1. Introduction
Explore transportation options in New Orleans, where historic streetcars provide a unique and delightful way to experience the city.
2. Celebrate With Style
Consider chartering a streetcar for special occasions, creating memorable experiences for your guests.
3. Routes Overview
Discover various streetcar routes that highlight the unique attractions of New Orleans.
4. Pricing and Charter Options
Understand the costs and options available for private charters.
5. Guest Capacity
Learn about the seating capacity for groups on different streetcar models.
6. Food and Drinks Policy
Review the guidelines on bringing food and beverages onboard.
7. Decorations Guidelines
Get insights into decorating your streetcar for the occasion.
8. Filming Opportunities
Find out if the streetcars can be used for film and photography.
9. Mardi Gras Chartering Information
Learn about charter options during Mardi Gras season.
Transportation in New Orleans can be an attraction in itself; you can ride in historic streetcars along a streetcar line that has been in operation for more than 150 years. Not only that, but for a price, you can charter your own streetcar for your private events, impressing your friends or family.
Imagine a wedding day riding along St. Charles Avenue past the antebellum mansions of the Garden District and ancient oak trees. Consider how many tourists prioritize riding the streetcar just for fun. If you were to have your own private streetcar, your out-of-town guests would be truly marveling at the experience.
Also, you can celebrate a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or any other joyful occasion with friends and family waving to the crowds you pass by. Kids especially love the streetcar, making it a great choice for family gatherings. Moreover, if you have a group in town for a convention, a tour on a streetcar is a nice way to mix business with pleasure.
The Routes
Although the St. Charles Avenue line might be a favorite due to the Garden District’s impressive architecture, the other lines offer redeeming qualities and points of interest along the way.
Canal (Cemeteries)
- Canal Station to Riverfront, then to Canal Cemeteries, and return to Canal Station
- 1 hour 30 minutes
Canal (City Park)
- Departs Canal Station to Riverfront, then to Beauregard Circle (City Park), and return to Canal Station
- 1 hour 30 minutes
Riverfront
- Departs Canal Station to Riverfront, and return to Canal Station
- 1 hour
St. Charles Avenue
- Departs Carrollton Station to St. Charles Avenue to Canal Street, and return to Carrollton Station
- 1 hour 45 minutes
Rampart/St. Claude
- Departs Canal Station to Elks Place, Union Passenger Terminal, Canal Street, Elysian Fields, and return to Canal Station
- 1 hour
Cost
Expect to pay at least $1,000 per trip; however, the price can vary depending on the requested itinerary. Each departure of the streetcar counts as an individual charter. For example, a charter to a destination with a later pickup and a return trip would count as two charters.
You can select your own pickup and drop-off locations along the route. For instance, if you are chartering a streetcar for a wedding, you might choose to have it pick up your guests at a hotel and transport them to the venue.
If you opt to charter for a portion of the streetcar line only, that can be done; however, the price remains consistent. Additionally, the streetcar can only pick up and drop off at two points—no stops will be allowed along the way.
Each chartered trip must be completed in one continuous block of time, meaning you cannot have a streetcar drop you off at a church, wait for the ceremony to conclude, and then return you back to the hotel. In that case, you would need to arrange a second charter for the return trip.
Number of Guests
The St. Charles streetcars can accommodate 52 seated or 75 standing passengers. The Canal streetcars can accommodate 40 seated or 75 standing passengers.
Food and Drinks
You can bring food on the streetcar charter; however, alcoholic beverages are not permitted. Everything must be in paper or plastic containers—no glass or metal items are allowed. Finger food is recommended, and an ice chest for drinks is a great option. Be sure to bring paper plates, cups, napkins, and a plastic cake cutter if you plan to serve cake. Smoking is not allowed on the streetcar.
Decorations
You are permitted to decorate the streetcar for your event. The Regional Transit Authority allows you to arrive one hour before the departure time for decorating purposes. All decorations must be attached with string, as adhesive tapes or sprays are not allowed. Additionally, all decorations are subject to approval by the Regional Transit Authority.
Filming and Photo Opportunities
The streetcar can be used for filming or photography; however, prices depend on the timing, location, and duration of use. A formal process is in place to request the streetcar for photos or video shoots.
Charter During Mardi Gras
Historically, streetcars were unavailable for private use during the Mardi Gras carnival season; however, this has changed. The Regional Transit Authority does permit charters during Mardi Gras, although it remains at their discretion.
