Getting around from New Orleans Marriott: streetcar, walking and taxis
The New Orleans Marriott at 555 Canal St sits directly on the Canal Street streetcar line, so you can board a streetcar right outside the hotel to reach many city sights. Many top French Quarter destinations are an easy walk (Bourbon Street, Jackson Square), and taxis/rideshares are readily available for longer trips such as the airport or plantation tours.
In this guide
Streetcar: boarding from Canal Street
The hotel sits on the Canal Street streetcar line, and guests can board the streetcar right outside the entrance on Canal Street. The streetcar is a useful, scenic public transit option for reaching destinations along Canal, the riverfront, and into other parts of the city.
Streetcars accept local fares (check local transit resources for current rates and payment methods). Bring small bills or a transit pass if you plan multiple rides; schedules and frequencies vary by time of day and season.
- Boarding location: Canal Street, directly outside New Orleans Marriott.
- Best for: short, scenic trips along Canal Street and riverfront access.
- Accessibility: streetcars are generally accessible, but check for specific car accessibility if you need step-free boarding.
Walking from the hotel: quick on-foot access
Canal Street places the hotel at the edge of the French Quarter, so many major attractions are walkable. Walking is often the fastest way to reach nearby spots inside the Quarter during non-peak hours.
Sidewalks on Canal and the adjacent streets are the primary walking routes; be mindful of busy intersections and streetcar tracks when crossing.
- Immediate walks from the hotel include Bourbon Street, Jackson Square, Royal Street, and the Mississippi Riverfront.
- Use the hotel’s Canal Street entrance to step straight onto the sidewalks that lead into the Quarter.
| Attraction | Approx. walk from hotel | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bourbon Street | About 5 minutes | Short walk into the French Quarter nightlife area |
| Jackson Square | About 10 minutes | Near St. Louis Cathedral and cafés |
| Sazerac House | About 250 ft | One of the closest attractions to the hotel |
Taxis and rideshares: when to use them
Taxis and rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) are widely available around the hotel for trips that are too long or heavy with luggage for walking or streetcar use. Taxis can be convenient at night or when you need door-to-door service to places like the airport or swamp-tour departure points.
The hotel does not provide a shuttle service. For airport trips, expect a vehicle journey to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY); sources list the airport roughly 14–16 miles from the hotel, with typical drive times dependent on traffic.
- Airport: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) — about 14–16 miles from the hotel per published listings.
- Cruise port and other downtown locations are commonly reached by short taxi or rideshare rides from Canal Street.
- For long day trips (plantations, Honey Island Swamp), taxis or prebooked transfer services are recommended if you prefer not to rent a car.
Best routes for common trips
Short downtown hops: take the streetcar or walk to nearby French Quarter sites, Harrah’s/Caesars casino, or the riverwalk. For quick cross-town trips, a taxi or rideshare may be faster than transferring on public transit.
Longer excursions: for plantation visits or swamp tours, guests commonly book guided tours that include transportation or arrange a private transfer; the hotel’s concierge can help arrange tours and recommend pickup locations.
- To the National WWII Museum and Audubon Aquarium: taxi or rideshare are convenient; public-transit combinations exist but may take longer.
- To the cruise port or convention center: short taxi/rideshare trips are standard from Canal Street.
- To Jean Lafitte swamp tours: consider booking a tour with round-trip transport or a private transfer from the hotel.
Accessibility and luggage tips
The hotel lists a 24-hour front desk and concierge service that can help arrange taxis, rideshares, or private transfers and assist with luggage. The hotel's main entrance on Canal Street has stairs only—guests with mobility needs should confirm accessible entry options with hotel staff before arrival.
If you rely on step-free access, ask the front desk or concierge for the best pick-up/drop-off points and any accessible vehicle options for street-level boarding.
- Ask the concierge about accessible pickup points for rideshares or taxis.
- If you have large luggage or a stroller, taxis/rideshares offer easier door-to-door service than the streetcar.
- Confirm any mobility requirements ahead of arrival since the main Canal Street entrance has stairs only.
Practical tips and safety
Carry small bills or a transit card if you plan to use the streetcar multiple times; check local transit sites for current fare methods and schedules. Streetcar service frequency changes by time of day and holidays.
At night, prefer licensed taxis or rideshare services for late trips; keep belongings secure when walking in crowded areas, especially near Bourbon Street and major event nights.
- Confirm streetcar hours before travel; schedules vary by season and event days.
- For early-morning or late-night airport travel, prebook a taxi or arrange a rideshare pickup through the hotel concierge if you prefer guaranteed service.
- Use the concierge to book tours, limo services, or large-vehicle transfers for groups.
