Algiers Point–Canal Street Ferry: Connecting New Orleans Across the Mississippi
The Algiers Point–Canal Street Ferry is a vital passenger-only transit link crossing the Mississippi River in New Orleans, Louisiana. By connecting the foot of Canal Street in the Central Business District on the east bank with the historic Algiers Point neighborhood on the west bank, the service provides a scenic and efficient alternative to bridge traffic for pedestrians.
Operated by the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA), this ferry service is part of a broader transit network that ensures the west bank remains accessible to the heart of the city. In addition to this route, the RTA also manages the Chalmette–Lower Algiers Ferry.
Key Facts
- Operator: New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA).
- Route: Connects Canal Street (East Bank) to Algiers Point (West Bank).
- Vessels: Two aluminum catamarans, RTA1 and RTA2.
- Capacity: Each vessel can carry up to 149 passengers.
- Established: Regular service began in 1827.
- Fare: A one-way fare of $2 was introduced in 2014.
Operational Details and Connectivity
The ferry operates daily with a structured schedule to accommodate commuters and visitors. Departures from Algiers are scheduled on the hour and half-hour starting at 6:00 a.m. Conversely, departures from Canal Street occur at fifteen and forty-five minutes past the hour.
Operating hours vary by day: the final departure from Canal Street is at 8:45 p.m. from Sunday through Thursday, and 10:45 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Transit Connections
The ferry integrates seamlessly with other New Orleans transit options to facilitate city-wide travel:
- At Canal Street: Passengers can connect to bus routes 47, 48, and 49, as well as RTA route 202, which provides access to the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.
- At Algiers Point: Connections are available via RTA route 103.
A History of Resilience and Evolution
Regular service between Canal Street and Algiers was established in 1827, serving as a critical artery for the growing city. However, the service has faced numerous setbacks over the centuries. The first Algiers terminal collapsed into the river in 1920, and its replacement was destroyed by fire on January 22, 1952.
After 1960, the Crescent City Connection Division of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development managed operations. Although the opening of the Crescent City Connection bridge reduced the necessity of ferries, public advocacy ensured the Algiers Point to Canal Street route remained active. A new Algiers terminal, part of a $27 million improvement program, opened on June 16, 1980.
The service faced further challenges following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which led to reduced hours. These hours were later extended in August 2007 following pressure from the New Orleans City Council and the community group Friends of the Ferry.
Funding Shifts and Modernization
For decades, the ferry was funded by tolls from the Crescent City Connection bridges. When toll collection ended in 2013, the resulting fiscal crisis led to the introduction of passenger fares and the discontinuation of the Canal Street–Gretna Ferry route. Responsibility for the service officially transferred to the RTA in 2014.
In 2017, the RTA modernized the fleet by ordering two 105-foot (32 m) aluminum catamaran vessels, RTA1 and RTA2. Designed by BMT and built by Metal Shark in Jeanerette, Louisiana, these vessels were funded via a $15.2 million Federal Transit Administration grant and $3.8 million from the state of Louisiana. RTA2 entered service on October 10, 2020, followed by RTA1 on December 15, 2020.
Infrastructure Upgrades
Because the new passenger-only ferries were incompatible with older terminals designed for vehicles, the RTA utilized ramps and barges for boarding starting in 2020. This temporary measure was replaced in August 2023 with a new $43.5 million Canal Street Ferry Terminal. This ADA-compliant facility includes a 4,300-square-foot building, a 13,200-square-foot wharf, and a pedestrian bridge.
Looking forward, the RTA began a $26 million renovation of the Algiers ferry terminal in 2025. Funded primarily by $23 million in federal grants and $2 million in local funds, the project includes a covered boarding ramp, administrative offices, public restrooms, and a community plaza for dining and retail. This renovation is expected to be complete by early 2027.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Vessel Type | Aluminum Catamaran (Passenger-only) |
| Fleet | RTA1 and RTA2 |
| Passenger Capacity | 149 per vessel |
| Canal St. Terminal Cost | $43.5 Million |
| Algiers Terminal Renovation | $26 Million (Expected 2027) |
| Fare | $2 (One-way) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ride the Algiers Point–Canal Street Ferry?
Since the transfer of service to the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority in 2014, a one-way fare of $2 has been in effect.
How do I get to the airport from the ferry terminal?
Passengers arriving at the Canal Street terminal can take the RTA route 202 bus to reach the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.
What are the operating hours for the ferry?
The ferry operates daily. The final departure from Canal Street is at 8:45 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 10:45 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Are the ferries accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, the new Canal Street Ferry Terminal opened in 2023 is an ADA-compliant structure.
What is the capacity of the current ferry vessels?
The fleet consists of two aluminum catamarans, RTA1 and RTA2, each capable of carrying 149 passengers.