The Sunset Limited: Train Travel from New Orleans to Los Angeles

This route suits travelers who want to see the deep south and the vast desert landscapes of the Southwest at a relaxed pace. The Sunset Limited provides a rare look at remote West Texas and the borderlands of New Mexico and Arizona. It is ideal for those who appreciate changing scenery, from the humid bayous of Louisiana to the dry expanses of the Chihuahuan Desert. Because it runs only three times a week, it requires careful planning. Passengers who enjoy long stretches of uninterrupted travel will find the two-night schedule appealing. It also serves as a vital link for those connecting to other long distance trains in New Orleans or Los Angeles.

Route overview

The Sunset Limited covers about 1,995 miles between New Orleans and Los Angeles. The entire journey takes about 46 to 48 hours end to end, requiring two nights on the train. As of 2026, the train runs three times a week in each direction. Service east of New Orleans to Florida was suspended after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and has not returned. The separate Mardi Gras Service now covers the route from New Orleans to Mobile.

The train departs New Orleans and heads west through Louisiana and Texas, making major stops in Houston and San Antonio. In San Antonio, through cars connect with the Texas Eagle, allowing passengers to travel between Chicago and Los Angeles without changing cars. The route continues through the remote desert regions of West Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, stopping in El Paso and Tucson. Finally, it crosses into California for its arrival in Los Angeles. Passengers spend two nights sleeping on the train, waking up to dramatically different landscapes each morning.

What you see, section by section

New Orleans to Houston

The journey begins by crossing the Huey P. Long Bridge over the Mississippi River. The train then rolls into the bayou country of southern Louisiana. You will pass through Cajun country around Lafayette and Lake Charles before crossing the state line into Texas. The landscape here is lush, green, and defined by waterways. This section is typically seen in daylight when traveling westbound, offering excellent views of the wetlands before the train reaches the sprawling urban center of Houston.

San Antonio to El Paso

After departing San Antonio, the train enters the vast expanses of remote West Texas. A major highlight is crossing the Pecos River high bridge, which offers dramatic views of the gorge below. The route then skirts the edges of Big Bend country near Alpine, passing through the rugged Chihuahuan Desert. This long stretch showcases the scale and isolation of the American Southwest. The terrain is rocky and arid, gradually leading toward the mountains that surround the border city of El Paso.

El Paso to Tucson

The train runs closely along the Rio Grande valley and the border between the US and Mexico near El Paso. As it pushes further west into New Mexico and Arizona, the scenery transitions into a series of desert basins and mountain ranges. You will pass through small desert communities like Deming, Lordsburg, and Benson. The rugged mountains provide a striking backdrop against the wide desert floor as the train approaches Tucson.

Tucson to Los Angeles

Leaving Tucson, the route enters the Saguaro desert, known for its towering cacti. The train stops in Maricopa, which serves as the station for the Phoenix area, since Phoenix itself has no passenger train. Continuing west, the route crosses the stark Imperial Valley and the Coachella Valley. Much of this final stretch through California occurs at night for westbound passengers. The train then navigates the urban landscape of Southern California before arriving at Los Angeles Union Station.

Classes and onboard

• Coach with reclining seats and leg rests
• Superliner Roomette
• Superliner Bedroom
• Family Bedroom
• Accessible Bedroom
• Sightseer Lounge car
• Dining car

The Sunset Limited uses bi-level Superliner equipment. Passengers can choose between Coach class and private sleeper accommodations. Coach features reclining seats and leg rests, which are suitable for budget travelers comfortable with sleeping in coach overnight. For more privacy and a flat bed, you can book a Superliner Roomette or a larger Superliner Bedroom. Families traveling together might prefer the Family Bedroom, while an Accessible Bedroom is available for passengers with mobility needs.

All sleeper passengers receive complimentary meals in the Dining car. Coach passengers can purchase hot and cold food in the Sightseer Lounge car, which is open to everyone. The Sightseer Lounge features large windows that curve up into the ceiling, making it the best place to watch the desert scenery. Booking a sleeper is highly recommended for this two-night trip if your budget allows.