The Crescent train from New Orleans to Atlanta is Amtrak train 20, which covers approximately 518 miles in a little over 12 hours and 45 minutes. It departs from New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal (NOL) around 9:15 am and arrives at Atlanta Peachtree Station (ATL) around 11:00 pm. Coach fares usually start around $50 early on in the booking process. This guide reviews the schedules and stops as well as fares and practical tips to assist you in arranging your trip.
| Quick Fact | Details |
| Train | Amtrak Crescent (Train 20 northbound) |
| Frequency | Daily, one departure |
| Distance | About 518 miles |
| Departs | New Orleans (NOL), around 9:15 AM Central |
| Arrives | Atlanta (ATL), around 11:00 PM Eastern |
| Scheduled travel time | About 12 hours 45 minutes |
| Typical coach fare | From about $50 when booked early |
Why Take the Train from New Orleans to Atlanta?
The train is a good choice for people who want to use time normally wasted driving. Rather than squinting at the road to try and see something new to do while driving through Mississippi and Alabama, you can read, work, eat or watch the world go by as you cross Lake Pontchartrain, the Piney Woods and the Alabama foothills.
- No driving stress: you skip the I-59 and I-20 traffic and let the crew do the driving.
- More space: wide reclining seats with leg rests, plus room to walk to the café car.
- Simple luggage rules: two personal items and two carry-on bags are allowed, and checked baggage service is available at both stations.
- Daylight scenery: the northbound train leaves New Orleans in the morning, so you see the lake crossing in daylight.
- Predictable costs: no fuel, parking or toll charges to calculate.
Which Amtrak Trains Run from New Orleans to Atlanta?
The Crescent is currently the only passenger train service to operate along this route and it provides travel between New York and New Orleans, and stops in Atlanta along the way. There are no express trains and no additional trains for the day, making the Crescent the only option for travel.
| Train | Direction | Route |
| Crescent 20 | Northbound | New Orleans to Atlanta, continuing to Washington, D.C. and New York |
| Crescent 19 | Southbound | New York to Atlanta, continuing to New Orleans |
The tracks south of Alexandria, VA, are owned by Norfolk Southern, a freight railroad. This is what makes schedule reliability the main weakness for the Crescent. You will find more information about this in the tips section.
New Orleans to Atlanta Train Schedule: Departure Times and Frequency
The Crescent departs in each direction only once per day. Northbound train 20 out of New Orleans is scheduled to reach Atlanta late at night. Note that the times below are approximations and are based on Amtrak’s published timetable. Times are also subject to change. To confirm the times, search on www.amtrak.com.
| Station | Approx. Time (Local) |
| New Orleans, LA (NOL) | 9:15 AM departs |
| Slidell, LA (SDL) | 10:12 AM |
| Picayune, MS (PIC) | 10:37 AM |
| Hattiesburg, MS (HBG) | 11:45 AM |
| Laurel, MS (LAU) | 12:20 PM |
| Meridian, MS (MEI) | 1:37 PM |
| Tuscaloosa, AL (TCL) | 3:14 PM |
| Birmingham, AL (BHM) | 5:24 PM |
| Anniston, AL (ATN) | 6:59 PM |
| Atlanta, GA (ATL) | About 11:00 PM arrives |
Atlanta is one hour ahead of New Orleans because it is in the Eastern Time Zone and New Orleans is in the Central Time Zone. Take that into consideration as you travel.
New Orleans to Atlanta Train Travel Time: How Long Does It Take?
We expect the travel time to be about 12 hours and 45 minutes to cover roughly 518 miles. This average speed is somewhat hampered with the train stopping at 9 different stations and sharing tracks with freight trains. The approximate leg times are shown in the table based on the schedules.
| Leg | Approx. Duration |
| New Orleans to Meridian | About 4 hours 20 minutes |
| Meridian to Birmingham | About 3 hours 45 minutes |
| Birmingham to Atlanta | About 4 hours 35 minutes |
| Total | About 12 hours 45 minutes |
Delays of an hour or more happen on freight-shared track, so avoid tight same-night commitments in Atlanta.
New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal (UPT) Station (NOL) Guide for Passengers
New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is located at 1001 Loyola Ave in the Central Business District. It is fairly close to the Superdome and the French Quarter. Amtrak stops at this station, and intercity buses and local buses all make stops here. The code for this station is NOL.
- Arrive early: aim for 45 to 60 minutes before departure, especially if you are checking bags.
- Ticketing: use the Amtrak app for a digital ticket, or pick up a paper ticket at the counter or kiosk.
- Sleeping car lounge: sleeper passengers can use the Magnolia Room lounge.
- Getting there: taxis, rideshare and the Loyola Avenue streetcar line all serve the area.
- Connections: the City of New Orleans (to Chicago) and the Sunset Limited (to Los Angeles) also use this station.
Inside, the station has a waiting area, restrooms, and baggage service. Long-distance trains’ boarding calls are generally made just before departure time. So, you will need to go to the gate area and listen for the call.
Key Stops Between New Orleans and Atlanta
The Crescent makes nine stops on this trip. Each stop is a small or mid-sized town, giving this trip a more leisurely tour of the Deep South feel.
| Stop | Known For |
| Slidell, LA | Gateway to Louisiana’s Northshore and Lake Pontchartrain |
| Picayune, MS | Small Mississippi town near the Pearl River |
| Hattiesburg, MS | University of Southern Mississippi and a lively downtown |
| Laurel, MS | Historic downtown made famous by HGTV’s Home Town |
| Meridian, MS | Historic Union Station and the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | University of Alabama and Crimson Tide football |
| Birmingham, AL | Alabama’s largest city, with Civil Rights landmarks and a strong food scene |
| Anniston, AL | Last Alabama stop, near Talladega National Forest |
| Atlanta, GA | Final stop for this trip and a major Southern hub |
Ticket Prices and Best Ways to Save Money on Amtrak
Fares fluctuate based on demand. Amtrak changes the prices of long-distance trains based on demand. As such, cheaper fares often sell out first. One-way coach fares along this route often cost about $50 or less on off-peak days. Prices often spike before and around holidays. Consider the prices below average fares.
| Accommodation | Typical Cost | Best For |
| Coach seat | About $50 to $100+ one way | Budget-minded solo travelers and families |
| Roomette (sleeper) | Coach fare plus a sleeper upgrade, often several hundred dollars total | Privacy, meals included, and a place to rest |
- Book early: the lowest fare buckets disappear as the train fills.
- Be flexible: midweek travel is usually cheaper than Fridays and Sundays.
- Check discounts: Amtrak offers reduced fares for children ages 2 to 12, seniors, military, veterans, students and AAA members, subject to current rules.
- Use Amtrak Guest Rewards: points can cover part or all of a fare.
- Skip the sleeper: this northbound trip is a daytime run, so coach works well for most riders.
Onboard Amenities on the New Orleans to Atlanta Train
Coach seats on the Crescent are larger than most airline seats, with extra legroom, adjustable leg rests and power outlets near the seats. The train also carries a café and lounge car for snacks, drinks and light meals, and sleeping car passengers receive additional dining service. Menus and service levels change, so check Amtrak.com before you travel.
- Seating: reclining coach seats with fold-down tray tables.
- Power: outlets are available, but bring a portable charger as backup.
- Wi-Fi: long-distance trains often have limited or no Wi-Fi, so download shows and maps first.
- Food: bring your own sandwiches and snacks to save money and avoid lines.
- Restrooms: available on each car, and they are generally cleaner earlier in the day.
New Orleans to Atlanta Train vs. Other Travel Options
The train is normally slower than other options. However, in the areas of comfort and stress, the train usually outperforms the competition. Let’s look at the options available to us and some approximate figures.
| Option | Approx. Time | Approx. Cost | Comfort |
| Train | About 12h 45m | $50 to $100+ | High: room to move, no driving |
| Drive | About 7 hours | Fuel plus tolls and parking | Medium: tiring for one driver |
| Fly | About 1.5 hours in the air | $100 to $250+ | Medium: airport time adds hours |
| Bus | About 10 to 12 hours | $40 to $80 | Low to medium: tighter seats |
Choose the train if you want comfort, scenic views and a relaxing day. Choose a flight if you want to make the best use of your time.
Tips for First-Time Travelers on the New Orleans to Atlanta Route
- Sit on the left side going north: many riders prefer that side for views of the lake crossing, though you can still see plenty from either side.
- Pack layers: train cars can feel cool even in summer.
- Bring food and water: a full day on board means you will want choices.
- Charge your devices: do it the night before.
- Track your train: check Amtrak’s status page or app before leaving for the station.
- Plan for a late arrival: book a hotel near the Atlanta station because you arrive at night.
What to Do When You Arrive at Atlanta Peachtree Station (ATL)
Atlanta Peachtree Station is located at 1688 Peachtree Street NW, north of Midtown in the Brookwood area. The station is small, and as you arrive around 11 PM, it’s a good idea to line up your transport before you land.
- Rideshare or taxi: the easiest option with luggage, and rides to Midtown or Buckhead are short.
- MARTA: the Brookwood rail station is the nearest stop, but the walk with bags is not ideal late at night.
- Hotels: book Midtown or Buckhead stays in advance, since late-night check-ins can be tricky.
- Picking up friends: have them wait in the lot or lobby area to avoid confusion.
Booking Your New Orleans to Atlanta Amtrak Ticket
You can make reservations on Amtrak.com or the Amtrak app. Compare fares and see seat availability. For travel from New Orleans (NOL) to Atlanta (ATL), enter your travel date, choose coach or a sleeper.
- Create an Amtrak account to store traveler details and use Guest Rewards.
- Compare fare types and check change and refund rules before paying.
- Save your e-ticket to your phone for easy boarding.
- Bring valid photo ID for adult passengers.
Double-check your travel date and the number of passengers. Spell names correctly for each passenger. Your confirmation will be emailed from Amtrak immediately and you will be able to change your booking from your account in the future if your plans change.
Best Time to Travel from New Orleans to Atlanta by Train
Spring and fall are nice because of the mild weather and nice views. It can be crowded during Mardi Gras in late winter and during Jazz Fest in late April to early May. Summers are hot and humid, and from June to November there can be disruptions due to hurricanes.
| Season | Pros | Cons |
| Spring | Mild weather, blooming scenery | Festival crowds and higher fares |
| Summer | Often lower demand | Heat, humidity and storm risk |
| Fall | Comfortable temperatures | Hurricane season through November |
| Winter | Fewer tourists outside Mardi Gras | Holiday and Mardi Gras fare spikes |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there train service from New Orleans to Atlanta?
There is. Amtrak Crescent train 20 provides this service.
2. How long is the train ride from New Orleans to Atlanta?
The distance from New Orleans to Atlanta is about 518 miles. Amtrak estimates a riding time of about 12 hours and 45 minutes. Expect the trip to take longer. Allow more time if traveling during peak periods.
3. How much does the train ticket from New Orleans to Atlanta cost?
Amtrak coach class fares start at $50, but can be as much as $100 or more during peak periods. Sleeper fares cost more. Visit Amtrak.com for the latest fares.
4. What time does the train from New Orleans to Atlanta depart?
Amtrak Crescent train 20 from New Orleans to Atlanta departs New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal at about 9:15 AM Central Time. Call Amtrak or check Amtrak.com for confirmation before departing.
5. What are the train station names on this route?
You will depart from New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal (NOL) and arrive at Atlanta Peachtree Station (ATL). Other stops include Slidell, Hattiesburg, Meridian, Tuscaloosa, Birmingham and other stations in Alabama.
6. Is Amtrak Crescent often delayed?
Expect delays because Amtrak shares tracks with freight trains. Check Amtrak.com and/or call for status before leaving. Avoid connections that are too tight after the expected arrival time.
7. How much luggage can I bring on the train?
Amtrak permits two personal items and two carry-on bags per passenger. There is checked baggage service at New Orleans and Atlanta, and Amtrak’s standard baggage limits apply.
8. Can I get a sleeper car on the New Orleans to Atlanta train?
Yes, the Crescent has Roomettes.
9. Can I bring my pet on the train?
Amtrak limits pet travel to shorter trips and this is a longer trip, so pets cannot be brought along. Service animals are allowed. See Amtrak’s website for their pet policy for updated information.
10. Is the train better than driving from New Orleans to Atlanta?
The train is longer, but less stressful than driving the 7 hours and skip the cost of gas. The comfort of the train vs speed of the car is up to you.
