City of New Orleans – Amtrak Train Route Guide
The City of New Orleans is a long-distance Amtrak train route that connects the Midwest with the Deep South. Running between Chicago and New Orleans, this overnight service follows the Mississippi River corridor and serves several major cities along the way.
Route Overview
- Start: Chicago, Illinois
- End: New Orleans, Louisiana
- Approximate distance: ~921 miles
- Typical travel time: about 19–20 hours
- Service type: Long-distance, overnight
The City of New Orleans is popular with travelers heading between the Midwest and the Gulf Coast, as well as passengers making shorter trips between cities along the route.
States and Major Stops
The route passes through the following states:
- Illinois
- Kentucky
- Tennessee
- Mississippi
- Louisiana
Key stations served by the City of New Orleans include:
- Chicago, IL – Chicago Union Station
- Carbondale, IL
- Memphis, TN
- Jackson, MS
- New Orleans, LA – New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal
To explore all Amtrak stations, visit:
Train Stations in the United States & Canada
Who Uses the City of New Orleans?
- Passengers traveling between Chicago and New Orleans
- Travelers visiting Memphis and other Mississippi Valley cities
- Long-distance rail travelers seeking overnight comfort
- Students, families, and leisure travelers
Onboard Classes & Accommodation
Coach Class
- Reclining seats with legroom
- Overhead storage for carry-on luggage
- Access to café car food services
Sleeper Accommodations
- Roomettes and Bedrooms for overnight comfort
- Meals usually included for sleeper passengers
- Private cabins with attendant service
For a detailed explanation of sleeper options, see:
Amtrak Sleeper Class Guide
Dining & Onboard Services
- Café car serving snacks and beverages
- Flexible dining service for sleeper passengers
- Restrooms in every coach
- Power outlets available at many seats (varies by equipment)
Wi-Fi service is limited or unavailable on most parts of this route.
Scenery and Travel Experience
While the City of New Orleans is often chosen for practical travel, it also offers pleasant scenery along the Mississippi River corridor, including:
- River landscapes and wetlands
- Rural towns and farmlands
- Urban skylines near major city stops
Connections with Other Amtrak Routes
- Chicago – connections to major routes such as the California Zephyr, Empire Builder, and Lake Shore Limited
- New Orleans – connections to southern and Gulf Coast services, including the Crescent
Booking the City of New Orleans
Tickets can be booked through:
- Amtrak official website
- Amtrak mobile app
- Station ticket counters and kiosks
Fares depend on travel dates, demand, and accommodation type. Sleeper cabins are limited and should be booked early.
For booking tips and fare explanations, see:
Amtrak Ticket Booking Guide
Travel Tips for City of New Orleans Passengers
- Book sleeper accommodations early for overnight comfort
- Pack essentials in a small bag for easy access
- Bring snacks and entertainment for long daytime stretches
- Plan flexible arrival times due to potential delays
More general advice:
Amtrak Travel Tips
FAQs
Does the City of New Orleans run daily?
Yes, the City of New Orleans typically operates once daily in each direction.
Are meals included?
Meals are usually included for sleeper passengers. Coach passengers can purchase food from the café car.
Is checked baggage available?
Checked baggage is available at many major stations, but not all stops. Check baggage availability during booking.
For more Amtrak-related questions, visit:
Amtrak FAQ
Note: The City of New Orleans is part of the nationwide Amtrak network. For a complete overview of routes and services, visit:
Amtrak – America’s National Train Service.