Getting Around New Orleans

Despite being a city famous for its food, music, art, and all-around good time, New Orleans is physically small in size, best traversed on foot or using public transportation. Many of the city’s attractions are accessible by streetcar or are within walking distance of each other, though cabs are readily available if you grow tired of hoofing it. In New Orleans, the good times roll even in between the day’s activities.

Shuttle Bus:

ASH will provide complimentary shuttle bus service between the hotels in ASH’s housing block and the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Shuttle buses will be available every 10 to 20 minutes during the following times:

• Thursday, December 3

    2:30 – 7:00 p.m.

•  Friday, December 4

    6:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

• Saturday, December 5

   6:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

• Sunday, December 6

   6:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

• Monday, December 7

   6:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

• Tuesday, December 8

   6:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

A detailed schedule is posted in your hotel lobby.

Streetcars:

Streetcars are an integral part of the public transportation network in New Orleans. The St. Charles Avenue line is the oldest continuously operating streetcar in the world. Its route forms a 13-mile crescent, from Carondelet at Canal Street to Carrollton at Claiborne Avenue, running the entire length of St. Charles Avenue. The streetcar runs every 10 minutes on weekdays and every 15 minutes on weekends. Transfers are not good for a return trip on the St. Charles Avenue streetcar. Transfers are only valid for other streetcar and connecting bus lines. The Canal Street line travels a five-and-a-half mile route from the French Market, along Canal Street through the Central Business District of New Orleans and into the Mid-City area, ending at City Park. The Riverfront line is two miles long and has 10 stops. The line runs along the Mississippi River from Esplanade Avenue to Thalia Street, passing behind the Morial Convention Center. All streetcars are $1.25 one-way.

Buses:

Local buses are $1.25; express buses are $1.50. Route information can be found at www.norta.com/routes. The following passes for use on all buses and streetcars are available for purchase at locations around New Orleans (www.norta.com/passes/buytranspass.php):

• Single-fare tokens ($1.25)

• 5-day VisiTour pass ($20)

• 3-day VisiTour pass ($12) (*Available for purchase on select buses and streetcars.)

• 1-day VisiTour pass ($5)

Passes are non-refundable and non-replaceable.

Taxis:

Cabs are a safe and fast way to get around if you’re unsure of the streetcar or bus you need. Geographically, New Orleans is a small town, making most trips by cab very affordable. A typical cab ride will be less than $10. Coming or going to Louis Armstrong International Airport from the Central Business District is $28 for one person and $12 for each additional passenger up to three. Note: Many taxis in New Orleans are privately owned and will look different from one another - even those within the same company. Be on the lookout for official documentation and don’t hesitate to ask the driver to explain additional charges. Call the Taxi Bureau at 504-565-6272 if you have questions regarding rates or meter charges. Major companies serving the area include:

Checker Yellow: 504-943-2411

Coleman Cab: 504-586-0222

United Cab: 504-522-9771

White Fleet Cab: 504-822-3800

Car Rental:

If you plan to rent a car, Hertz is offering ASH attendees special rates, which include unlimited mileage. Reservations can be made online at www.hertz.com, over the phone at 800-654-2240, or at any New Orleans location. Be sure to mention CV number 02S70009 when booking your rental.

Parking:

In New Orleans, parking outside of designated lots is tricky and not advised, especially to those unfamiliar with the rules. Even local residents find parking in the city daunting. It’s best to leave the car at home or leave it parked in the hotel garage for the duration of your stay.

back to top