Two Pontchartrain-specific topics: Streetcar rides and Lafayette Cemetery visits
The St. Charles Avenue streetcar stops directly in front of The Pontchartrain Hotel, offering a scenic 15–20 minute ride to the edge of the French Quarter and the Central Business District. Lafayette Cemetery is an easy uptown walk from the hotel (about 0.6 miles), making a combined streetcar-and-walk itinerary simple to plan.
In this guide
- Streetcar basics from The Pontchartrain Hotel
- Boarding, accessibility, and what to expect on the ride
- Walking from The Pontchartrain Hotel to Lafayette Cemetery
- Visiting Lafayette Cemetery: etiquette and practical tips
- Combining the streetcar, Lafayette Cemetery, and a Pontchartrain meal
- Where to stay at The Pontchartrain Hotel for easy access
Streetcar basics from The Pontchartrain Hotel
The St. Charles Avenue streetcar line runs directly past The Pontchartrain Hotel; there is a streetcar stop immediately in front of the building on St. Charles Avenue.
Riding the streetcar is a straightforward way to reach downtown, the Central Business District, and the edge of the French Quarter in about 15–20 minutes.
Streetcars operate along a fixed route; schedules and exact stop times can vary seasonally and for special events, so check local transit info the day you travel.
- Stop location: directly outside The Pontchartrain Hotel on St. Charles Avenue
- Typical travel time to the French Quarter / CBD: about 15–20 minutes
- Good for: sightseeing along historic St. Charles, quick transit to downtown
| From Hotel | Typical Time |
|---|---|
| Edge of French Quarter / CBD | 15–20 minutes |
| Magazine Street (walk access) | About 10 minutes on foot |
| Lafayette Cemetery (walk) | About 10–15 minutes on foot |
Boarding, accessibility, and what to expect on the ride
The streetcar is a public transit line; boarding is at designated stops. Expect frequent stops and the classic green streetcar appearance along St. Charles Avenue.
Streetcars are generally accessible but availability of ramps or level boarding can depend on the specific car. Bring any mobility aids you require and check current transit accessibility notes if you need step-free boarding.
- Board at the marked stop outside the hotel
- Be ready for multiple stops and local riders
- Keep belongings close; the ride is an open, street-level experience
| Tip | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Have exact change or a payment card ready | Speeds boarding and avoids delays (check current fare/payment rules before travel) |
| Stand to the side on the platform | Allows passengers to disembark safely |
| Use the streetcar for short hops | Scenic option and avoids downtown driving/parking |
Walking from The Pontchartrain Hotel to Lafayette Cemetery
Lafayette Cemetery is about 0.6 miles (roughly a 10–15 minute walk) from the hotel, making it easy to combine with a streetcar ride or a Magazine Street visit.
The cemetery is known for its above-ground tombs and historic layout; expect a short, mostly flat walk through the Garden District streets to reach it.
- Approximate distance: 0.6 miles from the hotel
- Walking time: about 10–15 minutes depending on pace
- Good to pair with a visit to Magazine Street or a streetcar trip
| Start | Destination | Approx. Time |
|---|---|---|
| The Pontchartrain Hotel (2031 St. Charles Ave) | Lafayette Cemetery | 10–15 minutes (0.6 miles) |
| The Pontchartrain Hotel | Magazine Street | About 10 minutes on foot |
| The Pontchartrain Hotel | Edge of French Quarter by streetcar | 15–20 minutes |
Visiting Lafayette Cemetery: etiquette and practical tips
Lafayette Cemetery is a historic, active burial ground; visitors should act respectfully, observe posted rules, and avoid climbing on tombs or disturbing memorials.
Photography is common, but be mindful of other visitors and any signs that limit photography or access to certain tombs.
- Observe posted hours and rules at the cemetery entrance
- Stay on designated walkways and avoid stepping on tombs
- Respect mourners and other visitors; keep voices low
| Bring | Why |
|---|---|
| Comfortable shoes | Paths are paved but may be uneven in spots |
| Water and sun protection | New Orleans can be hot and sunny, especially in summer |
| A map or notes | Helps locate notable tombs and plan your walk |
Combining the streetcar, Lafayette Cemetery, and a Pontchartrain meal
A convenient loop is to take the streetcar from the hotel for a short downtown trip or walk to Lafayette Cemetery and return to the hotel for breakfast at Silver Whistle Cafe or cocktails at Bayou Bar or Hot Tin.
The Pontchartrain Hotel offers preferred access to its venues; Silver Whistle Cafe serves breakfast daily and Jack Rose serves dinner and weekend brunch hours, so plan meals around those operating times.
- Silver Whistle Cafe: breakfast daily 7:00 AM–11:00 AM
- Jack Rose: dinner Wed–Sat evenings; brunch Sat–Sun
- Hot Tin rooftop bar: drinks only, 21+ (hours Sun–Thu 2 PM–12 AM; Fri–Sat 2 PM–2 AM)
| Venue | Best for |
|---|---|
| Silver Whistle Cafe | Breakfast before or after a morning cemetery walk |
| Jack Rose | Dinner or weekend brunch after an afternoon outing |
| Hot Tin | Evening cocktails and skyline views (21+) |
Where to stay at The Pontchartrain Hotel for easy access
Any room at The Pontchartrain Hotel places you steps from the St. Charles streetcar line; the hotel's historic location is the primary transit advantage.
Room types at the hotel include Standard Room, Deluxe Room, Deluxe Room, City View, Superior Suite, Superior Suite, Multiple Beds (Thalia Family Suite), Superior Suite, Multiple Beds (Melpomene Two Bedroom Suite), and Superior Suite (Polyhymnia Two Room Suite). Choose a City View room if you want a daytime skyline view toward downtown.
- Standard Room: 1 King Bed or 2 Double Beds
- Deluxe Room, City View: city views and space listed by the hotel
- Superior Suite options accommodate families or larger parties
| Room name | Note |
|---|---|
| Standard Room | 1 King Bed or 2 Double Beds |
| Deluxe Room, City View | City view; listed size on hotel site |
| Thalia Family Suite | Superior Suite, Multiple Beds — 1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds |
