Los Angeles to New Orleans

With more than 10 million inhabitants, Los Angeles County in Southern California is the most populated county in the US. The San Gabriel Mountains, busy cities, suburban areas, and beaches along the Pacific Ocean are all part of its expansive and varied geography. The city of Los Angeles, a major center of industry, culture, and entertainment with famous sites like Santa Monica, Hollywood, and Beverly Hills, serves as the county's anchor. Los Angeles County is a thriving and significant area on a national and international scale because of its diverse population and dynamic fusion of cuisine, art, and lifestyle. 

Situated in the state of Louisiana in the southeast of the United States, New Orleans is a thriving metropolis. It combines French, Spanish, African, and American influences to create a distinctive atmosphere that is unmatched in the nation. It is well-known for its rich cultural legacy. New Orleans is well-known for its vibrant music culture, particularly jazz, and for hosting world-renowned celebrations like Mardi Gras. The city is a cultural treasure of the United States because of its rich history, delicious Creole and Cajun food, and ingrained customs.

The Sunset Limited is an Amtrak train that travels about 1,995 miles between Los Angeles, California, and New Orleans, Louisiana. The trip, which includes two train nights, takes roughly 46 hours. ​

Schedule:

• Departures from Los Angeles:Trains depart at 10:00 PM on Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday.
• Arrivals in New Orleans:Scheduled arrival is at approximately 9:40 PM, two days later. ​

Onboard Accommodations:

The Sunset Limited offers various seating and sleeping options: ​

Coach Class:Standard seating. ​

Sleeping Accommodations:Roomettes and Bedrooms are available, providing added comfort for the overnight journey. ​

Traveling from Los Angeles, California to New Orleans, Louisiana is a cross-country journey that spans approximately 1,900 miles (3,058 km). This trip takes you through a vast stretch of the American South and Southwest, showcasing a mix of deserts, plains, forests, and rich cultural landscapes.

Sunset Limited: Los Angeles to New Orleans

The Sunset Limited is one of Amtrak's most iconic long-distance train routes, offering a classic transcontinental rail experience from the Pacific Coast to the Deep South. Running thrice weekly, the train travels through deserts, mountains, bayous, and historic cities, giving passengers a unique window into the diverse American landscape.

Train Details

• Route Name: Sunset Limited
• Operator: Amtrak
• Service Frequency: 3 times per week
• Travel Time: Approx. 48 hours (2 days)
• Distance: Around 2,000 miles (3,200 km)
• Start Point: Los Angeles Union Station (LAX)
• End Point: New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal (NOL)

Route Highlights & Key Stops

1. Los Angeles, CA
   • Departure: Early Morning
   • Iconic Union Station, Spanish Colonial Revival architecture
   • Soon enters California desert landscapes
2. Palm Springs, CA
   • A resort town known for its golf courses, spas, and mid-century architecture
3. Tucson, AZ
   • Desert scenery, with views of the Sonoran Desert and distant mountains
4. El Paso, TX
   • Border town with Mexican cultural influence
   • The train often stops long enough to stretch your legs
5. San Antonio, TX(Connects with Texas Eagle)
   • Historic Alamo city
   • Some layover time for switching cars (passengers stay on board)
6. Houston, TX
   • Bustling energy hub with impressive skyline views
7. Beaumont, TX / Lake Charles, LA
   • Entering bayou country with increasing greenery and waterways
8. Lafayette, LA
   • Heart of Cajun Country
9. New Orleans, LA
   • Arrival: Usually around 9 PM (subject to delays)
   • Known for jazz, Creole cuisine, and vibrant French Quarter nightlife

Onboard Amenities

• Seating Options:
  • Coach Class– Spacious reclining seats with legroom
  • Roomettes– Small private cabins for one or two
  • Bedrooms– Larger private rooms with restrooms/showers
• Dining:
  • Traditional dining for sleeper car passengers (includes meals in fare)
  • Café car with snacks, sandwiches, coffee, and drinks
• Other Features:
  • Observation Lounge with panoramic windows
  • Free Wi-Fi (in limited areas)
  • Power outlets at every seat
  • Restrooms and luggage storage

Scenic Views

• California deserts and rugged terrain
• Arizona’s cacti-filled landscapes
• West Texas plains
• Bayous and swamps in Louisiana
• Mighty Mississippi River crossings
• Historic Southern towns and rail stations

Ticket Information

• Prices varybased on date, availability, and accommodation type:
  • Coach Class: ~$150–$200
  • Roomette: ~$400–$700+ (includes meals)
  • Bedroom: ~$700–$1,200+

Schedule (Sample - Subject to Change)

• Departs Los Angeles: ~10:00 AM (Pacific Time)
• Arrives New Orleans: ~9:40 PM (Central Time, 2 days later)