- Must visit
Birmingham Museum of Art
Major regional museum with strong American, Asian, African, and contemporary collections plus an excellent sculpture garden.
Cheapest price
$56
Average price
$56
Fastest journey
8 h 5 m
Average duration
8 h 5 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
503 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from New Orleans, LA to Birmingham, AL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from New Orleans, LA to Birmingham, AL will cost around $56 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $56.
Of the 1 trains that leave New Orleans, LA for Birmingham, AL on Tue, Aug 25, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 25 the direct trains cover the 503 km distance in an average of 8 h 5 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 8 h 5 m .
On Tue, Aug 25 the slowest trains will take 8 h 5 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
20 Crescent
20 CrescentOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from New Orleans, LA to Birmingham, AL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $40. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 8h 3m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $40, and a flight costs an average of $191.
Distance: 312 miles (503 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$72 Average price Cheapest | $86 Average price | $430 Average price | $72 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 33m Average total duration Fastest 8h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 57m Average total duration 8h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 29m Average total duration 11h 29m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 47m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions | 1.5 - 3.0kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from New Orleans, LA to Birmingham, AL:
A train is $14 (€12) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from New Orleans, LA to Birmingham, AL costing on average $86 (€69).
A train is $358 (€288) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from New Orleans, LA to Birmingham, AL costing on average $430 (€346).
Other travel options to Birmingham, AL take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 27m.
Flight takes on average 11h 29m.
Tickets start at around $72 (€58) compared to roughly $72 (€58) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $0.04 (€0.03). The journey takes 8h 3m versus 4h 47m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with Amtrak.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for New Orleans, LA to Birmingham, AL trains for today, Monday, August 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
20 Crescent | 9:10 AM Union Passenger Terminal, New Orleans, LA | 8h05 | 5:15 PM Birmingham Station, Birmingham, AL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from New Orleans, LA to Birmingham, AL run on average 1 times per day, taking around 8h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $40 (€33) if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 09:10, the last at 14:03. The fastest train covers the 312 miles (503 km) distance in 8h 5m.
Distance 312 miles (503 km) |
Average train duration 8h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price $40 (€33) |
Trains per day 1 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 8h 5m |
First train 9:10 AM |
Last train 2:03 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Birmingham, AL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Birmingham, AL trip today.
Major regional museum with strong American, Asian, African, and contemporary collections plus an excellent sculpture garden.
Powerful civil rights museum with immersive exhibits that explain Birmingham’s central role in the struggle for equality.
Hands-on museum blending science, technology, and regional history, popular with families and curious adults alike.
Large urban green space with lawns, trails, and a prized skyline view from the hilltop near Vulcan.
Lively downtown entertainment district with bars, murals, music venues, and easy access to theaters and sports.
Trendy neighborhood of shops, coffee spots, nightlife, and colorful streets that showcase Birmingham’s creative energy.
Alabama white sauce barbecue chicken is smoked chicken dressed with a tangy mayo-based sauce, a North Alabama staple that defines the region’s barbecue identity.
Pulled pork barbecue is slow-smoked and served chopped or shredded, often with sauce and sides. It is a classic Birmingham and Alabama comfort food.
Fried green tomatoes are unripe tomatoes sliced, breaded, and fried. They are a beloved Southern starter tied closely to Alabama home cooking.
Refined Southern fine dining destination known for elegant tasting menus, local ingredients, and polished service in an upscale atmosphere.
Long-running meat-and-three favorite serving fried chicken, vegetables, and pies in a classic cafeteria-style Southern setting.
Acclaimed modern restaurant with wood-fired cooking, seasonal Southern dishes, and a stylish but relaxed neighborhood atmosphere.
Moderate for U.S. city travel. Hotels are often cheaper than major metros, while dining and rideshares are typical; transit use is limited for most visitors.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, more for excellent service. Taxis usually get 10-15%. For cafes, round up or leave $1-2 on larger orders.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from New Orleans, LA to Birmingham, AL by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Birmingham, AL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most New Orleans, LA to Birmingham, AL trains use the Union Passenger Terminal to Birmingham Station station pair. Use this guide to compare New Orleans, LA and Birmingham, AL train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Union Passenger Terminal has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Cochon Restaurant, Herbsaint
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Union Passenger Terminal. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Union Passenger Terminal. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Union Passenger Terminal: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Union Passenger Terminal: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Passenger Terminal: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hyatt Regency New Orleans, Le Pavillon Hotel, Drury Plaza Hotel New Orleans.
Birmingham Station has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink options are available at Birmingham Station.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Available at Birmingham Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Birmingham Station: Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham Station.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need