Amtrak operates the City of New Orleans, a long-distance passenger train that runs between Chicago and New Orleans in the Central United States. The sleeper train covers 934 miles (1,503 km) with stops at Champaign-Urbana, Carbondale, Memphis, and Jackson, taking about 191⁄2 hours.
The Illinois Central Railroad founded the City of New Orleans in 1947 as a daytime counterpart to the Panama Limited, a night train that had been in operation since 1911. Amtrak took over both lines in 1971, with only the Panama Limited remaining. Amtrak restored the City of New Orleans moniker for the train, which is still on an overnight schedule, in 1981, after Steve Goodman’s famous song of the same name.
The Illini and Saluki offer additional corridor service on the northern leg of the route between Chicago and Carbondale, Illinois.
During fiscal year 2023, the train transported 233,876 passengers, a 50.3% increase over FY2022. The train’s total income in FY2016, the latest year for which route-specific revenue statistics were available, was $18,706,915, a 3.7% drop over FY2015.
Schedule Highlights
- Trains leave Chicago in the evening.
- Trains leave New Orleans in the afternoon.
- Overnight trains travel through Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
- The travel time between New Orleans and Memphis is approximately 4 hours.
- The travel time between New Orleans and Jackson is nearly 5 hours.
- The travel time between New Orleans and Chicago is approximately 19 hours.
Visit Amtrak.com to view the most recent schedules and timetables.
Before You Ride
Booking and Tickets
Securing your spot on the City of New Orleans train is easy! Here are the different ways to book your trip:
- Amtrak Website: The official Amtrak website (https://www.amtrak.com/home) offers a user-friendly platform to search for schedules, compare fares, and book your tickets online. You can choose your preferred travel dates, select your seating option, and pay securely all in one place.
- Phone: Amtrak’s customer service representatives are available by phone at 1 (800) USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) to assist you with booking your train ticket. They can answer any questions you may have and guide you through the reservation process.
- Station: If you prefer an in-person experience, you can visit your nearest Amtrak station to purchase your ticket directly from a customer service agent. This option allows you to ask questions and receive immediate assistance.
Checked Baggage Service in the city of New Orleans
You can check your luggage in the city of New Orleans for free. This service is available at many stations and on many trains and Thruway services, but only to ticketed passengers whose starting and ending stations accept checked baggage. Not all trains or stations can handle checked baggage, so check if your stations offer this service before you travel.
If you don’t need to check a bag, find out what items you can bring and if there’s a price involved. You can bring 2 bags (up to 50 pounds and 75 linear inches) for free. Additional bags and large bags (76-100 linear inches) cost $20 each.
Be sure to check your luggage before your train departs. Check-in times vary by station, so find specific times for your stations. Each bag must have a tag on the outside with your name and address.
If checked baggage is not available on your train or bus, it may be accepted on other baggage going to the same destination (except guns). Better to check early. To avoid delays, make sure you have at least two hours to transfer between stations.
Trip Preparation:
A little preparation goes a long way toward ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable journey on the City of New Orleans train. Here are some tips to help you get ready:
- Check for Delays: Before you depart, take a moment to visit the Amtrak website ([https://www.amtrak.com/home]) and check for any scheduled track work or potential delays that might affect your trip. This will help you manage your expectations and plan accordingly.
- Pack for Comfort: Train travel is all about kicking back and enjoying the ride. Pack comfortable clothing that allows for easy movement, especially if you’re planning on exploring the train or visiting the cafe car. Layers are also a good idea, as the temperature onboard can vary slightly.
- Fuel Up for the Journey: While Amtrak offers dining options, coach passengers might appreciate having some snacks on hand. Pack light snacks that are easy to eat and won’t spoil easily, like fruits, nuts, granola bars, or sandwiches. Of course, you can always purchase additional snacks or meals from the cafe car onboard.
- Entertainment Essentials: A long train journey can be a great opportunity to unwind and catch up on some reading or relax with some entertainment. Pack your favorite book, download some movies or shows to your tablet, or bring along a puzzle book to keep yourself occupied. Don’t forget your headphones if you plan on watching anything with sound!
The Train Experience
Boarding Process
Hopping aboard the City of New Orleans train is a breeze! Here’s what you can expect:
- Check-In Times: Amtrak recommends arriving at the station at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time. This allows ample time for checking in, checking any baggage, and finding your assigned boarding platform.
- Locating Your Car: Look for digital displays or announcements at the station that will indicate your specific train number and boarding platform. You can also check your Amtrak ticket for your assigned car number.
- Boarding Procedure: Once boarding begins, an announcement will be made. Amtrak typically boards by car number, so wait for your car to be called before proceeding to the platform. Show your ticket (or e-ticket) to the conductor at the boarding door, and they will direct you to your seat.
- Special Services for Passengers with Disabilities: Amtrak is committed to providing a comfortable and accessible travel experience for all passengers. If you require assistance with boarding, disembarking, or navigating the train, please notify Amtrak in advance when booking your ticket. They offer designated accessible cars with wider doors and restrooms and can provide boarding assistance upon request.
Amenities on Board
Coach Class Seating on Reserved Services
- Available on all Amtrak trains.
- Wide, reclining seats with plenty of legroom.
- No middle seats.
- Seat tray, reading lamp, and power outlets.
- Toilets in every vehicle.
- Amtrak Guest Rewards customers earn 2 points per dollar spent.
Superliner Rooms:
- Ideal for privacy and savings in first class.
- Two seats that convert into upper and lower beds at night.
- Upgraded bedding, pillows, towels and linens.
- Access toilets and showers in your car.
- Dedicated first class attendant.
- Complimentary lounge access, priority boarding, and meals.
- Room number is provided immediately after booking.
- Your ticket will show your vehicle and room number.
- A first class attendant will guide you to your room on arrival.
Superliner Bedroom:
- Double the room space.
- Sofa and separate chair that convert into upper and lower beds at night.
- Upgraded bedding, pillows, towels and linens.
- Sink, toilet and shower in room.
- Dedicated first class attendant.
- Complimentary lounge access, priority boarding, and meals.
- Room number is provided immediately after booking.
- Your ticket shows your vehicle and room number.
- A first class attendant will guide you to your room on arrival.
Bedroom Suite:
- Connects two adjoining bedrooms.
- Double the bedroom space.
- Two sofas and separate chairs that convert into upper and lower beds at night.
- Upgraded bedding, pillows, towels and linens.
- Two sinks, toilets and showers in the room.
- Dedicated first class attendant.
- Complimentary lounge access, priority boarding, and meals.
Superliner Family Bedroom
- Ideal for families with children.
- Expands to the width of a car, suitable for two adults and two children (ages 2-12).
- Seating for four that converts into two upper and two lower beds at night.
- Upgraded bedding, pillows, towels and linens.
- Access a private toilet and shower in your car.
- Dedicated first class attendant.
- Complimentary lounge access, priority boarding, and meals.
Superliner Accessible Bedroom
- Located on the train entry level with space for a wheelchair.
- A seating area that converts into upper and lower beds at night.
- On Single Level Violiner Trains: Toilet in room with sink, toilet and shower.
- On two-level Superliner trains: lavatory in room with sink and toilet; Access to a private shower in your car.
- Upgraded bedding, pillows, towels and linens.
- Dedicated first class attendant.
- Complimentary lounge access, priority boarding, and meals (including room service).
Bring Your Bicycle Onboard
Exploring the stops along your rail journey by bike can be a lot of fun! If you want to bring your own bike, there are various options available. Each train has specific equipment and loading methods, so services offered will vary. The facilities at your starting and ending stations also affect how the bike handles.
Dining
Flexible Dining
Flexible meal service is a unique and free product for private room clients onboard Capitol Limited, Cardinal, City of New Orleans, Crescent, Lake Shore Limited, and Texas Eagle*.
- A menu of hot, ready-to-serve options for breakfast, lunch, and supper
- A large range of wine, beer, and spirits (the first is on us at dinner), as well as unlimited soft drinks during the voyage
- Exclusive aboard lounge for dining and socializing.
- Your attendant provides complimentary room service.
- Flexible eating hours without the need for reservations.
Café
Most Amtrak lines include Café service, with a selection of meals, snacks, and drinks for sale. Customers of all service levels are welcome to visit the Café, which is open from early morning to late night.
The Route
Popular Stops
- Chicago
- Memphis
- Jackson
- New Orleans
All Train Stations Served by the City of New Orleans
- Chicago, IL – Union Station (CHI)
- Homewood, IL (HMW)
- Kankakee, IL (KKI)
- Champaign-Urbana, IL (CHM)
- Mattoon, IL (MAT)
- Effingham, IL (EFG)
- Centralia, IL (CEN)
- Carbondale, IL (CDL)
- Fulton, KY (FTN)
- Newbern-Dyersburg, TN (NBN)
- Memphis, TN – Central Station (MEM)
- Marks, MS (MKS)
- Greenwood, MS (GWD)
- Yazoo City, MS (YAZ)
- Jackson, MS (JAN)
- Hazlehurst, MS (HAZ)
- Brookhaven, MS (BRH)
- McComb, MS (MCB)
- Hammond, LA (HMD)
- New Orleans, LA – Union Passenger Terminal (NOL)
Arrival in New Orleans
As your train pulls into the historic New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal, it’s time to wind down and prepare for your New Orleans adventure. Here’s what you can expect upon arrival:
- Disembarking: Once the train comes to a complete stop, an announcement will be made indicating it’s safe to disembark. Gather your belongings and follow the designated exits towards the station.
- Claiming Checked Baggage: Look for baggage claim signs upon exiting the train. Your baggage claim check will have a corresponding number to locate your luggage on the carousel. Double-check your bag tags before leaving the claim area.
Now that you’ve arrived, let’s explore your transportation options for venturing into New Orleans:
- Taxis and Ridesharing: Taxis are readily available outside the terminal, and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate in New Orleans. Download the respective app beforehand for a smooth pick-up experience.
- Public Transportation: The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) offers a convenient streetcar system that connects the terminal to various points of interest in the city. Purchase a fare card or day pass from the RTA kiosk inside the terminal before boarding.
Tip: If you’re unfamiliar with the city layout, consider using a navigation app on your smartphone to help you reach your destination.
Additional Tips
- There is no WiFi.
- Mississippi accounts for the vast bulk of midday travel.
- If you rent a roomette or a bedroom, you are allowed to bring alcohol on board and consume it in your room.
- Exit in Memphis and see Graceland, Beale Street, the Blues Hall of Fame, and the National Civil Rights Museum.
- All passengers have access to a café car, and those who purchase sleeping accommodations have the option of flexible eating.
FAQs
No, Amtrak City of New Orleans trains do not have Wi-Fi. But don’t worry! Bringing a good book or downloading TV shows and movies from streaming services like Netflix can keep you entertained during your trip. Plan ahead, and you’ll get a lot more when you travel.
Yes, Amtrak City of New Orleans trains have power outlets. Generally, there are one or two outlets for each row of seats. It’s a good idea to check if your seatmate also needs to charge their devices. You can use these outlets to charge both computers and USB devices with a USB power adapter, which usually comes with most phones and tablets.
However, sometimes replacement train units do not have power outlets. So, for trips longer than 2 hours, it is wise to bring a power bank to ensure your phone stays charged.
The Amtrak City of New Orleans train typically offers approximately 49 to 58 scheduled trips per day. However, exact departure and arrival times may vary depending on the day and route. To find the exact schedule for your trip, it’s best to use the search tool on the Amtrak website.
No, Amtrak does not offer City Of New Orleans Will Call tickets. You should buy your tickets online and make sure you have everything you need to board before you arrive at the station.
Yes, you must show your ID to an agent before boarding an Amtrak City of New Orleans train. Make sure you have a government-issued ID that meets their requirements. Other types of IDs, such as college IDs, will not be accepted.
Yes, Amtrak City of New Orleans trains have restrooms. They are basic, with toilet, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer. Most toilets do not have running water. Please be careful and hold the rail when using the toilet while the rail is running.
Amtrak City of New Orleans offers snacks to keep you satisfied during your journey. Make sure to bring a credit card and some cash in case you get hungry.
No, you do not need to print your Amtrak City of New Orleans ticket. When you make a reservation, you will receive an e-ticket via email. You can easily show this eTicket to the ticketing agent on your smartphone when you board.
Yes, Amtrak City of New Orleans offers premium features to enhance your travel experience. If you prefer more room, they offer additional legroom seating. The amount of extra space can vary between different train lines, but having more space is always a plus.
Additional Sources for Guide
- Amtrak Website: https://www.amtrak.com/home offers the most up-to-date schedules, fares, and onboard service details.
- New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA): The RTA website (https://www.norta.com/) offers route maps, schedules, and fare information for navigating New Orleans via public transportation.
- Wikipedia – City of New Orleans (train): This Wikipedia page (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Orleans) provides background information on the train’s history and route.