This Scenic Train Ride From New Orleans To California Is Travel Goals
Sure, airplanes can get us places fast but the delays and turbulence can also really start to wear on your nerves. Most people don't even think about hopping on a train to travel cross-country, but this New Orleans train ride is the peaceful and scenic traveling experience of your dreams. This super cheap journey will take you from NOLA to tons of cities out west.
Amtrak is one of the biggest railway services in the country, traveling to over 500 destinations in 46 states and three Canadian provinces. It's time to take advantage of the old-fashioned means of travel because just the journey is a vacation in itself.
Train rides are the perfect time to relax and explore the world right outside your window because let's be honest, window seats on a plane aren't always available (not to mention the claustrophobia).
Amtrak's "Sunset Limited" trip from New Orleans takes you to several cities in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California.
You'll see Bayou Country, the Mexican border, Southwestern deserts, and California mountains pass you by, making the anticipation to reach your destinations that much more exciting.
The trip is obviously much longer than a flight, but the 48-hour travel time is the perfect time to relax, unwind and enjoy the gorgeous natural landscapes surrounding you.
There is so much to do and see and this is the ideal opportunity to knock out plenty of destinations on your travel bucket list.
Enjoy iconic landmarks like Union Station in Los Angeles, the Tower of the Americas in San Antonio, the 19th Street Shopping District in Houston and the gorgeous national parks in Palm Springs, Alpine and Tucson.
Truly make yourself at home with an upgrade to coach or even the sleeping car option, where you'll have a bed to sleep in.
Plenty of meals, snacks and drinks are available through traditional dining services (available for sleeping car customers) and the cafe.
Expect to find options like baked mozzarella manicotti, flat iron steak, burgers and pizza. You can even get fancy because they serve charcuterie plates, wine and beer.
Small cats and dogs are allowed, so you can even bring your pet along for the ride.
Sunset Limited
Address: 1001 Loyola Ave., New Orleans, LA
Why You Need To Go: Travel to tons of incredible destinations on this gorgeous and peaceful scenic train ride through the Western U.S.
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Aidan Goulding, 23, is shown in an undated handout photo alongside his mother Sonia Monk and brother Wylder Goulding. Goulding was one of four Canadian Armed Forces members who was killed in an out of control grass fire during a training exercise at CFB Wainwright Saturday night.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - Wylder Goulding (Mandatory Credit)
Pte. Hayden Lykkemark, from 3rd Battalion Princess Patriciaâs Canadian Light Infantry based at Edmonton, is shown in an undated handout photo published to social media. Lykkemark died during a training exercise at CFB Wainwright on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - Facebook, Nadine Dunford (Mandatory Credit)
Sgt. Morgan Wong, 26, is shown in an undated handout photo. Wong was one of four Canadian Armed Forces members who was killed in an out of control grass fire during a training exercise at CFB Wainwright Saturday night.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - Canadian Armed Forces (Mandatory Credit)