- Must visit
Walker Art Center
Major contemporary art museum with acclaimed architecture, rotating exhibitions, and one of the top collections in the region.
Cheapest price
$454
Average price
$473
Fastest journey
1 d 7 h 16 m
Average duration
1 d 9 h 53 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
1694 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from New Orleans, LA to Minneapolis, MN 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 Minneapolis, MN will cost around $473 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $454.
It's difficult to get from New Orleans, LA to Minneapolis, MN without transferring at least once.
58 City Of New Orleans · 1333 Borealis
58 City Of New Orleans · 7 Empire Builder
58 City Of New Orleans · 27 Empire Builder
58 City Of New Orleans · 1333 Borealis
58 City Of New Orleans · 7 Empire Builder
58 City Of New Orleans · 27 Empire BuilderOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from New Orleans, LA to Minneapolis, MN among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $108. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 1m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $108, and a train costs an average of $196.
Distance: 1052 miles (1694 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$415 Average price | $284 Average price | $183 Average price Cheapest | $249 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
29h 51m Average total duration 29h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 1m Average total duration Fastest 4h 1m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 34h 38m Average total duration 34h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 17h 59m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from New Orleans, LA to Minneapolis, MN:
A bus is $101 (€81) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from New Orleans, LA to Minneapolis, MN costing on average $284 (€228).
A bus is $233 (€187) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from New Orleans, LA to Minneapolis, MN costing on average $415 (€334).
Other travel options to Minneapolis, MN take longer:
Train takes on average 29h 21m.
Bus takes on average 34h 8m.
Tickets start at around $415 (€334) compared to roughly $249 (€200) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-166.26 (€-133.90). The journey takes 29h 21m versus 17h 59m 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.
The table below shows live departures for New Orleans, LA to Minneapolis, MN trains for today, Tuesday, August 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:45 PM New Orleans, LA | 33h11 | 3:56 AM Minneapolis, MN | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:45 PM New Orleans, LA | 28h56 | 12:41 AM Minneapolis, MN | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 Minneapolis, MN run on average 3 times per day, taking around 29h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $196 (€158) but you can travel from only $105 (€85) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 08:50, the last at 13:45. The fastest train covers the 1052 miles (1694 km) distance in 28h 56m.
Distance 1052 miles (1694 km) |
Average train duration 29h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price $196 (€158) |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 28h 56m |
First train 8:50 AM |
Last train 1:45 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Minneapolis, MN — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Minneapolis, MN trip today.
Major contemporary art museum with acclaimed architecture, rotating exhibitions, and one of the top collections in the region.
Smithsonian-affiliated history museum inside Mill City Museum, exploring Minneapolis industry, flour, and riverfront development.
Leading fine arts museum with global collections, period rooms, and strong Native, Asian, and modern works.
Famous urban sculpture garden with the Spoonbridge and Cherry, linking art, skyline views, and easy walking paths.
Lakeside park with beaches, trails, and classic Minneapolis scenery; ideal for walks, biking, and sunset views.
Historic riverfront district with cobbled character, trails, bridges, and excellent views of the Mississippi and downtown.
The iconic Minnesota hot dish: ground beef, vegetables, cream soup, and tater tots baked until crisp. A beloved Upper Midwest comfort food common at family gatherings.
A Scandinavian potato flatbread central to Minnesota holiday tables. It reflects the region’s strong Nordic heritage and is often served with butter or sugar.
Minnesota’s famous wild rice soup combines nutty native wild rice with cream, vegetables, and often chicken. It highlights an ingredient deeply tied to the state.
Acclaimed fine-dining destination showcasing Minnesota ingredients with refined tasting menus. Elegant, polished, and nationally respected.
Long-running restaurant known for excellent walleye and classic supper-club style. Comfortable setting near Minnehaha Falls.
Legendary South Minneapolis tavern famous for the original Juicy Lucy. Casual, lively, and essential for a classic local burger experience.
Moderate for a major US city. Hotels, dining, and attractions are mid-priced, while transit is affordable and budget eats are easy to find.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis, and spare change or $1 at cafes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from New Orleans, LA to Minneapolis, MN 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 Minneapolis, MN, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most New Orleans, LA to Minneapolis, MN trains use the Union Passenger Terminal to Union Depot station pair. Use this guide to compare New Orleans, LA and Minneapolis, MN 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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need