World Travel Guide

City Guide  - New Orleans  - Getting Around
Getting Around

Public Transport
Streetcars and buses are operated by the Regional Transport Authority, 4th floor, 101 Dauphine (RTA; tel: (504) 248 3900, 24-hour Rideline; website: www.regionaltransit.org). The New Orleans streetcar system is the oldest in the USA and an attraction in its own right. Two lines run the length of St Charles Avenue and along the Mississippi riverfront. One-way fare is US$1.25 on the St Charles/Carrollton Avenue line and US$1.50 on the Riverfront line (exact change only). Buses run throughout the city. Fares are US$1.25 plus US$0.25 per transfer (exact change only).

Schedules are available from the RTA office for US$0.10. The VisiTour pass allows unlimited travel on RTA buses and streetcars. The pass is available from hotels and shopping areas for US$5 (one-day pass) or US$12 (three-day pass).

There is also a ferry service (tel: (504) 364 8100) between Canal Street and the suburb of Algiers on the other side of the river. The trip takes ten minutes and leaves every half-hour 0630-2400. It costs US$1 return per car; free for foot passengers.

Driving in the City
If only visiting downtown New Orleans, a car is not necessary nor is it recommended. Parking space is minimal and most hotels charge daily rates for off-street parking. Most places that visitors might want to see can be reached on foot or by taxis, which are not expensive. In the French Quarter especially, streets are narrow and are on a one-way system, with some streets being closed to vehicles at certain times. The streets are also usually crowded with visitors paying little attention to traffic and at Mardi Gras the entire French Quarter is closed to traffic. Parking meters operate 0800-1800 with a maximum two-hour stay. Parking regulations are rigorously enforced. The main car park in the French Quarter is the Dixie Parking Service
, Bourbon Street (tel: (504) 522 5975). Rates start at US$4 for the first hour decreasing to US$11 per 24 hours.

Taxis
Taxis can be hailed on the street and are easily found in the French Quarter and along Riverwalk. They can also be telephoned for, although there may be a wait. Companies include Checker Yellow Cabs (tel: (504) 943 2411) and United Cabs (tel: (504) 522 9771). Taxis have a US$2.50 initial charge plus US$1 for each additional passenger and US$1.10 per mile. The Taxicab Bureau (tel: (504) 565 6272) can provide more information.

Limousines
There are several companies offering limousine hire, including A Confidential Transportation (tel: (504) 897 3000), New Orleans Limousine Service (tel: (504) 529 5226), Uptown Limousine Service (tel: (504) 888 6354), Orleans Limousines (tel: (504) 288 1111) and A Touch of Class Limousine Service (tel: (504) 522 7565). Rates start at US$30 per hour plus tax and gratuity for the driver. Rates vary widely according to the type of vehicle and length of rental; some companies offer weekday and other special deals.

Car Hire
All the major car rental companies have offices in New Orleans, both downtown and at the airport. These include Alamo (tel: (800) 327 9633), Avis (tel: (800) 331 1212), Budget (tel: (800) 527 0700), Dollar (tel: (800) 800 4000) and Hertz (tel: (800 654 3131). Rates start at about US$30 per day (US$150 per week) for a budget model, on top of which there will be a 12% car rental tax and an optional US$10-15 per day CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) insurance. This is always recommended if not already covered by the driver's own policy. Minimum driving age is legally 21 years but most companies make it 25 years. Drivers will need a valid licence or International Driving Permit and credit card.

Bicycle Hire
Renting a bicycle is fairly popular in New Orleans, although the most relaxing cycling is away from the French Quarter in places such as Audubon Park, City Park and by Lake Pontchartrain. Rates for a good bicycle cost about US$5 per hour or US$15 per day. Companies include French Quarter Bicycles, 522 Dumaine Street (tel: (504) 529 3136) and Joe's Bike Shop, 2501 Tulane Street (tel: (504) 821 2350).



Copyright © 2001 Columbus Publishing
    
GENERAL
City Overview
City Statistics
Cost of Living
 
GETTING THERE
Air
Water
Road
Rail
 
GETTING AROUND
Getting Around
 
BUSINESS
Business
 
SIGHTSEEING
Sightseeing
Key Attractions
Further Distractions
Tours of the City
Excursions
 
ENTERTAINMENT
Nightlife
Sport
Shopping
Culture
Special Events
Food and Drink