Now that flights have stalled due to COVID-19, there are alternative methods to travel from Memphis toNew Orleans. Although train travel in Europe and other countries is nothing new, it is overlooked by most US travelers.
Taking the Amtrack from Memphis to New Orleans is a great alternative to flights because you're not crammed into a cramped seat with your neighbor practically sitting on your lap, the food is better, and you have room to roam or upgrade to Can carry a private car room or silent car.
If you live in Memphis and want to meet your girlfriend in New Orleans for a girls trip, you can either spend $500.00 on a flight, drive 9 hours or more and once you arrive in New Orleans you'll have an arm and a leg spend on parking or catching the Amtrack from Memphis to New Orleans.
The train journey from Memphis to New Orleans is approximately 359 miles. If you're driving, it takes about 10 hours to reach New Orleans, depending on how fast you drive and how often you stop.
The average travel time to New Orleans via Amtrak Memphis is just over 8 hours.
Amtrak-Check-in Memphis nach New Orleans
The Amtrak train station in Memphis is located downtownMemphis at Central Station. Memphis Central Station now houses bothAmtrak train stationand Hilton's Curio Collection Hotel.
Upon arrival at Central Station, a gate agent will be waiting for your arrival to check your boarding pass and direct you to a lane to unload your hand luggage.
Gates are usually displayed 15 minutes before a train departs. Many train stations have monitors and signs showing the gate locations for each train.
At many stations, Amtrak Customer Service Representatives will provide announcements of boarding times and gate locations.
I suggest you arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. If you need help with luggage, tickets or other services, you should take care of it before boarding.
Amtrak designated parking is available at Central Station, but please ensure you lock your car and do not leave any valuables in your vehicle as Amtrak cannot be held responsible for stolen items.
If you arrive early, there is plenty to see and do in Memphis. Across South Main Street is the famous Arcade Restaurant, believed to be the oldest in the city.
The neighborhood is also home to the National Civil Rights Museum, the South Main Farmer's Market, and a variety of shops and galleries.
Baggage at Amtrak
Each passenger is allowed two personal items, 25 pounds and two carry-on bags. Make sure you have a luggage tag with your name and address on the outside of all your bags in case anything happens and they can contact you.
The seating at Amtrak
You have three seat options on most Amtrak trains. The availability of these options depends on your route and the type of train equipment used.
- Trainer class:Stretch out with plenty of legroom and sit back to relax as you travel to your destination in Coach Class. Coach Class seats are available on all trains except Acela.
- Business Class:Business Class offers an increased level of comfort as well as some perks during your journey. Business Class is available on many routes across the country and is located in a dedicated carriage or section on the train.
- First class:Acela First Class offers a luxurious travel experience with priority boarding, seat service, complimentary meals and beverages, a quiet and elegant atmosphere and spacious seating. Free hot towels are also provided.
cabins and seats
You can upgrade your accommodation from Coach Class to First Class and Business Class seatingAmtrak.com, through hermobile Applikation, or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL.
You may be able to upgrade to a roomette or bedroom on trainssleeping arrangements.
The conductor can assist you with a seat or sleeper upgrade onboard your train if unsold space is available.
Accessible seating
Accessible seats for passengers with disabilities and mobility impairments are available on all trains. Accessible seats, often referred to as transfer seats, provide additional space and make it easier for the passenger to transfer from a wheelchair to the seat.
Passengers using a walker whose leg is in a cast and therefore requiring extra legroom, or passengers with a large service animal and space nearby to stow a folded wheelchair if required.
Food and drink options
From full meals to more informal cafe service, many trains offer four dining options, including special menus for those with dietary restrictions.
Traditional food
Traditional dining service is offered in the dining car on California Zephyr, Coast Starlight, Empire Builder, Southwest Chief, Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served.
Sleeper customers enjoy complimentary meals throughout the journey. Travel class customers are invited to purchase meals in the dining car.
Complimentary traditional dining service is offered onboard the Auto Train in the Dining Car as an exclusive benefit for Sleeper customers.
Dining cars offer seasonal menus with a variety of entrees. Complement your meal with a wide range of beverages including beer, wine and spirits for sale. Be sure to leave room for dessert - there's something for every sweet tooth. In addition to our regular menus, kids can get all their favorites on board.
coffee serviceis available to both coach and sleeper customers along these routes and offers a variety of meals, snacks and drinks for sale.
Flexible dining
As an exclusive and free offer for sleeping car customers, the flexible dining service includes:
- A hot, ready-to-serve menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner
- A wide selection of wines, beers and spirits (the first is on us) and unlimited soft drinks throughout the trip
- Complimentary room service from the sleeper attendant
- Flexible meal times without reservation
cafe food
Most Amtrak routes offer a coffee shop service with a variety of meals, snacks, and beverages for sale. Customers of all classes of service are invited to the café and service is available from early morning to late at night.
The food
Amtrak now offers an updated Corridor Café menu. They have partnered with Boar's Head and other popular brands including Makers Mark, Cutwater Spirits, LaCroix, Sahale Snacks, Dogfish Head, Dunkin' Donuts with freshly made sandwiches, salads, snacks, freshly brewed Dunkin' Donuts coffee and craft beers .
Most items are under $9 and ready in minutes.
The cost of Amtrak versus flying or driving
Let's take a look at the cost of flying and renting a car versus taking the Amtrak from Memphis to New Orleans. I checked different airlines and car rental companies to compare prices and below are the comparison prices.
- Delta Airlines:Memphis nach New Orleans - 548,00 $
- American Airlines:Memphis nach New Orleans – 502 $
- United Airlines:Memphis nach New Orleans – 615 $
- Hertz Rental Cars:3 Day Car Rental – $54.72 * 3 = $164.16 plus Gasoline $100.00 plus Parking $90.00 = $354.16
If you take the train and book seats on the bus early, it costs $51 for a one-way train ride from Memphis to New Orleans and an Uber ride to the hotel for $15. The total cost is $66.
If you book a first-class train from Memphis to New Orleans, you're looking at $150 one-way plus your Uber.
Do you really need a car in New Orleans anyway? Your rental car is parked all the time and you pay between $30 and $50 a night for parking in New Orleans, which in itself is crazy!
Amenities by Amtrak
Wi-Fi on Amtrak trains is free, but you can't stream music, videos, or movies. This is for basic browsing only.
Arrival at your destination
As the train pulls into each station, there is a process to pack your bags and get off the train. Bus passengers wait longer to get off the train, but it only takes a few minutes, so don't be like the impatient people on airplanes who get up before the plane even had time to land. #So annoying
Would I recommend taking the train from Memphis to New Orleans?
I personally think it's the cheapest way to get to New Orleans if you need a getaway. Prices are much cheaper than flying, no need to rent a car and pay for parking.
If it's your first time taking the Amtrak from Memphis to New Orleans, it's going to be very exciting, but you'll need to make sure you have your iPad, computer, headphones, and charger with you for the ride to New Orleans.
Conclusion: Amtrak Memphis to New Orleans
I think it's worth the price to avoid the hassle of driving, getting to the airport 2 hours early, paying for the luggage and all the extra time it takes to fly and drive instead of the train from Memphis to take to New Orleans.
The biggest trade-off is the sheer amount of time it will take, and you'll have a hassle-free trip without worrying about tiring from driving, stopping to get something, or even a hotel room halfway through Book away because you are exhausted.
Amtrak also offers andinteractive planning mapand a list of all theirscurrent routesto help you plan your Amtrak vacation.
DO YOU NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?
YES! Travel insurance is important no matter where you travel because accidents happen and you should always travel with insurance.
I became extremely ill in the Czech Republic and that was the one time I decided to forgo travel insurance and I was piling up thousands of dollars in medical bills and they wanted their money before I was even seen by the ER doctors.
Ready to plan your trip, grab mineFREE vacation plannerto help you plan your trip in the time it takes you to watch your favorite TV show!
ADDITIONAL ARTICLES
Where to Stay in Memphis
Ultimate Guide to the Memphis Fall
Things to do in Memphis with the kiddos
Have you ever thought about taking the train from Memphis to New Orleans? Amtrak from Memphis to New Orleans should be on your summer road trip itinerary.
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