Getting Around in New Orleans

Exploring a new city, whether by foot, car or public transport, is a good way to get acquainted with it. Luckily for those moving to New Orleans, the transport infrastructure is fairly solid. Buses, streetcars and ferries make up the city's public transport network, and getting around in New Orleans is safe and easy.

The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (NORTA or more commonly referred to as RTA) is the body that oversees the public transport network in the city. 

Public transport in New Orleans

LePass

The NORTA LePass app is a useful resource, allowing travellers to purchase a mobile pass for any form of public transportation. Users can also map a journey, access transport schedules, and track when the next streetcar, bus or ferry is due to arrive.

Jazzy Pass

Public transport rates are reasonable in New Orleans. That said, for those who plan on using the system regularly, it is worth investing in a weekly or monthly Jazzy Pass, which offers the user unlimited travel on RTA buses, ferries and streetcars.

Buses

The bus network in New Orleans is extensive, consisting of over 30 routes, most of which operate around the clock. On average, buses run every 30 minutes, but services are often more frequent along the busier routes.

Streetcars

Trams, commonly known as streetcars in New Orleans, are a popular mode of transportation in the city. Four main lines extend through the city’s central neighbourhoods. 

The NORTA website and mobile app come in handy when checking whether a particular streetcar route runs through the night or stops at midnight. The frequency of streetcar services varies depending on the route and time of day, but they generally run in 15 to 30 minute intervals.

Ferries

There are two ferry routes in operation in New Orleans: the Algiers Point and Canal Street ferries. Ferries arrive every hour and run on every day of the week.

The schedule is as follows:

• Algiers Point: 6am to 8.30pm (10.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays)
• Canal Street: 6.15am to 8.45pm (10.45pm on Fridays and Saturdays)

Useful links

• NORTA
• Le Pass
• Jazzy Pass

Taxis in New Orleans

While taxis are readily available in New Orleans, they aren’t always easy to flag down. Having said that, most New Orleans taxi companies have mobile apps nowadays, which make it easier to schedule a ride ahead of time.

United Cabs is the most prominent cab company in New Orleans and has the largest fleet of vehicles. This company mainly operates in the downtown part of New Orleans. New arrivals should also investigate which taxi operators work in their particular neighbourhood, as these may offer better prices in some cases. Uber and Lyft are also well established in New Orleans.

Useful links

• United Cabs
• Uber
• Lyft

Pedicabs in New Orleans

Pedicabs are rickshaw-style vehicles that commonly operate throughout the French Quarter, downtown New Orleans and the Warehouse District. Although these are unlikely to be used on a daily basis, they are a good option for short trips in high-traffic areas.

Generally, they tend to be used by tourists and visitors to New Orleans, as the operators tend to act as tour guides as well, providing useful information and recommendations.

Cycling in New Orleans

New Orleans is a bicycle-friendly city and the authorities have made a concerted effort to improve infrastructure for cyclists by expanding cycle routes, accommodating bikes on buses and ferries, and installing safe bicycle storage facilities around the city centre.

Blue Bikes is the name of New Orleans’ bike-share programme. Users simply need to register online to see a map of all the bike hubs in the city. The app allows people to reserve a bike at a particular hub ahead of time. Cyclists using Blue Bikes can either opt to pay by the minute or, if they plan to use the service more regularly, they can opt for a monthly flat rate for unlimited usage.

Useful links

• Blue Bikes

Walking in New Orleans

Walking is a great way to see New Orleans during the day and early evening but some areas are more suitable for exploring on foot than others. Central areas such as the French Quarter, downtown New Orleans and Marigny are well suited for walking.

Public transport tends to be less reliable further from the city centre, and expats who live in outlying suburbs may prefer to have their own wheels.

Driving in New Orleans

Driving isn’t always easy in New Orleans. Much of the city was designed before people were using cars to get around, so newcomers will find that many of the streets are incredibly narrow with plenty of one-ways. Road conditions are also sub-par for what is considered a developed city and drivers should be aware of potholes. Parking is often hard to find and expensive in central parts of New Orleans. Also, drivers moving to New Orleans should brush up on their parallel parking skills before getting behind the wheel.

That said, a personal vehicle can certainly simplify the lives of residents in the suburbs, particularly parents. A car also gives new arrivals more freedom to explore the city and its surroundings at their own pace.

Obtaining a local driver's licence

Residents of New Orleans will need to obtain a Louisiana driver's licence to drive legally. Holders of a foreign driver's licence may need to take practical and written driving tests. This can be arranged through the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). 

Some countries have agreements allowing nationals to skip these, though a vision check must still be passed. The same goes for holders of a US driver's licence from another state.

Useful links

• Louisiana OMV