Key Highlights
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The New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is the main spot for both Amtrak trains and Greyhound Lines buses.
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This train station sits in the Central Business District. It is easy to get to the famous French Quarter and other big spots from here.
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The terminal opened in 1954. You will see old murals inside that show the story of Louisiana.
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Major Amtrak trains here are the City of New Orleans, the Crescent, which goes to New York City, and the Sunset Limited, which goes to Los Angeles.
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At the station, you get what you need, like a waiting room, places to buy tickets, and help with your bags.
Introduction
Welcome to your important travel guide for the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal! This place is a big travel hub in the southern United States. The station helps you get into the fun culture, music, and long history of New Orleans. It is a good spot if you want to feel the real vibe of the city or start a trip to another place. The terminal will give you the services and links you need to make your journey easy. Get ready to see what this old and famous station has for you.
Overview and History of New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal
The New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal opened in 1954. From the start, it brought together the passenger services of many railroads. This includes the Southern Pacific Railroad and the Illinois Central Railroad. Now, people could catch their trains at one main station. This made going to and from Crescent City faster and easier. The terminal quickly became an important place for travelers.
Today, the Union Passenger Terminal is still a big part of New Orleans. It is now an intermodal facility that serves the city and its people. The building shows the deep history that New Orleans has with rail travel. Many make their first or last stop here. Now, let’s look more at its design and what it means for the city’s network of transit.
Origins and Architectural Highlights
Before the current terminal was built, New Orleans had a few other stations. One of them was known as the Southern Railway Terminal. Building the New Orleans Union Station brought these different train services together. This station was put up on a site with a lot of history. The area used to be where the New Basin Canal and the turning basin were found.
When you walk in, the first thing you might see is some big and bright murals. These show the story of Louisiana, from the days people first came here up into the mid-1900s.
These murals make the modern waiting hall look good and colorful. They also tell the story of the area, so while you sit waiting for your train or bus, you get to learn a little history and enjoy the art at the same time.
Significance in New Orleans Transit Network
The Union Passenger Terminal is more than a historic building in New Orleans. It is an important intermodal facility in the city’s modern travel system. The terminal links long-distance Amtrak trains and Greyhound buses to local options. With this, it makes a strong travel hub for everyone. It helps people get from place to place, whether they live in the city or are here to visit.
With the help of the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority, the terminal connects you to the rest of the city. You can switch from a train or bus to the network of routes with ease. This lets you use things like the well-known streetcars to get to your final stop.
These connections are smart transportation investments generating benefits for the city’s economy. They also make it simpler for people to get around the New Orleans area. The Union Passenger Terminal plays a big role in this, making your trip smoother and easier.
Location, Access, and Getting Around
It’s easy to get to and from the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. The station is at 1001 Loyola Avenue. You will find it in the Central Business District. This is a good spot because it is on the path of the old canal. You will be close to everything in the city and not far from top places to visit.
When you start here, you are very close to downtown New Orleans. You are also near the French Quarter, which many people want to see. Below, you will find more help about how to get around and where you can go.
Directions and Transportation Options
The terminal sits close to the Pontchartrain Expressway. This place is simple to get to by car. If you want to go to Downtown or the French Quarter, you will find a lot of transportation choices just outside this station.
It is not hard to get around in this area. You can pick public transit or get a private ride. There are many options in New Orleans that help you start your trip with no trouble.
Here are some of the ways you can leave the station and go on your way next:
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Public Transit: The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (NORTA) runs buses and streetcars close by.
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Taxis and Rideshares: You can use set pickup spots for taxis, plus services like Uber and Lyft.
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Walking: Many hotels and places to go in the Central Business District are close enough to walk to.
Access to Downtown, French Quarter, and Local Landmarks
One of the best things about coming to the Union Passenger Terminal is that it is close to the middle of New Orleans, also called the Big Easy. You are just about 0.7 miles from Downtown. It takes most people only about 15 minutes to walk to the center. This means you can get to all that energy in the city fast.
From the Union Passenger Terminal, you will be near some of the top spots in New Orleans. It is not far to the famous French Quarter, which is known for its look and busy streets. Many other big sites are easy to get to from there.
Think about visiting these places nearby:
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The French Quarter: See the oldest part of the city and soak up what makes New Orleans special.
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The National World War II Museum: Check out this important museum in the Central Business District.
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Rampart-Loyola Streetcar Line: Jump on a streetcar to get a good view of more of the city.
Train and Bus Services Operating at the Terminal
The Union Passenger Terminal is the main spot for long-distance passenger service in New Orleans. At this train station, you can catch Amtrak trains and Greyhound Lines buses. It is easy to travel since you find both the trains and the buses right here. Next time you want to see more of North America, this is a good place to start. There are many choices, with plenty of trips each day.
If you plan to travel far by train or just need a bus ride for a short trip, the Union Passenger Terminal has a route for you. You do not have to worry about the schedule because there are many timings to pick from. Now, let us talk about the Amtrak routes and bus options that leave from this terminal.
Amtrak Routes and Destinations
Amtrak offers an extensive network of routes from New Orleans, connecting you to major cities across the country. With reliable schedules, you can plan your trip with confidence, whether you’re heading north to Chicago or west toward the Pacific coast.
These routes provide a scenic and comfortable way to travel. The Sunset Limited, for example, takes you all the way to Los Angeles, with connections available to places like San Francisco. The City of New Orleans route travels through the heart of America’s musical heritage on its way to Chicago, while the Crescent heads northeast to New York City.
Here are the primary Amtrak routes serving the terminal:
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Route Name |
Key Destinations |
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City of New Orleans |
Memphis, Chicago |
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Crescent |
Atlanta, Washington D.C., New York City |
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Sunset Limited |
Houston, San Antonio, Los Angeles |
Bus Lines and Regional Connections
Besides trains, the terminal is also a busy spot for bus trips. Greyhound Lines mainly runs these buses. There are over 400 trips from the station every day, so you get many good choices for travel on comfortable buses.
These buses link New Orleans with many places. You can go to cities nearby like Baton Rouge and Houston, or take a longer trip across the U.S. The bus system gives you a good and low-cost way to travel.
Some of the top bus places people go from New Orleans are:
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Houston, TX
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Baton Rouge, LA
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Atlanta, GA
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Dallas, TX
Amenities and Facilities at Union Passenger Terminal
To help you have a good trip, the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal has many things to make your time there better. You can sit in the large main waiting hall and relax before you get on your train. There are restrooms and places to get tickets, so you have what you need while you are at the station.
If you want to eat, move your bags, or just find a spot to sit down, the station has what you are looking for. We will talk about food, ways to get around, and other things the station offers below.
Waiting Areas, Dining, and Shopping
The terminal has a big waiting room with staff, so you can sit and wait for your trip. There are not many places to shop inside, but you will get some basic things you might need.
If you want food, there is a Subway right in the terminal. You can grab a quick meal there. If you want more options, that is not a problem. The station is in a central place, so you will see many other restaurants and shops nearby. They are just a short walk away from the main post office and the terminal.
Within half a mile from the main post office and the terminal, you can find:
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Over 20 dining choices
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More than 18 coffee shops
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At least 5 convenience stores
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Many bars to pick from
Luggage Services, Restrooms, and Accessibility Features
The terminal has a number of luggage services that help make your trip easier. You will find a checked baggage service for bigger items. If you need a hand, there is staff at the station who can help with your bags. There is also bag storage if you want a spot to keep your things for a while.
There are restrooms inside the station, so you don’t have to go out to find one. The terminal gives you many features to help you, making sure every traveler can have a good time. The station worked hard to be helpful, keeping its service open even after Hurricane Katrina.
Key features for easy use include:
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Restrooms, waiting room, and platform that anyone can get to
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A wheelchair lift and wheelchairs ready to use
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A water fountain that is easy to reach
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Parking spaces that are made for people who need them
Parking, Tickets, and Traveler Tips
Planning your trip to the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is easy. If you are driving to the station, you will find parking available right there. You can leave your car for a few hours or even overnight. But, there is no promise you will get a parking spot. So, it is good to have another idea in case the lot is full.
For tickets, you have choices. You can get them at the station. You can also use a simple booking platform online for more ease. Keep reading to find out more about parking fees and how to buy your tickets.
Parking Options and Fees
The Union Passenger Terminal lets travelers park for the day or stay overnight. It is simple to use, but Amtrak lets you know that there is no promise a spot will be open when you get there. This can be tough, mostly at busy travel times.
To make sure you do not get stressed at the last minute, you can look at other parking spots near the union passenger terminal. There are more than 20 garages within a half-mile of the station. So, you will have many places to pick from.
For the best time, try these tips:
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Reserve Ahead: Use an online service to check prices and lock in a spot close by.
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Look for Deals: Check the web for long-term parking or a valet discount.
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Arrive Early: Give yourself more time to park, more so if you did not book before.
Ticketing Counters and Online Purchases
Yes, you can buy your tickets right at the Union Passenger Terminal. There are people who work at the ticket counters and the sales office. They can help you book your ticket. The ticket office is open every day from 6:30 in the morning until 10:15 at night.
You can also use Amtrak ticketing kiosks if you want things to move fast. But for the most simple experience, you may want to use a simple booking platform online to get your tickets before you go to the station.
Using a simple booking platform online helps you:
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Compare fares from different carriers
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Book your tickets from anywhere, anytime
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Get your tickets in your email or phone
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Skip waiting in line at the station
Hours of Operation and Visitor Essentials
If you know the hours for the Union Passenger Terminal, you can plan when to get there or go. This station is open every day. But not all services are open at the same time. Some things like getting tickets or help with bags have their own hours. It is good to check these times. That way, you do not miss what you need.
The hours do not change a lot. But, on holidays, they may be different than usual. Look below for when the station is open most times and some useful tips for your visit.
This helps you use the union passenger terminal with no trouble.
Opening Hours and Holiday Schedules
The New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is open every day for travelers. The main waiting room is a nice place to wait, but it does not stay open all day and night. Before you go, check the times, so you know when to get there.
The different services inside the station have their own opening and closing times. For example, the ticket office and the baggage service do not open and close at the same hours as the waiting room. If it is a holiday, their hours may change, so it is smart to look them up online or call ahead if you are going on a big holiday.
Here are the usual hours for main services at the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal:
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Station Waiting Room: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Daily
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Ticket Office: 6:30 AM – 10:15 PM, Daily
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Passenger Assistance: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM, Daily
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Checked Baggage Service: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM, Daily
Safety, Security, and Tips for First-Time Visitors
For your first visit, a little planning can help you a lot. Your safety really matters, so please stay aware of the people around you. Keep your things close to you at all times. The station has staff there, and this helps to keep the place safe for everyone.
Amtrak asks that you get to the station at least 30 minutes before your train leaves if you are not checking bags and do not need any help. If you will check bags or need help, get there 60 minutes early. This way, you will have plenty of time and you do not have to rush.
Here are a few more tips to make the trip easy:
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Stay Charged: Try to find power outlets in the waiting areas or on your train, so your phone and other devices can stay charged.
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Travel Comfortably: Most new trains and buses have extra legroom for a better trip.
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Use Amenities: The station gives you things like payphones and vending machines if you need them.
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Ask for Help: If you have questions, ask the station staff. They are there to help you.
Conclusion
To sum up, the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is not just a place for travel. It stands as an important spot with deep roots in the city’s history and culture. The building has special features that you won’t find anywhere else. It also has a past that means a lot to the people here. The terminal gives you a way to get to many good things in New Orleans.
If you are taking a train or a bus, spending time with all the services, or just taking in the place, you will find there is something to enjoy for everyone. Be sure to check your travel plans and think about the transportation tips shared in this guide. Now is a great time to see new orleans. Start planning your trip to the union passenger terminal today to get the most out of what this great city has in store for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy tickets for trains and buses at the station?
Yes, you can get tickets at the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. The station has people at the ticket counter for Amtrak and Greyhound Lines. There are also Amtrak kiosks that you can use.
If you want to skip the line, you can buy your tickets before you go by using a simple booking platform online.
Are there restaurants or shops at the terminal?
The Union Passenger Terminal does not have many places to eat. There is a Subway inside the building. If you want more choices, you can find lots of places close by. The area around the terminal and the main post office has many restaurants. You can also get coffee and find a few stores to pick up things you need. Most of these are just a short walk from the union passenger terminal, so you do not need to go far for food or shopping.
Does the terminal accommodate travelers with disabilities?
Yes, the Union Passenger Terminal has many things that help people with disabilities. The station has restrooms and waiting areas that be easy for people to use. There are wheelchair lifts and staff who can help too. It is a good idea to read traveler tips and call the station before your trip if you need any help with your bags or need other help.
Union Passenger Terminal makes travel easy for everyone.