Louisiana is served by three long-distance Amtrak routes that all converge in New Orleans and connect to seven stations throughout the state. In addition, there is a regional route to Mobile, Alabama. This network allows travel north to Chicago, Northeast to New York, west to Los Angeles, and east along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Here’s what you need to know about Amtrak in Louisiana.
Routes: Amtrak in Louisiana
Four Amtrak routes serve Louisiana. Three long-distance trains converge at the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal, a small rail hub. The fourth route is a regional service that connects New Orleans to the Gulf Coast.
City of New Orleans
Louisiana stations served: Hammond and New Orleans.
Train accommodations and food: Coach class and sleeping cars are available, along with flexible dining options and a café car.
Running daily between Chicago and New Orleans, the City of New Orleans covers 926 miles through the heart of America. This historic route passes through Memphis and Jackson, Mississippi, before entering Louisiana.
Hammond is the only stop in Louisiana before reaching New Orleans, located about an hour’s drive from the city.
Southbound trains arrive in New Orleans in the mid-afternoon, allowing you to enjoy an amazing Po-Boy sandwich and a hurricane cocktail for dinner. On the other hand, northbound departures leave in the early afternoon, which is perfect for visitors who want to have beignets for breakfast and a muffuletta to take along for a special lunch on the train as they head north.
Crescent
Louisiana stations served: Slidell and New Orleans
Train accommodations and food: Coach class and sleeping cars are available, along with flexible dining options and a café car.
The Crescent provides daily service between New York and New Orleans, traveling 1,377 miles through the Northeast Corridor, the Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi.
Slidell, about 30 miles northeast of New Orleans, is the only Louisiana stop before the city—roughly a 40-minute ride. Southbound trains arrive in New Orleans late morning, while northbound trains depart early afternoon.
Sunset Limited
Louisiana stations served: New Orleans, Schriever, New Iberia, Lafayette, and Lake Charles.
Train accommodations and food: Coach class and sleeping cars are available, along with traditional dining options and a café car.
The Sunset Limited operates three days a week between New Orleans and Los Angeles, covering 1,995 miles through Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
The Sunset Limited stops at more stations in Louisiana than any other route, providing connections to cities west of New Orleans. The route follows the Gulf Coast through Cajun Country before crossing into Texas. Westbound departures depart from New Orleans in the morning, allowing passengers to see Louisiana’s landscape in daylight. Eastbound trains arrive in the evening.
Amtrak Mardi Gras Service
Louisiana station served: New Orleans
Train accommodations and food: Coach and business class, and a café.
This regional route operates twice daily between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, taking 3 hours and 43 minutes along the Gulf Coast, passing through the beach communities of southern Mississippi.
The Mardi Gras train service departs from the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. It travels east through Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula, all in Mississippi, before arriving in Mobile. Unlike long-distance trains, this route offers coach and business-class seating, along with café service, but it does not include sleeping cars.
The service is funded through a partnership involving Louisiana, Mississippi, and the City of Mobile. For travelers from Louisiana, it offers a convenient option for day trips or quick getaways to Gulf Coast beach towns and Mobile’s historic district. With twice-daily service, same-day round trips are possible.
All Stations for Amtrak in Louisiana
Louisiana has seven Amtrak stations, ranging from the central hub in New Orleans to small-town stops with limited facilities. Here’s what you need to know about each station.
New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal (NOL)
Address: 1001 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
Station: Staffed with full service
Routes: City of New Orleans, Crescent, Sunset Limited, Mardi Gras Service
The New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is Louisiana’s busiest and most significant Amtrak station. It serves as the southern terminus for two routes and the eastern terminus for the Sunset Limited. Located in the Central Business District, the station is just a 15-minute walk from the French Quarter or a short streetcar or taxi ride away.
The station has a staffed ticket office, restrooms, vending machines, and indoor waiting areas that are open extended hours to accommodate all arriving and departing trains. Local public transit, including the Loyola-Union Passenger Terminal Streetcar, serves the station.
The station is spacious yet easy to navigate. All routes share the same boarding area, making it easy to find your train.
If you’re in New Orleans for a layover or longer, check out the Beyond Bourbon Street podcast for insider tips on food, music, and culture beyond typical tourist attractions.
Hammond (HAM)
Address: 404 N.W. Railroad Avenue, Hammond, LA 70401
Station: Staffed station building with waiting room
Route: City of New Orleans
Hammond is a small train station situated approximately 50 miles northwest of New Orleans. It serves as the only intermediate stop on the City of New Orleans route in Louisiana.
Hammond is located on North West Railroad Avenue and serves as a convenient alternative to New Orleans for travelers along the Interstate 55 corridor. The station provides parking for passengers and has a ticket window for purchasing tickets. However, it is advisable to book in advance to secure the best prices and ensure a guaranteed stop.
Northbound trains generally arrive in the late afternoon, while southbound trains typically pass through in the early evening.
Slidell (SDL)
Address: 1827 Front Street, Slidell, LA 70458
Station: Unstaffed station building with waiting room
Route: Crescent
Slidell is the last station on the Crescent line before reaching New Orleans, located approximately 30 miles Northeast of the city. This unstaffed station features a small station shelter and parking area but offers limited amenities. Be sure to purchase tickets in advance online or through the Amtrak app.
Schriever (SCH)
Address: 145 Burlington Court, Schriever, LA 70395
Station: Unstaffed platform only with no shelter
Route: Sunset Limited
Located about 50 miles southwest of New Orleans, Schriever is a small, unstaffed station serving the Sunset Limited. This is primarily a local stop for residents of the Houma-Thibodaux area. The station has basic shelter and parking, but minimal facilities.
Because the Sunset Limited runs only three days per week, check the schedule carefully when planning travel to or from Schriever.
New Iberia (NIB)
Address: 402 West Washington Street. New Iberia, LA 70560
Station: Unstaffed platform only with no shelter
Route: Sunset Limited
The New Iberia Amtrak stop is near the city’s historic core, providing travelers with easy access to local shops, restaurants, and riverfront charm. The station is unstaffed, with an open platform and no enclosed shelter, restrooms, or ticketing services. Please arrive prepared and purchase your ticket in advance. Parking is available only for same-day use.
New Iberia, founded by Spanish colonists in 1779, is known for its vibrant community traditions, including the Sugarcane Festival and the World Championship Gumbo Cook-Off; two events that showcase the region’s Cajun flavor and hospitality.
The platform is designed for easy access, ensuring boarding is simple for travelers requiring mobility accommodations.
Lafayette (LAF)
Address: 100 Lee Avenue, Lafayette, LA 70501-8032
Station: Staffed station building with waiting room
Route: Sunset Limited
The Lafayette Amtrak station is located in the heart of downtown Lafayette at the Rosa Parks Transportation Center, making it a convenient gateway to the city’s lively Cajun-country vibe. The depot dates back to 1911–12 and, after a fire in 2001, was lovingly restored as a multimodal transit hub, reopening in 2007. Inside, you’ll find a waiting room shared with city buses and intercity services.
Lake Charles (LCH)
Address: 100 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601-2152
Station: Staffed station building with waiting room
Route: Sunset Limited
Lake Charles is the westernmost Amtrak station in Louisiana, located about 30 miles from the Texas state line. If you’re traveling to Houston or beyond, this is your last station in Louisiana before you cross into Orange, Texas.
Lake Charles was founded by French settlers who arrived in the 1760s along the Calcasieu River. It later developed into a prominent lumber center. Today, Lake Charles is celebrated for its vibrant festival culture, hosting over 70 events each year, many of which highlight the area’s Acadian heritage.
Practical Travel Tips for Louisiana
Know your station: Not all stations are staffed; many are unstaffed or platform-only. For unstaffed stations, you must purchase tickets before arrival through Amtrak.com, the Amtrak app, or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL. At staffed stations, you can also buy tickets at the ticket window.
Sunset Limited schedule: Remember that the Sunset Limited operates only three times per week (currently eastbound on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday; westbound on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, though you should verify current days on Amtrak.com).
Connections in New Orleans: If you’re traveling between Mardi Gras and the City of New Orleans, you might have a layover of over three hours. The train station is conveniently located near the French Quarter, allowing you to grab a meal or do some quick sightseeing. Please return at least 30 minutes before your train’s departure, as trains board early. Most other train connections will require an overnight stay, and there are many hotels within a short distance from the station.
Weather considerations: Louisiana can be hot and humid, especially in summer. Most stations have at least a basic shelter, but if you’re waiting for a delayed train, be prepared. The New Orleans station has full indoor waiting areas and climate control.
Boarding at small stations: At unstaffed stations, be visible on the platform and have your ticket ready (either printed or on your phone via the Amtrak app). The conductor will scan your ticket when boarding.
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Planning An Amtrak in Louisiana Adventure
When booking travel in Louisiana, consider these factors:
Route selection: Think about where you’re going and which route makes sense. If you’re traveling north, the City of New Orleans is your option. For the Northeast, take the Crescent. Heading west requires the Sunset Limited, but remember its limited schedule.
Accommodation options: The Crescent, City of New Orleans, and Sunset Limited offer coach-class and sleeping-car accommodations (roomettes and bedrooms) for overnight travel. Mardi Gras provides coach and business classes.
Small-station logistics: If you’re boarding or detraining at an unstaffed station in Louisiana, confirm the station location, track your train, arrive early, and have your ticket ready. These stops are brief.
Checking schedules: Amtrak schedules can change seasonally and due to operational factors. Always check current schedules on Amtrak.com before making final plans, especially if you’re coordinating with the Sunset Limited’s three-day-per-week service.
Louisiana’s Amtrak service gives you genuine options for exploring the state and connecting to destinations across the country. Whether you’re a first-time train passenger or someone who hasn’t ridden Amtrak in a while, Louisiana’s routes are straightforward to understand and navigate once you know the basics.
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