Booking Amtrak In Louisiana..!!
Dreaming of a scenic journey through Louisiana’s unique landscapes, from the bustling streets of New Orleans to the serene bayous and historic towns? Amtrak offers a relaxing and memorable way to experience the heart of the Pelican State. Forget traffic jams and endless driving – hop aboard for a different kind of adventure!
Louisiana is served by two primary Amtrak routes:
- The City of New Orleans: Connecting the vibrant Crescent City to Chicago, with stops in the New Orleans metro area.
- The Sunset Limited: Traversing the Southern United States from Los Angeles to New Orleans, making several stops across southern Louisiana.
This complete guide will walk you through each Amtrak station in Louisiana, providing essential details, amenities, and crucial distances to key cities and airports to help you plan your perfect trip.
1. New Orleans – Union Passenger Terminal (NOL)
Address: 1001 Loyola Ave, New Orleans, LA 70113 Routes Served: City of New Orleans, Sunset Limited Key Features:
- Staffed station with ticket office
- Waiting room
- Restrooms
- Luggage storage available for a fee
- Amtrak Thruway Bus connections (including to Baton Rouge)
- Close proximity to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, Smoothie King Center, and downtown attractions.
- Accessible facilities
New Orleans’ Union Passenger Terminal is the largest and most serviced station in Louisiana, acting as the hub for both of Amtrak’s routes in the state. It’s a convenient gateway to exploring the French Quarter, Garden District, and all the magic New Orleans has to offer.
| Destination | Type | Approximate Driving Distance (Miles) |
|---|---|---|
| Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) | Airport | 15 |
| French Quarter | City | 1 |
| Baton Rouge | City | 80 |
| Lafayette | City | 135 |
| Lake Charles | City | 205 |
| Slidell | City | 30 |
| Hammond | City | 55 |
2. Slidell (SDL)
Address: 1001 Front St, Slidell, LA 70458 Routes Served: City of New Orleans Key Features:
- Unstaffed station
- Enclosed waiting area
- Restrooms
- Free short-term and long-term parking
- Accessible platform
Located on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, Slidell offers a charming, quieter alternative to the bustling city. It’s known for its swamp tours, historic Old Towne, and proximity to scenic water-based activities.
| Destination | Type | Approximate Driving Distance (Miles) |
|---|---|---|
| Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) | Airport | 40 |
| New Orleans | City | 30 |
| Baton Rouge | City | 95 |
| Hammond | City | 45 |
| Gulfport, MS | City | 50 |
3. Hammond (HMD)
Address: 400 NW Railroad Ave, Hammond, LA 70401 Routes Served: City of New Orleans Key Features:
- Unstaffed station
- Enclosed waiting area
- Restrooms
- Free short-term and long-term parking
- Amtrak Thruway Bus connections to Baton Rouge
- Accessible platform
Hammond is a growing city in Tangipahoa Parish, home to Southeastern Louisiana University. The station itself is a historic building, reflecting the town’s rich past as a strawberry capital. It’s a key transfer point for those looking to reach Louisiana’s capital, Baton Rouge, via Amtrak’s Thruway Bus service.
| Destination | Type | Approximate Driving Distance (Miles) |
|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR) | Airport | 35 |
| New Orleans | City | 55 |
| Baton Rouge | City | 35 |
| Lafayette | City | 110 |
| Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) | Airport | 65 |
4. Schriever (SCH)
Address: 102 W Main St, Schriever, LA 70395 Routes Served: Sunset Limited Key Features:
- Unstaffed station
- Open-air shelter with limited seating
- Free short-term and long-term parking
- Accessible platform
Schriever is a small, unincorporated community that serves as a gateway to Louisiana’s heartland – the bayou country of Terrebonne Parish. It’s a good stop for those seeking authentic Cajun culture, swamp tours, and deep-sea fishing, with nearby Houma and Thibodaux.
| Destination | Type | Approximate Driving Distance (Miles) |
|---|---|---|
| Houma | City | 15 |
| Thibodaux | City | 10 |
| New Orleans | City | 60 |
| Lafayette | City | 80 |
| Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) | Airport | 55 |
5. New Iberia (NIB)
Address: 401 W Pershing St, New Iberia, LA 70560 Routes Served: Sunset Limited Key Features:
- Unstaffed station
- Enclosed waiting area
- Restrooms
- Free short-term and long-term parking
- Accessible platform
New Iberia is a charming town steeped in Cajun and Creole history, nestled along the Bayou Teche. It’s famous for Tabasco sauce (Avery Island is nearby!), beautiful historic homes, and a vibrant arts scene. The station itself is a beautifully restored historic structure.
| Destination | Type | Approximate Driving Distance (Miles) |
|---|---|---|
| Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT) | Airport | 25 |
| Lafayette | City | 20 |
| Baton Rouge | City | 70 |
| New Orleans | City | 130 |
| Avery Island | Local | 10 |
6. Lafayette (LFT)
Address: 100 Lee Ave, Lafayette, LA 70501 Routes Served: Sunset Limited Key Features:
- Staffed station with ticket office (limited hours)
- Waiting room
- Restrooms
- Luggage carts
- Free short-term and long-term parking
- Accessible facilities
Lafayette is the heart of Cajun Country and a vibrant center for Acadian culture, music, and food. The Amtrak station is conveniently located downtown, offering easy access to live music venues, delicious restaurants, and cultural attractions.
| Destination | Type | Approximate Driving Distance (Miles) |
|---|---|---|
| Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT) | Airport | 5 |
| New Orleans | City | 135 |
| Baton Rouge | City | 60 |
| Lake Charles | City | 70 |
| New Iberia | City | 20 |
7. Lake Charles (LCH)
Address: 1000 Ryan St, Lake Charles, LA 70601 Routes Served: Sunset Limited Key Features:
- Staffed station with ticket office (limited hours)
- Waiting room
- Restrooms
- Free short-term and long-term parking
- Accessible platform
Lake Charles is a lively city in Southwest Louisiana, known for its casinos, the scenic Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, and vibrant festivals. The Amtrak station is a historic building, reflecting the city’s past as a timber and port hub.
| Destination | Type | Approximate Driving Distance (Miles) |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Charles Regional Airport (LCH) | Airport | 10 |
| Lafayette | City | 70 |
| Houston, TX | City | 145 |
| New Orleans | City | 205 |
| Alexandria | City | 85 |
Important Note on Baton Rouge
While Baton Rouge is Louisiana’s capital city, it does not have a direct Amtrak train station. However, Amtrak offers a convenient Thruway Bus service that connects directly from the Hammond Amtrak station to downtown Baton Rouge (including a stop near Louisiana State University). This allows travelers to seamlessly reach the capital city as part of their Amtrak journey.
Planning Your Louisiana Amtrak Adventure
- Book in Advance: Especially for popular routes and during peak seasons, secure your tickets early.
- Check Schedules: Train times can vary, and delays can occur. Always check Amtrak’s website or app for the most up-to-date schedule and status.
- Luggage: Amtrak has generous luggage allowances, but be mindful of what you can comfortably manage.
- Food & Drink: Long-distance trains (Sunset Limited, City of New Orleans) offer dining cars or café service. For shorter trips or unstaffed stations, bring your own snacks and beverages.
- Accessibility: All Amtrak trains and most stations are accessible. If you have specific needs, contact Amtrak directly when booking.
- Enjoy the View: One of the best parts of train travel in Louisiana is watching the unique landscapes unfold outside your window – from urban skylines to cypress swamps and sugar cane fields.
Whether you’re exploring the cultural tapestry of New Orleans, seeking the tranquility of the bayou, or immersing yourself in Cajun traditions, Amtrak offers a fantastic way to experience the diverse beauty of Louisiana. All aboard!