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New Orleans to Houston train

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New Orleans - Houston Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There is one daily train from New Orleans to Houston. Traveling by train from New Orleans to Houston usually takes 53 hours and 1 minute, but the fastest Amtrak Sunset Limited train can make the trip in 9 hours and 18 minutes.

Distance318 mi (511 km)
Fastest train9h 18m
Lowest price$37.00
Trains per day1
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from New Orleans to Houston

(Based on 3 ratings and reviews)

5.0

5.0

Ayobami

August 26, 2023- Business

Amtrak Sunset Limited

Pros: Everything, except that there's no free snack and/or drink (even water). Cons: Include snack and water for those who want it. Tips: Overall, travel experience is top-notch. Keep it up.

5.0

Michele

August 5, 2023- Couples trip

Amtrak Sunset Limited

Pros: We were able to bid for an upgrade to a roomette which included meals - super comfortable and great value for money! Cons: No announcements on the effect of delays on arrival time. Family meeting us waited over 2 hours which could have been avoided. Tips: Upgrade if you get the chance!

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from New Orleans to Houston was $329.64. Considering the distance between New Orleans and Houston, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 24 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $72.24 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average prices by travel date

$675$450$225MarApr

For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from New Orleans to Houston will range from $250 to $661. If you're planning to travel by train to Houston in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from New Orleans you can find in the next 7 days is $288. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.

Monthly average prices

$500$400$300$200$100AMJJASONDJFM
You can find the lowest prices on this route during July. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from New Orleans to Houston, with the average price at just $267. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in September, when the average price goes up to $480. 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

$550$440$330$220$1103020100

Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from New Orleans to Houston. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 24 days before departure, you can save around $72.24. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!

Which train should you take from New Orleans to Houston?

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

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak13d 4h 0m$548.44
Amtrak Sunset Limited19h 18m$72.46
  • 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 Houston every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $421.

  • 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

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from New Orleans to Houston. 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 Houston is approximately 318 miles, or 511 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 53 hours and 1 minute, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 9 hours and 18 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 Houston 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.

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

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

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.

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 Houston?

902 Washington Ave - HOUAMT-0

Image credit: Bill Bradford

Link to image attribution

Main arrival 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

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