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Houston to New Orleans train

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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Houston to New Orleans Train Timetable

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Trip Summary

On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from Houston to New Orleans. The train trip from Houston to New Orleans is usually about 9 hours and 30 minutes long. However, be prepared just in case your train arrives slightly earlier or later than scheduled.

Distance318 mi (511 km)
Fastest train9h 30m
Lowest price£32.88
Trains per day1
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Sunset Limited
Train lines1

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Houston to New Orleans

(Based on 3 ratings and reviews)

4.7

4.0

Shona

23 January 2024- Vacation

Amtrak Sunset Limited

Pros: The coach seats are very comfortable and very roomy and even if the person in front reclines their seat it doesn’t impact you. The cafe is good on the train and has a selection of items. Definitely enjoyed the train and the time passed quickly. Cons: Better toilets. Tips: Bring book or if overnight bring a blanket for sleeping.

5.0

Jasmine

1 January 2023

Amtrak Sunset Limited

Pros: I like the comfortability and the easiness of the trip. I enjoyed the feeling that I had extra bedroom and extra room all in general. There are options to get food in or snacks on the train I highly recommend traveling with Amtrak for your future travel needs. Cons: Departure and Arrival times.

What is the price of a train ticket from Houston to New Orleans?

In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Houston to New Orleans was £32.88. This is an excellent deal, especially considering the length of the journey. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to New Orleans if you book your train tickets at least 16 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra £15.30.

Monthly average prices

£76£61£46£31£15NDJFMAMJJASO

Ticket prices for the train from Houston to New Orleans often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in January when the average ticket price is only £39,

If you're thinking of traveling from Houston to New Orleans during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of £64 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in June, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

£96£76£57£38£193020100

By booking your train trip from Houston to New Orleans on Wanderu at least 16 days ahead of time, you can save about £15.30 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

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.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Sunset Limited19h 30m£38.50

  • 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 about traveling by train 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.

On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Houston to New Orleans on Monday. Tickets for Monday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Saturday. Saturday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Houston at 12:00 and arrives in New Orleans around 9 hours later.

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

Houston, TX - HOU-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Houston, TX - HOU-1

Image credit: Unsplash

Houston, TX - HOU-2

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

New Orleans, LA - NOL-0

Image credit: Unsplash

New Orleans, LA - NOL-1

Image credit: Unsplash

New Orleans, LA - NOL-2

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?

902 Washington Ave - HOUAMT-0

Image credit: Bill Bradford

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: 902 Washington Ave

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?

Union Term - 1001 Loyola Ave - NOLAMT-0

Image credit: David Wilson

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Union Term - 1001 Loyola Ave

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

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