Creepy facts meet real access in New Orleans. This night cemetery bus tour is interesting because you’re not just looking at headstones from the sidewalk. You get a guide’s story-driven commentary, you try EMF readers, and you’re granted exclusive entry to Odd Fellows Rest in the dark. I also like how the visit time is long enough to actually wander and take photos, and how the guide keeps the mood playful even when the topics turn serious. One thing to consider: the schedule can feel front-loaded, with a big chunk of time focused on Odd Fellows Rest, while other stops may be shorter or view-only at night.

The best part is the setting: the French Quarter area at night, then onto above-ground tombs and the kind of New Orleans funeral culture you rarely see explained in one go. You’ll be rolling in an air-conditioned bus with a small-ish group (up to 42), plus a quick restroom break so you’re not stressed while the stories get creepy.

You should book this if you want spooky atmosphere with solid context, and you like having a plan instead of wandering alone. It’s also a good pick for first-timers who want a few key cemetery stops without having to do the logistics yourself. If you want a totally scientific paranormal hunt, keep expectations flexible—this is more about the experience and the city’s layered folklore than lab-style results.

Key things to know before you go

• Exclusive night access to Odd Fellows Rest, with the key details explained on the ground
• EMF readers are included, so you can play along with the paranormal theme
• Above-ground tombs in New Orleans get explained as you drive past other major cemeteries
• A real stop for a restroom break and a drink, so you can stay comfortable for the full run
• Small group size (max 42) makes it easier to hear the guide and ask questions

Price and what you actually get for about $40

This tour costs $40.32 per person for about 2 hours. On paper, that can sound like a lot—until you break down what’s included. You’re paying for transportation, an on-board guide, a night cemetery visit with special access, and the extra fun factor: EMF readers. You’re also not stuck doing this as DIY walking. New Orleans cemeteries are fascinating, but they can also be intimidating after dark; a group tour solves that feeling fast.

Value also comes from the logistics. The bus keeps you warm or cool, you get time to walk without rushing, and you don’t have to figure out where gates are open or closed at night. If you’re already paying for other ghost tours, this is a nice change because the payoff is tangible: you actually get into a private cemetery, not just pass by from a street corner.

Meeting point in the French Quarter and how to arrive smoothly

The tour starts at 620 Decatur St #600, back where it ends too. This location is in the middle of the action, which is convenient, but it also means you should plan for the usual French Quarter reality: traffic and limited nearby parking. If you drive, keep it simple—arrive a little early and expect limited spaces. If you’d rather not deal with parking, use public transportation or a rideshare.

I’d treat 15 minutes early as your minimum. Night tours run on a clock, and you’ll want enough time to find the right person, get settled, and grab your drink stop before the first cemetery stop kicks off.

Bon’s New Orleans Street Food: the quick start before the dark

Early in the tour, you’ll be near the French Quarter where you can grab a drink at Bon’s New Orleans Street Food. This works better than you might think. Cemetery nights can feel long when you’re cold, and a basic warm-up drink or a quick snack keeps people calm while the guide sets the tone.

Practically, this is also your chance to sort your own comfort. You can bring a drink with you for the bus, but alcoholic beverages aren’t included. So if you want something non-alcoholic, grab it here or use it as your buffer before you settle in for the ride and the walking.

Odd Fellows Rest after dark: the exclusive access payoff

Odd Fellows Rest is the star. Your tour experience centers on this private cemetery, and it’s not just a drive-by. The itinerary is set up with an initial short look first, then a later, longer visit with the access that only this company arrangement provides.

What I love about this stop is that it feels like you’re doing something rare. The access is the point, and the guide doesn’t treat it like a quick photo stop. You get time to walk the grounds and look at the above-ground tombs and the cemetery layout up close, which is where New Orleans cemetery culture becomes easier to understand.

Time matters here. You’ll have about 35 minutes for the main Odd Fellows Rest portion, which is long enough to take a slow lap, find interesting angles, and still have time to listen without feeling like you’re being herded. If you’re the type who likes details, this is where you’ll feel happiest.

One consideration: this is also where the tour’s schedule can concentrate. Some departures lean heavily into Odd Fellows Rest, meaning you may not spend equal time at every other location. If you’re expecting lots of cemetery hopping, adjust your expectations and let this stop be the main event.

Driving past Cypress Grove and Greenwood: why the architecture looks different

New Orleans cemeteries are famous for above-ground burial. On this tour, you’ll pass by cemeteries like Cypress Grove and Greenwood, with your guide pointing out the iconic look as you travel.

This drive-by portion is actually useful. From the bus, you get a bigger view of how those tomb structures shape neighborhood geography. It’s also a good way to learn the visual language before you do your feet-on-ground walking.

If you’ve only ever seen cemeteries in your hometown (mostly flat plots), this is where the city’s cemetery culture can click. The above-ground approach changes everything: how people remember, how families keep places, and how the landscape tells stories even when nothing is happening.

Morning Call Coffee Stand: the short break that keeps the night fun

Right in the middle of the experience, you’ll stop at Morning Call Coffee Stand for a quick break—mainly for restrooms. It’s short, but it matters because you’re planning a night tour with walking time. A clean pause like this helps you stay engaged instead of counting minutes until the end.

This is also another chance to grab a drink. Even if you brought something for the bus, having an option during the tour can be the difference between enjoying the spooky stories and feeling cranky.

Hurricane Katrina memorial: where the tone shifts for a reason

One of the most important stops is the Hurricane Katrina memorial cemetery, focused on housing unclaimed bodies from the storm. This is where the tour becomes more than ghost entertainment. Your guide explains the lasting effects of Katrina, and you can pay respects at the memorial.

If you’re expecting a purely creepy, Halloween-style evening, you’ll probably notice the shift here. That change is part of why the tour feels meaningful: you’re learning how New Orleans handles loss and aftermath, not just trading spooky jokes.

In the area, you may also see the gate and layout of other cemetery-linked sites used for memorial purposes around the city. At night, some places may not be accessible in the same way as Odd Fellows Rest, so it’s smart to expect that not every cemetery stop will offer the same level of entry.

EMF readers: how to use them without losing your mind

EMF readers are included, and the guide will have you try them while you’re in the cemetery environment. This is the paranormal-themed part, and it’s meant to be part science experiment, part game.

Here’s how I recommend you approach it:

• Treat readings like prompts, not proof.
• Focus on where others are seeing results, but also pay attention to the guide’s historical context.
• Don’t get so locked onto the device that you forget to look around. The tombs and the atmosphere are the real anchors.

Also, the guide’s storytelling matters. When the person running the tour is good at pacing and keeping people laughing, the EMF part feels less like a gimmick and more like a shared activity.

The guide style: comedy, stories, and real city context

The tour is built around live on-board commentary. A big chunk of the value is how the guide ties together what you’re seeing with why it matters in New Orleans.

From the tour’s on-the-ground feel, guides often mix humor with real detail, and the best ones keep the group engaged without turning into a lecture. Names you might run into include hosts like Geoff, Jeff, Jay, and J, who are known for bringing energy and a good sense of timing to the ride and the cemetery stops.

One caution: stories and personality are part of the experience, but style can vary. If you prefer a quieter tour, you might find yourself wanting less chatter at certain points. And if the first cemetery stop feels like it runs long for your taste, it may cut into how much you see later. Keep that in mind when choosing how many other New Orleans tours you stack on the same night.

Getting the most out of the bus time and your photo moments

This tour isn’t just walking. You get bus time, drive-by time, and cemetery time. Use that mix to your advantage.

• Bring your phone camera settings ready. Night cemetery photos can be tricky, and being prepared helps you avoid rushing once you’re on the ground.
• Layer up. The bus is air-conditioned, but night weather in New Orleans can still feel chilly—especially once you step out of the warm interior.
• If you want photos inside Odd Fellows Rest, plan to take a slow route early in the walk time. Waiting until the end often means you’re dealing with crowds, low light, or people moving ahead.

The group size ceiling helps here. With up to 42 people, you won’t feel like you’re in a stadium, but it’s still large enough that you should be ready to follow directions.

Who should book this and who should skip it

This tour fits you best if:

• You want night access and a guided explanation tied directly to what you’re seeing
• You like spooky storytelling but still want real context
• You’d rather do one organized tour than plan cemetery entry times and routes yourself
• You’re comfortable with walking on mostly flat surfaces and navigating a few steps to board and exit the bus

You might skip it if:

• You hate guided tours and want totally free roaming
• You expect multiple long cemetery entries and lots of time at several sites
• You need wheelchair access. The bus used is not wheelchair accessible, and you’ll need to be able to walk and handle steps to board and exit.

Should you book the New Orleans Cemetery Bus Tour with exclusive access?

If you’re a New Orleans first-timer, or you’ve done ghost tours that stayed on the sidewalk, this is a smart next step. The value centers on exclusive entry to Odd Fellows Rest, guided context that makes the cemetery culture easier to understand, and the added interactive fun of EMF readers. Add in a short restroom-and-drink break so you stay comfortable, and you’ve got a well-paced night activity for the price.

Book it if you’re excited by the idea of above-ground tombs in a night setting and you want one organized plan that mixes spooky stories with meaningful moments. Pass if you want a quieter tour, lots of equal time at multiple cemeteries, or wheelchair accessibility.

FAQ

FAQ

What cemetery do we visit on the New Orleans cemetery bus tour after dark?

This tour typically visits Odd Fellows Rest and passes by Cypress Grove and Greenwood.

Is Marie Laveau’s tomb included?

No. Marie Laveau’s tomb is in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, which is not included on this tour.

Do we stop at the Hurricane Katrina memorial?

Yes. You’ll be able to pay respects at the Hurricane Katrina Memorial Cemetery.

Where do I meet for the tour?

The meeting point is 620 Decatur St #600, New Orleans, LA 70130.

Are drinks included?

Drinks are not included. There is a stop where you can purchase a drink to take with you while exploring.

Is the bus wheelchair accessible?

No. The bus is not wheelchair accessible, and you must be able to walk and navigate a few steps to board and exit.

You Might Also Enjoy

San Diego: USS Midway Museum Entry TicketNashville: Hop-on Hop-off Trolley TourExplore Sedona’s Vortexes: 2.5 Hour Jeep Tour of Mysticism45-minute Helicopter Flight Over the Grand Canyon from Tusayan, Arizona