Getting around from The Pontchartrain Hotel: streetcar, walk, taxi and rideshare
The Pontchartrain Hotel sits directly on the St. Charles Avenue streetcar line with a stop in front of the hotel, making the streetcar the easiest public-transport option to downtown and the French Quarter. Short walks take you to Magazine Street and Lafayette Cemetery; taxis and rideshares are readily available for destinations not served by the streetcar.
In this guide
Streetcar: step outside and board
The St. Charles Avenue streetcar line stops directly in front of The Pontchartrain Hotel, providing a scenic, historic route to the Central Business District and the edge of the French Quarter. Travel time to downtown/French Quarter is typically 15–20 minutes according to the hotel's information.
Streetcars run both directions; check posted schedules at the stop or ask the 24-hour front desk for current times and service updates. The line is a convenient way to reach parade routes and long stretches of uptown St. Charles.
- Stop: immediately in front of the hotel on St. Charles Avenue
- Typical travel time to French Quarter/downtown: 15–20 minutes
- Good for leisurely sightseeing and parade viewing
| Direction | Typical destinations |
|---|---|
| Toward downtown / French Quarter | Central Business District, riverfront, edge of French Quarter |
| Toward uptown | Audubon areas, uptown neighborhoods, universities |
Walking: nearby attractions within easy reach
The hotel’s Garden District location puts several popular spots within walking distance. Magazine Street is a short walk for shopping and dining, Lafayette Cemetery is a neighborhood walk, and the National WWII Museum is a reasonable uphill walk from the hotel.
Walking times vary by pace; the hotel’s own materials note Magazine Street is about a 10-minute (0.4-mile) walk, Lafayette Cemetery about 0.6 miles, and the National WWII Museum roughly a 15-minute walk.
- Magazine Street — ~10 minutes / 0.4 mile
- Lafayette Cemetery — ~0.6 mile
- National WWII Museum — ~15-minute walk
| Place | Approx. walk time / distance |
|---|---|
| Magazine Street | 10 minutes / 0.4 mi |
| Lafayette Cemetery | About 0.6 mi |
| National WWII Museum | About 15 minutes |
Taxi and airport transfers
Taxis and paid airport shuttles serve Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). The hotel’s FAQ lists the airport at about 14–16 miles from the property; published sources show a typical drive time of 20–35 minutes depending on traffic.
A taxi from the airport to the hotel uses established fares for trips to the New Orleans city center. If you prefer a pre-booked shuttle or private car, arrange it in advance and confirm pickup points at MSY.
- Nearest major airport: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) — ~14–16 miles
- Estimated drive time: commonly 20–35 minutes, varies with traffic
- Taxis use flat-rate fares to the city center; confirm with driver or company
| Option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Taxi from MSY | Flat-rate fares to city center; approx. 20–35 min |
| Pre-booked shuttle / private car | Arrange pickup in advance; confirm MSY meeting point |
| Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) | Available at MSY; follow airport rideshare pickup signage |
Rideshare and local car services
Rideshare apps (Uber, Lyft) operate across New Orleans and are a good choice for direct trips not served by the streetcar, arrivals late at night, or small groups with luggage. Pickup locations at the airport and downtown follow posted airport or city signage.
For events, late-night returns, or when streetcar service is limited, request a rideshare from the hotel entrance on St. Charles Avenue. The Pontchartrain Hotel offers valet parking for a fee if you need to leave a personal vehicle; ask the 24-hour front desk for assistance.
- Rideshare apps are widely available in New Orleans
- Use hotel entrance on St. Charles Avenue for pickups
- Valet parking is offered by the hotel for a surcharge
| When to use | Why |
|---|---|
| Late-night travel | Streetcar hours or frequency may be reduced |
| Direct trips to places not on streetcar line | Faster door-to-door service |
| Groups or heavy luggage | More convenient than multiple streetcar transfers |
Hotel services that help with transport
The Pontchartrain Hotel has a 24-hour front desk and porter service; staff can help call a taxi, confirm rideshare pickup details, or provide directions to the streetcar stop in front of the hotel. BookResorts agents are available 24/7 at +1 (888) 605-1350 for booking assistance.
Valet parking is available for a fee and the hotel offers luggage storage and elevator access. The front desk can also provide information about local tours and organized day trips (for example, plantation or swamp tours) but the hotel does not operate those tours directly.
- 24-hour front desk and porter service for taxi/rideshare assistance
- Valet parking (fee) and limited street parking nearby
- Luggage storage available; staff can advise on local tours
| Service | How it helps |
|---|---|
| Front desk / porter | Calls taxis, gives streetcar directions, assists with rideshare pickups |
| Valet parking | Onsite parking option for a surcharge |
| Luggage storage | Store bags before check-in/after check-out |
Practical tips for getting around
If you plan to rely on the streetcar, allow extra time during parade season and peak tourist periods. Streetcars are scenic but generally slower than taxis or rideshares for point-to-point trips.
Keep in mind Hot Tin rooftop bar is 21+ and the property’s minimum check-in age is 21; this can affect late-night plans for groups traveling with younger adults. Also note the hotel has no on-site gym or pool; amenity fees include access to a nearby gym on Magazine Street.
- Allow extra travel time during parades and peak seasons
- Streetcar = scenic and direct along St. Charles; rideshare/taxi = faster point-to-point
- Minimum check-in age is 21; Hot Tin is 21+
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Visiting French Quarter | Take the St. Charles streetcar (15–20 min) or a 10–15 min taxi |
| Carrying heavy luggage | Use taxi/rideshare or hotel porter; streetcar can be awkward with large bags |
| Late-night return | Use rideshare or taxi; Hot Tin operates late on weekends |
