Is the Haunted Cemetery Bus Tour suitable for children?

Yes, the tour is appropriate for guests aged six and older, offering a family-friendly glimpse into New Orleans' spooky history.

Are the cemeteries accessible for people with mobility issues?

While the bus provides easy transport, some walking occurs on uneven ground; guests with mobility concerns should inquire beforehand.

Can I bring food or drinks on the tour?

Food and drinks are not allowed on the bus or within the cemetery grounds to maintain respect and cleanliness.

Is photography allowed during the tour?

Photography is permitted; however, flash photography is discouraged to preserve the ambiance and respect others.

How long is the tour?

The guided experience lasts approximately two hours, covering multiple cemetery sites and city stops.

What is the best time to book the tour?

Evening tours are most atmospheric and popular, so booking in advance is recommended for weekends and holidays.

Discover New Orleans’ Haunted Cemetery Bus Tour: Ghost Stories and Gothic Architecture After Dark | Bus Tour | City Tour

New Orleans, Louisiana, is renowned for its vibrant culture and rich history—yet few experiences capture the city's eerie charm quite like the Haunted Cemetery Bus Tour. Set against the backdrop of New Orleans’ famed "Cities of the Dead," this two-hour nighttime journey offers an unforgettable mix of ghost stories, historic architecture, and local lore that unearthed beneath the moss-draped oaks and centuries-old tombs. The city’s cemeteries, including St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 and Lafayette Cemetery, serve as open-air museums of funerary art and Gothic architecture, where above-ground vaults and elaborate mausoleums tell tales as compelling as any ghost story. This tour is designed for history buffs and thrill-seekers aged six and older, making it an accessible adventure for families and curious travelers looking to explore a darker side of New Orleans. Traversing the historic streets by bus and on foot, guests gain insight into the unique burial practices that reflect the city’s French and Spanish colonial influences as well as its multicultural past. Guides weave chilling legends about restless spirits, voodoo magic, and real-life hauntings into the tour narrative, creating an atmosphere that blurs the lines between history and the supernatural. What sets this tour apart in New Orleans' crowded slate of ghost-themed outings is its thoughtful attention to the cemeteries' artistic and cultural significance, not just their spook factor. The experience is a standout because it combines storytelling with tangible history—allowing visitors to appreciate the architectural grandeur of wrought-iron gates, crypts, and angelic statues while immersing in the city’s folklore. The bus aspect ensures comfort while covering multiple cemetery sites that might otherwise be difficult to navigate at night. Staying in nearby New Orleans means easy access to this urban adventure, plus the chance to explore the French Quarter’s lively scene, sampling local cuisine and music after dark. Whether you’re an urban explorer or a paranormal enthusiast, the Haunted Cemetery Bus Tour opens a door to New Orleans’ mysterious past, granting a fresh perspective on a city where every corner has a story. Prepare for a hauntingly memorable night where history and legend intertwine beneath the Louisiana moonlight.

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

2 hours.

Fitness level

Suitable for visitors of all fitness levels; minimal walking on uneven surfaces required.

Wildlife

Great Horned Owl
Louisiana Black Bear (occasionally sighted in surrounding park areas)

History

New Orleans' cemeteries date back to the 18th century, reflecting unique burial customs due to high water tables preventing underground graves.

Conservation

Tour operators emphasize respectful visitation practices to protect the fragile historic monuments and maintain the sanctity of these sacred grounds.

Nola Ghost Riders is a New Orleans–based tour operator that specializes in guided haunted history experiences across the city and nearby plantations. The company leads several distinct experiences, including the Walking Ghosts Tour through the French Quarter, the Nightly Haunted Plantation Tour at Destrehan, the Haunted Drunken History Tour, the Haunted Cemetery Bus Tour, and a Haunted Plantation & Haunted Cemetery Combo Tour. Tours focus on documented local history, folklore, and the cultural role of Voodoo, offering stories about figures such as Madame Lalaurie and the Axeman, and exploring sites tied to the 1811 slave revolt and historical burial practices. Guides are local storytellers who combine historical research, onsite interpretation, and theatrical narration to present each route. The Nightly Haunted Plantation Tour at Destrehan is offered as a unique nighttime plantation experience, while the Drunken History option blends cocktails with storytelling in the French Quarter. The cemetery and combo tours emphasize architecture, burial customs, and cemetery histories known as the “Cities of the Dead.” Nola Ghost Riders operates public night tours and combination routes that connect plantation history with urban cemetery sites. Tour length, themes, and meeting points vary by product; the Walking Ghosts Tour runs over two hours and visits high-profile haunted locations. The company describes its programming through guided, on-location interpretation and storytelling, aiming to provide an educational and entertaining approach to New Orleans’ complex past. Reservations are available for public and private groups; scheduling and pricing information are provided on the official tour pages online or by phone.

Base locationNew Orleans, Louisiana

Tours offered5+

Specialtyland-adventures

StewardshipLeave No Trace