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Trip Summary
There is usually just one train option from New Orleans to Lake Charles per day. The average train journey from New Orleans to Lake Charles takes 4 hours and 55 minutes, though some trains might be a few minutes slower or faster.
| Distance | 189 mi (304 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 55m |
| Lowest price | $32.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Sunset Limited |
| Train lines | 1 |
Price trends for trains from New Orleans to Lake Charles
Monthly avg. prices
Which train should you take from New Orleans to Lake Charles?
Amtrak Sunset Limited is the one and only train line which connects New Orleans to Lake Charles. 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 | 4h 55m | $45.80 |
The Amtrak Sunset Limited is a southern Amtrak route that crosses through Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. The double-decker carriages have a variety of roomettes, bedrooms, and suites, as well as a restuarant and cafe service.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between New Orleans and Lake Charles is approximately 189 miles, or 304 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 55 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.
Tuesday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from New Orleans to Lake Charles. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Tuesday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Sunday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves New Orleans at 9:00am and arrives in Lake Charles around 4 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles to New Orleans.
City Information
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 New Orleans?
Image credit: David Wilson
Link to image attributionMain 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 Lake Charles?
Main arrival station: 100 Ryan St
Lake Charles has one train station.
All train stations in Lake Charles:
100 Ryan St
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