If you want to take a scenic route that is more relaxing than the traditional long drive or flight, the train from Charlotte to New Orleans is a great option. You will be boarding early in the morning from the Queen City. You will be able to view different landscapes as you roll through the Carolina Piedmont, the states of Georgia and Alabama and end in New Orleans in time for dinner.
This guide covers all the information you need to make your booking decision. The information includes the schedule, travel times, ticket prices, what to expect onboard, how the train compares to driving and flying, and useful tips from people who have taken the trip. If you would prefer to speak to a person, our travel specialists can do a live check of tickets and book your seats.
Quick Facts: Charlotte to New Orleans by Train
- Train name: Amtrak Crescent Train 19
- Operator: Amtrak
- Frequency: Daily
- Departs Charlotte (CLT): 5:31 AM
- Arrives New Orleans (NOL): 9:12 PM
- Total Travel Time: Approximately 16-17 hours with the time zone change
- Distance: Approximately 800 miles
- Onboard: Sleeper Cars, Café Car, Dining Car, Wi-Fi, Power Outlets
- Seating: Coach, Private Sleeper Rooms (Roomettes, Bedrooms)
How the Charlotte to New Orleans Train Route Works
Unfortunately, Amtrak does not run a direct train from Charlotte to New Orleans. If you would like to travel by train to New Orleans, you have to take Amtrak’s Crescent, which runs between New York and New Orleans. The Crescent has multiple stops, and Charlotte is one of them, so you can board the train and go further south to other states in the Deep South.
After leaving Charlotte, Amtrak’s Crescent stops at:
- Gastonia, NC
- Spartanburg, SC
- Greenville, SC
- Clemson, SC
- Toccoa, GA
- Gainesville, GA
- Atlanta, GA
- Anniston, AL
- Birmingham, AL
- Tuscaloosa, AL
- Meridian, MS
- Laurel, MS
- Hattiesburg, MS
- Picayune, MS
- Slidell, LA
- New Orleans, LA
So, the Crescent takes you through six states in one day: NC, SC, GA, AL, MS, and LA. Because the route is daily, you have the flexibility to pick the day that best fits your schedule.
Charlotte to New Orleans Train Schedule
Departure time: The Crescent departs Charlotte at 5:31 am EST, so that’s the big thing to plan around. Most passengers arrive at the station 30 to 45 minutes before departure, so expect an early start or arrive the night before.
Arrival time: The Crescent gets you to New Orleans around 9:12 pm Central Time, so that’s a long but enjoyable travel day. Many restaurants in New Orleans stay open late, so enjoy dining in the Big Easy on your first night. For a really stress-free arrival, you may want to call ahead to your hotel and look for one either adjacent to the station or in the Central Business District.
Punctuality: Like all long-distance trains, delays are unavoidable. Just last month, Amtrak reported that the customer on time performance for the Crescent was approximately 55% for the month of June. In contrast, over the last year it has been approximately 72% on average. So you can expect some delays. Avoid scheduling anything important in the 2 hours after your scheduled arrival.
How Long Is the Train from Charlotte to New Orleans?
The journey takes around 16 to 17 hours. You lose an hour when you go from the Eastern time zone to the Central time zone, so the clock says you’ve traveled less than the actual time elapsed.
The entire Crescent route from New York to New Orleans takes 30 to 32 hours. From Charlotte, you get the second half of this journey, which means you get to see the scenic southern part of the US without the long and boring part that most people do (an overnight trip).
Ticket Options: Coach vs. Sleeper
Coach Seats
Coach tickets are the cheapest way to ride. Seats in a train’s coach class are wider and recline farther than economy class seats on a plane. Coach seats also have more legroom than economy class seats. Each seat has a footrest. Every car also has large windows. A daytime route like Charlotte to New Orleans is comfortable for most passengers since a daytime route has the most scenery.
Best for: budget travelers, solo travelers, students, and people who like to see the scenery.
Sleeper Rooms
For passengers concerned with privacy, a sleeper room is a good option. There are Roomettes, which are smaller private rooms that include two seats that face each other and convert to a bed. There are also larger private rooms that include more space and a private bathroom. Sleeper tickets often include a meal that is served in the dining car and access to the sleeper lounge. This changes the value of the ticket.
Because you’re leaving Charlotte so early in the morning, a sleeper room also allows you to board, get settled, and take a nap if you’re running on no or little sleep.
Best For: Couples, honeymooners, families. People looking for privacy. People who want meals included.
How much do tickets cost?
Fares are determined by many factors, including the day of travel, how far in advance you make your reservation, and the number of seats left in each fare bucket. Amtrak uses dynamic pricing, so early bird tickets are cheaper, and peak dates are more expensive. Fares increase during Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest. Sleeper rooms are more expensive than coach. For an exact quote on your travel date, call [Your Phone Number], and I can check real-time availability.
What to Expect Onboard
Seating and Comfort
Coach cars have reclining seats and are generally quiet. Bring a light jacket as the trains can run a bit chilly.
Food and Drinks
A cafe car is available to coach passengers and sells a variety of snacks, sandwiches, hot food, drinks and alcohol. Sleeper passengers are permitted to eat in the dining car, which is often viewed as a highlight of the trip. You are also permitted to bring your own food on the train, and many passengers bring a picnic lunch.
Wi-Fi and Charging
Amtrak offers wi-fi on most trains. Download entertainment and books before you go because you may lose service. Outlets are available at most seats.
Luggage
Compared to airlines, Amtrak gives you more leeway with luggage. Each passenger is permitted to bring 2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags. A couple of Amtrak stations offer checked bag service.
The Scenery: What You’ll See Along the Way
One big reason for traveling by train is the changing scenery.
The Carolina Piedmont. The rolling red-clay hills, farmland and small mill towns are beautiful with the early morning light.
The Upstate and Clemson. This brings you to the Blue Ridge foothills and peaceful pine-covered river valleys.
Georgia. The stops at Toccoa and Gainesville let you see small-town Georgia, and then the view of Atlanta’s dramatic skyline. This stop gives you a chance to stretch your legs and is a little longer.
Alabama. Birmingham (the “Magic City”), deep in the heart of the steel and civil rights movement, offers a good chance to get off the train and stretch your legs.
Mississippi. Small and quiet towns with a slower pace, like Meridian and Hattiesburg, bring a change of scenery again.
The final approach. The end of the line brings Cypress swamps, Bayous, and Cajun country.
Stations: Where to Board and Where You Arrive
Charlotte Station
The Amtrak Station in Charlotte is on N. Tryon St. north of Uptown. It is smaller than a major airport terminal, and check-in is quick. Parking is across the street, though you should check the rules, as parking may not be permitted and consider taking a rideshare, as your train may be early.
New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal
Union Passenger Terminal is located in the Central Business District and is within a short distance of the Superdome and French Quarter. There are streetcars, cabs and rideshares available. If you arrive at night, using a cab or rideshare is your best option.
Train vs. Driving vs. Flying: Which Is Best?
I’ve broken down the most important aspects of travel for you. You’ll notice many pros for travel by train and many cons for flying and driving. New Orleans is far from everything, so keep that in mind as you read.
By Train
- Pros: You can relax and not worry about driving. There’s plenty of legroom, and the seats are comfortable. The train goes right to the city center and has scenic views.
- Cons: There’s a very early departure, it’s a long ride, and there’s the possibility of delays and only a single train per day.
By Car
- Pros: You’re free to stop and leave whenever you want, and it’s good for groups with a lot of luggage.
- Cons: It’s a long, tiring drive with expensive and difficult parking in New Orleans.
By Plane
- Pros: It’s the quickest option by far, and flights are direct.
- Cons: Taking time off for long security and wait times, luggage fees, and transfers. Less comfort.
Is speed your only priority? Flying is the way to go. If you want to enjoy your journey and arrive at your destination refreshed, the train takes a hard competitive edge over flying. Kids, older travelers? The train wins again, especially if you want to avoid the stress and possible awkwardness of driving after having to stay in a hotel the night before.
Best Time to Take the Train from Charlotte to New Orleans
Spring: Weather begins to warm and festival season begins, but expect large crowds and high prices. Book well in advance for Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest.
Summer: New Orleans is hot and humid with lower hotel prices and fewer crowds.
Fall: Temperatures continue to fall, and events like the New Orleans Film Festival begin. Fall is a sweet spot for many travelers, and fares are usually good as well.
Winter: Winter in New Orleans is very mild compared to the North, and there are holiday lights and the beginning of the Mardi Gras season. Make reservations early for Carnival season.
Smart Tips for a Better Trip
- Book early. The lowest fares and best availability on sleeper rooms are found the farthest in advance.
- Plan the Early Start. With a departure at 5:31 AM, prepare the night before. Pack your bags and set a few alarms. Arrange your ride in advance.
- Pack a comfort kit. Small differences can make a big impact. Bring a neck pillow, blanket, headphones, power bank and an empty water bottle.
- Bring snacks. The café car has limited hours and selection. A few snacks can save money.
- Download entertainment. Don’t count on the Wi-Fi.
- Pick the right side. Sitting on a side with good views and an unobstructed window can help make the journey more enjoyable.
- Plan to arrive with a buffer. You don’t want to take the chance of missing a time-sensitive plan.
- Reserve your hotel. You’ll have a better chance of finding a place to stay if you do it ahead of time, and arriving at night can be stressful, so it’s good to know your starting point.
- ID. Amtrak may ask to see your ID to verify your age when you board.
- Ask for a discount. There may be discounts for travelers who are seniors, students, children, veterans or travelers who have a disability.
Things to Do in New Orleans After You Arrive
Your train arrives in the heart of one of America’s most exciting cities. This is what you should do during your first few days.
- The French Quarter: Take in the architecture, the historic streets, and the jazz clubs. For entertainment, check out the galleries on Royal Street or the clubs on Bourbon Street.
- Beignets and Coffee: A classic stop for delicious pastries and a historic cafe.
- Frenchmen Street: Check out local live bands.
- Garden District: Historic homes, and a ride on the streetcar will get you there.
- The National WWII Museum: One of the best museums in the country, and a great way to spend part of a day.
- Cemetery Tours: For an interesting look at history and some of the city’s unique views.
- Food: Seafood and a classic NOLA meal. Many of the restaurants require a reservation.
- Swamp or Bayou Tour: For an up-close look at local wildlife and waterways. A half-day trip outside of the city.
Rideshare, walking, and the streetcar all make getting around the city really easy, especially since your train drops you off right in the central part of the city.
Travel Ideas: Make It More Than a One-Way Trip
- Charlotte to New Orleans and back.New Orleans via the Crescent and spend 3 to 4 days in New Orleans before taking the same route back to Charlotte.
- Add Atlanta. Break your journey with a night in Atlanta and continue to New Orleans the next day. The Crescent stops in Atlanta daily.
- Add Birmingham. If you enjoy food and history, spend a night in Birmingham and continue to New Orleans the next day.
- Beyond New Orleans. From New Orleans, you can connect to the City of New Orleans or the Sunset Limited for a different experience and a longer journey.
- Group trips. Because of the seating arrangement, people can move around and enjoy the journey. This is especially great for families, reunions, and groups of friends.
Who Is This Train Best For?
- Families that need more space and don’t want long highway drives
- People who want to take a scenic, romantic trip
- Seniors who want a more relaxed way to travel
- Students and budget travelers who want cheap fares
- People who can work remotely and want to work from the train for part of the day
- Mardi Gras/Jazz Fest goers
- First-time rail travelers who want to experience long-distance train travel
- People who just want to enjoy the ride
- People who want a comfortable way of traveling.
Why Book With Us?
Booking long-distance train tickets can be overwhelming due to changing prices, sleeper and connection availability. Our travel specialists can simplify this process by doing the following:
- Check live availability for the exact dates you wish to travel.
- Determine the best value between coach and sleeper tickets.
- Find discounts for which you may qualify.
- Plan add-on stops and assist in hotel bookings.
- Answer your questions regarding accessibility, onboard services and baggage.
- We are available via phone; you will not get a website with generic answers.
- Our travel specialists are available seven days a week from 9:00 am EST to 10:00 pm EST. During holidays and special occasions, our hours may be restricted. We hope to serve you in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct train from Charlotte to New Orleans?
Yes, the Amtrak Crescent runs daily and offers direct service to both Charlotte and New Orleans.
How long does the train from Charlotte to New Orleans take?
The trip takes about 16 to 17 hours, including the 1-hour time zone change. Because of delays, you should plan on the trip taking even longer.
What time does the train leave Charlotte?
The southbound Crescent usually leaves Charlotte at about 5:31 am EST. You should check your ticket for the exact time for the day of travel, but that time usually isn’t final.
What time does it get to New Orleans?
About 9:12 pm CST.
Does the train run every day?
Yes, the Crescent runs every day, although schedules can change for maintenance or other reasons.
Can you sleep on the train?
Yes, you can. Coach seats recline. There are sleeping rooms available if you don’t want to or can’t sleep in a sitting position.
Is food available on the train?
Yes. All customers have access to a cafe car. Sleeping car customers have access to a dining car. You are allowed to have your own food on the train.
Is Wi-Fi available?
Limited and unreliable. Plan to download anything you need prior.
Can I bring luggage?
Yes. Amtrak allows more luggage than most airlines and some stations even allow checked baggage. Be sure to double-check what the current limits are.
Is the train cheaper than flying?
It definitely can be, especially if you are travelling coach and book in advance.
Is the train safe for solo travelers?
Amtrak is very solo-traveler friendly. Use your best judgment and keep your belongings near you.
Can I change or cancel my ticket?
Policies for fares vary, so be sure to check prior to purchase. We can answer any questions regarding your ticket.