St. Charles Avenue Streetcar
4.7(6)google
4.2(343)yelp
TramHistory
Overview
The St. Charles Avenue Streetcar is the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world, serving as a moving historic monument in New Orleans. Riding this iconic green vintage railcar takes passengers on a nostalgic journey past the grand mansions of the Garden District and through the beautiful campuses of Tulane and Loyola Universities. It offers an incredibly affordable, authentic, and scenic way to experience the city's changing architectural landscapes while enjoying the cooling breeze and classic wooden interior craftsmanship.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration1-2 hours
Best TimeClear afternoons (2:00 PM - 4:30 PM) from October to April provide the ultimate transit experience. Riding this 1923 vintage green streetcar—the oldest continuously operating streetcar in the US—allows you to roll down wooden sash windows. Late afternoon sun patterns filter through massive Live Oak canopies into the historic cabin.
Getting ThereThis is a continuous urban streetcar transit line (Green Line / Route 12). Board at its downtown terminus at Canal at St. Charles (bordering the French Quarter). The single fare is $1.25 (exact change or Le Pass App required). The historic line travels all the way south down St. Charles Avenue through the Garden District to Uptown.
Travel Tips
- These historic green streetcars lack modern HVAC systems; interior temperatures soar to extreme, hazardous levels in summer, making noon rides unsafe for seniors.
- The conductor accepts exact cash/coins only and provides zero change; download the Le Pass app beforehand to use digital smartphone ticketing.
- Never stick hands, heads, or expensive cameras out of the open sash windows; passing utility poles and giant live oak trunks clear the tracks by inches.
Reviews
Positive
- The world's oldest continuously operating streetcar line; its dark green vintage chassis, rich wood interiors, and iconic clanging bells give a perfect nostalgic trip.
- Incredibly cheap ticket; for just $1.25, you can ride through the elegant Garden District, catching cross-breezes while admiring giant historic mansions out the window.
- An exceptional budget alternative to hop-on, hop-off buses; the route cuts past Tulane University, Loyola University, and Audubon Park with highly convenient transfers.
- The motormen are mostly witty and relaxed, warmly advising out-of-towners on the best stops for famous estates or upscale dining with heartfelt service.
Heads up
- Since these vintage trolleys strictly preserve century-old builds, they lack modern A/C entirely; NOLA's humid summer heat turns the car into a mobile sauna.
- There are absolutely zero modern wheelchair or heavy stroller accessible lifts; the narrow iron steps require manhandling luggage, posing a high barrier for limited mobility.
- During peak rush hours or busy weekends, cars get packed tight like sardines; given the slow vintage pace and waiting for traffic lights, avoid it if in a rush.
- The onboard fare collection is primitive; drivers don't give change, requiring exact cash, or navigating a somewhat clunky official local app for mobile ticketing.