Traveling by rail is one of the most relaxing ways to arrive at your destination. Whatever the reason for traveling to the state capital-business, a road trip down the Mississippi Blues Trail, or exploring the civil rights history and food scene of the city-Amtrak makes traveling to Jackson easy! Jackson is located along Amtrak’s City of New Orleans route which connects customers to Chicago, Memphis, and New Orleans along with many other cities.
This guide will walk you through taking a train to Jackson. We will cover things like Amtrak services, traveling to Jackson from major cities (like New York City), ticket prices, booking information, and what to expect at Jackson’s historic Union Station. We will even analyze the pros and cons of train travel to other modes of transportation like flying, driving, and taking the bus. So let’s get started!
Why Take a Train to Jackson?
Due to the fewer nonstop flight options from many U.S. cities to Jackson, train travel is a real competitor to air travel. It’s more than just a scenic alternative. Here are the reasons people prefer the rails to the road or air travel.
No airport hassle. No TSA lines, liquid limits, or showing up two hours in advance. You can show up 30-45 minutes before your train leaves. That’s what Amtrak says, and that works for us!
Downtown-to-downtown convenience : Jackson’s Union Station is central to downtown. It is easy to walk to from the Mississippi State Capitol and the Governor’s Mansion. You save time by flying; there is no rental car and shuttle hassle.
A scenic, storied route : The City of New Orleans line runs along the Mississippi Delta, snaking through cotton farms, little southern towns, and the home of the Blues. This line, described as one of the most significant culturally rich rail corridors in America, has even been featured in a well known folk-country song.
Overnight travel saves time and money : Since the train runs overnight in both directions, you can sleep through the trip (especially if you’re in a sleeper car) and show up without using a vacation day or paying for one more night at a hotel.
More baggage room, less stress : When you compare Amtrak, Budget airlines and luggage- Amtrak has the most favorable policies. There are no fees for checked bags on most tickets.
Sustainability : Traveling by train leaves a smaller carbon footprint than traveling by plane or driving, and more travelers are beginning to care about the carbon footprint of their travel.
Work or relax along the way : Power outlets at every seat dinning tray adds great convenience while working on board the flight. This facility allows you to work flight hours, read books, or enjoy the beautiful view of the Mississippi Delta which is an impossible and legal work.
A genuine sense of place : The New Orleans City Corridor passes through towns associated with the origins of American blues and country music, and through Memphis, home of Beale Street and Graceland. For many, the journey becomes part of the trip rather than just a means to an end.
| Reason | Why It Matters |
| No security lines | Arrive 30-45 minutes before departure, not 2 hours |
| Central station location | Jackson Union Station is walkable to downtown landmarks |
| Overnight scheduling | Sleep on the train, skip a hotel night |
| Scenic Delta route | Pass through Memphis, the Mississippi Delta & blues country |
| Generous baggage allowance | Two free checked bags on most fares |
| Lower long-distance limited flight options | Train often beats flying for cities without direct flights to Jackson |
Which Trains Go to Jackson?
The City of New Orleans, Amtrak’s only long-distance route to and from Jackson, Mississippi, operates daily. It connects Jackson to Chicago Union Station via New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. On its 926 mile route, it passes Memphis, the Mississippi Delta, as well as Jackson.
A common point of confusion: the Amtrak Crescent (New York-Atlanta-New Orleans) train does not stop in Jackson, MS – it runs further east through Meridian, MS. If you want trains to Jackson look at the City of New Orleans schedules, not the Crescent train.
At this time, commuter trains, light rail, and long-distance Amtrak services are not offered to Jackson. Jackson’s Union Station serves other travel requirements with Greyhound and Jefferson Lines buses as well as the city’s JATRAN buses.
| Service | Route | Frequency | Train Numbers | Approx. Travel Time (End-to-End) |
| City of New Orleans | Chicago ↔ Memphis ↔ Jackson ↔ New Orleans | Daily, both directions | #58 (northbound) / #59 (southbound) | ~19 hours 40 minutes (Chicago-New Orleans) |
Popular Train Routes to Jackson From Major US Cities
Jackson only has one train line. Because of this, your route will likely connect through the City of New Orleans corridor. How you connect through the corridor, however, depends on where you’re departing from. Those from cities directly on the line will get a single, no-transfer ride. Everyone else will likely have a connection through either Chicago, Memphis, or New Orleans.
From New Orleans, LA : One of the easiest and most cost-efficient train options to reach Jackson is a direct 5-hour ride up the Delta that runs in a straight line.
From Memphis, TN : A getaway with Delta that only takes about 4 hours.
From Chicago, IL: A roughly 14 to 15 hour overnight trip leaving Chicago in the evening and arriving the following afternoon in Jackson.
From Atlanta, GA: No direct service. Most passengers transfer onto the Crescent to New Orleans and then board the City of New Orleans train north to Jackson or fly/drive instead due to the extensive backtrack.
From Washington, D.C. : Take the Capitol Limited to Chicago or the Crescent to New Orleans and connect to Jackson.
From Los Angeles, CA : After arriving in Chicago on the Southwest Chief, board the City of New Orleans. This multi-day trip is not recommended for those with time constraints.
From St. Louis, MO : You’ll need to connect through Chicago to get to New Orleans since St. Louis is not directly on the line to New Orleans.
Choosing between connection points: When choosing to connect through Chicago or New Orleans, consider what you desire along your journey (as East Coast travelers often have to choose). Chicago brings a view of the full length of the Mississippi Delta corridor in the daylight on the southbound leg and a connection through New Orleans brings the opportunity to spend a few hours or more in a one of a kind American city that’s worth the extra time before heading North to Jackson. No matter your decision, be sure to plan your trip with the train you are connecting to in mind. Long distance Amtrak delays are common and a flexible connection prevents you from missing your onward train.
| Origin City | Connection Needed | Approx. Travel Time | Best For |
| New Orleans, LA | None (direct) | ~5 hours | Quick weekend trips |
| Memphis, TN | None (direct) | ~4 hours | Day trips, music fans |
| Chicago, IL | None (direct) | ~14-15 hours overnight | Scenic overnight travelers |
| Atlanta, GA | Crescent → connect at New Orleans | ~20+ hours | Rail enthusiasts (flying usually faster) |
| Washington, D.C. | Connect via Chicago or New Orleans | ~24+ hours | Multi-stop rail itineraries |
| New York City, NY | Connect via Chicago or New Orleans | ~34-40 hours | See dedicated NYC section below |
| St. Louis, MO | Connect via Chicago | ~18+ hours | Midwest rail travelers |
NYC to Jackson Train: Schedule, Duration & Ticket Tips
Traveling from New York City to Jackson, Mississippi requires two train rides. Don’t expect an easy, quick transportation solution – this is a long part of the trip. Your options are as follows.
1. Via Chicago : Board the Lake Shore Limited at Moynihan Train Hall in New York City. Depart to Chicago and then transfer to the City of New Orleans. Travel time rests in the ballpark of 34 – 37 hours with the Lake Shore Limited taking around 19.5 – 20 hours. The City of New Orleans takes the additional 14-15 hours to reach Jackson, Mississippi.
2. Via New Orleans : The Crescent leaves from New York and arrives in New Orleans after 30-31 hours. Once you arrive at New Orleans, take a taxi, bus, or some other form of quicker transport, up to Jackson to meet the northbound City of New Orleans train (#58). The City of New Orleans train (#58) travels to Jackson, MS, and takes about 5 hours. For the most part, you can expect the entire trip to take about 36-40 hours. Depending on the train schedules for the day, there is a possibility that your layover will last overnight.
Book from Amtrak.com with your schedules shared in order to better plan with your given layover schedule.
| Connection Route | First Leg | Layover City | Second Leg | Total Approx. Time |
| Via Chicago | NYC → Chicago (Lake Shore Limited, ~19.5h) | Chicago | Chicago → Jackson (City of New Orleans, ~14-15h) | ~34-37 hours |
| Via New Orleans | NYC → New Orleans (Crescent, ~30-31h) | New Orleans | New Orleans → Jackson (City of New Orleans, ~5h) | ~36-40 hours |
Ticket tips for the NYC-Jackson route:
- Book a sleeper room for at least one overnight leg – sitting upright in coach for two nights is exhausting.
- Use Amtrak.com’s multi-segment search rather than booking each leg separately; it will flag valid connections automatically.
- Build in buffer time at your connection city. Long-distance trains can run late, and missing a tight connection means rebooking.
- If your trip is time-sensitive, compare against a direct flight into Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN) – for NYC specifically, flying will almost always be dramatically faster, while the train is better suited to travelers who want the journey itself to be part of the trip.
Jackson Train Travel Tips for First-Time Passengers
If this is your first Amtrak trip to Jackson, a little preparation goes a long way.
- Arrive early – Amtrak recommends arriving at least 45 minutes before departure if you’re checking baggage or need assistance, or 30 minutes otherwise.
- Download the Amtrak app – It holds your eTicket, sends delay alerts, and lets you track your train in real time.
- Pack snacks and entertainment – The café car has food and drinks, but options are limited, and Wi-Fi can be spotty or unavailable on this route – don’t count on streaming video for a 14+ hour ride.
- Dress in layers – Train cars are climate-controlled but can run cool, especially overnight.
- Consider a sleeper room for overnight legs – If you’re traveling Chicago-Jackson or doing a multi-day connection, a roomette dramatically improves comfort and includes meals.
- Check the baggage policy – Most fares include two free checked bags (up to 50 lbs each) plus carry-on allowance – useful if you’re moving for school or a longer stay.
- Bring a valid photo ID. Required for ticket pickup and occasionally checked onboard.
- Sign up for Amtrak Guest Rewards – It’s free and earns points toward future travel, even on your first trip.
- Ask about discounts – Seniors, students, military members, veterans, and AAA members typically qualify for reduced fares.
- Expect occasional delays – Amtrak’s long-distance trains share tracks with freight railroads, so weather and freight congestion can cause delays, especially through Tennessee and the Mississippi Delta.
- Bring a refillable water bottle – Coach cars don’t always have water service at every seat, and staying hydrated matters on long overnight rides.
- Note that quiet hours apply overnight – Many coach cars dim lights and ask for lowered voices and headphones after a certain hour, so it’s a comfortable choice even if you’re traveling solo and want to sleep.
Direct and Connecting Train Routes to Jackson
Knowing whether your trip is direct or connecting changes how you plan, book, and budget your travel time.
Direct routes (no transfer required): Any city on the City of New Orleans line offers single-seat, no-change service straight to Jackson. This includes New Orleans, Hammond (LA), McComb, Brookhaven, Hazlehurst, Yazoo City, Greenwood, Memphis, Newbern-Dyersburg, Fulton (KY), Carbondale, Centralia, Effingham, Mattoon, Champaign-Urbana, Kankakee, Homewood, and Chicago.
Connecting routes (one or more transfers required): Cities not on this corridor – including New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Los Angeles, and St. Louis – require a transfer, usually at Chicago, Memphis, or New Orleans, onto the City of New Orleans for the final leg into Jackson.
| Travel Type | Example Cities | Transfer Point | Notes |
| Direct (no transfer) | New Orleans, Memphis, Chicago, Greenwood, Yazoo City, Brookhaven | None | Single-train ride straight to Jackson |
| One connection | Washington, D.C. (via Chicago), Atlanta (via New Orleans) | Chicago or New Orleans | Plan for layover time |
| Multiple connections | New York, Los Angeles, Seattle | Chicago and/or New Orleans | Multi-day journeys; book as a single itinerary on Amtrak.com |
Business Class vs Coach on Jackson Trains
Let’s make this clear from the start. As opposed to Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor trains (like the Acela), the City of New Orleans does not provide an alternate ‘Business Class’ level. On this line, you can choose between Coach and Sleeper Service (Roomette, Bedroom, Family Bedroom, Accessible Bedroom).
Coach Class has the most affordable ticket options with a fully seated plane. The seats have a foot rest, a leg rest, and can recline. They also have a privacy curtain. They do have power outlets (which is pretty nice)! The only downside is the overnight flights will still leave you sleeping in an upright position.
Roomettes and Bedrooms provide private, lockable rooms with beds, linens, and access to larger shower rooms. In addition to being larger, Bedrooms have an in-room shower and toilet. Passengers who buy a sleeper ticket are given priority boarding and get meals, called flex dining that are picked up in the cafe car for free.
Every passenger can access the Sightseer Lounge – a scenic car with floor-to-ceiling windows – and the Cafe Car, which serves snacks, hot meals, and beverages throughout the journey.
Note: this train uses a flexible dining cafe-car model rather than a traditional sit-down dining car.
| Feature | Coach Class | Roomette (Sleeper) | Bedroom (Sleeper) |
| Seating/Sleeping | Reclining seat | Private room, fold-down beds for 2 | Larger private room, beds for 2 |
| Meals included | No (pay at café car) | Yes (flex dining) | Yes (flex dining) |
| Shower access | Shared restroom only | Shared shower car | In-room shower & toilet |
| Price tier | $ | $$$ | $$$$ |
| Best for | Budget travelers, short/day trips | Couples/solo overnight travelers | Families or those wanting extra space |
Jackson Train Station: Everything You Need to Know About Jackson Union Station
Jackson’s Amtrak stop is officially called Union Station, located at 300 W Capitol Street, Jackson, MS 39201, with the Amtrak station code JAN. It’s one of the busiest Amtrak stations in Mississippi and the only stop directly in the city.
The building dates back to 1927, when it was constructed by the Illinois Central Railroad in a Georgian Revival style. After decades of decline, the City of Jackson led a roughly $20 million renovation between 2003 and 2004, transforming it into the Union Station Multimodal Transportation Facility – today an intermodal hub combining Amtrak, Greyhound intercity buses, and the local JATRAN city bus network under one roof.
There are amenities such as an enclosed waiting area, an accessible platform, and checked baggage service. As for the station’s current lack of free Wi-Fi, you can make plans that accommodate the need for work or streaming while you wait. There are both short-term and long-term parking options.
Nearby landmarks: If you have long layovers, you could visit the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion, which is located about four blocks away. Mississippi State Capitol and Mississippi Museum of Art are also nearby, a 15 minute walk from the station, and good to visit too.
A quick clarification on naming: Some travelers search for a “Jackson-Yazoo City station,” assuming it’s one combined stop. In reality, Jackson (JAN) and Yazoo City, MS (YAZ) are two separate stations on the same City of New Orleans line, roughly 45 miles apart. When booking online, double-check you’ve selected the correct station code – JAN for downtown Jackson, YAZ if you’re actually headed to Yazoo City.
| Station Detail | Information |
| Official name | Union Station |
| Address | 300 W Capitol Street, Jackson, MS 39201 |
| Station code | JAN |
| Built | 1927 (renovated 2003-2004) |
| Served by | Amtrak City of New Orleans, Greyhound, JATRAN |
| Wi-Fi | Not currently available |
| Baggage service | Checked baggage available |
| Nearby landmarks | Governor’s Mansion (4 blocks), MS State Capitol & Museum of Art (~15 min walk) |
If you have a layover, here’s how to spend it:Everyone knows about the Capitol and the art museum, but downtown Jackson also boasts the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, and even more new local eateries, breweries and distilleries right by Union Station. You can see plenty in the time you have on a two or three hour layover.
How to Book Train Tickets to Jackson: Step-by-Step Guide
Booking a train ticket to Jackson is straightforward whether you do it online, by phone, or in person.
- Decide your route and dates – Confirm whether your trip is direct or requires a connection (see the sections above), and pick flexible travel dates if you want the best fares.
- Search on Amtrak.com or the Amtrak app – Enter your origin and destination – for Jackson, use station code JAN. For connecting trips, Amtrak’s system will automatically build a multi-leg itinerary.
- Compare Coach vs. Sleeper fares – Toggle between class options to see real-time pricing for your dates; sleeper availability is limited and sells out faster.
- Review your connection times – if your trip isn’t direct – make sure layovers give you a safe buffer in case of delays.
- Add your Amtrak Guest Rewards number (or sign up for free) to start earning points on this trip.
- Select seat preferences, baggage, and any pet or accessibility needs during checkout.
- Complete payment and receive your eTicket, accessible via the Amtrak app or as a printable PDF.
- Manage your booking anytime through “My Trips” on Amtrak.com – most fares allow free changes or refunds if plans shift, though rules vary by fare type.
Alternative booking methods: You can also book by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL, or in person at the Jackson Union Station ticket counter. Third-party comparison sites like Wanderu can help you compare train pricing against bus options side by side, though booking directly through Amtrak typically gives you more control over changes and refunds.
A few extra booking notes worth knowing: Fare types matter. Amtrak typically has Value, Flexible, and Premium fares tiers within Coach. Each has different rules about changes and refunds. Value fares cost less, but are mostly non-refundable. Flexible fares are more expensive, but allow refunds without a penalty. If you are booking a trip with several legs (New York to Jackson via Chicago), always book the trip with all legs connected in one traveling plan. This way, Amtrak can automatically rebook you on the next leg if your first leg is delayed and you would miss your connection for the next leg. If your group has more than eight people, special group fares may apply. Fares will be evaluated if you call Amtrak for the fare quote. Just have a look in the price list and you will see why the group fares are a good idea!
Jackson Train Ticket Price: How Much Does It Cost & How to Save Money
Train ticket prices to Jackson vary widely based on distance, travel class, how far in advance you book, and demand on your travel date. As a general guide:
| Route | Approx. Coach Fare | Approx. Sleeper (Roomette) Fare |
| Brookhaven/Hazlehurst → Jackson (short hop) | ~$25-$35 | N/A (short trips are coach-only) |
| New Orleans → Jackson | ~$30-$50 | ~$120-$180 |
| Memphis → Jackson | ~$35-$55 | ~$130-$190 |
| Chicago → Jackson | ~$90-$160 | ~$300-$450 |
| New York City → Jackson (connecting) | ~$150-$280 | ~$450-$700+ |
Prices are approximate, fluctuate seasonally, and should always be confirmed on Amtrak.com before booking, since Amtrak uses dynamic, demand-based pricing similar to airlines.
How to save money on Jackson train tickets :
- Book 1-3 months in advance, especially for sleeper rooms, which sell out fastest.
- Travel midweek (Tuesday-Thursday) when fares are typically lower than weekend travel.
- Use Amtrak’s flexible date search to compare prices across a range of nearby dates.
- Sign up for Amtrak’s email list to catch limited-time companion fares and seasonal sales.
- Check for discounts: seniors (10%), military and veterans, students (with Student Advantage), and AAA members often qualify for reduced fares.
- Kids 2-12 typically ride at half the adult fare when accompanied by an adult.
- Consider a USA Rail Pass if Jackson is one stop on a larger multi-city rail itinerary – it can be more economical than booking each leg separately.
- Redeem Amtrak Guest Rewards points if you’re a frequent traveler; points can offset or fully cover ticket costs.
- Travel in coach for short, direct hops like New Orleans-Jackson or Memphis-Jackson, where a sleeper room rarely makes sense given the short ride length, and save the splurge for genuine overnight legs.
- Avoid booking last-minute wherever possible – like airlines, Amtrak’s dynamic pricing tends to push fares higher in the final one to two weeks before departure, especially for sleeper accommodations.
Best Time to Visit Jackson by Train: Seasonal Travel Tips
Jackson’s climate and event calendar both play a role in when you’ll get the most out of a train trip – and when you might face weather-related delays.
| Season | Weather | Travel Notes |
| Spring (Mar-May) | Mild, blooming, occasional thunderstorms | Great for sightseeing; watch for storm-related freight delays along the Delta corridor |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Hot and humid (90s°C common) | Comfortable onboard with A/C, but expect heat outside; severe thunderstorm season can cause delays |
| Fall (Sep-Nov) | Pleasant, cooler evenings | One of the best times to ride – coincides with the Mississippi State Fair in October |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | Mild compared to northern U.S., occasional cold snaps | Good for holiday travel and often comes with off-peak fare savings |
Tip: Severe thunderstorms during the spring and summer months in the Mississippi Delta and Tennessee can delay freight-sharing routes such as the City of New Orleans. If you are looking to avoid disruptions due to the weather, the fall and early winter months may be your best option. This will also give you the best opportunity to sightsee since the weather in late fall and winter will be mild.
Train vs Bus vs Car to Jackson
Each mode of transportation to Jackson has real trade-offs depending on your budget, schedule, and comfort priorities.
| Factor | Train | Bus (Greyhound/Jefferson Lines) | Car |
| Comfort | High – reclining seats, sleeper option, room to move | Moderate – limited legroom, more stops | Depends on driver fatigue over long distances |
| Cost | Moderate to high (especially with connections) | Usually the cheapest option | Gas, tolls, wear-and-tear can add up |
| Frequency | Once daily each direction | Multiple daily departures, denser network | Anytime – full flexibility |
| Speed | Can be slow with connections | Often comparable to or slower than driving | Fastest for nearby cities (e.g., Memphis, New Orleans) |
| Best for | Scenic, relaxing, overnight long-distance trips | Budget travelers, flexible schedules, short notice | Regional trips, exploring beyond Jackson, groups |
Choose the train if you value comfort, want to avoid driving fatigue, and you’re traveling overnight or from a city directly on the route.
Choose the bus if you’re on a tight budget and need more frequent departure options or are traveling shorter regional distances.
Choose the car if you plan to explore multiple Mississippi destinations beyond Jackson, are traveling with a group, or need full control over your schedule.
A realistic way to decide: Consider your starting point first. From cities on or near the City of New Orleans (New Orleans, Memphis, Chicago), the train is probably the most comfortable and economical option. For cities requiring several connections, be honest about the total travel time compared to a direct flight, and consider if you really want to make the journey (not just to the destination) at all. Many people who travel to Jackson actually end up combining travel options. This includes flying into a neighboring New Orleans hub and taking the train for the last, albeit scenic, segment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there a direct train to Jackson, Mississippi?
Yes. Amtrak’s City of New Orleans provides direct daily service to Jackson, Mississippi from cities on its route.
2. What is the closest Amtrak station to Jackson, MS?
Jackson’s own Union Station (station code JAN), at 300 W Capitol Street, is the city’s Amtrak stop and sits directly in downtown Jackson.
3. How long does the train take from Chicago to Jackson?
The Chicago-to-Jackson leg of the City of New Orleans takes approximately 14-15 hours, typically departing in the evening and arriving the following afternoon.
4. Can I take a train from New York City directly to Jackson?
No, there’s no direct train from New York City to Jackson. You’ll need at least one connection.
5. How much does a train ticket to Jackson cost?
Train ticket prices to Jackson vary by route and class, starting around $25–$35 for short trips and going much higher for long-distance sleeper travel.
6. Does the Jackson train station have free Wi-Fi?
No, Jackson’s Union Station does not currently offer free Wi-Fi, and onboard Wi-Fi on the City of New Orleans can also be limited or unreliable, so plan offline entertainment for longer rides.
7. What is the difference between Coach and Sleeper class on the City of New Orleans train?
Coach has reclining seats and is cheaper, while Sleeper offers a private room, beds, and meal perks.
8. How early should I arrive at Jackson Union Station before departure?
Amtrak recommends arriving at least 45 minutes before departure if you’re checking baggage or need passenger assistance, or 30 minutes otherwise.
9. Is the City of New Orleans train pet-friendly?
Yes, small cats and dogs are usually allowed on the City of New Orleans train, subject to Amtrak’s pet policy.
10. What is the best time of year to take the train to Jackson?
Fall (September-November) is usually the best time to take the train to Jackson for pleasant weather and smoother travel.