City to city
Atlanta to New Orleans by train
You can travel direct from Atlanta to New Orleans on the Amtrak Crescent train, a journey that takes about 10 hours to 12 hours 30 minutes.
| Train | Approx. time | Runs | Overnight | Change needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crescent | about 10 hours to 12 hours 30 minutes | Daily in each direction | Yes | No, direct |
Traveling by rail between Georgia and Louisiana is straightforward. The Crescent is the only direct option, connecting the two major southern cities without any changes along the way. This route operates daily as of 2026. Because the trip takes about 10 hours to 12 hours 30 minutes, it is scheduled as an overnight journey. Passengers can choose between standard seating and private sleeping accommodations. Booking early is a good idea for this route, especially if you want a private room for the night.
Your train options
The Crescent provides daily service in each direction as of 2026. The trip takes about 10 hours to 12 hours 30 minutes. Because this is an overnight trip, you have a few choices for your comfort. Passengers on a budget can book a standard Coach seat. If you plan to travel this way, you can read about sleeping in coach overnight. For more privacy and a proper bed, Amtrak offers Viewliner Roomettes and Viewliner Bedrooms. There is also an Accessible Bedroom available for passengers with mobility needs. You can learn more about these options in our guide to Amtrak roomettes and bedrooms. The train also features a Dining car for meals during the journey. Choosing your class depends on your budget and how well you sleep in a standard seat.
The journey
The journey from Atlanta to New Orleans passes through several southern towns and cities. After departing Atlanta, the train makes stops in Alabama at Anniston, Birmingham, and Tuscaloosa. It then crosses into Mississippi, calling at Meridian, Laurel, Hattiesburg, and Picayune before reaching Slidell in Louisiana. Because this is an overnight trip, much of the scenery will be obscured by darkness. Depending on the time of year and the exact schedule, you might catch sight of the Alabama and Mississippi pine forests in the daylight. The most notable scenic highlight comes at the very end of the trip. The train travels over a long causeway across Lake Pontchartrain as it makes its final approach into New Orleans.
The stations
Your trip begins at Atlanta Peachtree Station, a small 1918 building located in the Brookwood area north of downtown. The Crescent is the only Amtrak service that stops here. There is no adjacent MARTA rail station, so most passengers arrive by rideshare or bus. You will arrive at the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. This is a 1954 modernist station that also serves intercity buses. It acts as the terminus for the Crescent, the City of New Orleans, the Sunset Limited, and the Mardi Gras Service. From outside the station, you can take the Loyola Avenue streetcar toward the French Quarter.
Tips
- Book your ticket well in advance if you want a Viewliner Roomette or Bedroom.
- Check out our Amtrak and VIA booking tips before you buy your fare.
- Arrange a rideshare to Peachtree Station since MARTA rail does not connect directly.
- Read our guide for your first time on Amtrak to prepare for the overnight journey.
Questions travellers ask
Do I need to change trains between Atlanta and New Orleans?
No, every train listed for this route is direct. You will board the Amtrak Crescent at Atlanta Peachtree Station and stay on the same train until you arrive at the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. There are no transfers required along the way.
How long is the train ride from Atlanta to New Orleans?
The journey on the Amtrak Crescent takes about 10 hours to 12 hours 30 minutes. This is an overnight trip, so you will spend the night on the train as it travels through Alabama and Mississippi before arriving in Louisiana.