Amtrak's City of New Orleans
Amtrak's version of the City of New Orleans took to the rails on
May 1, 1971, continuing the tradition of all-daylight travel
between the Windy City and the Gulf of Mexico. Later that same
year, Amtrak converted the line to an overnight journey, as there
were no connecting trains from either of the terminus cities.
Cross-country travelers today, over 50 years later, continue to
delight in the offerings of this overnight train.
Approximately 19 hours and 926 miles separate Chicago and New
Orleans, each of which is wrapped in comfort and style. Passengers
may choose from Upper and Lower-level Coach seating or private
accommodations in the Sleeper Cars for their trips. Coach features
include reclining chairs with leg and footrests and privacy
curtains. Power outlets are easily accessible. A limited number of
Bedroom suites, Family bedrooms, and Accessible bedrooms are also
available on each train.
The Café Car is unique in that it includes two levels of seating
to enjoy. Refreshments and limited seating are available on the
lower level and above. A Sightseer Lounge offers a magnificent
perspective on this unique route. Surrounded by panoramic windows,
the lounge includes open seating for all guests to enjoy.
Departing from Chicago in the evening, the City of New Orleans
ventures south through Illinois's suburbs and rural scenes. The
train stops in Memphis, TN, the birthplace of rock 'n' roll, and
then proceeds into Mississippi, making stops in several stations,
including Jackson. The trip's final leg takes passengers through
Louisiana, making just one stop before arriving in the home of jazz
itself, the Big Easy, New Orleans. From cornfields to the
Mississippi River and big cities to quintessential small-town
scenes, this route paints a lovely picture of America's
interior.
