New York, NY to New Orleans, LA Train

Travel by train from New York, NY, to New Orleans, LA.

The train from New York, NY, to New Orleans, LA, lasts on average 40 hr 27 min. Around 2 trains depart a day between New York, NY, and New Orleans, LA, the average price is $239.65 and the lowest ticket pricing starts at around $150.87.

Amtrak, the largest passenger railroad service in the US, operates the train from New York to New Orleans. Only one can take you directly from the Big Apple to the Big Easy - the Amtrak Crescent. You can tailor your trip with a stopover in different cities or choose to change trains in Chicago, adding another 10 hours to your trip. The journey on the Crescent lasts 30 hours; luckily there is an option of booking a sleeper car. 

The Amtrak Crescent is a long-distance service connecting New York to New Orleans. While traveling between arguably the two most exciting cities in the US, The Crescent passes through 12 states, taking you from the festive southern gems like Nashville and New Orleans to the busy North East bustling cities like Philadelphia and Washington.

The Crescent contains Viewliner sleeping cars, with two sleeping units available - the smaller Roomette or the more comfortable Bedroom. 

The Roomette is in a tiny room, but it is very well-used. Different innovative storage solutions will surprise you at every step. Two comfortable recliner seats turn into a bed, and the second bunk bed that you pull from the ceiling turns this tiny living room into a tiny bedroom for two, and still with enough space and a great view. The older Viewliner cars have a toilet and a sink in the room (one of the surprises under the steps to the upper bunk), which can be tricky if there are two people. The newer cars have toilets and bathrooms in the hallway.

The Bedroom is twice as big, with a big comfy queen bed and a bathroom in the room (separated by a door). It has all the amenities of the Roomette with more space and a higher price. 

If you opt for the sleeping car, remember to book the entire unit, whether alone or with someone. Also, the coach has comfortable reclining seats, perfect for getting some shut-eye, so give it a chance.

The Café car is available for all passengers during the day, while the Sleepers Lounge is open only for sleeping passengers. Both offer meals, snacks, and beverages, and the sleepers have all three meals included in the ticket price.

You will start your journey at New York's Penn Station's newest addition - Moynihan Train Hall. Recently opened in 2021, the new transportation facility and architectural marvel is situated across 8th Avenue from Penn Station. Fun fact or a warning: Penn Station is the busiest train station in the western hemisphere, so keep your eyes peeled on your belongings and take a deep breath before you step into the station.

Union Passenger Terminal is the central transportation hub in New Orleans. It is the first stop for three big Amtrak lines leading to Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles. The station offers vending machines, shops, a game room, and a ticket office and is fully accessible, providing a wheelchair lift and accessible toilet facilities. Both daily and overnight parking is available if you are considering leaving your car at the station. The Greyhound and Jefferson buses serve the station and the signature New Orleans street cars.

New Orleans, NOLA, or the "Big Easy," is a vibrant city filled with rich history, unique culture, and delicious cuisine. Your first destination should be the famous French Quarter, which features colorful architecture, street performers, jazz music, and mouth-watering beignets. Visitors can also stroll through the historic Garden District to see stunning mansions and oak-lined streets or visit the St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square. The city is also famous for its festivals, such as Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest, lively music, food, and cultural celebrations. Finally, every trip to New Orleans would only be complete with sampling the local cuisine, such as gumbo, po'boys, and crawfish, found in countless restaurants throughout the city.

So if you plan to travel from New York to New Orleans by train, let us help you plan it. We check thousands of rail, bus, and flight destinations to help you find the best price. Check out our handy price calendar below, where you can see the best prices across all modes of transport between New York and New Orleans.