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Cheap train tickets from New Orleans to Birmingham

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4.8k Reviews

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New Orleans to Birmingham Train Schedule

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Is it better to travel by bus or train from New Orleans to Birmingham?

There are usually 4 daily bus trips available from New Orleans to Birmingham.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
$78.38
Avg. Price
$30.17
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
4
Daily Trips
1
Duration
Duration
12h 48m
Duration
7h 54m

Trip Summary

There is usually just one train option from New Orleans to Birmingham per day. The average train journey from New Orleans to Birmingham takes 7 hours and 50 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 7 hours and 40 minutes.

Distance313 mi (503 km)
Fastest train7h 40m
Lowest price$21.00
Trains per day1
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from New Orleans to Birmingham

(Based on 12 ratings and reviews)

4.5

5.0

Karon

September 27, 2023- Visiting friends

Amtrak Crescent

Pros: Concern for my safety getting on and off on the at the beginning and end of my trip. Also helpful finding the bathroom and dining car. I was very happy and told everyone I know what a great trip it is. Cons: Bathroom could have been a little better but when you have multiple people I know it’s hard. Tips: Include a small blanket and pillow for comfort on a long trip.

5.0

Regina G

December 11, 2022- Vacation

Amtrak Crescent

Pros: Relaxing. Cons: Food choices. Tips: Take snacks.

5.0

Anthony D

August 8, 2022- Vacation

Amtrak Crescent

Pros: Seating was comfortable, train was on time and we arrived early, staff was friendly, and overall it was an enjoyable trip. Cons: Initial leaving was a little hectic, could have used one or two additional staff members. Tips: Amtrac was an excellent trip with an outstanding bargain, very pleasant experience.

4.0

Debra

August 7, 2022- Vacation

Amtrak Crescent

Pros: It was my first time traveling by train. I loved it but it ended with a tragedy. It was not the train's fault but 5 miles from the Birmingham Station a lady drove around the safety arms and was struck by our train. She died from her injuries. I will travel by train again but just wanted to use this space to honor the 72-year-old lady that lost her life. Cons: Everything was great about the train travel.

4.0

Megan

November 1, 2021- Vacation

Amtrak Crescent

The price to ride all the way to New Orleans and back is fantastic. First time on a train and I highly recommend this trip

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from New Orleans to Birmingham was $25.33. This is basically as cheap as train fares can get. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 12 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $4.94 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from New Orleans to Birmingham by travel date

$45$30$15FebFeb

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from New Orleans to Birmingham will cost between $21 and $34. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Monthly avg. prices

$50$40$30$20$10MAMJJASONDJF
You can find the lowest prices on this route during February. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from New Orleans to Birmingham, with the average price at just $24. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in July, when the average price goes up to $32. You can still score cheap deals below this average price, though, especially if you plan ahead and book your ticket in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$50$40$30$20$103020100

If you're looking to save on your train trip from New Orleans to Birmingham, book online with Wanderu at least 12 days in advance. That way, you’ll save $4.94 compared to booking your ticket last minute.

Which train should you take from New Orleans to Birmingham?

2 train services operate from New Orleans to Birmingham. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak17h 40m$21.00
Amtrak Crescent18h 0m$34.10
  • 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 New Orleans to Birmingham every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $21.

  • 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 New Orleans to Birmingham take about 8 hours and 0 minutes and the cost of a one-way train ticket on the Crescent starts from $34.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from New Orleans to Birmingham

Yes, there are some trains that travel the entire distance from New Orleans to Birmingham. However, in some cases you will have to take a bus for part of your journey in addition to taking the train.

The distance between New Orleans and Birmingham is approximately 313 miles, or 503 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 7 hours and 50 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 7 hours and 40 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.

Trains from New Orleans to Birmingham are the most crowded on Thursday. 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 Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Most days, there is only one train which leaves New Orleans at 9:00am and arrives in Birmingham around 7 hours later.

Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Birmingham 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 Birmingham to New Orleans.

City Information

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.

Birmingham

Birmingham, AL - BHM-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Birmingham, AL - BHM-1

Image credit: Unsplash

Birmingham, AL - BHM-2

Image credit: Unsplash

Birmingham may not be the capital of Alabama, but it does hold the crown as both the cultural and entertainment capital of the Cotton State. The second-most populous city, Birmingham was founded during the Reconstruction Period, which followed the American Civil War.

Quietly going about its business as an industrial powerhouse, producing much of America's iron and steel, Birmingham didn't enter the world's consciousness until the Civil Rights Movement one hundred years later. It’s one of the 8 iconic cities on our Martin Luther King, Jr. road trip, as it’s the city where Dr. King wrote his famous “Letter From a Birmingham Jail.” When visiting, be sure to stop at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute to learn more about the city’s civil rights history.

Today known as America's 'Magic City,' new life has been blown into downtown Birmingham in recent years. Its streets have been cleaned up, allowing the city's historical gems such as the Alabama Theater to shine once more both by day and by night.

The Birmingham Museum of Art contains the most extensive collection of artworks in the southeastern United States. It's connected to the nightlife districts of Five Points South, Lakeview, and Uptown by a series of charming tree-lined public squares. Close by Five Points South also lies Red Mountain's Vulcan Park, home to the world's largest cast-iron statue. It was made for the St. Louis World Fair of 1904.

Birmingham is an important regional hub linking the Deep South, the Appalachian Mountains, and Piedmont. Travelers can easily reach other noteworthy destinations in the U.S., including Dallas, Phoenix, and Montgomery, thanks to the hundreds of bus and train routes to and from Birmingham.

Station Information

Where is the train station in New Orleans?

Union Term - 1001 Loyola Ave - NOLAMT-0

Image credit: David Wilson

Link to image attribution

Main departure 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

Where is the train station in Birmingham?

Intermodal Facility -{"city":"Birmingham","country":"US","postal":"35203","state":"AL","street1":"1801 Morris Ave"} - BHMAMT-0

Image credit: Birmingham Photographer J.g.

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Intermodal Facility

Birmingham's Intermodal Facility is a modern station right in the heart of downtown. It is near the McWane Science Center and only a 10-minute walk to the University of Alabama. The Intermodal Facility is a hub for Amtrak trains, intercity buses, and MAX transit throughout Birmingham, so it's easy to transfer between travel modes all within the same station. Birmingham is a stop on Amtrak's Crescent Line, which runs from New York to New Orleans. The station has an onsite cafe, plus amenities like restrooms, seating, and vending machines.

All train stations in Birmingham:

  • Intermodal Facility

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