How to Book Train Travel From New Orleans to Houston

Travel from New Orleans to Houston is very convenient by train. Amtrak's Sunset Limited line offers direct service with only 5 stops in between. The total trip takes less than 9-and-a-half hours, and one train leaves daily just before noon.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer or PDA with Internet access.

Prepare to Travel

1. Book reservations for lunch and/or dinner when you board. The dining car serves full meals and alcoholic beverages. Credit cards are accepted.

2. Bring your own entertainment. Although there are beautiful views along this route, 9 hours is a long time on a train. Pack a book, music or magazines to keep yourself entertained. Daytime trips tend to feel longer than overnight ones because you don't sleep through them.

Get to and Around the New Orleans Amtrak Station

3. Take a cab. The Union Passenger Terminal located at 1001 Loyola Avenue in the Central Business District is just a short ride from the French Quarter.

4. Follow signs to designated areas. The Union Passenger Terminal is a hub for train and bus travel. Three Amtrak lines, the Sunset Limited, Crescent and City of New Orleans, all converge at this station. Greyhound bus service also operates out of this terminal. Be careful not to get lost, and give yourself plenty of time--at least 30 minutes--to get to your train.

Tips & Warnings

• Book your tickets early. This route has gotten more popular since Hurricane Katrina because many displaced New Orleans residents have moved to Houston. Trains can and will sell out.
• Use your PDA or Web-enabled phone to access the Amtrak Web site for making reservations, reviewing and updating your profile, checking on train status and canceling or reviewing existing reservations. There is no need to install anything to use this free service: Simply type Amtrak's Web-site address in your browser and the system will automatically recognize the type of device you are using.
• Stay with your bags at all times in the train station. Stations are public areas, and passengers who are not paying attention can be targets for thieves.
• Accept help with your bags only from uniformed Red Cap agents.
• Report any suspicious behavior you witness to station personnel or the police immediately.