
Trains from Houston to New Orleans
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Train Trip Information: Houston to New Orleans
There is one daily train from Houston to New Orleans. Traveling by train from Houston to New Orleans usually takes around 9 hours and 30 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
Distance | 318 mi (511 km) |
Fastest train | 9h 30m |
Lowest price | $59.82 |
Trains per day | 1 |
Most frequent service | Amtrak Sunset Limited |
Train lines | 1 |
Price trends for trains from Houston to New Orleans
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
Which train should you take from Houston to New Orleans?
Amtrak Sunset Limited is the one and only train line which connects Houston to New Orleans. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
---|---|---|---|
Amtrak Sunset Limited | 1 | 9h 30m | $65.71 |
Amtrak Sunset Limited
The Sunset Limited is an Amtrak train that travels nearly 2,000 miles through the American Southwest from Los Angeles to New Orleans. The mountain, desert, and bayou landscapes along the route make the Sunset Limited one of the most scenic Amtrak train routes. Travelers can book a coach seat or upgrade to a roomette for additional space and sleeping accommodations. All classes of service can stay connected with seatside power outlets and access the cafe car to purchase snacks. A Coach ticket for a comfortable, convenient, and scenic ride from Houston to New Orleans on the Sunset Limited usually costs about .
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to travel by train from Houston to New Orleans during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.
In addition, federal law requires all train passengers to wear a face covering for the entire duration of the trip. Please make sure you are wearing a face mask or you may not be allowed to board the train.
Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.
How long is the train journey from Houston to New Orleans?
The distance between Houston and New Orleans is approximately 318 miles, or 511 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 30 minutes,
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
When are trains the most crowded?
Because many passengers travel from Houston to New Orleans at the beginning of the work week, Monday is usually the busiest day for trains. If you are planning to travel on a Monday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Wednesday is typically the least busy day for train travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the train, traveling mid-week is your best bet.
When are the first and last trains of the day?
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Houston at 12:00pm and arrives in New Orleans around 9 hours later.
How many trains are there each day?
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to New Orleans with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains.
You can also take a train for your return trip from New Orleans to Houston.
City Information
Houston

Image credit: Unsplash

Image credit: Unsplash

Image credit: Unsplash
Houston, Texas is one of the most populous cities and among the most expansive cities in the U.S. As a result, Houston has become the leading commercial center in the Southern United States. Astronomy aficionados recognize Houston as the city where NASA’s Mission Control Center is located, and music fans know Houston as the birthplace of Queen B herself, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter.
Even though Houston has a relatively small downtown area, it is packed with exciting things you can do while you’re in town. If you’re in the mood for a cultural outing, head to the Theater District where you are sure to find a play or a music performance you’d enjoy, or check out the Museum District that boasts more than 20 different museums and galleries. Since Houston is the most racially and ethnically diverse city in the country, its restaurant scene is one of a kind offering a rich variety of cuisines from all over the world. The many experiences available in Houston make it one of Texas' best vacation destinations.
As one of the main metropolitan cities in the U.S., Houston is very well connected to the rest of the country and the world. The main bus and train stations are both located right in the heart of downtown making it easy to get to your final destination by public transit or car. There are also several airports within the city’s vicinity that provide a good variety of options depending on where you’re flying to or from.
New Orleans

Image credit: Unsplash

Image credit: Unsplash

Image credit: Unsplash
New Orleans is the most populous city in the southern state of Louisiana and one of the most popular party destinations in the whole world. Known as The Big Easy, New Orleans is famous for its distinct French-Spanish architecture, Creole cuisine, and unique music. Around the globe, New Orleans is best known as the host city of Mardi Gras, a late-winter carnival known for flashy costumes and never-ending street parties. Because of that, NOLA is consistently among the preferred vacation destinations among spring breakers and post-grad travelers.
There’s a lot more to New Orleans than just partying, though. While you’re in town, connect with the artistic side of your personality with a visit to the famed New Orleans Museum of Art where you will find the South’s most impressive collection of French and American art. A visit to the Big Easy will not be complete without stopping by some of the city’s iconic cemeteries. Whether you take a guided tour or you explore on your own, you will learn a lot about the area’s history and urban legends.
New Orleans is one of the main economic and commercial centers of the U.S. Gulf Coast region, and as such it is easily accessible by all kinds of transportation. The airport is located not too far from the city center, while the city’s main bus and train station, the Union Passenger Terminal, is placed right in the heart of downtown New Orleans.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Houston?

Image credit: Bill Bradford
Link to image attributionDeparture stations
The Amtrak Station on Washington Avenue is a key stop on the Sunset Limited train route that runs from Los Angeles to New Orleans. Restrooms, vending machines, and checked baggage services are available inside the waiting room of the station. There is also plenty of free same-day and overnight parking onsite. Downtown Houston is within a quick walk, where you can find hotels, restaurants, and attractions in the nearby Theater District, Civic Center, and Skyline District.
All train stations in Houston:
902 Washington Ave
Where is the train station in New Orleans?

Image credit: David Wilson
Link to image attributionArrival stations
Opened in 1954 to replace the five depots spread throughout the city, the Union Passenger Terminal connects all of New Orleans’ passenger rail into one iconic building. To this day, it remains the largest transportation hub in New Orleans and is a key link for travel throughout the Southern United States. Three of Amtrak’s long distance train lines end their service at Union Passenger Terminal: the City of New Orleans line from Chicago, the Crescent line from New York City, and the Sunset Limited line from Los Angeles to New Orleans. Buses operated by Greyhound and Jefferson Lines also serve this station, as well as public transit which connects to New Orleans’ famous streetcars. At the station, there are shops, a game room, and food for purchase, and the city’s must-visit French Quarter is just a mile away.
Train stations in New Orleans:
Union Term - 1001 Loyola Ave
Need a return trip from New Orleans to Houston?
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