Getting around during Carnival

Streetcars and buses

The Regional Transit Authority (RTA) suspends streetcar service on the St. Charles line (and the Canal line) during the main parade days and runs buses instead. In 2026 the suspension started on Thursday 12 February, five days before Mardi Gras, with a round-the-clock bus bridge through Mardi Gras Day and normal service from Ash Wednesday (City of New Orleans, February 2026). The exact start changes yearly; the RTA publishes its plan at norta.com/mardigras.

Crossing a parade

You cannot cross a moving parade except at marked crossing points, and those close whenever a float is approaching. If you need to get to the other side of St. Charles, go around the end of the route or cross well before the parade arrives. The city's Routewise tracker on ready.nola.gov/mardi-gras shows where the head and tail of each parade are.

Walking and cycling

On the big parade days, walking is often the fastest way to travel a mile or two. Most of the Uptown route is a straight line, so it is easy to orient yourself. Bikes are widely used, but you will be walking them in the crowds near the route; lock them well away from the parade.

Driving and parking

Streets along and near parade routes become no-parking zones before each parade, and towing is aggressive. If you drive in, park well outside the route and walk, or use a paid garage. Ride-hail pick-ups near the routes are slow and expensive on parade nights; walk a few blocks away from the parade before you book.

Mardi Gras Day

On Fat Tuesday, Zulu (from about 8 a.m.) and Rex (from about 10:30 a.m.) roll along St. Charles and Canal, followed by truck parades, so the avenue is effectively closed for most of the day. Downtown, the French Quarter and Marigny are pedestrian territory. Plan to be where you want to be early and stay there.

Airport

Leave extra time on the final weekend and on Ash Wednesday, when much of the city leaves at once.