New Orleans

Getting around

Public transport

Public transportation

The Regional Transit Authority (RTA; 504-248-3900; www.norta.com) runs the local bus service. Bus and streetcar fares are $1.25, plus 25¢ for transfers; express buses cost $1.50. Exact change is required. RTA Visitor Passes for one/three days cost $5/12.

The RTA also operates three streetcar lines. The historic St Charles streetcar is still running only a short loop in the CBD due to hurricane damage to the Uptown tracks. The Canal streetcar makes a long journey up Canal St to City Park, with a spur on Carrollton Ave. The Riverfront line runs 2 miles along the levee from the Old US Mint, past Canal St, to the upriver convention center and back.

For a taxi, call United Cabs (504-522-9771) or White Fleet Cabs (504-822-3800).

Rent bicycles at Bicycle Michael’s (504-945-9505; www.bicyclemichaels.com; 622 Frenchmen St; rentals per hr/day $7.50/20; 10am-7pm Mon-Tue & Thu-Sat, to 5pm Sun, closed Wed), in Faubourg Marigny.

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Car & motorcycle

Bringing a car to downtown New Orleans is a costly proposition and may actually hinder your visit, dealing with the narrow one-way streets and parking. During daytime, downtown street parking has a two-hour limit. Parking garages in the upper part of the Quarter charge about $5 for the first hour and $20 for 24 hours.

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