Amtrak's Sunset Limited: Train Schedule & Guide

Welcome aboard the Amtrak Sunset Limited! This iconic Superliner train takes you on a cross-country adventure three times a week in each direction, connecting New Orleans, LA, and Los Angeles, CA. Spanning 1,995 miles and five states—Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California—the Sunset Limited stops at 20 unique stations, including notable cities like San Antonio, El Paso, Tucson, and Phoenix. Each destination brings its charm, making this journey as diverse as it is scenic.

Traveling end-to-end, the Sunset Limited completes its epic route in under 46 hours. For part of the trip between San Antonio and Los Angeles, the train combines with the Texas Eagle, offering an interesting overlap for travelers. If you’re booking this segment, check both trains to find the best price for your trip.

This guide has everything you need to plan your journey, from Sunset Limited’s schedule and route details to tips for quickly booking your next Amtrak adventure.

The Views Of The Sunset Limited

Embark on an unforgettable journey between Louisiana and California along our scenic southernmost route. Step aboard the Sunset Limited and immerse yourself in the captivating sights outside your window. From the enchanting Bayou Country to the rugged Mexican border, the vast southwestern deserts, and the majestic peaks of California’s mountains, you’ll experience breathtaking scenery.

To expand your adventure further, you can seamlessly connect to other Amtrak trains, such as the Texas Eagle, Coast Starlight, Pacific Surfliner, and San Joaquins.

A few personal highlights on this journey include spotting the Prada Store in the desert and, if you’re lucky, enjoying a tasty burrito from the Burrito Lady in El Paso! The Huey P. Long Bridge is an exciting experience on the other end of the route. It gives the feeling of flying at one point and being in the middle of a highway at another. There is much more to see on this route.

Sunset Limited Booking Sidenote

If you get an error when booking this train, it could be because you are trying to book on a day this train does not run. Check the schedule below to see what day of the week the train stops.

If you are traveling between San Antonio and LA, it does not matter if you are on train 1 or 421; the same is true with 2 or 422. For more information, check out this article about trains with multiple route numbers.

The Amtrak Sunset Limited Limited has on-time performances and hosts railroads.

Delays can occur regardless of the mode of transportation. Regarding train travel, delays are sometimes beyond Amtrak’s control. It’s important to note that delays on Amtrak trains may have other factors, such as weather and the actions of the host railroads.

• Sunset Limited On-time Performance
  • For December 2024, the average passenger on-time performance was 77.3%, with an average delay of 104 minutes.
  • From December 2023 to 2024, Amtrak’s Sunset Limited’s average passenger on-time performance was 61.6%, with an average delay of 113 minutes.

This section contains information from the December 2024 Amtrak Host Railroad Report. Passengers connecting with other trains can read my articles on the on-time performance of Amtrak long-distance trains.

The host railroads and the cause of delays

Sunset Limited has to travel 15 or more miles to make this list, and these are the top two delays caused to Amtrak trains by these railroads. Learn more about the causes of Amtrak delays.

• BNSF
  • The train runs on 190 miles of tracks
  • Delays caused by freight train interference and slow order delays.
• UP
  • The train runs 1784 miles on UP tracks
  • Delays caused by freight train interference and slow order delays.

In fairness, slow order delays can be necessary for safety, such as during track work or extreme weather.

Coach Class Seating on the Sunset Limited

Amtrak offers upper and lower seating options when traveling in the Sunset Limited coach class accommodations. These seats are designed for comfort and can recline, providing ample legroom for a relaxing journey. 

Each seat has a convenient fold-down tray and individual reading lights, catering to your comfort and convenience.

For your convenience, the Sunset Limited coach class has 120v grounded electric outlets (three prongs) on the wall under every window. 

You can store luggage above your seat, and additional storage is available on a rack on the lower level near the stairs. Both places provide ample space for your belongings.

Bathrooms are situated on the lower level, ensuring easy access for all passengers.

Kev’s top 5 coach class travel tips

My first long-distance train trip was in coach class. Since that first trip in 2014, I have been in coach class on several trains. A few things I do make my trips better:

1. Pack a water bottle and snacks! While you can purchase food and drinks on the train, having a water bottle handy is essential. I notice that when I am on the train for a long time, I get dry, similar to when I fly. So, having a water bottle will help; those snacks are helpful when the cafe is closed.

2. Bring an extension cord. The outlet is under the window, so you may need to bother your seatmate if you have an aisle seat. But if you bring an extension cord, you can run it to your side without bothering them and plug in more than one thing.

3. Remember your electronics and electronic accessories! Your phone and tablet are only helpful if you keep them charged, so remember your chargers and cords. Also, bring comfortable headphones. If it makes noise, you need headphones!

4. If you spend the night on the train, consider bringing a pillow and blanket, as Amtrak does not provide them. Amtrak does sell comfort kits in the cafe car, but they could run out. An eye mask, earplugs, and a sleep aid may also help you.

5. You will not have access to a shower, but I found that wet wipes help you feel fresh. You can use the restrooms to clean up. Remember that all wipes go in the trash, so do not flush them.

Amtrak provides window views for entertainment, but for more options, explore my Amtrak entertainment ideas. The Sunset Limited does not offer Wi-Fi.

Sunset Limited Coach Class Car Layout

Sleeper Car (Rooms) on the Sunset Limited

All rooms include:

• Fresh linens and towels
• Traditional Dining
• Lounge access in Los Angeles and New Orleans
• Dedicated car attendant
• Curtains for privacy and to block out the light
• Room lights, plus night and reading lights.
• Your room will have a closet or a hook to hang things, and Amtrak will provide hangers.

Types of rooms offered

There are four types of rooms offered on this train.

• Roomette
  • Grand for one cozy for two
  • 1-10 on the upper level and 11-14 on the lower.
• Bedroom
  • Great for two and offers the most out of any accommodation on this train!
  • Only on the upper level and have ensuite bathroom/shower
• Family bedroom
  • This car is great for two adults and two little ones.
  • On the lower level of the car
• Accessible room
  • A room for those with mobility challenges.
  • Room for a travel companion

Superliner Sleeper Car Layout

Sunset Limited Add-ons

You can add a few things to your reservations that could improve your trip.

Bikes

• Space is available for standard, full-size bicycles.
  • Up to 50 lbs, 70 inches x 41 inches x 8.5 inches
  • Amtrak stores bikes in the baggage car (if available).
• Learn more about this and the complete rules on Amtrak’s bike policy page.

Pets and service animals

• Amtrak allows dogs and cats to be allowed if they meet these qualifications.
  • You are allowed up to 20 pounds with the combined weight of the pet and carrier.
  • Your trip needs to be seven hours or less.
  • Your fluffy friend needs to be on your reservation
    • After you complete your reservation, Amtrak will electronically send you a form to fill out before you leave for the station. You can also find the paperwork in the My Trip section.
• To learn more, check out Amtrak’s pet policy.

If you have a service or comfort animal, please read Amtrak’s service animal policy before booking your trip.

Luggage: checked and carry-on

Please take note of the following information on checking baggage on Sunset Limited.

Not all stations offer checked baggage, so please click on the station links below to see if they do.

If you want to check your baggage, your first and last stops must offer this service.

Additional fees apply for extra or oversized luggage. Each passenger can check up to four bags. For more details, please refer to Amtrak’s checked bag service policy.

Each passenger may carry on:

• One personal item, 25 lbs. (12 kg) and 14 x 11 x 7 inches
• Two carry-on pieces of luggage, 50 lbs. (23 kg) and 28 x 22 x 14 inches each

If you transfer to the Pacific Surfliner at some point along your journey, the baggage size for that train is up to 28 x 22 x 11 inches each.

Charges apply for additional and oversized luggage; check out Amtrak’s carry-on bag policy for more information.

Accessibility on this train

There is a wheelchair ramp that is available to assist passengers with a wheeled mobility device in boarding and detraining. There is also lower-level coach seating for those with mobility challenges and an accessible bedroom if you want private and more space.

A Look at the Amtrak Sunset Limited by the Day

If you board the train along the route, you may not realize it has traveled for a while. This graph shows the route by day, with the first and last stops for each day.

Trains	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
#1 Westbound	New Orleans, LA – Houston, TX	San Antonio, TX, – Yuma, AZ	Palm Springs, AZ – Los Angeles, CA
#2 Eastbound	Los Angeles, CA – Ontario, CA	Palm Springs, CA -Sander, TX	Del Rio, TX – New Orleans, LA

Food service on the Amtrak Sunset Limited

There are two food cars on this train!

Amtrak Cafe

The café is on the lower level of the Sightseer Lounge. The car is between the dining room and coach cars in the train’s center. The cafe takes cash and cards; if you want to use a card onboard or buy an adult beverage, have your ID ready.

It is generally open from 6 am to 10 pm, but hours may vary, so please listen for announcements. The car does close during the day for the attendant’s meal breaks.

You can purchase a variety of hot and cold meals and snacks, as well as hot, cold, and adult beverages. The café attendant will warm your purchased products. Selections can change, and the availability of all items along your adventure is not guaranteed, for this car gets filled at the beginning of the trip.

You can bring food and drinks aboard the train, but Amtrak cannot heat, refrigerate, or store them. You can only drink alcohol you brought on the train if you are in a sleeper’s accommodation. If you are in coach class, leave it packed, or you could get removed from the train.

Amtrak Sunset Limited Dining Car

The Sunset Limited features a dining car that provides sit-down meals, traditional chef-prepared dishes, and table service.

There are breakfast, lunch, and three-course dinner options and choices for kids. Along with your meals, you get complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, but the dining car offers a variety of wine, beer, and spirits for purchase. If you eat dinner on the train, your first adult beverage is on Amtrak!

Meals are complimentary for sleeping passengers and can be eaten in the dining car or delivered to their rooms. Coach passengers can make limited reservations, and the meals are set in price.

The Sunset Limited: Broken Down by the Day and Dining Car Meals Offered

If you want to see what meals you get on the Sunset Limited, this table will help you figure them out.

Train	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
#1 Westbound	Lunch & Dinner	Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner	No Meal – Late Arrival
#2 Eastbound	No Meal – Late entry	Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner	Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

Amtrak Sunset Limited’s schedule

A few things you should know:

• If a stop does not list an arrival and departure time, it indicates a shortstop, and the time shown is the departure time.
• This train operates three days a week.
• The information below is sourced from Amtrak.com, and schedules are subject to change.

Trains 1 Westbound Read Down	Communities Served Runs Three Times A Week	Miles	Train 2 Eastbound Last Stop
9:00a Mo, We, Sa	New Orleans, LA Union Passenger Terminal (NOL)	0	9:40p Tu, Fr, Su
10:30a	Schriever, LA (SCH)	56	7:03p
11:56a	New Iberia, LA (NIB)	127	5:41p
12:24p	Lafayette, LA (LFT)	145	5:15p
1:55p	Lake Charles, LA (LCH)	219	3:29p
3:34p | 3:48p	Beaumont, TX (BMT)	281	1:53p | 2:05p
6:18p | 6:55p Mo, We, Sa	Houston, TX Amtrak Station (HOS)	363	11:10a | 12:10p
12:05a | 2:45a Tu, Th, Su	San Antonio, TX (SAS)	573	5:00a | 6:25a
5:52a	Del Rio, TX (DRT)	742	1:12a Tu, Fr, Su
8:27a	Sanderson, TX (SND)	868	10:46p Mo, Th, Sa
10:31a | 10:41a	Alpine, TX (ALP)	959	8:45p | 8:55
1:25p | 1:50p	El Paso, TX Union Depot (ELP)	1178	3:00p | 3:45p
3:38p	Deming, NM (DEM)	1264	12:48p
4:33p	Lordsburg, NM (LDB)	1325	11:53a
6:38p	Benson, AZ (BEN)	1443	9:53a
8:00p | 8:15p	Tucson, AZ (TUS)	1493	8:38a | 8:53a
9:32p | 10:02p	Maricopa, AZ (MRC)	1597	6:35a | 6:55a
12:49p Tu, Th, Su	Yuma, AZ (YUM)	1744	3:47a
2:02a We, Fr, Mo	Palm Springs, CA Amtrak Station (PSN)	1890	12:36a Mo, Th, Sa
3:54a	Ontario, CA (ONA)	1957	10:54p Su, We, Fr
4:04a	Pomona, CA (POS)	1964	10:41p
5:35a We, Fr, Mo	Los Angeles, CA – Union Station (LAX)	1995	10:00p Su, We, Fr
Last Stop	Station	Miles	Read Up

Abbreviations

R = Receive passengers only; this means you can board the train, but you cannot buy a ticket on this train to this station.

D = Depart only; you can buy a ticket to this station but not from this station.

* = Stations with Amtrak Connecting Services.

Printable Amtrak Sunset Limited Schedule

You can print the schedule below or custom schedules catered to your tip from Amtrak.com, with layover and other transportation. Learn how to print Amtrak schedules.