Traveling from New Orleans, LA, to Washington, DC, by train
The train from New Orleans, LA, to Washington, DC, lasts on average 29 h 14 min. Around 1 trains depart a day between New Orleans, LA, and Washington, DC, the average price is $202.90 and the lowest ticket pricing starts at around $147.79.
Amtrak, the largest passenger railroad service in the US, operates the train from New Orleans to Washington. Only one train can take you directly from the Big Easy to the DC - The Amtrak Crescent. Alternatively, you could tailor your trip with a stopover in Chicago, which would add 20 hours. The journey on the Crescent lasts 27 hours, so consider booking the sleeper car.
The Amtrak Crescent is a long-distance service connecting New Orleans to New York. While traveling between arguably the two most exciting cities in the US, The Crescent passes through 12 states, taking you from the festive Southern gems like Nashville and New Orleans to the busy North East bustling cities like Philadelphia and Washington.
The Crescent contains Viewliner sleeping cars, with two sleeping units available - the smaller Roomette or the more comfortable Bedroom.
The Roomette is in a tiny room, but it is very well-used. Different innovative storage solutions will surprise you at every step. Two comfortable recliner seats turn into a bed, and the second bunk bed that you pull from the ceiling turns this tiny living room into a tiny bedroom for two, and still with enough space and a great view. The older Viewliner cars have a toilet and a sink in the room (one of the surprises under the steps to the upper bunk), which can be tricky if there are two people. The newer cars have toilets and bathrooms in the hallway.
The Bedroom is twice as big, with a big comfy queen bed and a bathroom in the room (separated by a door). It has all the amenities of the Roomette with more space and a higher price.
If you opt for the sleeping car, remember that you must book the entire unit, whether alone or with someone. Also, the coach has comfortable reclining seats, perfect for getting some shut-eye, so give it a chance.
The Café car is available for all passengers during the day, while the Sleepers Lounge is open only for sleeping passengers. Both offer meals, snacks, and beverages, and the sleepers have all three meals included in the ticket price.
Union Passenger Terminal is the central transportation hub in New Orleans. It is the first stop for three big Amtrak lines leading to Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles. The station offers vending machines, shops, a game room, and a ticket office and is fully accessible, providing a wheelchair lift and accessible toilet facilities. Both daily and overnight parking is available if you are considering leaving your car at the station. The Greyhound and Jefferson buses serve the station as well as the signature New Orleans street cars.
You will arrive at Union Station in Washington, DC, just a few blocks from the US Capitol Building. Amtrak, MARC, VRE trains, and several bus lines stop there. The station is accessible by Metro Rail (Red Line) and several bus routes. Housing dozens of stores ranging from exclusive luxury brands like Burberry to high-street favorites such as H&M and Pottery Barn, alongside a range of food outlets catering to every taste and budget, offers everyone options.
So if you plan to travel from New Orleans to Washington by train, let us help you plan it. We check thousands of rail, bus, and flight destinations to help you find the best price. Check out our handy price calendar below, where you can see the best prices across all modes of transport between New Orleans and Washington.
