Amtrak operates four routes to New Orleans, each with its own personality. The City of New Orleans chugs from Chicago in 19 hours. The Crescent crawls from New York in a marathon 32 hours. The Sunset Limited trudges from Los Angeles in an epic 46-hour slog. The Mardi Gras Service zips from Mobile in just 2.5 hours. All trains dump passengers at Union Passenger Terminal, conveniently located steps from the French Quarter. There’s more to contemplate before booking.
While flying might be faster, taking the train to New Orleans offers something airlines can’t match: the journey becomes part of the destination. Three major Amtrak routes serve the city, and each one seems to tell a different story of America along the rails.
The City of New Orleans runs daily from Chicago, covering the distance in roughly 19-20 hours. This route cuts through Memphis, Jackson, and countless Mississippi towns that most people only see from 30,000 feet.
The rails reveal America’s hidden heartland—small towns and sprawling landscapes that vanish beneath airline passengers racing overhead.
Meanwhile, the Crescent makes its daily trek from New York City via Philadelphia, Washington DC, Atlanta, and Birmingham—a 32-hour odyssey through the Eastern Seaboard and Deep South.
For West Coast travelers, the Sunset Limited operates three times weekly from Los Angeles. At 46 hours, it’s a marathon journey through San Antonio, Houston, and Southwest points. Yes, 46 hours. That’s not a typo.
A newer addition, the Mardi Gras Service, connects Mobile twice daily with stops along the Gulf Coast, including Biloxi and Bay St. Louis. The 2.5-3 hour trip serves those wanting a shorter rail experience.
All trains arrive at Union Passenger Terminal, conveniently located steps from the French Quarter. The station operates from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, offering ticketing, baggage services, and accessibility features.
Ticket pricing varies wildly depending on distance, booking window, and demand. Coach seats often cost less than flights when booked early. Depending on your starting point, you might need to make connections at major hubs, with common transfer locations including Chicago, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles.
That said, roomettes and bedrooms are available on long-distance trains, including beds, private space, and meals—but expect to pay over twice the coach fare. Personal alcohol consumption is permitted in these private accommodations for added comfort.
Onboard amenities differ by route. Café cars serve all trains, while sleeping car passengers get flexible dining. WiFi exists on select routes like the Crescent but remains absent on the City of New Orleans. Because apparently, some journeys still require actual disconnection.
All trains serving New Orleans accommodate passengers with disabilities. Staff provide support both at stations and onboard. These routes connect New Orleans to Amtrak’s extensive network spanning over 500 destinations across the country.
On top of that, checked baggage, carry-on accommodations, and even pet programs are available on most routes.
Prices surge during events like Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest. Planning ahead helps avoid sticker shock.
Did You Know
What Items Are Prohibited on Amtrak Trains to New Orleans?
Amtrak bans firearms, explosives, and sharp objects from carry-on bags.
Don’t even think about bringing furniture, car parts, or your prized sword collection.
Fresh seafood? Nope. Dumbbells and kayaks are out too.
Basically, if it’s dangerous, heavy, smelly, or could double as a weapon, leave it home.
They’re not running a storage facility or weapons depot here.
Can I Bring My Pet on the Train to New Orleans?
Yes, pets can travel to New Orleans on Amtrak trains.
Small cats and dogs only—maximum 20 pounds including carrier. Coach class exclusively, except Acela Business on weekends. Costs $26 each way.
Pet stays locked in carrier the entire trip, no exceptions. Book early since only eight pet spots per departure.
Some routes ban pets entirely, so double-check specific trains to New Orleans.
Is There Wifi Available on Trains Traveling to New Orleans?
WiFi availability depends entirely on which route passengers choose.
The Crescent from New York City offers onboard WiFi, but other major routes like the City of New Orleans from Chicago and Sunset Limited from Los Angeles don’t.
So much for staying connected.
The WiFi that does exist runs slow, blocks streaming, and cuts out frequently in rural areas.
How Early Should I Arrive at the Station Before Departure?
Passengers should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure for most trains.
Long-distance journeys bump that up to 45-60 minutes.
Need baggage help or ticketing? Make it an hour.
Peak travel seasons mean longer lines and more chaos, so arriving earlier saves headaches.
Some boarding gates close 3-10 minutes before departure, which is frankly ridiculous but true.
Are Meals Included in My Train Ticket to New Orleans?
Depends on your ticket type.
Sleeping car passengers get meals included through Flexible Dining – breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Coach passengers? Nope, you’re buying everything from the café car.
There’s one catch though: if you’re departing New Orleans southbound, lunch isn’t included even for sleeper passengers.
You’ll need to grab something from the café or all-day menu before dinner service starts.
Parting Shot
Taking the train to New Orleans isn’t rocket science. Book a ticket, pack light, and show up on time. The city’s Union Passenger Terminal sits right downtown—convenient, sure, but don’t expect luxury. Amtrak gets you there eventually. No traffic jams, no airport security theater. Just miles of track and whatever passes for scenery these days. Whether it’s worth the journey depends entirely on what awaits in the Big Easy.
