New Orleans Information

I am such a huge fan of New Orleans. My aunt and uncle used to go there all the time. They would come home with these fantastic stories to tell all of us. So, the first time I visited New Orleans I was hooked and now I have my own fantastic stories to tell. So, if you are planning a trip to the Big Easy, I have some great New Orleans Information to help you plan your journey. Everything from weather in New Orleans to average costs.

Monthly Average Temperature

Winter months in New Orleans can feel a little colder than the predicted temperature because of the humidity. I suggest if you are going in the December, January or February you pack a jacket and leave the shorts at home.

Spring is the great festival season and one of the prettiest times to visit. Flowers in bloom with occasional showers. Pack a raincoat, sunglasses, and some comfy walking shoes. You also might want to think about a light sweater for night activities if you plan on coming in March, April, and early May.

Summer, what can I say? HOT with a high chance of humidity making it even hotter. Rain is common. Don’t forget to bring sunglasses, a hat, swimsuit, light raincoat and shorts. June, July, and August are no joke in New Orleans so when I say hot, I mean it.

Fall is the time the temperature starts to drop and there is a crispness in the air. Temperatures remain a little high in early September but will drop as the month progresses. Fall is one of the busiest times of the year with all the fall festivals, sporting events, and other activities. Some come see a game in September, October and November.

Average Monthly Temperatures

	Jan	Feb	March	April	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High	64	66	73	79	85	90	92	92	88	81	72	65
Low	45	47	54	61	68	74	78	76	72	62	53	46
Rain Days	7	6	5	4	4	10	11	12	8	5	5	6

Seasons

Let me give you a little New Orleans information on how the seasons play out.

The hot season can last from mid-May through almost all of September. July and August are your warmest months. You should prepare to pack accordingly.

The cool season runs from the end of November to the end of February. January is usually New Orleans coldest month. Make sure to pack a jacket.

The wet season starts at the beginning of June and can continue into September. There is a 40% chance of July being the wettest month. A raincoat is a must have.

The dry season is from mid-September to the beginning of June. October is the driest month.

The dreaded muggy season can start as early as the end of April and last through mid-October. It can be miserable.

The best time of the year to visit for general outdoor tourist activities is late March to mid-May and late September to mid-November.

Getting There

The drive time is 30-45 minutes to and from the airport and New Orleans. The airport used to offer a ride shuttle for anyone, but recently they have changed their policy. The airport ride shuttle will only accept group shuttle bookings. You can book online or at the ticket booth on level 1 in the baggage claim area.

Car Rentals

Honestly, you probably won’t need a car. If you booked a hotel in New Orleans city, then you have access to public transportation that takes you all over. However, if you wish to book a rental the cost is about $45 per day or $250 for the week. These prices do not include local tax and any other surcharges. New Orleans has all major car rental companies such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National Car Rental. Gas stations are not many in the city. Rampart Street and Carrollton Avenue are your best bet to stop for gas. You should also keep in mind that parking in the French Quarter isn’t plentiful. SP+ Parking & Premium Parking websites can help you find lots and garages around town.

Bus

New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) offers buses to and from the airport daily. The RTA’s Airport Express bus offers 8 daily departures to downtown. Last bus from the airport leaves at 7:00 pm from the outer curb outside Level 3 ticket lobby and if you are heading to the airport the last bus leaves at 5:45 pm. Fare is $1.50 and is approximately a 45-minute route. RTA buses are very neat and clean.

The JET’s express bus has approximately 18 departures per day. The route is about 75 minutes. From the airport take the E1 Veterans Airport Downtown line from the outer curb outside Level 3 ticket lobby. Airport-bound buses leave ever 40-60 minutes from the corner of Canal & Magazine Streets. The last bus leaves at 8:30 pm on weekdays and 9:15 pm on Saturday and holidays and on Sundays the last bus leaves at 9:30 pm. The fare cost $2.

Taxis and Ride Shares – New Orleans Information

Taxi cabs to and from the airport cost approximately $36 for 2 passengers one-way. If you have 3 or more passengers, it is an extra $15 per person. Pick-up is on the arrival curb outside Level 1 Baggage Claim. Keep in mind they also have an additional charge for extra bags.

Uber & Lyft both operate in the city. The approximate cost to and from the airport is $33. Meet outside Level 1 Baggage Claim between doors 9 & 11.

Getting Around the City

Here is some basic information on getting around New Orleans.

First, if you plan on using public transportation, whether that be bus, ferry or streetcar, you should download the RTA’s Le Pass App (available on Android & Apple). The app is a life saver. It gives you access to maps with real-time transportation tracking, you can buy your tickets through the app, or purchase a pass. Most hotels and Walgreens sell passes. I suggest buying the Jazzy Pass. If you are paying directly with each ride you should remember to have exact change. Fares for buses and streetcars are $1.25 each and $2 for the ferry. A 1-day Jazzy Pass is $3 for unlimited rides on all RTA buses, ferry, and streetcars. 3-day pass is $8 and 7-day pass are $15.

Buses

Buses are a very reliable option in New Orleans. Buses are generally clean and on time. They run regularly from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm, and later for some routes. Smoking, eating, and drinking are prohibited on all RTA vehicles and buses are also wheelchair accessible.

Ferry

The ferry will take you across the Mississippi River to the city of Algiers for a little out of city exploration. There are great views of the river and New Orleans skyline. Entrance to the ferry is near the Spanish Plaza and Riverwalk Shopping area. You’ll want to board the ferry from above. Bikes board below on the left terminal. No cars allowed. It takes about 5 minutes to cross, and the ferry runs from 6:oo am to 9:45 pm Monday -Thursday, 6:00 am to 11:45 pm Friday, 10:30 am to 11:45 pm on Saturday and 10:30 am to 9:45 pm on Sunday. All rules apply on the ferry as well.

Streetcars

The Streetcars, my favorite mode of transportation. First off, do NOT call streetcars trollies! When in NOLA they are referred to as streetcars. All rules apply to the streetcars the same way as buses. There are 4 streetcar routes to help get you around the city and will more than likely cover anywhere you need to go. They are reliable and clean, but most of all they are fun. The streetcars are all accessible with the exception of the St. Charles line.

The Jazzy Pass – New Orleans Information

If you decide to purchase a Jazzy Pass, it is inactive. When you wish to begin using your pass, simply dip it into the fare machine at the time you board a bus or streetcar. The machine will activate your card. After your first use, you can use the pass as much as you’d like until the time of expiration. Just dip your card into the machine each time you board. If you have a digital Jazzy Pass, simply scan the pass or show your driver. If you aren’t sure how it works you can find some basic information on New Orleans’ RTA website.

Streetcar Routes – New Orleans Information

The streetcars are my favorite way to get around the city. I am going to be writing a post about riding the streetcars and how to understand the new app once I get back from my next trip to New Orleans this fall. The new Le Pass app came out and I haven’t had a chance to familarize myself with it. But you can be sure once I do I will have all the information I need to write another great post for New Orleans.

The Routes

1. Riverfront Streetcar – this covers a 2-mile route along the Mississippii River from Esplanade Avenue to Julia Street. 8 stops include the French Market, Jackson Brewery, Aquarium of the Americas, Canal Place, Fulton Street entertainment area, the Riverwalk, Woldenberg Park & the Hilton Hotel. This line operates 24-hours. Cars arrive every 20 nminutes during peak hours.
2. St. Charles Ave Streetcar – runs along St. Charles Avenue from Common Street to the Riverbend at Carrollton Avenue. From the Riverbend it continues and ends at South Claiborne Avenue. A car runs about every 10 minutes for most of the day. This line also runs 24-hours. A car runs about every 30-40 minutes in the middle of the night.
3. Canal Street Streetcar – runs from the river near Harrah’s Casino to either the City Park or the Cemeteries. The cars leaves Harrah’s every 8 minutes approximately. Make sure to get on the correct car. Look for the sign that reads “City Park” or “Cemeteries”. The cars leave from the City Park every 15-20 minutes. This line runs 24-hours but runs less frequently after 2:00 am & does not run all the way to the cemeteries or the park at that time.
4. Loyola Avenue Streetcar – this is the newest line. The route makes stops in the Central Business District (CBD) and along the French Quarter. It also runs into the Faubourg Marigny and Bywater. Departs from the Union Passenger Terminal every 20 minutes from 6:10 am to 11:30 pm.

Bikes

Blue bikes are a bike sharing system that operates in New Orleans. Use a mobile app to rent a bike in most neighborhoods. There is a one-time $5.00 setup fee and rides cost 10 cents per minute after. Drop off bikes at any fixed structure near your destination. The app has a map to show you the nearest bike.

Tipping

Tipping in New Orleans is like tipping anywhere else. At restaurants the general amount is 20%. Concierge tipping is around $5 to $10. Always keep a few dollars on hand for bellhops, doormen, valet attendants and street musicians. Tip your tour guides as well. If the information they provide was great or entertaining, then they deserve a nice tip.

Best Time To Visit

The most inexpensive time to visit the Big Easy is in the summer. Price drops begin in late June and continue into early September. July and August are the cheapest months to fly and stay. Average hotel prices drop to the lowest in August. Flight prices are usually pretty decent July through September. If you plan to take on the heat of August, check on some of the high-end hotels. These places will usually offer extras to entice you like offering free breakfast or free parking (which could save you quite a bit). Many restaurants do the same, offering “COOLinary deals like a multi-course lunch special for $25 or less and dinner for $45 or less.

Festival Season

The Jass & Heritage Festival is usually held around the end of April. It is a display of different musical styles and good food. Weather will be fair but not the prices. Book in advance and look for package deals that include hotel and shuttle transportation to and from the festival.

Winter is an ideal time to avoid the crowds. Good solid deals on flights and accommodations. Plus, as a bonus, you get to see the city decked out in Christmas lights and decorations.

If you are looking for the best weather, late February or early March and late April is a good time to visit. Also fall around September and November. Springtime will cost you a little more, but there are usually a number of festivals and idyllic weather. Prices in the fall are usually a little cheaper. You’ll have pleasant weather, but keep in mind that hurricane season in New Orleans is from June to November. October and November will have less rain and the festival crowds will be gone. July and August can be miserable and might put a damper on your vacation. December and January have the fewest crowds and lower rates.

Mardi Gras

If you are looking to come for Mardi Gras, you should book way in advance. The best time to visit for Mardi Gras is to arrive the weekend before and stay through Fat Tuesday. Book at least a year in advance for the best hotel rates. You should also prepare for pricey airfare. Keep in mind that most hotels require a minimum 4-night stay during Mardi Gras. Many popular attractions, tours and restaurants will be closed the day of the event. The Carnival Celebration usually begins on January 6th, so if you want to experience the carnival and parades without all the madness and inflated prices you should visit in January. Hopefully this is some great New Orleans information for making your decision.

Information Cost For New Orleans

New Orleans is not the cheapest place to vacation. Your overall cost will vary depending on where you want to stay, where you want to eat, your travel mode, and what you want to do. For a very budget friendly 5-day vacay you should figure in around $700 per person for your stay, transportation, food, and tourist activities. $1000 per person for a 7-day trip.

Parking your car at your hotel, if you choose to drive, can cost anywhere between $25 to $50 per day. Most tours cost between $25 to $30 per person. And food isn’t cheap there, unless you want to eat cheap. Look at spending about $45 a day per person, if you want to eat cheaper and $45 per dinner per person to eat fancier. Plus, it will cost you more for drinks.

Look at spending around $171 to $235 per person per day on average for your total trip. Make sure to look for deals on hotels, flight, and activities. You can save some money if you are planning on taking a lot of tours by getting a GoCity Card. They offer 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-day all-inclusive packages that range from $69 to $189 per person depending on which pass you choose. They give you list of activities you can do that is included in the pass and you can do as many as you like. It really is a deal saver. This is probably some of the best New Orleans information anyone has ever told me about and I’m passing it on to you.

Summary Of New Orleans Information

I hope our New Orleans Information guide helped you do a little planning for your next trip. Make sure to try out the fabulous streetcars. And have a great trip!

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