Thing to do
French Market
A historic riverside market district in the French Quarter, with a farmers market of food stalls, a daily flea market, local shops and a riverfront park.
St Charles Streetcar
A ride on the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world, running green 1920s cars from Canal Street past the Garden District mansions to Carrollton.
At a glance
- Type
- Historic streetcar ride
- Area
- St Charles Avenue, New Orleans, United States
- Official site
- norta.com
Good to know
- Runs on public transport fares
- Historic 1920s cars
Why we recommend it
The St Charles streetcar is both public transport and one of the most enjoyable things to do in New Orleans. The line began as the New Orleans and Carrollton Railroad, with steam service from 26 September 1835, and it is described as the oldest continuously operating street railway line in the world. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and became a National Historic Landmark in 2014.
The route runs about six and a half miles from Canal Street at Carondelet Street, on the edge of the French Quarter and the Central Business District, out along St Charles Avenue and South Carrollton Avenue to Claiborne Avenue. On the way it passes through the Lower Garden District, the Garden District and Uptown, past Audubon Park and the campuses of Tulane and Loyola universities, before turning into the Riverbend and Carrollton area. The ride gives an easy, unhurried view of the avenue's large houses.
The line is worked by the green 900-series cars built by the Perley A. Thomas company in 1923 and 1924 and rebuilt several times since. Service stopped after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and was restored in stages until the full line reopened in June 2008.
For visitors, the streetcar is the simplest way to reach the Garden District, Audubon Park and Audubon Zoo, and Uptown restaurants. You pay the normal Regional Transit Authority fare rather than a tourist ticket, so check the current fares, passes and payment options on the RTA website before you set out. The cars can be crowded at busy times, and they are historic vehicles, so travellers who need step-free access should check accessibility information with the RTA in advance.
If you plan to get off and on several times during the day, compare the cost of single fares with a pass on the RTA website before you board.
To make the most of it, ride the full line in one direction, sitting on the side with the best light for photographs, then get off on the way back to walk part of the Garden District or have lunch on Magazine Street a few blocks away. Allow around two hours for a relaxed round trip with a stop. The ride suits couples, solo travellers and families with older children.
St Charles Streetcar FAQs
How old is the St Charles streetcar line?
Service began on 26 September 1835, and the line is described as the oldest continuously operating street railway in the world.
Where does the line run?
From Canal Street at Carondelet Street along St Charles Avenue and South Carrollton Avenue to Claiborne Avenue.
Which sights can I reach by streetcar?
The Garden District, Audubon Park and Audubon Zoo, and the Tulane and Loyola university area.
How do I pay?
With a standard Regional Transit Authority fare or pass. Check current options on the RTA website before you travel.
How long does a ride take?
Allow around two hours for a relaxed round trip with a stop on the way.
Are the streetcars historic?
Yes. The green 900-series cars were built by Perley A. Thomas in 1923 and 1924.
Is the line a protected landmark?
Yes. It was listed on the National Register in 1973 and became a National Historic Landmark in 2014.