Are you organizing a journey from Houston to New Orleans? Traveling via Amtrak provides a convenient and lovely means of making the journey between these two lively cities. This guide includes all the information you need about the Amtrak Houston to New Orleans, whether you are searching for a one-way trip, a round trip, or details on schedules, fares, and reviews.
Amtrak Houston to New Orleans Routes Overview
The following table presents key aspects and details of the Amtrak route from Houston to New Orleans (Sunset Limited/Texas Eagle):
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Route Name | Sunset Limited (with Texas Eagle connection in San Antonio) |
| Service Frequency | 3 times per week (Departs Houston on Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays) |
| Total Distance | 350 miles (563 km) |
| Approx. Travel Time | 9–10 hours (often longer due to delays) |
| Departure Station | Houston (HOS) – 902 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77002 |
| Arrival Station | New Orleans (NOL) – 1001 Loyola Ave, New Orleans, LA 70113 |
| Departure Time (HOU) | 12:45 PM (CT) |
| Arrival Time (NOL) | 10:00 PM (CT) (same day) |
| Major Intermediate Stops | · Beaumont, TX · Lake Charles, LA · Lafayette, LA · Schriever, LA |
| Baggage Policy | · 2 carry-ons (50 lbs max each) · No checked baggage at Houston station |
| Scenic Highlights | · Bayous & swamps of Louisiana · Rural East Texas landscapes · Mississippi River views near NOLA |
| Schedule | Departs Houston: 12:45 PM (Mon, Thu, Sat) Arrives New Orleans: 10:00 PM (same day) |
| Frequency | 3 times per week (combined service) |
| Booking Tips | Go to the Amtrak Official website/app |
Routes of Amtrak Houston to New Orleans
Below is a route table for Amtrak’s Houston to New Orleans service, featuring stations, arrival and departure times, and stop durations:
| Station Name | Station Code | Location | City/Area Served | Facilities Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | HOS | 902 Washington Ave | Downtown Houston | Waiting area, ticket office, vending machines, limited parking |
| Beaumont | BMT | 2555 W Cedar St | Beaumont, TX | Small waiting room, outdoor seating, parking |
| Lake Charles | LCH | 100 Ryan St | Lake Charles, LA | Covered platform, benches, limited parking |
| Lafayette | LFT | 100 Lee Ave | Lafayette, LA | Waiting room, restrooms, parking |
| New Iberia | NIB | 402 W Washington St | New Iberia, LA | Basic platform, no station building |
| Schriever | SCH | 1437 LA-24 | Schriever, LA | Unstaffed platform only |
| New Orleans | NOL | 1001 Loyola Ave | Downtown New Orleans | Full-service station: waiting area, ticket counter, baggage check, restrooms, food vendors |
Amtrak Houston to New Orleans Schedule
Here’s a timetable for the Amtrak route from Houston to New Orleans:
| Station | Arrival | Departure | Stop Duration | Distance from Houston |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX | — | 12:45 PM CT | — | 0 miles (0 km) |
| Beaumont, TX | 2:25 PM CT | 2:30 PM CT | 5 minutes | 85 miles (137 km) |
| Lake Charles, LA | 3:55 PM CT | 4:00 PM CT | 5 minutes | 142 miles (229 km) |
| Lafayette, LA | 5:25 PM CT | 5:30 PM CT | 5 minutes | 218 miles (351 km) |
| New Iberia, LA | 6:05 PM CT | 6:10 PM CT | 5 minutes | 250 miles (402 km) |
| Schriever, LA | 6:45 PM CT | 6:50 PM CT | 5 minutes | 280 miles (451 km) |
| New Orleans, LA | 10:00 PM CT | — | — | 350 miles (563 km) |
Amtrak Houston to New Orleans Prices & Tickets
Below is a table containing ticket prices and booking details for Amtrak travel from Houston to New Orleans:
| Ticket Type | Price Range | Advance Purchase Discount | Last-Minute Price | Included Amenities | Refund Policy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coach Seat | 35−35−80 | $35 (book 2+ months early) | $80+ | Standard seat, power outlet | 100% refund if canceled 24h+ before |
| Business Class | 90−90−150 | $90 (limited availability) | $150+ | Extra legroom, priority boarding | 75% refund if canceled <24h before |
| Roomette (1-2 pax) | 200−200−350 | $200 (early bird) | $350+ | Private cabin, 2 beds, meals included | 50% refund if canceled <1h before |
| Bedroom (2 pax) | 300−300−500 | $300 (book early) | $500+ | Private bathroom, sofa, meals | Non-refundable <30 mins before |
Amtrak Comfort: Houston to New Orleans
- Spacious Seating – Comfortable reclining seats with ample legroom.
- Wi-Fi Access – Stay connected with onboard internet service.
- Power Outlets – Charge your devices throughout the journey.
- Dining Options – Enjoy meals and snacks in the café car.
- Private Rooms – Upgrade to roomettes or bedrooms for added privacy.
- Restrooms – Clean and accessible facilities onboard.
- Baggage Allowance – Carry-on and checked baggage options available.
- Scenic Views – Large windows for breathtaking Gulf Coast landscapes.
- Friendly Staff – Helpful crew members to assist passengers.
- Accessibility Features – Accommodations for passengers with disabilities.
Amtrak Houston to New Orleans vs. Other Travel Options
Below is a table comparing Amtrak with other travel options between Houston and New Orleans:
| Feature | Amtrak (Sunset Limited) | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 9-12 hours (often delayed) | 6-7 hours | 1h 15m flight + 2h airport time | 5.5 hours (no traffic) |
| Frequency | 3x/week (Mon, Thu, Sat) | 6-8 daily departures | 10+ daily flights | Anytime |
| Price Range | 35−35−150 (Coach) | 25−25−60 | 100−100−300 | 50−50−70 (gas + tolls) |
| Baggage | 2 carry-ons (no checked in HOU) | 1 checked + 1 carry-on | Checked bags ($30+ fee) | Unlimited (in car) |
| Comfort | Reclining seats, café car | Basic seats, limited legroom | Cramped seats | Full control |
| Scenery | Bayous, swamps (best views) | Highway views | Clouds | Coastal marshes |
| Stops | 5 intermediate stops | 1-2 rest stops | Non-stop | Flexible stops |
| Wi-Fi | Limited (unreliable) | Free (spotty) | Paid on some flights | N/A |
| Eco-Friendliness | Low carbon footprint | Moderate | High emissions | Depends on vehicle |
| Best For | Leisurely travel, avoiding traffic | Budget travelers | Time-sensitive trips | Flexibility, families |
Amtrak Houston to New Orleans Travel Tips
- Book Early – Secure the best fares by booking tickets in advance.
- Check the Schedule – The Sunset Limited runs three times a week, so plan accordingly.
- Arrive Early – Get to the station at least 30 minutes before departure to avoid last-minute rush.
- Pack Essentials – Bring snacks, entertainment, and a light blanket for added comfort.
- Choose Your Seat Wisely – Choose a window seat to take in the picturesque views of the Gulf Coast.
- Stay Connected – Use onboard Wi-Fi and power outlets to keep devices charged.
- Check for Discounts – Amtrak provides special fares for seniors, students, and military personnel.
Final Thoughts
Taking Amtrak from Houston to New Orleans provides a comfortable, scenic, and convenient travel experience. With reasonably priced tickets, amenities on board, and breathtaking views of the Gulf Coast, it’s an excellent option for discovering the area. For either business or leisure travel, Amtrak offers a smooth and pleasant journey. Reserve your tickets today and experience the journey for yourself!
Best Amtrak Train Journeys
- Amtrak Los Angeles to California
- Amtrak Los Angeles to Albuquerque
- Amtrak Los Angeles to Houston
- Amtrak Los Angeles to Vancouver, Canada
- Amtrak Los Angeles to Tucson
- Amtrak Boston to Washington
Amtrak Houston to New Orleans: FAQs
The Amtrak Sunset Limited runs from Houston to New Orleans, covering about 352 miles with a travel time of 9-10 hours
Amtrak fares from Houston to New Orleans start at $40 and can go up to $150, depending on booking time and travel class
The Amtrak Sunset Limited train from Houston to New Orleans takes approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes, with direct service three times a week
You can book Amtrak Sunset Limited tickets from Houston to New Orleans online via Amtrak’s official website, mobile app, or station kiosks. 🚆
Yes, Amtrak Sunset Limited trains from Houston to New Orleans have power outlets at seats, allowing passengers to charge devices during travel
Yes, Amtrak Sunset Limited offers sleeper cabins, including Roomettes and Bedrooms, providing privacy, comfort, and onboard amenities for long-distance travel
You can request an Amtrak ticket refund online via Amtrak’s refund policy page, through the Amtrak app, or at station kiosks. 🚆