Amtrak · Overnight
City of New Orleans
The legendary overnight run immortalised in song — Chicago to New Orleans via Memphis along the Mississippi.
Train numbers
58 / 59
End-to-end
19h 15m · 1,490 km
Frequency
Daily
On-time
~72%
Route & indicative timetable
Outbound departure 20:05 · return departs 13:45
- Chicago Union Station CHI
Chicago, Illinois
dep 20:05
- Memphis Central Station MEM
Memphis, Tennessee
arr 06:35 dep 06:50+1 day
- New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal NOL
New Orleans, Louisiana
arr 15:20 +1 day
Classes & indicative end-to-end fares
Coach
Reserved reclining seat
indicative
Roomette (Sleeper)
Private room for 1–2
indicative
Bedroom (Sleeper)
Private room with en-suite
indicative
- Coach: Reserved reclining seat · Power outlets · Big luggage allowance
- Roomette (Sleeper): Private room for 1–2 · All meals included · Beds + daytime seating
- Bedroom (Sleeper): Private room with en-suite · All meals included · Sleeps 2 adults
Onboard amenities
Amtrak policies
- Baggage:
- Two personal items + two carry-on bags free (25 lb / 50 lb limits); up to four checked bags (two free) on routes with checked-baggage service.
- Pets:
- Dogs and cats up to 20 lb (pet + carrier) allowed on most routes up to 7 hours in a carrier, $29–$39 fee, book in advance — not on Auto Train or in sleepers.
- Bikes:
- Trainside or checked bike service on most routes for $10–$20; folding bikes ride free as carry-on. Reserve a bike space when booking.
- Refunds:
- Fully refundable up to 24h after purchase; after that, refundability depends on fare family (Flex fully refundable, Value 75% or eCredit, Saver 50% eCredit within window).
- Accessibility:
- Accessible seating/bedrooms on every train, wheelchair assistance at staffed stations, 10% rail-fare discount for passengers with a disability.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the City of New Orleans take?
The full run from Chicago Union Station to New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is scheduled at about 19h 15m. It operates daily.
How much is a ticket on the City of New Orleans?
Indicative end-to-end fares start at $110 in Coach, rising through Roomette (Sleeper) and Bedroom (Sleeper). Fares are dynamic — we confirm exact pricing at booking.
Is food available on the City of New Orleans?
Yes — a dining car serves full meals (included for sleeper passengers) and a café car sells snacks.
Can I take luggage on the City of New Orleans?
Two personal items + two carry-on bags free (25 lb / 50 lb limits); up to four checked bags (two free) on routes with checked-baggage service.
Are pets allowed on the City of New Orleans?
Dogs and cats up to 20 lb (pet + carrier) allowed on most routes up to 7 hours in a carrier, $29–$39 fee, book in advance — not on Auto Train or in sleepers.
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Schedules and fares shown are indicative, compiled from official operator timetables. Rail operators adjust timings, fares and running days without notice — our rail desk confirms live availability and exact pricing before any booking is ticketed.