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New Orleans to Washington DC train

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New Orleans - Washington DC Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from New Orleans to Washington DC. Traveling by train from New Orleans to Washington DC usually takes 40 hours and 4 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 25 hours and 17 minutes.

Distance965 mi (1553 km)
Fastest train25h 17m
Lowest price$111.00
Trains per day1
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

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

The average price for a train ticket from New Orleans to Washington is $199.29, Tickets are generally pricier for this train route, which is to be expected given the long distance. By booking your trip at least 24 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay $113.31 more.

Average prices by travel date

$330$220$110MarMar

For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from New Orleans to Washington DC will range from $201 to $327. If you're planning to travel by train to Washington in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from New Orleans you can find in the next 7 days is $224. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.

Monthly average prices

$350$280$210$140$70AMJJASONDJFM
Ticket prices for the train from New Orleans to Washington DC 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 $244. If you're thinking of traveling from New Orleans to Washington DC during May, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $350 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in May, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$375$300$225$150$753020100

Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from New Orleans to Washington. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 24 days before departure, you can save around $113.31. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!

Which train should you take from New Orleans to Washington DC?

2 train services operate from New Orleans to Washington. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 2 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak22d 0h 25m$300.39
Amtrak Crescent11d 3h 33m$192.56
  • 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 2 Amtrak trains from New Orleans to Washington every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $138.

  • 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 Washington take about 27 hours and 33 minutes and the cost of a one-way train ticket on the Crescent starts from $111.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from New Orleans to Washington DC. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

The distance between New Orleans and Washington DC is approximately 965 miles, or 1553 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 40 hours and 4 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 25 hours and 17 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 New Orleans to Washington DC on Tuesday. Tickets for Tuesday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Friday. Friday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.

The earliest train departs New Orleans at 9:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 1:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Trains leave the station in New Orleans 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 Washington DC 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 Washington DC 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.

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.

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 Washington DC?

Washington, DC - Union Station - DCAUST-0

Main arrival 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 DC:

  • Union Station

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