New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA train with Amtrak

Thu, Jul 16
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Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
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Travel Information

Compare train and bus for New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $33. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 4h 6m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $33, and a train costs an average of $41.

Distance: 187 miles (302 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Driving

$48

Average price

$43

Average price

Cheapest

$42

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

5h 25m

Average total duration

4h 55m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 36m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 6m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 6m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Amtrak

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA is a bus with an average price of $43 (€35).

This is compared to other travel options from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA:

A bus is $5 (€4) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA costing on average $48 (€40).

The fastest way to travel from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA is by bus with an average journey time of 4h 6m.

Other travel options to Lake Charles, LA take longer:

Train takes on average 4h 55m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between New Orleans, LA and Lake Charles, LA including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around $48 (€40) compared to roughly $42 (€34) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-6.32 (€-5.19). The journey takes 4h 55m versus 3h 6m 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.

Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.

Live departures

New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA train times

The table below shows live departures for New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA trains for today, Wednesday, July 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Amtrak3:00 PM New Orleans, LA
4h55
7:55 PM Lake Charles, LA0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA by train or bus

Compare train and bus 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.

Thu
Jul 16
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Jul 17
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Jul 18
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Jul 19
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Jul 22

Journey information

Overview: Train from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA

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Icon of train

Trains from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 4h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $41 (€33) but you can travel from only $33 (€27) by bus.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 09:00, the last at 15:29. The fastest train covers the 187 miles (302 km) distance in 4h 55m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $33 (€27)
Distance
187 miles (302 km)
Average train duration
4h 55m
Cheapest ticket price
$41 (€33)
Trains per day
1
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
4h 55m
First train
9:00 AM
Last train
3:29 PM
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jul - Sep
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
14 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $33 (€27)

Train companies: Amtrak from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between New Orleans, LA and Lake Charles, LA from $33 (€27). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 55m
Cheapest Price
$41 (€33)
Amtrak frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone
Learn more about Amtrak

FAQs: Trains from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA 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 Lake Charles, LA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $41 (€33), while the average price is around $48 (€40).
The train from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA runs once a day and takes approximately 4h 55m.
The first train from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA leaves at 9:00 AM.
The distance by train from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA is 187 miles (302 km).
The last train from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA leaves at 3:29 PM.
There is no high speed train available from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA.
Yes, there is a direct train from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA. This service operates 1 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA.
The train station in New Orleans, LA that goes to Lake Charles, LA is Union Passenger Terminal, New Orleans, LA, which connects to Lake Charles Station, Lake Charles, LA.
The cheapest way to get from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA is by bus, with a cost of around $33 (€27).
The train journey from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA offers scenic views of the Louisiana countryside, including picturesque bayous, lush wetlands, and glimpses of the Mississippi River, providing a unique and relaxing travel experience.
A day trip from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 55m and the distance is 187 miles (302 km). There is a frequency of 1 train per day for this route.
To fully experience Lake Charles, LA, including its Creole Nature Trail, local casinos, and cultural attractions, a stay of 2 to 3 days is typically sufficient.
Yes, you can take the train from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA.
Since neither New Orleans, LA nor Lake Charles, LA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Lake Charles, LA include Lafayette, LA.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Lake Charles, LA, travelers should be cautious of petty crimes like pickpocketing and vehicle break-ins, especially in crowded or poorly lit areas. It is advisable to avoid isolated neighborhoods after dark. Common scams include overpriced taxi fares and unofficial ticket sellers near popular attractions. Staying aware of surroundings and using authorized transportation services helps ensure a safer visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

More options for your journey from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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