How to Book Train Travel From New Orleans to Los Angeles

If you have several days to spare and want to see some of the most beautiful scenery the U.S. has to offer, then book a trip on the Sunset Limited line. From New Orleans you'll cross the Mississippi River, pass bayou swamplands, meander through Old West towns, wind through mountains and head out over desert plains before arriving in Los Angeles.

Things You'll Need

• Computer or PDA with Internet access.

Instructions

Choose Your Ticket Class for Travel From New Orleans to Los Angeles

1. Book a coach class ticket if you want to get the cheapest price. Regular fares are approximately $130 if you purchase your ticket early.

2. Book a Roomette for the cheapest sleeper accommodations. Suitable for 1 or 2 people, a Roomette will provide you with 2 convertible berths among other amenities.

3. Book a Family Bedroom if you will be traveling with children. Designed for 2 adults and 2 children, this accommodation offers multiple berths with linens, climate control, hotel-like service and other amenities.

4. Book a Bedroom if you want to travel in style. The best Amtrak has to offer, this accommodation is the only one that has a private toilet and shower.

Prepare to Travel Cross Country by Train

1. Bring a music player, laptop, portable video game device, personal DVD player, a good book, some magazines and anything else you may need to keep yourself entertained on the 2-day trip. If you are traveling with children, be sure to bring toys, books and games to keep them occupied.

2. Pack medications and food and beverage items in your carry-on luggage so that they will be accessible when you need them.

3. Bring your sunglasses. Most trains have large picture windows that let in the bright sunlight.

Tips & Warnings

• Book sleeper accommodations for the 48-hour trip from New Orleans to Los Angeles. Coach seats are not ideal for getting a good night's sleep.

• You will be charged a one-time accommodation fee in addition to your seat fare for sleeper accommodations.

• Sleeper accommodation fares include all meals.

• 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.

• If you bring your own alcoholic beverages, you must drink them in your sleeper compartment. Otherwise you may purchase them in the lounge and dining cars.

• Be sure to choose the Sunset Limited line when you book your tickets; it is the only direct route. Others routes from New Orleans to Los Angeles require 2 to 4 transfers.