Washington, DC to New Orleans by Train

Taking the train from the nation's capital to the Gulf Coast offers a practical and comfortable alternative to flying or driving. The route connects the Mid-Atlantic region with the Deep South, passing through major cities and rural landscapes. Travelers board at Washington Union Station and arrive right near the French Quarter at the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. Because this is a long journey, passengers spend a full day and night on board. Whether you choose a standard seat or a private room, the trip provides a relaxed way to cross several states without the stress of interstate traffic.

Your train options

The only direct train on this route is the Crescent, which operates daily in each direction as of 2026. The trip takes about 22 to 27 hours, making it an overnight journey. Passengers can choose between standard Coach seats or upgrade to private sleeping quarters. The sleeping options include the Viewliner Roomette, the Viewliner Bedroom, and an Accessible Bedroom. If you want to learn more about these private spaces, read our guide on Amtrak roomettes and bedrooms explained.

Choosing the right class depends on your budget and comfort preferences. Coach is the most affordable option, and you can read our tips on sleeping in coach overnight to prepare for the long ride. However, booking a sleeper class provides a bed, privacy, and access to the dining car. Since the journey lasts over a full day, a private room makes the overnight segment much more comfortable.

The journey

The journey South begins by crossing the Virginia Piedmont and the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains around Charlottesville and Lynchburg. The train makes numerous stops in Virginia and North Carolina, including Alexandria, Greensboro, and Charlotte. Depending on the time of year and the schedule, the segment from Charlotte through upstate South Carolina and north Georgia into Atlanta often runs in the early morning or overnight hours.

After leaving Atlanta, the route continues through Alabama with stops in Anniston, Birmingham, and Tuscaloosa. The final stretch of the trip takes passengers through the pine forests of Alabama and Mississippi, stopping in towns like Meridian and Hattiesburg. As the train approaches its final destination, it crosses a long causeway over Lake Pontchartrain before pulling into New Orleans.

The stations

The trip starts at Washington, DC station guide, which opened in 1907 near the US Capitol. This major hub connects with the Metro Red Line, MARC, and VRE commuter trains. Many trains change crews or locomotives here between the electrified Northeast Corridor and the South. A long term expansion and rebuilding programme is currently under way at the station.

The journey ends at the New Orleans station guide, a 1954 modernist station that also serves intercity buses. From outside the station, the Loyola Avenue streetcar runs toward the French Quarter. This terminal also serves as the terminus for the City of New Orleans, Sunset Limited, and Mardi Gras Service.