The Amtrak Sunset Limited runs from New Orleans to Los Angeles and is the southernmost passenger train that crosses the USA. Here is everything you need to know before riding.
Contents
- 1 What is the most scenic part of the Sunset Limited
- 2 Are the Texas Eagle and the Sunset Limited the same train
- 3 Does the Sunset Limited have an observation car
- 4 Does the Sunset Limited have WiFi
- 5 What type of food does the Sunset Limited have
- 6 How easy is it to sleep in coach on the Sunset Limited
- 7 Is the Sunset Limited a Superliner
- 8 Where does the Sunset Limited go
- 9 How long is the train ride from Louisiana to California
- 10 What days does the Sunset Limited run
- 11 How much does the Sunset Limited cost
- 12 At what stations does the Sunset Limited stop
What is the most scenic part of the Sunset Limited
Crossing over the Mississippi River is the most scenic part of the Sunset Limited. We also loved riding along the US border in Texas and going through some desolate regions in the western US. Don’t miss the Mississippi River crossing on this trip!
Are the Texas Eagle and the Sunset Limited the same train
The Texas Eagle and the Sunset Limited are the same train west of San Antonio where they connect to form one train. East of there, the Texas Eagle goes to Chicago and the Sunset Limited goes to New Orleans. You will not have to switch trains if you are riding the Sunset Limited.
Does the Sunset Limited have an observation car
The Sunset Limited has an observation car that is open 24 hours a day to all passengers. There are groups of seats that face outwards and tables with booth style seating. Extra power outlets are available in the observation car in front of the seats, so if you need to charge several things, it can be a good place to go.
Does the Sunset Limited have WiFi
The Sunset Limited does not have WiFi. You’ll even lose you cell connection for large portions of the trip out west. If you need to download anything to your phone or tablet, you should do it at the station before you get on the train.
What type of food does the Sunset Limited have
The Sunset Limited has a dining car that offers traditional dining to passengers in the sleeper cars. These meals are included in the price of the ticket for sleeper car passengers. They cannot be purchased by passengers in coach class. The Sunset Limited has a cafe that serves hot and cold food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The cafe can be used by all passengers.
Traditional dining car meals can be eaten in the dining car or can be delivered to your sleeper car room. Cafe meals can be eaten in the observation car, at your coach seat, or in your sleeper car room.
How easy is it to sleep in coach on the Sunset Limited
The coach seats on the Sunset Limited make it much easier to sleep in coach than on an airplane. The seats have plenty of room in front of them, and recline farther than an airplane seat would. The seats also have a foot rest that lifts up. The biggest challenge to sleeping in coach class is people getting off and on at each stop if the train is busy.
Is the Sunset Limited a Superliner
The Sunset Limited is a Superliner train and has 2 levels. The dining car and observation area are on the top level while the cafe is on the lower level of the observation car.
Roomettes are on both the upper and lower levels while bedrooms are all on the upper level. Family bedrooms and accessible bedrooms are on the lower level. In the sleeper cars there is a bathroom on the upper level and 3 on the lower level along with a shower.
All passengers will get on and off the train on the lower level using the stairs to get down. Those with mobility issues could stay in their room on the lower level and have meals delivered to them.
Where does the Sunset Limited go
The Sunset Limited travels between Los Angeles, California and New Orleans, Louisiana, while going through some of the most remote and desolate areas of the country. You’ll experience joys such as crossing the Mississippi River, seeing tumbleweed roll across the desert, and being able to look over the US border. You’ll also visit major cities such as San Antonio, El Paso and Tucson.
See our maps page for a more detailed view.
How long is the train ride from Louisiana to California
The Sunset Limited takes 46 hours to go between Louisiana and California. You’ll spend 3 days and 2 nights on the train to make this trip.
What days does the Sunset Limited run
The Sunset Limited leaves New Orleans at 9:00am on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. It leave Los Angeles at 10:00pm on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. The train will take 2 nights to reach its destination.
How much does the Sunset Limited cost
Due to the train not running everyday, the Sunset Limited can fill up quicker and cost more than other trains. The base price for a coach ticket on the Sunset Limited is $142 and the base price for a sleeper car is $731.
At what stations does the Sunset Limited stop
The Sunset Limited stops at the following stations:
- New Orleans, LA – Union Passenger Terminal (NOL)
- Schriever, LA (SCH)
- New Iberia, LA (NIB)
- Lafayette, LA (LFT)
- Lake Charles, LA (LCH)
- Beaumont, TX (BMT)
- Houston, TX – Amtrak Station (HOS)
- San Antonio, TX (SAS)
- Del Rio, TX (DRT)
- Sanderson, TX (SND)
- Alpine, TX (ALP)
- El Paso, TX – Union Depot (ELP)
- Deming, NM (DEM)
- Lordsburg, NM (LDB)
- Benson, AZ (BEN)
- Tucson, AZ (TUS)
- Maricopa, AZ (MRC)
- Yuma, AZ (YUM)
- Palm Springs, CA – Amtrak Station (PSN)
- Ontario, CA (ONA)
- Pomona, CA (POS)
- Los Angeles, CA – Union Station (LAX)
