New Orleans Station

[denmarks]

I'm leaving in 10 weeks for my trip to New Orleans (CZ and CONO). Is it reasonable to walk from the station to my hotel, the Hampton Inn. It's right at the end of the St. Charles streetcar line at the edge of the French Quarter.

Has anyone done it? Would it be too hot or a bad neighborhood?

Can a suitcase be brought onto a bus? Should I just assume that I will have to take a taxi?

B)

 

[Bill Haithcoat]

I vote for a taxi. The neighborhood is iffy, The Quarter is not as near to the station as they make it sound, I have done it before, I would not take any chance, even though cabs in NO are pricey.

New Orleans has some serious humidity as well as heat.

 

[AlanB]

Dennis,

I walked from Union Station down to the St. Charles Street Car line when I was there a year and a half ago. It's probably about 6 or 7 long blocks down Howard to the line.

However, I wasn't carrying luggage and it was only around 60 degrees at the time. During daylight hours, I don't think that things are that bad in the area. However, I wouldn't try this after dark. I did see people with luggage on the trolley, but there are no racks for it.

On my return I actually walked from Canal St. back to the station, but again as I mentioned it was a good day for that and I was only carrying my backpack with my laptop.

 

[denmarks]

I  vote for a taxi. The neighborhood is iffy, The Quarter  is not as near to the station as they make it sound, I have done it before, I would not take any chance, even though cabs in NO are pricey.

My AAA guide book says taxis are $2.50 plus $.20 per quarter mile. I figure it should only cost about $5 with tip. Seems to be about a mile. Even if 2 miles it would be about $6.

 

[NativeSon5859]

I would take a taxi. The walk is a bit too far. The neighborhood that the station is located in isn't really that bad...it's basically in the business district...but at night it can get kind of deserted around that partiular area. There's no crime around the station, but just like in any big city, it never hurts to play it safe. Take the cab.

Cabs are plentiful for all train arrivals...and even if there are no train arrivals there are always a few cabs out there because Greyhound shares the station.

The Hampton Inn you'll be staying in sounds like the one in the business district. It's connected to a 50-story office tower. Only a few blocks away from the Quarter. Nice little hotel.

 

[battalion51]

Dennis, many times hotels will offer a shuttle to take you to/from local transportation centers like Union Station. Try giving the hotel a call to see if they will pick you up from the station.

 

[GG-1]

Dennis, many times hotels will offer a shuttle to take you to/from local transportation centers like Union Station. Try giving the hotel a call to see if they will pick you up from the station.

Aloha

When I took my first LD Train I left from the Fountain Bleu Hotel on a different schedule than the others that flew out. The hotel didnt even know where the Station was and the cabs servicing the hotel also didnt know either.. What I did was call the Amtrack station to arange for the cab.

 

[RandyJay]

My AAA guide book says taxis are $2.50 plus $.20 per quarter mile. I figure it should only cost about $5 with tip. Seems to be about a mile. Even if 2 miles it would be about $6.

Last time I was there (a few months ago) taxis were on a flat rate pricing scale with a minimum of $10 for anywhere in the downtown area. Still worth it, especially at night and with luggage. As mentioned, taxis are plentiful and just outside the front door of the station - that's the way to go!

 

[Bill Haithcoat]

Denmarks, Randy Jay beat me to the draw....I think your AAA book is out of date, as I, too, found it to be a flat $10 to downtown last time I was there.

Here is a suggestion: Upon arrival do for sure take a cab(or motor escort for your hotel if one can be arranged). But then be "open-minded" about return...see how you yourself feel about the city, the neighborhood, etc ALso, is your luggage the kind with wheels? That is a important part of that your answer.

 

[amtrakmichigan]

I 3rd that ! I was there the day after Thanksgiving and taxi service was a flat rate of $10 from the station to anywhere in french qtr. It might be the same flat rate to downtown too, but I am not sure of it.