New York to New Orleans by train

Traveling by rail between the Northeast and the Deep South offers a relaxing alternative to flying or driving. The route connects two major cities in the United States, taking passengers through the Mid-Atlantic, the Carolinas, and the South. Because the trip takes over a full day, you will spend at least one night on board. Whether you are traveling for a vacation, visiting family, or simply enjoying the ride, this long-distance service provides a comfortable way to cross the country. Planning ahead helps ensure you get the accommodation that suits your travel style.

Your train options

The Crescent is the only direct train on this route, operating daily in each direction as of 2026. The trip takes about 30 hours, meaning every passenger will travel overnight on this trip. You can choose between standard Coach seats or private sleeper accommodations. Coach is the most affordable option, offering large reclining seats, but you might want to read our guide on sleeping in coach overnight before booking. For more privacy and a flat bed, you can book a Viewliner Roomette, a Viewliner Bedroom, or an Accessible Bedroom. You can learn more about these options in our guide to Amtrak sleeper accommodations. Passengers in sleeper classes also get access to the Dining car for meals during the journey. When choosing your ticket, consider your budget and how well you sleep in a seated position, as the upgrade to a private room makes the long journey much more comfortable.

The journey

The train departs the Northeast Corridor and heads south through major cities like Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, DC. Beyond the capital, the scenery transitions to the Virginia Piedmont and the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains around Charlottesville and Lynchburg. The train then crosses into North Carolina, stopping in Greensboro and Charlotte. From Charlotte to Atlanta, the route passes through Upstate South Carolina and north Georgia. If you are traveling southbound, much of this section runs in the early morning, so you might miss some views while sleeping. The journey continues through Alabama, with stops in Anniston, Birmingham, and Tuscaloosa. The final stretch from Birmingham to New Orleans features Alabama and Mississippi pine forests. Approaching the destination, the train crosses a long causeway over Lake Pontchartrain before arriving in Louisiana. Scenery visibility will always depend on the time of year and your specific travel direction.

The stations

Trains depart from New York, using Penn Station and the connected Moynihan Train Hall, which opened in 2021 across Eighth Avenue. Located under Madison Square Garden in Midtown Manhattan, it is the busiest Amtrak station in the country. It connects with subway lines, NJ Transit, and Long Island Rail Road trains. Note that Grand Central Terminal is a separate station for Metro-North commuter trains. The trip ends at the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal, a 1954 modernist station that also serves intercity buses. From outside the station, you can catch the Loyola Avenue streetcar toward the French Quarter.