NEW ORLEANS — With parades starting Friday, transportation can be a struggle for tourists and locals alike. Navigating through nearby parade routes can be tricky.
Here's what to know about parking options, street closures, and a few other alternatives.
Street Closures
Driving to a parade can be a hassle ahead of Mardi Gras parades.
A couple of hours before parades begin, NOPD will close routes to vehicles. You should avoid streets that intersect with a parade.
From Friday, Feb. 2 until the end of parade season, uptown parades will be held along Napoleon Avenue, extending to Tchoupitoulas Street and through Magazine Street between Napoleon Avenue and Jefferson Avenue. Motorists should avoid these areas ahead of parade times.
Cross streets along Magazine Street will still be open until a parade rolls.
French Quarter parades
No vehicles allowed
Starting 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. overnight Friday, Feb. 2 through Sunday, Feb. 4, Wednesday, Feb. 7, and Thursday, Feb. 8, no vehicles will be allowed to drive on these streets, according to the city. These streets will be closed to vehicles 24/7 beginning 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9 through 5 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14:
Bourbon St. from Canal St. to Dumaine St.
700-800 blocks of St. Ann St., Orleans Ave., St. Peter St., Toulouse St., St. Louis St., Conti St., Bienville St., and Iberville St.
Vehicles limited
According to the city, only residents, employees, hotel guests, and taxis/TNCs will be allowed to drive vehicles into the French Quarter starting 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2 through 6 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14:
- Entering the French Quarter within the perimeter of Iberville St., Decatur St., Dumaine St., and Rampart St.
Visit the NOLA Ready website for additional information on street closures.
Parking Options
Street parking is the cheapest option during Mardi Gras, however, it can difficult to find a spot. Be ready to walk or use a riding share service to get back to your car.
On Mardi Gras Day, Tuesday, Feb. 13, street parking will be free.
Parking garages are also available, but can be pricy and spots often fill up quickly. Third party websites like Premium Parking, allow you to pay and reserve your spot in garages.
Some churches, schools, or businesses will sell passes for off-street parking in lots, but the price can vary.
No parking zones
According to the city, parking is prohibited on either side of the following streets two hours before and after parades.
Uptown
- Tchoupitoulas St. from Jackson Ave. to Nashville Ave.
- Napoleon Ave. from Tchoupitoulas St. to S. Claiborne Ave.
- St. Charles Ave. from Napoleon Ave. to Canal St.
- Tchoupitoulas St. from Poydras St. to Calliope St.
- Magazine St. from Napolean Ave. to Upperline St.
Endymion
Parking will be prohibited from 6 a.m. until two hours after the parade ends:
- Canal St. from S. Carrollton Ave. to Tchoupitoulas St.
- Tchoupitoulas St. from Canal St. to Julia St.
- Julia St. from Tchoupitoulas St to Convention Center Blvd.
- Convention Center Blvd. to Henderson St.
- N. Carrollton Ave. from Canal St. to Orleans Ave.
- Orleans Ave. from City Park Ave. to N. Carrollton Ave.
According to the Mardi Gras New Orleans website:
When parking, make sure you pay attention to posted signs. What’s more, do not block hydrants, driveways, sidewalks, or fire lanes, and do not park on a neutral ground (median) or within 20 feet of a crosswalk, intersection, or stop sign. It’s also important to park in the direction of travel on one-way streets and with the right wheel to the curb on two-way streets. Parking RVs, recreational vehicles, campers, and oversized vehicles is not allowed residential areas.
Parking along parade routes is prohibited on either side of the street before and after a parade rolls, check parade routes that you plan to attend.
What happens if you get towed?
If you think your car has been towed, call 504-658-8100 to confirm.
Before vehicles are released owners must do the following, according to the city:
- the amount of outstanding parking violation(s)
- any additional outstanding tickets 90 days old or more
- $161.25 towing fee
- $19 per day storage fee. (The maximum amount accumulated storage fee is $500)
The tow lot is located at 400 N. Claiborne Ave., New Orleans, LA 70112 and open from 7:30am to 1:00am, 7 days a week. The lot is located directly beneath the Expressway at the intersection of N. Claiborne Ave. and Conti St.
Alternatives
If you want to avoid the parade traffic all together, there are other options like biking, taking the bus, pedicabs and taxis.
The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority has a Mardi Gras guide for riders.
The Blue Bikes rental service is also available.
For more alternatives click here.
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