks from the St. Claude and Pauger stop) is a locals' favorite for spicy Thai.

visitneworleans
visitneworleans
visitneworleans


 

Frequently Asked Questions About the New Orleans Streetcar

How much does it cost to ride the New Orleans streetcar?

A single ride costs $1.25, while unlimited one-day Jazzy Passes are available for $3 through the RTA's Le Pass app. Unlimited three-day passes are $8, and unlimited seven-day passes are $15.

Back to Top

How do I purchase tickets or a Jazzy Pass for the streetcar?

You can buy a Jazzy Pass ($3 for one day, $8 for three days, $15 for a seven days) through the RTA LePass app on your phone. Passes are also available at kiosks located at major streetcar stops along Canal Street. If you prefer to pay per ride, the fare is $1.25 in exact change deposited into the farebox when you board.

Back to Top

Where Can I Purchase Streetcar Fare?

Riding the streetcar has never been easier! Download the Le Pass app to purchase fare. There are several options for purchasing passes in person if you prefer. RTA passes are available at select Walgreens locations in the New Orleans area and at Unique Grocery in the French Quarter (129 Royal St.). There are four Ticket Vending Machines along the Canal Streetcar Line (2817 Canal Street, Canal at N. Peters RTA Shelter, Canal at City Park Ave. (Cemeteries) RTA Shelter, Canal at Bourbon St. RTA Shelter). New Orleans streetcars accept cash, but you must use exact change as the operators do not give cash back. Learn more on how to pay for the streetcar here.

Back to Top

Are New Orleans streetcars accessible for wheelchair users?

The Canal Street, Riverfront, and Rampart streetcars lines are accessible to wheelchair users. These red streetcars have motorized lifts that elevate riders and a designated seating area where a wheelchair can be secured. The green streetcars on the St. Charles Avenue line are not fully accessible. However, buses running along this route are 100% accessible. 

The RTA asks wheelchair users to please arrive five minutes earlier than the streetcar is scheduled to arrive. The door to the lift is located in the middle of the streetcar. Wheel your chair onto the platform and tell the operator you need to use it. The streetcar operator will tie down your wheelchair to prevent it from moving while the streetcar rumbles down the track. Be sure to tell the streetcar operator your destination.  As the streetcar approaches your stop, tug on the pull cord.

The Regional Transit Authority—RTA—system map can be viewed online. The free Le Pass app allows travelers to track buses and streetcars in real time, purchase tickets, and plan a route. For a list of all RTA Paratransit Services and FAQs, see their Transit Accessibility page here.

Back to Top

What neighborhoods can I visit by streetcar in New Orleans?

Streetcars connect visitors to Uptown, the Garden District, Mid-City, the Central Business District, the French Quarter, Marigny, Bywater, and riverfront attractions.

Back to Top

Can I take the streetcar from the French Quarter to the Garden District?

Yes. Board the St. Charles line at the Canal Street and Carondelet Street stop on the edge of the French Quarter. Ride uptown to the Washington Avenue, Jackson Avenue, or Louisiana Avenue stops to reach the Garden District. The trip takes about 20 minutes, and it's one of the easiest and most scenic ways to explore the neighborhood.

Back to Top

What are the best sightseeing stops along the St. Charles streetcar route?

Highlights include Audubon Park and Audubon Zoo (Walnut Street stop), the Garden District's historic mansions (Washington Avenue or Jackson Avenue stops), the Columns Hotel (near the Peniston stop), and Commander's Palace (Washington Avenue stop). The entire ride is scenic, passing under a canopy of live oaks along St. Charles Avenue.

Back to Top

How often do the streetcars run, and how long does the full ride take?

Streetcars generally run every 10 to 20 minutes. The St. Charles line takes about 45 minutes end to end, while the Canal line from downtown to City Park takes roughly 30 minutes. Frequency can vary during late-night hours and special events, so check the RTA app for real-time arrivals.

Back to Top

What are some tips for riding the streetcar as a first-time visitor?

Download the RTA LePass app before your trip so you can buy and activate your Jazzy Pass from your phone. Have exact change ($1.25) as a backup. Board at the front or rear doors and exit through the center. The streetcars do not have air conditioning, so dress for the weather (though windows can be opened and closed by riders to increase breeze–or keep rain or cold out). On the Canal line, check the destination sign on the front of the car: one route goes to City Park/Museums, and the other goes to the Cemeteries.

Back to Top