- Must visit
The National WWII Museum
A major campus of immersive exhibits on World War II, widely regarded as one of the top museums in the United States.
Cheapest price
$618
Average price
$618
Fastest journey
2 d 19 h 43 m
Average duration
2 d 19 h 43 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
2651 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Santa Ana, CA 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 Santa Ana, CA to New Orleans, LA will cost around $618 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $618.
Of the 1 trains that leave Santa Ana, CA for New Orleans, LA on Mon, Jun 22, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 22 the direct trains cover the 2651 km distance in an average of 2 d 19 h 43 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 d 19 h 43 m .
On Mon, Jun 22 the slowest trains will take 2 d 19 h 43 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.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Ana, CA to New Orleans, LA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $214. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 43m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $214, and a flight costs an average of $542.
Distance: 1647 miles (2651 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$539 Average price | $326 Average price Cheapest | $570 Average price | $373 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
54h 56m Average total duration 54h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 41h 30m Average total duration 41h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 43m Average total duration Fastest 4h 43m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 27h 7m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Santa Ana, CA to New Orleans, LA:
A bus is $213 (€175) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santa Ana, CA to New Orleans, LA costing on average $539 (€441).
A bus is $245 (€200) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santa Ana, CA to New Orleans, LA costing on average $570 (€467).
Other travel options to New Orleans, LA take longer:
Bus takes on average 41h 0m.
Train takes on average 54h 26m.
Tickets start at around $539 (€441) compared to roughly $373 (€305) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-166.41 (€-136.20). The journey takes 54h 26m versus 27h 7m 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.
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 Santa Ana, CA to New Orleans, LA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 54h 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $293 (€239) but you can travel from only $214 (€175) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 09:00, the last at 13:45. The fastest train covers the 1647 miles (2651 km) distance in 49h 36m.
Distance 1647 miles (2651 km) |
Average train duration 54h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price $293 (€239) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 49h 36m |
First train 9:00 AM |
Last train 1:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Discover the best of New Orleans — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect New Orleans trip today.
A major campus of immersive exhibits on World War II, widely regarded as one of the top museums in the United States.
The city’s leading fine arts museum, known for its broad collection and its sculpture garden in City Park.
A respected museum focused on Southern art, with strong permanent collections and rotating exhibitions.
The city’s signature historic neighborhood, known for balconies, music, architecture, and its dense concentration of sights.
The most famous street in New Orleans, known for nightlife, music, and nonstop energy in the French Quarter.
A picturesque neighborhood of oak-lined streets and grand historic mansions, popular for walking and architecture.
A Rich Louisiana stew often made with a dark roux, the holy trinity of vegetables, and seafood or sausage. It is one of the city’s signature Creole and Cajun dishes.
A Spiced rice dish cooked with meat or seafood, aromatics, and stock. It is a classic New Orleans favorite influenced by Spanish and French cooking traditions.
A Traditional sandwich on French bread, usually filled with fried shrimp, oysters, or roast beef with gravy. It is one of the city’s most iconic everyday meals.
An Iconic Garden District restaurant serving refined Creole cuisine in an elegant historic setting. Known for jazz brunch and polished service.
A Legendary Treme institution famous for Creole soul food, gumbo, and local history. The atmosphere is classic, welcoming, and deeply tied to the city’s culture.
A Popular Warehouse District restaurant focused on Cajun-inspired cooking, Louisiana meats, and bold regional flavors in a stylish rustic room.
Moderate for U.S. city travel. Food and drinks range widely, while hotels rise sharply during festivals and weekends.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Bartenders: USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15%. Hotel staff: USD 2-5. Tip musicians only if invited or a tip jar is out.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Ana, CA 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 Santa Ana, CA to New Orleans, LA trains use the Santa Ana Station to Union Passenger Terminal station pair. Use this guide to compare Santa Ana, CA and New Orleans, LA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Santa Ana Station is 1 km from Santa Ana city centre. Public transport options include:
Santa Ana Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Olde Ship British Pub & Restaurant, Chapter One: the modern local
Ticket office support is available at Santa Ana Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Santa Ana Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Santa Ana Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Santa Ana Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Ana Station: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Santa Ana, Courtyard by Marriott Santa Ana, Holiday Inn Santa Ana-Orange County Airport.
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.
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