TRAVEL TIPS
Getting Around
By streetcar: The St. Charles line runs from Canal Street to the intersection of Claiborne and Carrollton avenues; along the way, it passes the Garden District, Audubon Park, and Tulane and Loyola universities. The Riverfront line skirts the French Quarter along the Mississippi, from Esplanade Avenue to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Some Canal line streetcars make a straight shot from the Quarter to the cemeteries at City Park Avenue; others take a spur at Carrollton Avenue that goes to City Park and the New Orleans Museum of Art. The Loyola line runs from the Union Passenger Terminal (rail and bus station) down to Canal Street, where it meets the other lines.
By Bus: Bus travel in New Orleans is reasonably reliable and comfortable; you can even get the status of your bus via text message. The Magazine bus runs from Canal and Camp streets to the Audubon Zoo entrance at the far edge of Audubon Park. The Esplanade bus serves City Park and drops New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival passengers off a few blocks from the Fair Grounds.
Fares for streetcars and buses are $1.25 ($1.50 for express lines); unlimited-ride Jazzy Pass cards are available for one day ($3, available on buses and streetcars); unlimited 3-day and 31-day passes ($9 and $55, respectively) are available at some hotels and grocery stores and at Walgreens.
By car: If you don't plan to drive outside the city limits, you probably won't need a car—you'll save money traveling by streetcar, cab, and on foot. If you do decide to drive, keep in mind that some streets are in rough shape, and parking in the Quarter is tight (and regulations are vigorously enforced).
By taxi: Taxis are often convenient, and drivers are used to short trips, so grab a cab if you're leery about walking back to your hotel at night. Most locals recommend United Cabs, Yellow Checker, and Veterans. Don't get into an unlicensed, unmarked "gypsy" cab. Rates are $2 per mile, on top of the $3.50 base fare; each additional passenger is $1.
