New Orleans Dead of Night Ghosts and Cemetery Bus Tour

If you’re considering a nighttime adventure in the Big Easy that mixes history, mystery, and a bit of the spooky, the New Orleans Dead of Night Ghosts and Cemetery Bus Tour might be just what you’re after. We’ve looked into what this experience offers — and based on thousands of reviews — it seems to deliver a pretty solid spooky storytelling with some eye-opening sights.

What we love about this tour is how it balances entertaining, well-informed guides with the chance to see some of the city’s most haunted spots. Plus, the comfort of an air-conditioned bus makes it easier to handle the nighttime chills and keep your focus on the stories. However, a potential drawback is that some cemeteries might be inaccessible, which could limit the full ghost-hunting experience for some. Still, if you’re into ghost stories, local lore, and a touch of thrill, this tour is a strong pick.

This tour is especially well-suited for those who enjoy a mix of history and supernatural tales, and it’s good for travelers who want a guided experience that doesn’t involve heavy walking. If you’re traveling with friends, family, or solo and want a safe, engaging way to explore New Orleans’ haunted past, this tour could be a highlight of your trip.

Key Points

• Engaging guides provide entertaining and informative storytelling.
• Visits to iconic haunted sites like cemeteries and Voodoo spots.
• Comfortable bus transportation with air conditioning keeps things relaxed.
• Moderate walking involved at some stops, mostly for viewing cemeteries.
• You’ll learn about local history and legends intertwined with spooky tales.
• Great value for the price compared to standalone cemetery visits or shows.

A Detailed Look at the Haunted Tour Experience

The Load-in and First Impressions

Starting at the Rampart Treehouse, you’re greeted by your guide, probably someone with a lot of enthusiasm and a knack for storytelling, judging from reviews. The group, capped at 28 travelers, gathers in the cool, welcoming climate of the bus before heading out. The convenience of a mobile ticket and the ease of meeting at the designated spot make this a straightforward start.

The Route and Stops — What’s in Store

Bayou St. John kicks off the tour, and this is where the history meets the supernatural. The site has a reputation for voodoo rituals led by Marie Laveau, one of New Orleans’ most legendary figures. Travelers have mentioned that the Magnolia Bridge here remains a site for St. John’s Eve rituals, which adds an authentic, mystical layer to the experience. It’s a quick stop, about 15 minutes, but it sets the tone well.

Next, you move to St. Louis Cemetery No. 3, a landmark built during the yellow fever epidemics of the 1800s. Here, the history gets particularly layered — it was once a leper colony, with its own cemetery, which makes it feel like a place full of stories waiting to be uncovered. Many reviews praise the guide’s ability to weave the cemetery’s complex past into compelling ghost stories, though some mention that parts of the cemetery were locked, requiring peering through fences. The 6-minute stop might leave you wishing for more time, but it’s enough to soak in the eerie atmosphere.

The third stop is City Park, where you can stretch your legs, grab some beignets at Café du Monde (own expense), and take a breather. This 15-minute break is a nice chance to chat about what you’ve seen so far, share your own ghostly impressions, or just enjoy the park’s quiet beauty. Several reviews note that the stop is well-timed and offers a bit of a palate cleanser from the spooky stories.

Ghostly Tales and Local Lore

The stories told during the tour are what set this experience apart. Guides like Christian, who many reviews praise for his enthusiasm, humor, and deep knowledge, are key to making the stories memorable. They often share tales of tragedy, trauma, and mystery, bringing each site’s history to life in a way that’s both spooky and educational.

Some reviews, such as one from Lola, highlight that the guide could be a historian, sharing witty and informative commentary. Others mention that Christian’s theatrical style adds a lively, almost spooky ambiance to the storytelling. It’s clear that having a passionate guide makes all the difference in this kind of tour.

The Ambience and Atmosphere

While the tour is primarily about storytelling, the locations—especially cemeteries—are inherently atmospheric. Nighttime walking through old graveyards is as creepy as it sounds; shadows cast by the moonlight and the historical gravestones set a perfect scene for ghost stories. Several reviews mention the “spooky in the very best way” feeling, and walking through a cemetery at night remains a highlight for many.

The Overall Value

For $55 per person, the tour packs a lot in: about two hours covering multiple sites, engaging storytelling, and a comfortable ride. Some reviews note that it’s especially good value considering you get a guided experience rather than just wandering on your own. Plus, the stops at cemeteries provide a tangible connection to the city’s haunting past, which many find enriching.

What Could Be Better?

A couple of reviews mention that some cemeteries were inaccessible, which can be disappointing if you’re eager to see everything up close. Also, since the tour includes a fair amount of history, some guests felt it leaned more toward storytelling than actual hauntings, leading to a few comments about fact-checking. However, many appreciated the balance between history and ghost lore.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers who enjoy learning about local legends and want a guided, comfortable way to explore haunted New Orleans. It’s perfect if you like stories told with a theatrical flair and appreciate a bit of spooky ambiance. It also suits those who prefer a tour that involves minimal walking but still offers immersive sights and tales.

If you’re a skeptic, the stories can still be fun and fascinating, but expect more storytelling than full-on ghost hunting. And if you’re traveling with kids, the spooky nature might be suited for older children or teenagers, but probably not very young kids.

Final Thoughts

The New Orleans Dead of Night Ghosts and Cemetery Bus Tour offers a well-rounded experience for anyone curious about the city’s ghostly reputation. With engaging guides, a comfortable ride, and some of the most haunted sites in town, it’s a solid choice for a spooky night out. The combination of history, local lore, and the thrill of walking through cemeteries at night makes it a memorable part of any New Orleans trip.

If you like stories that blend the city’s tragic and mystical past, this tour delivers — with enough entertainment and insight to keep everyone engaged. Just keep in mind that some cemeteries might be off-limits, and the ghostly encounters are more about stories and atmosphere than actual paranormal activity. Still, it’s a fun, atmospheric way to see the shadowy side of New Orleans.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While it’s mainly a spooky experience, the ghost stories and cemetery visits are appropriate for older children and teenagers. Very young kids might find the atmosphere a bit intense.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately two hours, including stops and travel time.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
Most of the tour involves a moderate amount of walking, mostly at cemeteries, which might not be ideal for those with mobility challenges.

What is included in the price?
The ticket covers the guided tour, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and entry to the sites viewed from outside. Food and drinks are not included.

Are cemeteries open during the tour?
Some cemeteries were reported to be locked during certain visits, so access might be limited. You’ll peer through fences or view from outside.

What should I wear?
Dress appropriately for weather conditions, especially since it operates in all weather. Bring a jacket or umbrella if needed.

Can I cancel the tour if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour begins for a full refund.

Is there any age restriction?
There’s no specific mention of age restrictions, but considering the spooky themes, it’s best suited for older children and adults.

How many people typically join the tour?
The tour has a maximum of 28 travelers, which keeps the group small enough for a personal experience but still lively.

If you’re after a fun, atmospheric way to experience New Orleans’ haunted side, this ghost tour might just check all the boxes. It combines history, storytelling, and a touch of the supernatural, making it a memorable part of your visit — especially if you enjoy stories that stay with you long after the tour ends.