Train Transportation to New Orleans: Planning Your Trip

New Orleans, the iconic city celebrated for its jazz, Creole cuisine, and Mardi Gras festivities, attracts travelers from around the globe. While many visitors opt to fly or drive, train travel offers a unique and memorable way to experience the journey. With several Amtrak routes connecting major cities across the United States to New Orleans, planning a train excursion to this renowned destination has never been easier.

TL;DR

• Amtrak offers three main routes to New Orleans: the Crescent from New York, the City of New Orleans from Chicago, and the Sunset Limited from Los Angeles.
• Booking early, comparing options, and considering sleeper accommodations can secure the best deals and ensure a comfortable trip.
• New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is centrally located, providing easy access to ground transportation, hotels, dining, and attractions.

Train Routes to New Orleans

Amtrak, the national passenger rail service, provides several routes that connect New Orleans to various cities across the country. The three primary routes are:

Amtrak Crescent

This route runs daily between New York City and New Orleans, passing through major cities such as Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington D.C., Charlotte, Atlanta, and Birmingham. The journey takes approximately 30 hours, offering passengers stunning views of the Eastern Seaboard and the Deep South.

Amtrak City of New Orleans

Connecting Chicago to New Orleans, this route travels through the heart of America, with stops in Memphis and Jackson, Mississippi. The trip takes around 19 hours, providing a glimpse into the Midwest and the Mississippi Delta region.

Amtrak Sunset Limited

As the southernmost transcontinental route in the United States, the Sunset Limited runs three times a week between Los Angeles and New Orleans. The journey takes about 48 hours, traversing the deserts of the Southwest, the mountains of West Texas, and the bayous of Louisiana.

In addition to these long-distance routes, regional train services like the proposed Baton Rouge to New Orleans line, set to launch as early as 2027, will offer a convenient way to travel between Louisiana’s capital and its largest metropolitan area.

Booking Train Tickets

When planning your train trip to New Orleans, it’s essential to book your tickets in advance to secure your preferred travel dates and seating options. You can book Amtrak tickets online, by phone, or at the station. Here are some tips for booking your train tickets:

• Compare ticket options and prices for different routes and classes, such as coach seats, business class, or sleeper cars. Sleeper cars offer more privacy and comfort, with amenities like beds, showers, and meals included in the fare.
• Look for advance purchase discounts and other promotions available, as booking early can often result in significant savings.
• Familiarize yourself with Amtrak’s refund and exchange policies for train tickets, in case your plans change.

Onboard Amenities and Services

Amtrak trains offer a range of amenities and services to make your journey comfortable and enjoyable. Depending on the route and class of service, you can expect:

• Various seating options, including coach seats with ample legroom and recline, as well as sleeper cars with private rooms and beds.
• Dining options, such as café cars offering light snacks and beverages, and dining cars serving full meals prepared by onboard chefs.
• Wi-Fi, entertainment systems, and electrical outlets to keep you connected and entertained throughout your trip.
• Accessibility accommodations for passengers with disabilities, such as wheelchair spaces and accessible restrooms.

What to Pack for the Train Trip

When packing for your train trip to New Orleans, consider Amtrak’s carry-on and checked baggage allowances and restrictions. Generally, you can bring two personal items and two carry-on bags per passenger, with additional checked baggage available for a fee.

Some essential items to bring on your train journey include:

• Snacks and beverages to supplement onboard dining options
• Entertainment, such as books, magazines, or electronic devices
• Toiletries and a change of clothes for overnight trips
• Comfortable clothing and layers to accommodate temperature changes
• Any necessary medications or personal items

Arriving in New Orleans by Train

New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal, located at 1001 Loyola Avenue, serves as the main train station for the city. The station is centrally located, just a short walk from the French Quarter and other popular attractions.

Upon arrival, you’ll find several ground transportation options, including:

• Taxis and rideshares, available at the designated pick-up area outside the station
• Public transportation, with bus and streetcar stops nearby
• Rental cars, with several companies operating at or near the station

The station itself offers amenities such as restrooms, a waiting area, and a small food court. Numerous hotels, restaurants, and attractions are within walking distance, making it easy to begin your New Orleans adventure right away.

Train Travel Tips and Considerations

Train travel offers several benefits compared to flying or driving, including:

• A more relaxed and scenic journey, with the opportunity to enjoy the passing landscapes and socialize with fellow passengers
• Reduced stress from traffic, parking, and airport security
• A lower carbon footprint, as trains are more environmentally friendly than planes or cars

To make the most of your train journey, consider these strategies:

• Bring a pillow and blanket for added comfort, especially on overnight trips
• Take advantage of the observation cars, if available, for panoramic views of the passing scenery
• Engage with fellow passengers in the dining or lounge cars, as train travel often fosters a sense of community and shared experience

Some common mistakes to avoid when traveling by train include:

• Overpacking or exceeding baggage allowances
• Failing to book accommodations or dining reservations in advance, particularly during peak travel times
• Not familiarizing yourself with the train schedule and station locations along your route

Amtrak has implemented various safety and security measures to ensure the well-being of passengers, including:

• Enhanced cleaning and sanitization protocols
• Mandatory face coverings for passengers and crew
• Social distancing measures in stations and on trains
• Contactless ticketing and boarding procedures

Exploring New Orleans by Train

Once you’ve arrived in New Orleans, you can use the city’s public transportation system to explore the many attractions and neighborhoods. The historic streetcars, operated by the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA), offer a charming and convenient way to navigate the city.

The four main streetcar lines are:

1. St. Charles Line: Running from the edge of the French Quarter through the Garden District and Uptown
2. Canal Street Line: Connecting the French Quarter to the cemeteries and Mid-City
3. Riverfront Line: Traveling along the Mississippi River from the French Quarter to the Convention Center
4. Rampart-St. Claude Line: Linking the French Quarter to the Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods

To ride the streetcars, you can purchase a one-way fare for $1.25 or a Jazzy Pass for unlimited rides. Jazzy Passes are available for 1, 3, 5, or 31 days, with prices ranging from $3 to $55.

In addition to the streetcars, the RTA operates an extensive network of buses that cover areas not served by the streetcar lines. Bus fares are the same as streetcar fares, and Jazzy Passes are valid on both modes of transportation.

For a unique perspective of the city, consider taking the Algiers Ferry, which connects the foot of Canal Street to the historic Algiers Point neighborhood on the West Bank of the Mississippi River. The ferry ride offers stunning views of the New Orleans skyline and costs just $2 each way.

From the rich history and architecture of the French Quarter to the vibrant music scene on Frenchmen Street, New Orleans has something for every visitor. By arriving by train and exploring the city using its public transportation system, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and experience the Big Easy like a true insider.