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New Orleans, Orleans Parish / Landmarks

St. Charles Avenue Streetcar Line

Ride the oldest continuously operating railway in the world. This iconic green streetcar line offers a scenic journey through the historic Garden District and Uptown New Orleans.

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St. Charles Avenue Streetcar Line
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What is the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar Line known for?

It is the oldest continuously operating railway in the world and is designated as a National Historic Landmark (as of 2014) and on the National Register of Historic Places (as of 1973).

How much does it cost to ride?

A single ride costs $1.25.

How can I buy tickets?

Fares can be purchased online at the RTA store, via the Le Pass app, or in person at the Canal Street facility located at 2817 Canal St between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM.

What are the hours of operation?

The line runs around the clock, though service is less frequent during the early morning and evening hours.

Is it accessible for people with disabilities?

Yes, there are 12 ADA-accessible stops (six inbound and six outbound). ADA-accessible streetcars, which are marked with an ADA symbol on the front and side, operate approximately every hour.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The St. Charles Avenue Streetcar, identified as route 12, is a living piece of transit history. First appearing in New Orleans in 1835, the St. Charles line was one of the first to open in the city. Today, it holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating railway in the world. Its historical significance is formally recognized, having been placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2014. Boarding typically occurs at the intersection of Canal and Carondelet streets, where visitors look for the iconic green cars. The line runs around the clock, though service frequency decreases during the early morning and evening hours. For those with limited mobility, the system provides 12 ADA-accessible stops, with specialized streetcars marked by an ADA symbol arriving approximately every hour. The route serves as a gateway to the city's architectural treasures and cultural hubs. It provides direct access to the historic Garden District and Uptown destinations, including famous music venues like Tipitina's and Le Bon Temps Roule. Local advocates, including the St. Charles Avenue Association, view the line as central to preserving the avenue's character as a beautiful, historic linear park. Visitors can easily access the system for a single-ride fare of $1.25. Tickets are available through the Le Pass app, online via the RTA store, or in person at the Canal Street facility located at 2817 Canal Street. While the line is a staple of the city, travelers should note that service is modified during the Mardi Gras season, with certain dates limiting the route to a shorter segment between S. Carrollton & S. Claiborne and St. Charles & Napoleon.

Visitor tips

  • Download the Le Pass app to purchase your $1.25 fare digitally before boarding.
  • If you require an accessible vehicle, look for the ADA symbol on the front and side of the streetcar.
  • Plan your trip outside of the February Mardi Gras window to avoid modified routes and service limitations.
  • Board at Canal and Carondelet streets for a direct route toward the Garden District.

Nearby context

The line begins near the edge of the French Quarter at Canal Street, serving as the primary transit link between the central business district and the residential elegance of the Garden District and Uptown.

Sources

Evidence and links