City of New Orleans

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City of New Orleans

Train Reviews

City of New Orleans

City of New Orleans Reviews & Ratings: Is It the Right Train for You?

Immortalized in song, the City of New Orleans is one of America’s most storied train routes. Operated by Amtrak, it runs a 19-hour, 900-mile journey from the shores of Lake Michigan in Chicago down through the musical heartlands of Memphis, finally terminating in the jazz capital of the world, New Orleans.

For travelers in 2026, this route is the ultimate “blues highway” on rails. Because it is a shorter overnight journey compared to the cross-country western routes, the onboard amenities reflect a slightly more streamlined experience, prioritizing efficiency and comfort as you head south.

City of New Orleans at a Glance

  • Operator: Amtrak
  • Major Routes: Chicago to New Orleans (via Memphis and Jackson)
  • Duration: Approximately 19 hours (one way)
  • Best For: Weekend getaways, music history buffs, and direct midwest-to-south transit.
City of New Orleans

Onboard Experience: What to Expect

The City of New Orleans typically utilizes double-decker Superliner equipment, offering great views of the Mississippi Delta region.

Coach Class

An excellent choice for budget travelers. Coach seats are wide, forward-facing, and feature deep recline and generous legroom. Restrooms are located on the lower level. Coach tickets do not include meals, but passengers can visit the Cafe Car to purchase snacks, hot dogs, sandwiches, and beverages.

Roomettes & Bedrooms (Sleeper Service)

For those wanting a bed for the 19-hour overnight trip, Sleeper cars are available. Roomettes offer a private space for two that converts into bunks, with shared shower access. Bedrooms provide more space, a wider lower bed, and an enclosed private toilet/shower.

Dining Note: Sleeper car passengers on the City of New Orleans receive Flexible Dining. This means meals are hot, ready-to-serve (microwaved) items and salads, rather than the chef-prepared Traditional Dining found on longer western routes.

Luggage Allowance & Policies (Updated 2026)

Major 2026 Warning: Checked baggage is highly recommended if you are navigating the steep stairs of the Superliner cars to reach an upper-level Roomette.

Luggage Size / Type Policy Cost
Carry-on Baggage 2 personal items (max 25 lbs) + 2 carry-on bags (max 50 lbs) per person. Free
Checked Luggage  Up to 2 checked bags (max 50 lbs / 23 kg each). Checked in 45 mins prior to departure. Free
Musical Instruments Small instruments count as carry-on. Large items may need to be checked. Varies

Tip: If you are traveling in a Sleeper, check your heavy bags and pack a small overnight tote. If you are in Coach, utilize the oversized luggage racks on the lower level of your car as soon as you board.

Customer Service & Reliability

  • The Highs: The schedule is highly convenient—you depart Chicago in the evening, sleep on the train, and arrive in New Orleans by mid-afternoon the next day, ready to explore the French Quarter.
  • The Lows: The Flexible Dining menu (ready-to-serve meals in plastic containers) can feel underwhelming for passengers paying a premium for Sleeper car tickets, especially compared to the full dining cars of the past.

Pros & Cons of Traveling on the City of New Orleans

Pros:

  • An incredibly convenient overnight schedule connecting two major tourist hubs.
  • Coach seats offer far more comfort than a domestic flight for a fraction of the cost.
  • Beautiful morning views as the train rolls through the bayous and wetlands of Louisiana.

Cons:

  • Sleeper guests receive Flexible Dining (microwaved meals) rather than Traditional Dining.
  • The train does not typically feature a dedicated panoramic Sightseer Lounge car.
  • Wi-Fi is spotty and frequently drops out in rural stretches of Mississippi.

Have You Traveled on the City of New Orleans?

Your experience helps other travelers make informed decisions! Did you sleep well in the Roomette, or did you ride it out in Coach?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the City of New Orleans

What kind of food is served in Flexible Dining?

Flexible Dining includes a rotating menu of hot, ready-to-serve meals such as braised beef, chicken fettuccine, or vegan chili, served with a side salad and a roll. While it is not cooked to order, Sleeper passengers can eat at times that suit them, or have the attendant bring the meal directly to their cabin.

Is there a Sightseer Lounge on this train?

No, the City of New Orleans generally does not carry the floor-to-ceiling glass Sightseer Lounge cars found on western routes like the California Zephyr. Passengers congregate in the standard Cafe Car instead.

Can I take a day trip to Memphis on this route?

Because the southbound train passes through Memphis very early in the morning and the northbound train passes through late at night, it is not an ideal train for a quick daylight stopover in Memphis unless you are planning to spend a few nights there.

Disclaimer: All information, policies, and details presented on this page are gathered from publicly available resources and are subject to change. Please verify directly with the operator before booking.