Find bus tickets from and to New Orleans, LA

Things to do in New Orleans

About New Orleans

New Orleans is a vibrant city full of culture, great food, and an infectious atmosphere. The rich history and distinct flavor of the city are a huge part of what draws so many visitors here year after year.

For a fun, spirited, festival-filled city, there is no better place than New Orleans. Its culture and style cannot be rivaled, and it truly has a feeling all its own - come and experience it for yourself. 

Places of interest in New Orleans

The heart of the city, and somewhere you’re likely to spend much of your time, is the historic French Quarter. This is the oldest part of the city, famous for its French and Spanish-style buildings with intricate cast-iron galleries. Many of the city’s most iconic buildings are to be found in the French Quarter - or simply The Quarter, as it’s known to locals. These include St. Louis Cathedral, an impressive building which is the oldest cathedral in continuous use in the USA. The cathedral sits facing Jackson Square, a National Historic Landmark right in the center of the French Quarter - and the view of the cathedral from the park is an iconic photo opportunity waiting to happen.

Don’t miss out on the French Market whilst in the Quarter. This bustling market is a hive of activity, and one of the most popular attractions for locals and visitors alike. There’s been a market on this site since 1791 when it was used as a Native American trading post on the Mississippi River. It then continued to evolve over the centuries, with French, Spanish, African and Caribbean influences taking hold to create the multicultural melting pot it is today.

Close to the French Quarter, you’ll find the Tremé community. This area dates back to the 1810s, making it one of the oldest neighborhoods in New Orleans, as well as one of the oldest black neighborhoods in the country. It was originally the main center for free people of color, and it remains an important hub for Black and Créole culture. Here, you’ll find the New Orleans Jazz National Park and the New Orleans African American Museum, both worth visiting.

New Orleans’ culture and history

New Orleans has a well-deserved reputation as a party city. Many tourists come from all around the world to experience its carnivals, most notably Mardi Gras. Celebrations officially begin on Epiphany, sometimes known as the Twelfth Night of Christmas, and culminate on Shrove Tuesday. There’s usually at least one parade every day, as well as a whole host of other events to get involved with. The first Mardi Gras was recorded in New Orleans in 1699, and the celebrations have been going strong ever since. The whole city is abuzz during Mardi Gras, and it’s well worth experiencing the color, festivities and partying that happens throughout the period.

Mardi Gras isn’t the only festival worth experiencing, though. The largest of the city’s music festivals is the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, otherwise known as Jazz Fest, a celebration of jazz in all its form in New Orleans, where the genre originated. The festival always features an extensive program of Louisianan and international artists, so you never know - you could see the next big thing right here in New Orleans!

Looking for a party? Venture down to Bourbon Street where the fun never stops. This area is full of bars, cocktails, music, dancing, and all the famous festivals and fairs in New Orleans. From beads to neon lights, the sights and sounds of Bourbon Street are like no other. Take it all in from one of the many street-facing balconies or soak up the buzz on street level. Either way, there is no better place to experience Mardi Gras than in the heart of New Orleans.

New Orleans is also famous for its food, and the French Quarter is the place to find all the tasty treats and traditional delicacies from beignets at Cafe Du Monde to Catfish Po Boys from NOLA Po Boy, and Creole classics like gumbo and jambalaya.

Areas surrounding New Orleans

There’s plenty to keep you busy in New Orleans for days or even weeks! But if you want to see what else Louisiana has to offer, there is a great range of day trips from New Orleans.

New Orleans is surrounded by bayou, areas of water which are full of lush vegetation and wildlife. The bayou is best experienced from the water, so take a boat trip to experience this uniquely southern landscape at its best.

New Orleans is also just a short coach ride away from the Louisiana state capital, Baton Rouge. Less of a party city and more political than New Orleans, it offers a glimpse into a different side of life in this southern state, whilst showcasing a huge number of attractions for kids and adults alike to enjoy.

Buses to New Orleans

Find the cheapest buses to New Orleans

With FlixBus, it’s cheap and easy to travel to New Orleans, as 6 rides are offered starting from only $13.99 depending on the departure city and time. Moreover, New Orleans has 5 FlixBus bus stops, making it an ideal way to reach the city center. Booking a bus ticket for New Orleans is very easy: you can book online, on the website or using the free FlixBus App, but you can also buy a ticket in our ticket shops or onboard, where you also have the possibility to pay in cash. Booking in advance on our App guarantees the lowest prices, and printing your ticket is not necessary, as you can simply show it from your phone before climbing onboard, sitting back, relaxing and enjoying a comfortable ride to New Orleans!

Why travel to New Orleans with FlixBus

You can get to New Orleans from 6 different cities, and when it’s time to move on, there are as many buses from New Orleans to other destinations. Whether traveling near or far, bus travel is always a sustainable choice. Plus, when you take a trip with FlixBus, you can offset your carbon emissions: just click the CO₂ compensation box when you book your ticket and help us towards our goal of zero emission travel! Pay for your ticket in-person at one of our service desks (cash or card accepted), or book on our website or App paying securely with credit card, PayPal or Google Pay. Then you can look forward to enjoying our onboard services including Wi-Fi, plenty of legroom, comfortable seats and power outlets.

Popular bus routes to New Orleans

Wherever you’re based in USA, it’s easy to get to New Orleans: 6 cities are connected to New Orleans, and FlixBus is always ready to welcome you onboard. Looking for some inspiration? Find our most popular routes on this page!

Onboard services

Reserve a seat when you book your FlixBus ticket to New Orleans online or in the App. Whether you want peace and quiet or would like a seat beside friends, we’ve got options to suit everyone. Choose a classic seat or a table seat if you need a little extra space to work or relax. You can also go for a panorama seat at the front of the bus for a great view or reserve the spare seat beside you to enjoy the extra space. There’s no need to worry about what to pack when you travel with FlixBus, as we offer a carry-on bag and checked bag for every traveler included in the ticket. Stow your luggage and head to your seat to make the most of our onboard services including Wi-Fi and an entertainment system on most buses. All of our buses are equipped with toilets and power outlets, so you can sit back and enjoy the ride.