The Crescent

The Journey

Operated by Amtrak, The Crescent train runs the 2216km (1377 miles) journey between New York City and New Orleans daily, departing at 2.15pm and arriving at 7.10pm the following day. Named after the Crescent City (New Orleans), which in turn was named after the crescent-shaped twist of the Mississippi River, The Crescent operates as No. 19 heading south and as No. 20 on the return journey.

The 30 hour voyage is a leisurely affair passing through some of America’s most celebrated cities and twelve states along the way. The varied skylines and landscapes – from the cityscape of New York City and the sweep of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the sleepy towns and farmlands down south – are best enjoyed from the heritage dining car.

The major stopping off points en route are the nation’s capital Washington D.C., followed by Atlanta, Georgia, Birmingham, Alabama and Slidell, Louisiana. You might not have heard of Slidell before now, but it’s famous for its 6.2 mile bridge over Lake Pontcartrain, the largest body of fresh water in Louisiana.

Other highlights along the way include the curves of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the tallest mountains east of the Mississippi, Thomas Jefferson’s home town Monticello and the historical battlefields of Manassas where two major Civil War battles were fought.

And when you’re not staring out the window, you can enjoy The Crescent’s celebrated southern hospitality. This includes the heritage restaurant car, which although not quite as grand as it sounds, serves up some mean Cajun cooking. There’s also a comfy lounge car dishing up snacks and drinks.

Sleeping Options

There are several options here but by far the best (and most indulgent) is the sleeper-car. Not only are all your meals included, you can expect morning tea (or coffee) when you wake up, a complimentary shoe shine service and free newspapers. What’s more, your bed gets made up for the night by the sleeper attendant and hot showers are available – either at the end of the corridor if you’re travelling in a roomette, or en suite if you are travelling in a bedroom.

A reclining chair is the only other option and while it’s comfortable, don’t expect a chocolate on your pillow at night. That said, these tend to be great value for money and given that the journey is only 30 hours long, perfectly comfortable.

Sleeper Info

• The sleeper supplements include all meals in the dining car, morning tea or coffee and fruit juice and various other first class privileges.
• Sleeper supplements are per room, not per person, so you pay just one supplement for the room whether two of you occupy it or just one, in addition to a basic coach fare (or railpass) for each passenger.
• Sleeper supplements vary enormously by season and in accordance with demand, which is why a range is shown.
• Roomettes are small – sleeping 2.
• Bedrooms are larger and can accommodate 4

Prices

Normal one-way fares for:

Reclining seat

• Adult: US$114
• Child: 50% of the adult fare (aged 2-15)
• Infants: free
• Student: 15% discount
• Seniors: 15% discount (over age of 62)

2-berth roomette – sleeps 2

Supplement for travel in sleeper: US$150 – US$328

this is additional to the reclining seat price – no discounts for students / seniors / children

2-berth bedroom – sleeps 2-4

Supplement for travel in sleeper (Sleeping 2-4): US$269 – US$603

this is additional to the reclining seat price – no discounts for students / seniors / children