Cheap train tickets from Portland, ME to New Orleans, LA
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 4 daily train trips available from Portland, ME to New Orleans, LA. Traveling by train from Portland, ME to New Orleans, LA usually takes 59 hours and 53 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 40 hours and 54 minutes.
| Distance | 1442 mi (2321 km) |
| Fastest train | 40h 54m |
| Lowest price | $361.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:
Lowest Prices
We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
Best Travel Options
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:
Download our free app!
Find, compare & book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
4.8 Rating
5k Reviews
4.5 Rating
4.8k Reviews
Portland to New Orleans Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Portland to New Orleans?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from Portland, ME to New Orleans, LA.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$494.69 | Avg. Price$300.37Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips4 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration59h 53m | Duration41h 51mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from Portland to New Orleans:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Portland, ME to New Orleans, LA?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Portland, ME to New Orleans, LA was $379.75. Considering the distance between Portland, ME and New Orleans, LA, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 17 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $191.25 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Portland, ME to New Orleans, LA by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Portland, ME to New Orleans, LA will cost between $239 and $349. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Portland, ME to New Orleans, LA by month
Ticket prices for the train from Portland, ME to New Orleans, LA often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only $361. If you're thinking of traveling from Portland, ME to New Orleans, LA during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $518 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Portland, ME to New Orleans, LA on Wanderu at least 17 days ahead of time, you can save about $191.25 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Portland to New Orleans?
There are multiple trains that travel from Portland to New Orleans, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 4 | 59h 53m | $494.69 |
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Portland to New Orleans
There are 4 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. You can also take a train for your return trip from New Orleans, LA to Portland, ME. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Portland, ME to New Orleans, LA for $232.
TRIPS PER DAY
4
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between Portland, ME and New Orleans, LA is approximately 1442 miles, or 2321 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 59 hours and 53 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 40 hours and 54 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)
1442
DISTANCE (KM)
2321
The earliest train departs Portland, ME at 5:18am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:00pm. 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
5:18am
LATEST TRAIN
6:00pm
Trains from Portland, ME to New Orleans, LA are the most crowded on Friday. 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 CROWDED
Friday
LEAST CROWDED
Monday
City Information
Portland, ME
Portland is Maine's largest city and, because of that, the main transportation hub in the state. From Portland, travelers can easily reach destinations such as Boston, Albany, and even Gainesville, Texas, by a combination of buses, trains, and ferries. And there’s plenty to do in the city, even if you’re traveling solo.
Since its foundation in 1786, Portland has recovered from no less than four major fires, creating a fascinating blend of old and new. The dedicated Arts District around upper Congress Street has a smattering of important museum collections, including the Portland Museum of Art, the state's oldest public art institution.
The West End hosts the majority of Portland's historic buildings, creating an olde worlde feel. However, the presence of several well-regarded schools and colleges ensures Portland remains one of the most vibrant small cities in the U.S.
After several years of hardship, the Old Port district has once again become the center of the action. Its attractive cobblestone streets and 19th-century red-brick warehouses now contain a selection of on-trend cafes, bars, and boutique stores. At the same time, it's still possible to watch the time-honored tradition of fishermen unloading their lobster pots onto the foreshore.
East of the downtown area, you'll find Munjoy Hill. It's a district with strong Irish and Italian roots, making it one of the best places in Portland to enjoy the authentic cuisine of Italy. It’s no wonder we named Portland one of our top vacation destinations in Maine.
New Orleans, LA
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 Portland?
Main departure station: 100 Thompsons Pt Rd
The Portland Transportation Center is located at 100 Thompsons Pt Rd, about two miles from Portland's Old Port area. Concord Coach Lines buses and Amtrak's Downeaster trains en route to Boston or Brunswick stop at this station. Inside the station, you'll find plenty of seating, restrooms, vending machines, and information desks for each travel company. In addition, there is plenty of paid parking in front of the station available to passengers.
All train stations in Portland:
- 100 Thompsons Pt Rd
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 Portland?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
More trains from Portland
- Portland, ME to New London, CT Train$73+
- Portland to Stamford Train$68+
- Portland to Boston Train$40+
- Portland to Brunswick Train$7+
- Portland, ME to Los Angeles, CA Train$405+
- Portland to Detroit Train$186+
- Portland to Atlanta Train$287+
- Portland, ME to Richmond, VA Train$210+
- Portland to Wilmington Train$147+
Continue by train from New Orleans
- New Orleans to Tuscaloosa Train$38+
- New Orleans, LA to Portland, OR Train$532+
- New Orleans to Birmingham Train$45+
- New Orleans to Memphis Train$72+
- New Orleans to Champaign Train$135+
- New Orleans to Hattiesburg Train$28+
- New Orleans to El Paso Train$248+
- New Orleans to Alexandria Train$268+
- New Orleans to Anniston Train$58+
Check out these popular routes
Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu's simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.