Amtrak to New Orleans: Trains, Routes, Station & Travel Tips

Taking Amtrak to New Orleans can mark the beginning of a fantastic adventure! My first trip to the “Crescent City” was inspired by my love of trains. I booked the City of New Orleans for the journey, not knowing I’d also fall in love with the destination.

I still miss strolling the streets, people-watching, admiring the architecture, and sipping an adult beverage. What could be better than starting your day with beignets, grabbing a Po-Boy for lunch, and letting spontaneity decide your dinner plans? And, of course, you can’t beat the soundtrack of New Orleans; the music is everywhere.

Perhaps you’re organizing your trip for Mardi Gras or Jazz Fest, or you might yearn for a getaway to experience the city’s vibrant energy. Instead of battling traffic, searching for parking, or dealing with airport stress, why not let Amtrak handle the journey for you?

With three routes to the Big Easy, Amtrak gets you close to the action, making it easy to explore as soon as you arrive. One of my favorite moments is stepping off the train and taking that short, scenic walk to my hotel; it’s the perfect way to ease into the city’s rhythm.

Quick Answer: Which Amtrak trains go to New Orleans?

Amtrak serves the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal with four routes:

• City of New Orleans – Chicago to New Orleans
• Crescent – New York to New Orleans
• Sunset Limited – Los Angeles to New Orleans
• Mardi Gras Service – Mobile to New Orleans

New Orleans is an excellent Amtrak destination due to its proximity to downtown, the French Quarter, hotels, dining options, and public transportation.

New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal (station)

Amtrak operates one regional train and three long-distance trains serving New Orleans from the East Coast, the West Coast, and the Midwest.

These trains arrive at the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal, located at 1001 Loyola Avenue in the Warehouse Arts District.

Station Amenities:

• Comfortable waiting area with plenty of seating
• Sleeper car passenger lounge
• Ticket office and baggage check services
• Food options (Subway, pizza)
• Gift shop

Hours:

• Station: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
• Ticket office and baggage services start 30 minutes after the station opens.

Getting Around: The station puts you in the heart of the action. The French Quarter is just a 15-minute walk, or you can grab a taxi, rideshare, or hop on public transportation right outside the door.

Learn more about the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. You can check services and hours on the official Amtrak station page.

Amtrak Long-distance Routes to New Orleans

These trains offer:

* The family rooms are available only on the City of New Orleans and Sunset Limited trains.

This next section provides a brief overview of each train, along with links to more information, to help you plan your next adventure.

City of New Orleans – Chicago to New Orleans

If you’re traveling from the Midwest, the City of New Orleans is easily accessible by train. This overnight train departs from Chicago and takes approximately 19 hours, passing through cities like Memphis and Jackson before arriving in New Orleans in the late afternoon.

One highlight of the journey is crossing the nearly 6-mile bridge over Lake Pontchartrain. As you glide over the water, it feels like the train has transformed into a cruise ship, especially if you’re on the upper level. You’ll also travel through the Mississippi Delta and the Louisiana bayou, where Spanish moss drapes from cypress trees.

What to Expect on Board:

• Superliner equipment: Two-level train cars with large windows for great views
• Food on the train: Sleeper passengers receive Amtrak’s Flexible Dining. All passengers can purchase food and beverages from the café car.
• Sightseer Lounge: An observation car with floor-to-ceiling windows – the best spot to watch the scenery unfold

Learn more about the City of New Orleans.

Crescent – New York to New Orleans

Travelers from the East Coast can board the Crescent train, departing from New York City. The train travels south through Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Charlotte, Atlanta, and Birmingham, arriving in New Orleans approximately 30 hours later.

This scenic journey begins in the bustling Northeast. It takes you through the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, best enjoyed during daylight hours, as you travel through Virginia and the Carolinas. Along the way, you’ll experience the charm of pastoral farmland and quaint small towns, leading you into the heart of the South.

What to Expect on Board:

• Viewliner equipment: Single-level train cars featuring large windows in both coach and sleeper accommodations.
• Food on the train: Sleeper passengers receive Amtrak’s Flexible Dining. All passengers can purchase food and beverages from the café car.
• No observation car

Learn more about the Crescent.

Sunset Limited – Los Angeles to New Orleans

Coming from the West Coast? The Sunset Limited offers a unique cross-country journey from Los Angeles through Arizona, Texas, and Louisiana, culminating in New Orleans. This is Amtrak’s most southern transcontinental route, covering approximately 1,995 miles in about 46 hours.

NOTE: This train operates only three times a week, departing from LA on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays. Therefore, plan accordingly. You can also connect to this route from the Midwest via the Texas Eagle in San Antonio.

The scenery is incredibly diverse—from the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts to West Texas ranch country, the piney woods of East Texas, and Louisiana’s Atchafalaya Swamp. Don’t miss the quirky Prada Marfa art installation in Valentine, TX – visible from the train!

What to Expect on Board:

• Superliner equipment: Two-level train cars with spacious seating and sleeping accommodations
• Traditional dining: Full-service dining car with hot, chef-prepared meals included for sleeper passengers (a step up from flex dining)
• Sightseer Lounge: An observation car with panoramic windows, essential for this scenic route. On the lower level, a café is available to all passengers.

Learn more about Amtrak’s Sunset Limited.

Amtrak Mardi Gras Service – Mobile to New Orleans (Regional)

The Amtrak Mardi Gras Service provides twice-daily regional service between Mobile, AL, and New Orleans, LA, along the Gulf Coast.

This train is an excellent choice for travelers arriving from Mobile, Biloxi, Gulfport, Bay St. Louis, or other Gulf Coast communities who wish to visit New Orleans without the hassle of driving. Additionally, it serves as a convenient option for those in New Orleans looking to take a side trip and explore the Mississippi Gulf Coast by train.

You can connect in New Orleans with the City of New Orleans, the Crescent, and the Sunset Limited, though some connections may require a layover or an overnight stay.

Why Take Amtrak to New Orleans?

• No Stress Over Parking: Parking can be a headache and relatively expensive in New Orleans, as in many larger cities.
  • Arriving by train puts you close to many places you want to visit, eliminating the need to search for parking. You can walk, take a rideshare, a taxi, or public transportation, all of which are just a few steps away.
• A Relaxing Ride: Skip the airport madness and long TSA lines.
  • On Amtrak, you can relax, enjoy a snack, and watch the scenery pass by.
• Pack More: Unlike airlines, Amtrak allows passengers to bring a personal item and two carry-ons. Some stations allow passengers to check two bags for free.
  • But the lighter you pack, the easier things can be.

Tips for a Smooth Amtrak to New Orleans Experience

• Book Early: New Orleans can be bustling year-round, and Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest are particularly popular times to visit. Trains can fill up quickly, and hotel prices increase rapidly. Book your tickets as soon as possible for the best prices and availability.
• Consider an upgrade: If you’re traveling long distances, an overnight train with a Roomette or Bedroom will make your trip more comfortable.
• Check Luggage Policies: Amtrak’s generous baggage policy allows you to bring multiple bags, but be aware of checking restrictions to avoid surprises.
• Arriving at the station early lets you navigate and check your bags if needed, since Chicago Union Station, LA Union Station, and others can get quite crowded.
  • The lounge is available to sleeper car passengers departing from Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, or Washington, D.C. Additionally, there is a sleeper car passenger waiting lounge in New Orleans.

Booking Your Amtrak to New Orleans Adventure

Amtrak makes booking your trip easy.

• You can book by using:
  • Amtrak.com
  • The Amtrak app
  • Calling 1-800-USA-Rail (1-800-872-7245)
  • At staffed stations

If you prefer packages, check with your travel agent or a company specializing in train travel.

Thinking about your NOLA trip? Take a look at the Beyond Bourbon Street Podcast.

Whether it’s your first time in New Orleans or you’re a returning visitor, planning a trip to the Big Easy can be overwhelming—there’s just so much to see and do! That’s why I recommend checking out Beyond Bourbon Street.

Mark Bologna hosts this podcast and website that offer insider tips on where to eat, what to see, and how to experience New Orleans like a local. Beyond Bourbon Street is a fantastic resource for making the most of your visit, from the best spots for beignets to hidden gems beyond the French Quarter.

I have been listening to this podcast for years, and it helps me stay in love with the city when I miss New Orleans!

FAQ: Taking Amtrak to New Orleans

What Amtrak trains go to New Orleans?

Amtrak serves New Orleans with four routes:

• City of New Orleans — Chicago to New Orleans
• Crescent — New York City to New Orleans
• Sunset Limited — Los Angeles to New Orleans
• Mardi Gras Service — Mobile to New Orleans

These routes connect New Orleans to much of the Midwest, Northeast, Gulf Coast, and West Coast.

Final Thoughts on Taking Amtrak to New Orleans

Taking Amtrak to New Orleans can be an adventure — and is often far less stressful than driving or flying. Many parts of these routes offer beautiful scenery, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination.

For me, the train ride is a key part of the fun, and I hope it becomes an enjoyable aspect of your experience as well. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with your entire Krewe, Amtrak offers options for nearly every type of traveler.

I have traveled on all of these trains over the years and found them to be a fantastic way to get to and from New Orleans. However, if round-trip train travel doesn’t fit your plans, flying home is always an option—no judgment here. Travel should accommodate your schedule and comfort level.

Ready to ride the rails to the Big Easy? Book your Amtrak trip to New Orleans and laissez les bons temps rouler!

Kev