City of New Orleans Train: The Ultimate Rider Guide

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.

Note: This site isn’t the official Amtrak site. It’s just here to help people who are traveling on Amtrak train.

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

You may check your luggage for free. They provide checked luggage service at many stations, as well as on several trains and Thruway Services. This service is only offered to ticketed travelers whose origin and destination stations accept checked luggage. Not all trains or stations are equipped to handle checked luggage. When planning your journey, make sure to verify the availability of checked luggage at your station(s). If you do not need to check a bag, find out what carry-on goods you may bring aboard and what costs may apply.

2 Bags – 50 lbs. — 75 Linear Inches*

2 Additional Bags — $20 Each

Oversize Baggage (76 – 100 Linear Inches) — $20 Each

Your luggage must be checked before your planned train departure. Check-in times vary by station, please go to the station information page for the stations serviced by your train for particular times.
Make sure each of your luggage has a tag with your name and address on the exterior.
If checked luggage is not available on the train/bus in your schedule, it may be accepted on another train/bus headed for the same destination (except guns). Advance check-in is advised.
To prevent delays, en-route transfers between stations must include at least two hours of specified stopover time.

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

Coach class is available on all Amtrak trains and has wide, reclining seats with plenty of legroom, no middle seat option, at-seat trays, reading lamps, and power outlets. There are restrooms in each vehicle. Amtrak Guest Rewards customers who travel in Coach get 2 points per dollar spent.

Superliner Roomette

For customers seeking both privacy and savings in First Class, Roomettes feature:

Two comfortable seats by day transformed into upper and lower beds by night
Newly upgraded bedding, pillows, towels and linens
Access to a restroom and shower in your car

A dedicated First Class attendant
Complimentary lounge access
Priority boarding
Complimentary meals

Once you’ve booked, your room number will be immediately issued. Your ticket will provide your precise vehicle and room number. Upon arrival, your First Class attendant will direct you to your room.

Superliner Bedroom

For customers seeking plenty of comfort and room in First Class, Bedrooms feature:

2x the space of a Roomette
A sofa and separate chair by day transformed into upper and lower beds by night
Newly upgraded bedding, pillows, towels and linens
In-room sink, restroom, and shower

A dedicated First Class attendant
Complimentary lounge access
Priority boarding
Complimentary meals

Bedroom Suite

For customers looking for the ultimate First Class experience, Bedroom Suites combine two adjoining Bedrooms and feature:

2x the space of a Bedroom
Two sofas and separate chairs by day transformed into upper and lower beds by night
Newly upgraded bedding, pillows, towels and linens
Two in-room sinks, restrooms, and showers

A dedicated First Class attendant
Complimentary lounge access
Priority boarding
Complimentary meals

Superliner Family Bedroom

For customers traveling with kids in First Class, Family Rooms span the width of the car with ample space for two adults and two children (aged 2 – 12) and feature:

Seating for four by day transformed two upper and two lower beds by night
Newly upgraded bedding, pillows, towels and linens
Access to a private restroom and shower in your car

A dedicated First Class attendant
Complimentary lounge access
Priority boarding
Complimentary meals

Superliner Accessible Bedroom

Accessible Bedrooms are located on the train’s entry-level and have plenty of space for a wheelchair. Each room has these features:

Seating by day transformed into an upper and lower bed by night
On single-level Viewliner trains: in-room restroom with sink, toilet, and shower
On bi-level Superliner trains: in-room restroom with sink and toilet; access to a private shower in your car

Newly upgraded bedding, pillows, towels and linens
A dedicated First Class attendant
Complimentary lounge access
Priority boarding
Complimentary meals (including room service)

Bring Your Bicycle Onboard

Part of the entertainment of rail travel is the opportunity to explore the stops along the way, and what better way to do that than by bike? If you want to travel the rails with your bike, they provide a variety of options to transfer it onboard. Each train has unique equipment and loading methods that determine what services will be provided. The capabilities of your origin and destination stations also influence how bikes are handled.

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

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

Do the Amtrak City of New Orleans trains have WiFi?

No, Amtrak City of New Orleans does not currently offer WiFi on its trains. However, we find that a good book helps pass the time, and streaming services such as Netflix allow you to download TV shows and movies to watch during your trip. Plan ahead of time, and you’ll be entertained throughout the train ride.

Are there power outlets or USB plugs on the train?

Yes, there are power outlets aboard the Amtrak City of New Orleans trains. You can usually find one or two outlets for each row of seats, so be a considerate traveler and check to see if your seatmate wants to charge their electronics as well. The onboard power outlets allow you to charge both a computer and USB devices using a USB power adapter, which is normally included with most phones and tablets.
Because Amtrak City of New Orleans may occasionally employ replacement train units, not all journeys are guaranteed to include power outlets. We recommend bringing a power bank to charge your phone for all journeys longer than 2 hours, just in case.

What is Amtrak City of New Orleans’s schedule?

Amtrak City of New Orleans typically offers 58 scheduled train rides each day. However, the actual departure and arrival hours vary according on the day and route. To get the precise timetable for your journey, utilize the search function on this page.

Can you pick up will-call tickets at the station?

No, the Amtrak City of New Orleans does not provide will-call tickets. Purchase your tickets online and ensure that you have everything you need to board before arriving at the station.

Do you need an ID to get on the train?

Yes, Amtrak City of New Orleans asks you to submit your ID to an agent before boarding the train. Make sure you have government-issued identification that matches the carrier’s standards. Alternative IDs, such as a college ID, will not work.

Are there bathrooms on Amtrak City of New Orleans trains?

Yes, there are restrooms aboard the Amtrak City of New Orleans trains. The restrooms are rather basic, with a toilet, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer. Most restrooms do not have running water. Please exercise care and hang on to a rail when using a restroom in a moving vehicle.

Are meals or beverages available?

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.

Do you have to print your Amtrak City of New Orleans ticket?

The Amtrak City of New Orleans does not need a printed ticket to board the train. Instead, when you make your reservation, you will get an eTicket via email. You may show the ticketing agent this eTicket on your smartphone as you board.

Does Amtrak City of New Orleans offer any premium features like extra legroom or movies?

Amtrak City of New Orleans goes above and beyond to provide its passengers with top-notch amenities.
Do you find yourself squished in a regular seat, or do you prefer having more room to spread out? You’re in luck, as Amtrak City of New Orleans provides extra legroom seating. Because there is no standard for what extra legroom is, the extra space you receive may differ between train lines, but having extra is always beneficial.

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.