Key Highlights
Here is a quick look at what you will find in our Louisiana train travel guide:
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Louisiana has a number of Amtrak routes, so train travel can be easy here.
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The New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is the main rail station in the state.
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Some of the main Amtrak train routes are the Sunset Limited, the Crescent, and the City of New Orleans.
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Different train stations around the state offer different services and features.
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There are some train stations in Louisiana, like the one in Hammond, that are inside old and important buildings.
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People can use the train to reach big cities like Chicago and even travel as far as California.
Introduction
Welcome to your simple guide to train travel in Louisiana. Taking the train in the Pelican State is a good way to see the many cities and the nice views. Amtrak gives reliable service across Louisiana. It also helps you get to united states places outside the state, making trips easier. you may want to plan a big cross-country trip, or you may just want to go from one city to another. Either way, train travel is a good choice instead of driving or air travel. This guide will help you get ready, so you can enjoy your time on the train.
Overview of Train Travel in Louisiana
Riding the train in Louisiana is easy and quick because of a strong network of Amtrak routes. There are train stations in many parts of the state, so you can get on a train and see lots of different places. These train routes link Louisiana to other states in the country.
You can start your trip from New Orleans, which is a busy train hub. From there, you can travel east, west, or north. If you want to plan the best trip, it’s good to know about these train routes. Next, we will talk about the main rail operator and the most popular Amtrak routes you can use in Louisiana.
Major Passenger Rail Operators and Services
In Louisiana, Amtrak is the main train company you will use. Amtrak is the biggest train operator in the United States. The company runs all the major amtrak routes through the state, so you can count on the same good level of service and connections when you travel. Amtrak trains are made to be comfortable for both short trips and longer rides.
Services on these amtrak trains are built to help make your trip easy and enjoyable. You can pick a long train ride like the Sunset Limited, which runs all the way across the country. You can also take the Crescent, which goes from New Orleans to New York City. Each train line has its own time schedule and shows you some nice sights along the way.
Louisiana is different from some other places, because it sits on many key amtrak routes. You get more choices for travel to and from big cities, such as Chicago, New York, or places on the West Coast. Thanks to these connections, Louisiana is an important stop for trains and travel in the South.
Popular Rail Routes Across the State
When you travel by train in Louisiana, you get to pick from a few great Amtrak routes. These different routes will take you from hubs in the state to big cities and popular places in the country.
Every train route gives you something special. You can choose one with nice views or one that takes you right to a big city. Some of the most popular Amtrak routes that serve Louisiana are:
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City of New Orleans: This well-known route goes between New Orleans and Chicago. It runs through the middle of Illinois and Mississippi.
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Crescent: Take this line from New Orleans all the way up the East Coast to New York City.
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Sunset Limited: This is a real cross-country trip. It takes you from Orleans to Los Angeles, California. The train goes through Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.
With these choices, you can easily plan short trips in the region or big trips across states. When you pick one of these Amtrak routes, you get to relax and enjoy your time. You do not have to worry about driving.
Main Amtrak Train Stations in Louisiana
Louisiana has several Amtrak train stations that help both local people and visitors travel easily. The biggest and most important one is the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. This is where most Amtrak trains in the state start or finish their trip. All the main routes use this place as a main stop, so it is an important part of travel in Louisiana.
Besides new orleans, there are other louisiana amtrak stations too. These stations let more people in Louisiana use the big train system across the county. Next, you can learn more about the main union passenger terminal and find out about the other amtrak station locations around the state.
New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal Overview
The New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is the biggest and most used train station in Louisiana. It connects to many important places. It’s where the City of New Orleans, Crescent, and Sunset Limited trains start or finish their trips. When you get there, you will see a large building made to handle lots of people coming and going.
Inside, there is a big waiting room. Here, you can sit down and take it easy before you get on your train. The station has Amtrak workers who are ready to help. They can answer your questions, assist with tickets, and help make sure your trip starts out well. The help you get from the station staff makes everything go smoother.
From the waiting room, someone will show you where to go for your train. Clear signs point you to the correct train platform so you know just where to stand. The train platforms are made for Amtrak’s long trips on trains like the Sunset Limited, City of New Orleans, and Crescent. The New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is a good place to start your trip by rail and see the country.
Baton Rouge, Hammond, and Other Key Locations
Besides the major hub in New Orleans, Amtrak serves several other key cities across Louisiana. These stations provide essential links for communities outside of the metropolitan area, making train travel accessible to more people. One notable location is Hammond, which features a beautifully restored historic depot.
Other important stops include Lafayette and Lake Charles, which are situated along the Sunset Limited route. These stations allow for convenient travel across the southern part of the state and provide connections to Texas and beyond. While there is no current Amtrak service to Baton Rouge, it remains a topic of discussion for future expansion.
Here are the primary cities in Louisiana with active Amtrak stations. Please note that for specific station codes, you should consult the official Amtrak website.
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City |
Notes |
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New Orleans |
The state’s main hub for all three routes. |
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Hammond |
Served by the City of New Orleans route. |
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Lafayette |
A key stop on the Sunset Limited route. |
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Lake Charles |
A stop on the Sunset Limited route in western LA. |
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Schriever |
A stop on the Sunset Limited route. |
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New Iberia |
A stop on the Sunset Limited route. |
Station Details and Amenities
When you travel by train in Louisiana, what you get at each station can be different. Big stations often have more things for you. There might be a ticket office with staff to help you. You can also find good baggage service at these larger places. In smaller stations, there are less things there, so you should check ahead before you go.
Most of the time, you will find a place to sit and wait at the station. But not all stations may have things like accessible parking or people working as station staff. These things can be different at each spot. Now, let’s look at facts about accessibility, parking, baggage services, and what other things you can find inside stations in Louisiana. This can help you get ready for your trip.
Accessibility, Parking, and Baggage Services
Most Amtrak stations in Louisiana have features to help people move around more easily. You will find an accessible platform at many stations. This platform lets you get to the train without steps in the way. If the train does not come with onboard ramps, the station can bring out a wheelchair lift. This way, you can get on the train safely from a low platform.
When you travel, some stations in Louisiana have spots open for same-day or overnight parking. Still, Amtrak cannot promise that a parking space will be open at the time of your trip. You should try to come early to have a better chance to get one. The services at Amtrak stations to look for include:
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Accessible Parking: You will see marked parking spaces, but it is first come, first served.
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Baggage Service: If you are at a large station, you may use checked baggage service with help from the staff. They can give you a hand with your luggage.
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Wheelchair Lift: Some stations can give you a lift if you use a wheelchair, which helps every passenger get on the train.
If you want free passenger assistance, such as help with luggage or a courtesy wheelchair, the station staff can help. Their help is ready when the station is open. Make sure to come to the station at least 45 minutes before your train leaves if you need these services.
In-Station Facilities and Traveler Comforts
Your comfort matters when you wait for your train. Most train stations in Louisiana have an indoor waiting room. This gives you a place to sit that is out of the weather before you get on your train. If you go to a station with staff, you will see a ticket office. You can buy your tickets there or get help with your plans.
But the things you get at each place can be different. Some stations have restrooms. Others do not have WiFi, vending machines, or an ATM. It is a good idea to look up the details for your station on the Amtrak website before you go.
If you want to keep your baggage safe, some stations in Louisiana have a storage spot for your luggage. This is close to the “left luggage” service in Europe. You may need to pay a storage fee for this. You should always check the hours of your ticket office and waiting room too, since they might not be open all the time.
Notable and Historic Train Stations
Louisiana has train stations that are much more than just places to get the train. Some go back many years and show the history of the area with their old and beautiful designs. The new orleans union passenger terminal, for example, stands out as an important landmark in orleans.
Some other stations in louisiana are smaller. Still, they hold pieces of history. They mix their older feel with new and useful features, so every visit shows a bit of the past while helping people get where they want to go today. If you look at these historic train stations, you will see your trip through louisiana in a new way.
Next, we will see some things about their look and find out which are the busiest stations, including the new orleans union passenger terminal, that you will most likely see.
Architectural Highlights and Local Heritage
Some train stations in Louisiana stand out because of their special design and how they connect to local history. These buildings are not just places to hop on or off a train. They help us look back at the story of rail travel in the area. The Hammond station is a good example of this.
The Hammond station sits in a depot built in 1912. It was fixed up and even won an award for saving history. Today, the station is home to an Amtrak waiting room and offices for the local chamber of commerce. This mix of old and new makes it one of the most interesting historic train stations in Louisiana. Other stations have their own unique features:
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Historic Depots: Some, like the Hammond station, can be found in buildings from the early 1900s that have been carefully restored.
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Mid-Century Modernism: The New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal stands out with a bold, mid-century modern look.
These special designs let people see how travel and style changed over the years in Louisiana. It makes time spent in the waiting room, or walking through New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal, a short trip through history.
Busiest and Most Visited Stations in 2026
Looking ahead to 2026, the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is set to stay the busiest train station in Louisiana. The station is at the center of three big, long-distance routes. These are the City of New Orleans, Crescent, and Sunset Limited. Because of this, it sees more passenger traffic than any other station in the state.
This spot is the main link for train travel, so it’s the top choice for people coming to or leaving New Orleans by rail. Every week, thousands of people walk in or out of the station. Some start their trip there, some end it, and others just pass through on their way across the country. With so many people coming and going, this station really stands out as the main rail entry point for the region.
Other stations, like Lafayette and Hammond, are also busy stops on the train line. Lafayette is part of the Sunset Limited, making it a top pick for people traveling in the Acadiana area. Hammond is a key stop for those on the Northshore who want to travel to Chicago or New Orleans.
Conclusion
Louisiana’s train stations bring together both ease and the local culture. This helps make your trip better. At the busy New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal, you will feel the energy of the city. The stations in places like Baton Rouge and Hammond also have their own special look and helpful things for travelers. Each one has its own story.
You get to enjoy many things with train travel in Louisiana. Maybe you look at old train routes or just spend a while in the station buildings. People who like new orleans or want to see the orleans area will find the journey adds more to their trip. So, if you are thinking about traveling, train travel is a good way to see more of Louisiana.
You can get help or find more to know if you need it. Start your trip, look at union passenger terminal, New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal or see what Hammond or other places have to share. Have a great time as you go!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the closest train station to my location in Louisiana?
The best way to find the nearest amtrak station is to use the station locator tool on the official amtrak website. You just enter your city, address, or zip code. Then, you can see a map with nearby stations. You will also see their addresses and which routes they cover.
Which cities in Louisiana have Amtrak service and what are their station codes?
Amtrak goes to New Orleans, Hammond, Schriever, New Iberia, and Lafayette. The biggest station is the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. When you book a trip, you can use station codes like NOL for New Orleans. You can get these codes by looking up the city on Amtrak’s website. Train station facilities in St Louis offer various amenities to enhance the travel experience. From waiting areas with free Wi-Fi to food services and ticketing options, travelers have everything they need at their fingertips. Additionally, St Louis’s central location makes it a convenient stop for those journeying to other major destinations across the Midwest.
What should I know before booking a trip by train in Louisiana?
Before you book, make sure to look at the hours and what is offered at your departure and arrival stations. These can change from place to place. It is important to check when the ticket office will be open. You should also find out if there is baggage service when you need it.
Get to the station at least 30 to 45 minutes before your trip. This is helpful if you will need help or want to check your luggage. Be aware that things like baggage storage can cost extra.