Should a rent a car in New Orleans?

Do you need to rent a car to visit New Orleans? Deciding whether to rent a car in New Orleans depends on your specific needs and itinerary. Here are a few factors to consider:

Public transportation: New Orleans has a well-established public transportation system, including buses and our famous streetcars, which can be convenient for getting around the city. Most destinations in the city are easily accessible by public transportation, you may not need to rent a car.Though I will tell you from local experience streetscars are often a “Leisurely” form of transportation and we’ve had many guests on our Free Walking Tours take these though they often are late to our tours. The most famous of these lines is the St Chalrles line which was built in 1834 making the oldest streetcar in the USA! The Streetcars they run on this line date back to 1948 and lack modern conveniences such as AC but are a joy to take.

Just look at the picture above! Parking in the French Quarter can be challenging and expensive. If you plan to stay in a hotel with parking facilities or are comfortable with finding parking options, having a car might be feasible. However, if you’re staying in a centrally located area and don’t plan on venturing outside the city frequently, parking costs and availability might outweigh the benefits of having a car.

If you’re interested in exploring attractions outside of New Orleans, such as plantations, swamps, or nearby cities, renting a car can provide more flexibility and convenience. Or perhaps you’d like to check out some of the more weird things to do in New Orleans. It allows you to set your own schedule and easily access destinations that may not be well-served by public transportation. Check out our Self Guided driving tour for more information

If you’re traveling with a large group or have specific needs, such as traveling with children or carrying bulky equipment, having a rental car can be more practical and comfortable.