Crescent Route Guide

Trains on Amtrak’s Crescent route travel daily between New York City and New Orleans, crossing through New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. A highlight is the journey over Lake Pontchartrain via the longest continuous rail bridge in the United States. The Crescent also stops near several colleges, including the University of Virginia and the University of Alabama. View the best places to visit on the Crescent route to learn more.

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Crescent Route Overview

What to Know	Facts & Highlights
Distance	1,377 miles
Travel time	32.5 hours
Frequency	One train daily in each direction
Best time to ride	Anytime
Best travel direction	Northbound from New Orleans to see Lake Pontchartrain
Scenery highlights	Lake Pontchartrain, bayous, pine forests, foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, James and Potomac rivers

What it’s like to ride the Crescent train

Following the route created by Southern Railway in the 1940s, Amtrak’s Crescent links the Northeast with the Deep South. The route stops in several college towns, making it an affordable and convenient option for students and other travelers. The segment between Atlanta and New Orleans is especially popular, providing a relaxing alternative to driving or flying. Along the way, charming small-town stops in Laurel, Mississippi and Tuscaloosa, Alabama showcase local culture and Southern hospitality.

Popular Stops

Explore the popular stops along the Crescent route below. For more information and other places worth visiting, see our guide to the 10 best stops.

New York City: Broadway, iconic attractions
Philadelphia: Liberty Bell, Independence Hall
Baltimore: Inner Harbor, Fort McHenry
Washington DC: Monuments, museums
Charlottesville: University of Virginia, Monticello
Atlanta: Civil Rights history, city culture
New Orleans: French Quarter, Mardi Gras

Schedule Highlights

Trains depart from New Orleans in the morning.
Trains depart from New York City in the afternoon.
Atlanta departures are early morning (southbound) and at night (northbound).
Travel time between Atlanta and New Orleans is 13 hours.
Travel time between Washington D.C. and Atlanta is about 14 hours.
Charlotte arrival and departure times are not ideal (like many cities in the Carolinas).

Tickets and Onboard Options

When booking tickets, you can select coach seats or private rooms on the Crescent. Coach seats are the most affordable option, but you’ll need to sleep sitting up if you’re traveling overnight. On the plus side, you’ll have a comfortable reclining seat and power outlets for your devices.

In comparison, private rooms are more expensive, but include a bed along with free water, coffee and meals. Based on availability, you can choose from the following private room options on the Crescent:

Roomettes
Accessible bedrooms
Standard bedrooms

Other Things to Know

Trains have WiFi.
Transfer to the Sunset Limited and City of New Orleans trains in New Orleans.
Transfer to the Cardinal in Washington D.C. for travel through the New River Gorge.
Washington D.C. is also the transfer point for trains travelling to Charleston, Savannah and Florida.
Fares to New Orleans are typically higher around Mardi Gras and the New Orleans Jazz Festival. Purchase tickets in advance for lower prices.

FAQ

Where does the Amtrak Crescent go?

Crescent trains essentially travel in a diagonal line between New York City and New Orleans. The route goes through parts of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.

How many stops does the Crescent have?

There are 33 stops on Amtrak’s Crescent route.

Does the Crescent route have food?

Yes, the Crescent route has food in the cafe car that you can purchase. Additionally, sleeper car passengers get free meals, which are typically delivered to rooms.

Is the Crescent route scenic?

Parts of the Crescent route are scenic, especially if you are departing from New Orleans. You’ll see cemeteries, the city skyline and Lake Pontchartrain.

How much is the train ticket between Atlanta and New Orleans?

Ticket prices vary depending on timing and availability, but one-way coach fares between Atlanta and New Orleans are typically $50 or less. One-way roomette prices are approximately $300 and up. Bedrooms are much more expensive.

Stations

Explore the full list of Crescent Amtrak stations in route order. Click the station names to view amenities and additional details on the Amtrak website.