This Amtrak Train Passes 5 States and 3 National Parks

In terms of scenic landscapes, it doesn’t get more stunning than Amtrak’s Sunset Limited route, which runs from the bayous of Louisiana to the Pacific Ocean. The Sunset Limited, the railroad company’s southernmost route, traverses five states—Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.

The journey starts and ends in two great U.S. cities: New Orleans and Los Angeles. In between, travelers are granted views of vast desert landscapes and boggy bayous. During the high season, the train even has an onboard national park guide who shares information about the geology and history of the areas the train passes.

Here’s what else you need to know before riding Amtrak’s Sunset Limited route.

Amtrak Sunset Limited Route

The Sunset Limited runs in both directions between Louisiana and California three times a week. If you’re traveling east to west, the train departs New Orleans in the morning and arrives in Los Angeles two days later. Those traveling west to east will board in Los Angeles in the late evening and arrive in New Orleans two days later. And since the journey clocks in between 46 and 48 hours in duration, travelers are treated to overnight accommodations, full-service dining, and a true long-haul train experience.

Editor’s note: While there are no extensive layovers on the Sunset Limited route, travelers can make any of the below stops their final destination. 

New Orleans, Louisiana

The Big Easy sets the tone for the entire journey. Before boarding the train, travelers can meander down the shady streets of the Garden District or pay a visit to The National WWII Museum. The train takes off from the Union Passenger Terminal just south of the French Quarter, making it easy to enjoy a nightcap at a world-class jazz club before heading back to your hotel to prepare for the next day’s adventure. Ahead of boarding the Sunset Limited (it leaves New Orleans at 9 a.m.), grab a bag of beignets for the journey, and make sure to look out the window just before the train crosses the border into Texas. Otherwise, you’ll miss a peek at the Atchafalaya Delta nature preserve, located within America’s largest river swamp ecosystem.

Houston, Texas

Once the Sunset Limited passes into Texas, the sprawl of Houston looms on the horizon. Start your city getaway by stretching your legs on the green hills of Buffalo Bayou Park, where you can enjoy views of the Houston skyline. For a dose of art in nature, head to the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern, a former reservoir that now features art installations and performances.

The city’s creative side continues in the Theater and Museum Districts, which are home to venues like the Houston Grand Opera and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Around 30 minutes southeast by car is the Space Center Houston, a science museum and the visitor center of the renowned NASA Johnson Space Center.

Alpine, Texas

The train travels across the Lone Star State in the night, arriving in Alpine, Texas, the next morning. Alpine is just over two hours north of Big Bend National Park, a destination known for its sprawl of Chihuahuan Desert as well as the Santa Elena Canyon, carved by the Rio Grande and lined with limestone cliffs. If culture is what you have in mind, Alpine is also less than 30 minutes from the artist community of Marfa, Texas. Check out its otherworldly art installations and viewing platform for watching the Marfa lights phenomenon.

Tucson, Arizona

The Sunset Limited arrives in Tucson just after 8 p.m., in time for a late dinner. Tucson is a renowned foodie city; it was even named the first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in the U.S. Go for a Sonoran hot dog or birria tacos to fuel up for a next-day hike in Saguaro National Park, just 30 minutes away.

Palm Springs, California

Another national park awaits once the Sunset Limited dips into California. Around an hour from Palm Springs lies Joshua Tree National Park, a desert landscape with rugged rock formations and its eponymous Joshua trees. But even if you don’t venture to the national park, you’ll find plenty to do in Palm Springs proper. The Californian desert destination is known for its stylish hotels and mid-century modern homes, plus it has rows upon rows of cute shops and boutiques. Golf and hot springs are plentiful, and the surrounding Coachella Valley has hiking and biking.

Los Angeles, California

The Sunset Limited pulls into Los Angeles just after 5 a.m., right as the day is about to begin. Passengers disembark at Union Station, which is about a mile from the Grand Central Market and Grand Park. Further afield, travelers will find sights like the historic Santa Monica Pier, Disneyland, and the beaches of Malibu. The Getty is a must for anyone who appreciates art or architecture.

Sleeping and Seating

The Sunset Limited uses two-story Superliner rail cars, which provide far-reaching views to those lucky enough to score a seat on the upper level. The train also has an observation car, nicknamed the “Sightseer Lounge,” with floor-to-ceiling windows that anyone can access.

Coach is the most affordable and basic seating option on the Sunset Limited. It’s available on the train’s upper and lower levels and has wide, reclining seats with dining trays and electrical outlets. There’s also no middle seat in this class.

Those who want to be able to lie down horizontally during the 48-hour journey will want to book a Superliner Roomette, Superliner Bedroom, or Superliner Bedroom Suite. The Superliner Roomette has two seats that transition into beds and includes bedding, pillows, and towels. Travelers staying in a Roomette get complimentary meals, access to a dedicated first-class attendant, priority boarding, and admission to a lounge and shared bathroom.

The larger Superliner Bedroom has all the perks of a Roomette and also accommodates two people, but it’s twice as large; there’s a sofa and chair that transform into beds and an in-room sink, bathroom, and shower. The top-tier seat option on the Sunset Limited is the Superliner Bedroom Suite, which can accommodate up to four people. In addition to all the perks of the lower-tier rooms, the suites are made up of two adjoining rooms and feature two in-room sinks, bathrooms, and showers. The Sunset Limited also has Superliner Family and Accessible Bedrooms on board.

Dining

As part of their rate, travelers in any of the private cars (Superliner Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Suites) enjoy full-service meals in the dining car. Trains traveling west serve lunch and dinner on the first travel day and breakfast, lunch, and dinner the next. On the eastbound route, travelers are served breakfast, lunch, and dinner, followed by breakfast and lunch on their arrival day.

The dining car’s full-service meals include French toast and omelets for breakfast, salads and burgers for lunch, and three-course dinners. Dinner service includes one alcoholic beverage for of-age travelers. Meanwhile, the onboard cafe is available to all guests—including those in coach—and serves snacks, beverages, and basic meals all day long.

Best Time to Ride

The best time to take the Sunset Limited between Louisiana and California is the spring or fall, when the weather is a bit cooler, but there is still a reasonable amount of daylight (for sightseeing from the train). This is also typically the best time to visit many of the national parks the train passes; summer can be hot and busy, but spring and fall are often a bit quieter and noticeably cooler.

Additional Perks

The most impressive perk on the Sunset Limited route is the onboard national park guide, who provides context to the journey’s many landscapes. In addition to this free history and geography lesson, the Sunset Limited has an observation car with floor-to-ceiling windows. Small dogs and cats (up to 20 pounds) can travel on the Sunset Limited for a small fee, and all passengers receive two free checked bags.