Amtrak's Southernmost Train Route Offers A Scenic Journey From Los Angeles To New Orleans

Despite sometimes being seen as a slow and inefficient way to travel, America's train network remains a delightful way to explore the country. It might not be quite as fast as flying, but America's scenic train rides are a joy. And when you are dealing with the vast distances that cross-country journeys in the U.S. entail, there's nothing quite like boarding a train and watching the landscape whizz by from the comfort of your seat.

The U.S. boasts some epic train routes, from mountain-climbing cog railways to extraordinary 13-day adventures taking you through five different national parks! Amtrak's Sunset Limited line is one such stunning route. The Sunset Limited runs from Los Angeles to New Orleans via Phoenix, Tucson, and San Antonio. It is the oldest named passenger route still carrying passengers in the U.S. The full journey takes around 46 hours and includes two nights on board. There are departures three times per week, and the route connects with several other of America's most stunningly beautiful train rides, including the Texas Eagle, the Coast Starlight, the Pacific Surfliner, and the Gold Runner.

One of the most exciting things about the Sunset Limited is its variety. The train sets off amid the glitz and glamor of Los Angeles, but the landscape quickly shifts, with the towering bulk of Mount San Antonio and the San Bernardino National Forest on the left and the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument on the right. After passing through Palm Springs, the Sunset Limited whizzes by Joshua Tree National Park and the Salton Sea, before the searing heat of the Arizona desert takes over.

Soon enough, the train kisses the Mexican border at El Paso, and the barren, beautiful cactus-filled landscapes of the desert give way to the greener hills of Texas. The Pecos River High Bridge is a highlight of the Texas section of the route, once the tallest bridge in the country. You might catch a glimpse of Trinity Bay as the train leaves Houston, and you'll cross the Neches River at Beaumont. The final stretch of the journey takes you through the 'gator-filled swamps and shaded bayous of Louisiana, across the Mississippi River, and into the Big Easy itself.

The train runs in both directions along the route, but aficionados recommend the eastbound journey for more daylight in the desert and an evening arrival into New Orleans. If you feel like making a longer journey out of it, there are some excellent stops on the route, including the Space Center in Houston, the Alamo in San Antonio, Big Bend National Park in Alpine, and Saguaro National Park in Tucson.

There are a few important things to note when booking your ticket on the Sunset Limited. With a scheduled 46-hour journey time and two overnight stretches, it is important to make yourself as comfortable as possible. When selecting your ticket, you can choose coach seats or a private room. Coach seats might be cheaper, but nearly 48 hours sat upright in a seat is likely to lead to discomfort, so if you can afford a private room, do so. You'll get a bed, as well as water, coffee, and meals.

The dining car on the Sunset Limited is the beating heart of the train. It's a vibrant, social space where the romantic magic of train travel really comes to life, as well as a great way to meet fellow passengers. If you haven't reserved a space in the sleeping car, you'll likely need to rely on the café car service, as coach passengers can only access the dining car if there is space after the private room passengers have made reservations.

Another important space on the Sunset Limited is the observation car. Here, huge windows offer an almost 360-degree panorama, giving passengers the chance to enjoy the rolling countryside passing by. It's a particularly choice spot for the Arizona and Texas sections of the route, where the wide-open desert offers a dramatic backdrop to your adventure.