- Must visit
New Orleans Museum of Art
Leading art museum in City Park with major European, American, African, and contemporary collections plus a renowned sculpture garden.
Cheapest price
$481
Average price
$481
Fastest journey
1 d 6 h 40 m
Average duration
1 d 6 h 40 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
1248 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Ottumwa, IA to New Orleans, LA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Ottumwa, IA to New Orleans, LA will cost around $481 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $481.
It's difficult to get from Ottumwa, IA to New Orleans, LA without transferring at least once.


Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Ottumwa, IA to New Orleans, LA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $189. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 8h 5m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $189, and a train costs an average of $254.
Distance: 775 miles (1248 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$612 Average price | $453 Average price | $189 Average price Cheapest | $150 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
38h 31m Average total duration 38h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 5m Average total duration Fastest 8h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 57h 30m Average total duration 57h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 33m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Ottumwa, IA to New Orleans, LA:
A bus is $264 (€264) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Ottumwa, IA to New Orleans, LA costing on average $453 (€453).
A bus is $423 (€423) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Ottumwa, IA to New Orleans, LA costing on average $612 (€612).
Other travel options to New Orleans, LA take longer:
Train takes on average 38h 1m.
Bus takes on average 57h 0m.
Tickets start at around $612 (€612) compared to roughly $150 (€150) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-461.18 (€-461.18). The journey takes 38h 1m versus 13h 33m 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 Ottumwa, IA to New Orleans, LA trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, July 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:07 AM Ottumwa, IA | 30h40 | 3:47 PM New Orleans, LA | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, flight, 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.
Trains from Ottumwa, IA to New Orleans, LA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 38h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $254 (€254) but you can travel from only $189 (€189) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 13:45, the last at 13:45. The fastest train covers the 775 miles (1248 km) distance in 30h 40m.
Distance 775 miles (1248 km) |
Average train duration 38h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price $254 (€254) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 30h 40m |
First train 1:45 PM |
Last train 1:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Discover the best of New Orleans, LA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect New Orleans, LA trip today.
Leading art museum in City Park with major European, American, African, and contemporary collections plus a renowned sculpture garden.
Powerful museum using immersive exhibits to explain World War II through personal stories, artifacts, and major military history.
Smithsonian-affiliated museum devoted to Southern art, design, and culture in a contemporary warehouse district setting.
The city’s most famous neighborhood, packed with historic architecture, music, courtyards, and essential New Orleans street life.
Lively public square facing St. Louis Cathedral, ideal for architecture, performers, and a classic introduction to the city.
Vast urban park with oak groves, lagoons, museums, and trails, offering one of the best green escapes in New Orleans.
A hearty Creole rice dish with sausage, chicken, and seafood. It reflects Spanish, French, and local influences central to New Orleans cooking.
A rich Louisiana stew usually made with roux, okra or filé, and seafood or sausage. It is a signature dish of Creole and Cajun tradition.
A classic po' boy is a French bread sandwich stuffed with fried shrimp, oysters, or roast beef. It is one of the city's most iconic everyday foods.
Celebrated Creole restaurant famous for gumbo z'herbes, turtle soup, and jazz brunch in an elegant Garden District mansion.
Casual landmark for classic po' boys and fried seafood. Expect a lively, old-school New Orleans atmosphere near the French Quarter.
Historic coffee stand best known for beignets and chicory café au lait. It is busy, informal, and one of the city's essential stops.
Moderate for U.S. cities: hotels can be pricey in peak season, but food and transit are reasonable for tourists.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis, and spare change or $1 at cafes for good service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ottumwa, IA to New Orleans, 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 New Orleans, LA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Ottumwa, IA to New Orleans, LA trains use the Ottumwa Station to Union Passenger Terminal station pair. Use this guide to compare Ottumwa, IA and New Orleans, LA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Ottumwa Station has practical services for this route, including Dining, ATM, and Accessibility.
Food and drink options are available at Ottumwa Station.
ATMs are available at Ottumwa Station.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ottumwa Station.
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