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.
