This post explains how to get from the Cruise Ship Terminal at Julia Street to the top neighborhoods, listed below, in New Orleans. We provide directions via public transportation and walking. We also suggest the best locations to meet an Uber or Lyft if you decide to use those services.
Be sure to read our post on things to do in New Orleans when planning your time in the city.
You may find these posts helpful in navigating your way around the city.
- How to Ride the New Orleans Streetcars
- Where to Store Your Luggage in New Orleans
- Hop On Hop Off New Orleans Bus Tours
Use this Google Map link to get directions from the cruise terminal to anywhere in NOLA.
When leaving the ship, you will be exiting from either the Upper Deck or Lower Deck. If you are leaving from the Upper Deck, you will be guided directly into the shops at the Riverwalk. If you are on the Lower Deck, there will be an elevator that can take you to the Upper Level and shops.
THE FRENCH QUARTER
The French Quarter is the neighborhood closest to the terminal and it also happens to be the top attraction in the city. Consider joining one of our pay-what-you-like daily tours of the French Quarter.
We also have a GPS-enabled audio tour of the area that you can use at any time you like and a detailed post on things to do in the French Quarter.
On Foot
You can walk through the shops to the right and then through the Hilton hotel. When you exit the Hilton at Poydras Avenue, walk upstairs to the right into Waldenburg Park ,which is one block from Canal Street to the left and the French Quarter.
By Shuttle
As of late, there has been a free shuttle transporting cruise passengers from the terminal to Canal Street and Convention Center Blvd.
If you exit the Lower Level you will cross over the streetcar tracks see the escalators and signs for the free shuttle.
If you exit the Upper Level, walk through the shops to the exit directly across from where you enter the building. There will be escalators downstairs to the free shuttle.
By Streetcar
The streetcar is not always running to the cruise terminal, but that is likely to change soon. If it is running you will be guided off the ship with signs indicating the streetcar is below.
The fare is $1.25 each way. If you get a transfer you can receive a return trip at the same cost.
Walk down the steps from the gangway and hop on the car at the #9 stop. You will see stop #8 ahead of you and that will be the right direction to go.
This car will go all the way to the Marigny. The French Quarter Stops are #6 through #1.
The Audubon Aquarium can be accessed by stop #6. Stop #1 will be Esplanade Avenue at the border of the French Quarter and the French Market.
By Uber, Lyft or Taxi
Any of these options would be about $6-7 dollars. If you have luggage or a large party, this is a great option. You can catch them where you catch the shuttles or on Convention Center Blvd, just 50 feet beyond the shuttles. A good drop-off location in the French Quarter are the Shops at Canal Place.
TIP: If you are going to the Garden District as well, take the St. Charles Streetcar from the French Quarter to the Garden District, which is an adventure unto itself. We offer a free GPS-enabled audio tour you can use along the ride!
GETTING TO THE GARDEN DISTRICT
The Garden District is the second most popular neighborhood to visit in the city. We offer a pay-what-you-wish Garden District tour that runs daily.
Also, take a look at our post on things to do in the Garden District.
On Foot
The walk from the terminal to the Garden District is exactly 2 miles. When you exit the Upper and Lower decks of the terminal via the shops at the Riverwalk, you will be on Julia Street.
Walk straight 7 blocks to Camp Street, turn left on Camp. After you cross under the interstate, Camp St. will become Prytania Street to the right. Follow Prytania for 1.5 miles until you arrive at 2727 Prytania Street.
Still Perkin Coffeeshop is a great place to take a rest. It is also where our pay-what-you-wish Garden District tour begins.
By Streetcar
When you exit the Upper and Lower decks of the terminal via the shops at the Riverwalk you will be on Julia Street.
Walk 8 short blocks to St. Charles Avenue. Catch the streetcar on the opposite side of the street traveling South/Left.
The streetcar is $1.25 and they take cash only. If you would like to get off in the Garden District get off at Washington Avenue.
Go one block left to Prytania Street where you will see Lafayette Cemetery #1.
By Uber, Lyft or Taxi
When you exit the Upper and Lower decks of the terminal via the shops at the Riverwalk you will be on Julia Street.
If you choose to take a rideshare to the District, hail it at Convention Center Blvd. and Julia Street. It should cost $8-$10.
Don't forget that we offer a pay-what-you-wish Garden District tour that runs daily.
GETTING TO THE MARIGNY
The Marigny is the neighborhood right beyond the French Quarter. It is a trendy area that includes the entertainment district “Frenchmen.” We offer a walking tour of the area that is offered seasonally.
By Shuttle/Streetcar
As of late, there has been a free shuttle transporting cruise passengers from the terminal to Canal St. and Convention Center Blvd.
If you exit the Upper Level walk through the shops to the exit directly across from where you enter the building. There will be escalators downstairs to the free shuttle.
If you exit the Lower Level you will cross over the streetcar tracks see the escalators and signs for the free shuttle.
Shuttle stops in the French Quarter are numbered #1-6. Stop #1 will be Esplanade Avenue at the French Market.
If you are traveling with kids, why not visit the Audubon Aquarium which is located near stop #6 at Canal Street.
By Uber, Lyft or Taxi
Catch your rideshare at the corner of Julia Street and Convention Center Blvd. Depending on where you are heading in the Marigny, this can get a little pricey, around $12 to $15.
If you are headed to Frenchmen Street enter Checkpoint Charlie’s as your end destination, 501 Esplanade Avenue.
GETTING TO MID-CITY
To get an authentic sense of New Orleans, we suggest visiting the Mid-City neighborhood. You will find restaurants that locals enjoy and an additional Cafe Du Monde location where you can get beignets!
Visit City Park, the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Race Track or historic cemeteries.
On Foot
This area is a little far from the Cruise Terminal, so we do not encourage walking.
By Shuttle/Streetcar
Hop on the free shuttle transporting cruise passengers from the terminal to Canal Street and Convention Center Blvd.
If you exit the Upper Level walk through the shops to the exit directly across from where you enter the building. There will be escalators downstairs to the free shuttle.
If you exit the Lower Level you will cross over the streetcar tracks see the escalators and signs for the free shuttle. The shuttle will drop you off at the intersection of Canal Street and Convention Center Blvd.
Follow Canal Street and the streetcar tracks away from the river and Aquarium. You will begin to see the Canal streetcar stops; they will say “Car Stop”.
The streetcar will cost $1.25 for a one-way ticket. Make sure you hop on the car that says “MUSEUMS/CITY PARK”.
The Mid-City neighborhood will begin after you cross over Claiborne Avenue and under the I-10 overpass. Consult your destination and choose your stop, as there are many.
If you are trying to make it to City Park, Cafe Du Monde, New Orleans Museum of Art, the Sculpture Garden, or St. Louis #3 Cemetery, ride the car to the end of the line. Consult our posts about these attractions.
By Uber, Lyft or Taxi
Catch your ride at the Corner of Julia Street and Convention Center Blvd.
If you are trying to visit City Park name your destination as the New Orleans Museum of Art, 1 Collins Diboll Cir, New Orleans, LA 70124. Expect to pay $15 to $25.
GETTING TO ALGIERS
If you want to have an adventure across the Mississippi to the Algiers neighborhood, a small community with bars, restaurants, and BnBs.
You will have a great view of the French Quarter as you cross the river on the ferry. If you have an exact destination, in mind you can take a car.
Check our post on what to see in Algiers. You will also find detailed instructions for taking the ferry.
By Shuttle/Ferry
Hop on the free shuttle transporting cruise passengers from the Terminal to Canal Street and Convention Center Blvd.
If you exit the Upper Level walk through the shops to the exit directly across from where you enter the building. There will be escalators downstairs to the free shuttle.
If you exit the Lower Level you will cross over the streetcar tracks see the escalators and signs for the free shuttle.
When you are let off the shuttle, head to the right and towards the river on Canal Street.
You will see signs leading you down the ramp towards the Aquarium and the public ferry.
The ferry is $2 cash and departs every 15 minutes. The last ferry departs Algiers at 9:30 pm Sun-Thurs and 11:30 pm Fri and Sat.
By Uber, Lyft or Taxi
We suggest catching your car at Julia Street and Convention Center Blvd. Have your destination in mind before you depart.
Our guide to Algiers can help you decide where you want to go. This ride, however, will cost no less than $18 to get to the Westbank and Algiers.
GETTING TO CARROLLTON
If you want to catch the World Famous ReBirth Brass Band at the Maple Leaf or eat at delicious Jaquemo’s, then you want to visit the Carrollton neighborhood. It is easy to get there with the St. Charles streetcar.
By Streetcar
When you exit the Upper and Lower decks of the terminal via the shops at the Riverwalk you will be on Julia Street. Walk 8 short blocks to St. Charles Avenue.
Catch the streetcar on the opposite side of the street traveling South/Left. The streetcar is $1.25 and they take cash only.
Stay on the streetcar for about 25 to 30 minutes. You will pass the Garden District, Tulane University, Audubon Park and Zoo, and finally make a right hand turn onto Carrollton Avenue.
Take the 2nd stop once you are on Carrollton. The driver will holler out “Oak Street!”
Once off the car, you can find a lot of restaurants and bars. If you walk left to Oak Street, you will find the Maple Leaf and Jaque-Mos’s.
By Uber, Lyft or Taxi
Pick up your car at the corner of Julia St. and Convention Center Blvd. We suggest Camelia Grill, 626 S. Carrollton, as a centralized location as a drop-off stop. This ride will be at least $20.
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