Cheap train tickets from Washington, DC to New Orleans
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Washington DC to New Orleans. Traveling by train from Washington DC to New Orleans usually takes 36 hours and 54 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Crescent train can make the trip in 27 hours and 42 minutes.
| Distance | 965 mi (1553 km) |
| Fastest train | 27h 42m |
| Lowest price | $168.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Crescent |
| Train lines | 2 |
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Washington to New Orleans Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Washington to New Orleans?
There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from Washington, DC to New Orleans.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$322.70 | Avg. Price$211.44Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration36h 54m | Duration25h 27mFaster |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Washington to New Orleans (Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
4.0
There are several train options that can take you from Washington to New Orleans:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Washington DC to New Orleans?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Washington, DC to New Orleans was $250.50. Considering the distance between Washington DC and New Orleans, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $256.94 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to New Orleans by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Washington DC to New Orleans will cost between $227 and $459. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to New Orleans by month
Ticket prices for the train from Washington DC to New Orleans often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only $234. If you're thinking of traveling from Washington DC to New Orleans during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $381 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Washington, DC to New Orleans on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about $256.94 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Washington to New Orleans?
There are multiple trains that travel from Washington to New Orleans, including Amtrak Crescent, Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Crescent | 1 | 27h 42m | $260.65 |
| Amtrak | 1 | 46h 50m | $389.79 |
The Crescent is Amtrak’s passenger train service that runs from New York to New Orleans by way of Atlanta. As an overnight service, the Crescent offers a variety of amenities and accommodation options. There’s also a café car where you can enjoy freshly prepared meals and a variety of soft and alcoholic beverages. Like all Amtrak trains, the Crescent offers free WiFi, power outlets and extra legroom. Train trips from Washington, DC to New Orleans take about 27 hours and 42 minutes and the cost of a one-way train ticket on the Crescent starts from $168.
Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 1 Amtrak trains from Washington, DC to New Orleans every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $286.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Washington to New Orleans
Trains leave the station in Washington DC twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. One of these is a direct train, which will typically get you to New Orleans faster. While it might still have stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains during your trip. You can also take a train for your return trip from New Orleans to Washington DC. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Washington DC to New Orleans for $100.
TRIPS PER DAY
2
DIRECT TRIPS
1
The distance between Washington DC and New Orleans is approximately 965 miles, or 1553 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 36 hours and 54 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 27 hours and 42 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.
DISTANCE (MI)
965
DISTANCE (KM)
1553
The earliest train departs Washington DC at 3:57pm while the last train of the day leaves at 6:30pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
3:57pm
LATEST TRAIN
6:30pm
Trains from Washington DC to New Orleans are the most crowded on Monday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Monday
LEAST CROWDED
Tuesday
City Information
Washington, DC
Washington, DC is the capital of the United States, and as such, it offers many points of interest of governmental and historical value. DC is home to several iconic landmarks, including the White House where the U.S. president resides, the Capitol building that houses the meeting chambers of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and the National Mall, where you can stop by the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the World War II Memorial. One of the reasons Washington, DC is among the best destinations to visit with your family is because it is home to so many world-famous museums, including the Smithsonians – 16 museums scattered across the District, most of which are open every day of the week, and even better, every single one is free.
D.C. is not just about politics and museums, though. The city’s active nightlife fittingly ranks it among the biggest party hubs in the country. Head to the vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood to check out some of the finest restaurants that the nation’s capital has to offer, or join a food tour of Georgetown to get a taste of the area’s culture along with its cuisine.
Nested between Virginia and Maryland, Washington, D.C. is a key transportation hub with three nearby airports and several bus and train stations.
New Orleans
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 does the train leave from in Washington?
Main departure station: Union Station
Opened more than 100 years ago in 1907, Union Station is the largest transportation hub in Washington, D.C. with almost 5 million travelers passing through it every year. As the official headquarters of Amtrak, Union Station is the main train station in the U.S. capital. It is also a major hub for intercity bus travel, serving as the main bus station in D.C. for a number of carriers, including Greyhound, BoltBus, Peter Pan Bus Lines and OurBus. Union Station offers easy transit connections to places all over D.C. with dedicated stops for the city’s metro, bus and streetcar services, as well as commuter rail for travelers to and from the surrounding areas. Additionally, with a full blown shopping mall on the premises, Union Station is also among the most popular shopping destinations in the nation's capital.
All train stations in Washington:
- Union Station
Where does the train arrive in New Orleans?
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.
All train stations in New Orleans:
- Union Term - 1001 Loyola Ave
Need a return trip from New Orleans to Washington?
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