It is going to take a while to cross the lake. It is pretty big. But as scary as it is, don't worry, you'll be fine. They are going really fast and it is going to go by much quicker on the AmTrak than in a car. And what is on the other side is so worth the ride over the lake!!
The Amtrak website lets you route your trip and then gives you schedules and prices. You can also call the Amtrak office in New Orleans for info.
New Orleans, LA
New Orleans, LA
No, and the Amtrak railroad between New Orleans, Louisiana and Jacksonville, Florida has not run since Hurricane Katrina, and might not run again. Although it does run between Los Angeles, California and New Orleans.
Slidell, LA is currently not being served by Amtrak but the New Orleans station is being served. The fare is currently $317 to go from New Orleans to Chicago and then Chicago to Flagstaff.
Unfortunately, New Orleans is your closest station with Amtrak service at the current time. From there you can take the Crescent to Atlanta, Washington or New York, the City of New Orleans to Memphis, Carbondale or Chicago, or the Sunset Limited to Houston, San Antonio or Los Angeles. Hopefully, some day, the Sunset Limited will resume service east of New Orleans and Pensacola receives Amtrak service again.
Along the City of New Orleans, there are stops in Newbern-Dyserburg and Memphis.
Unfortunately, there is no Amtrak train service to Nashville. The old Union Station is now a Wyndham hotel and that is available for viewing. The closest Amtrak station is in Newburn, TN. From there you can take the City Of New Orleans north to Carbondale and Chicago or south to Memphis or New Orleans.
Newburn, TN. From there you can take the City Of New Orleans north to Carbondale and Chicago or south to Memphis or New Orleans.
About 9+ hours
Amtrak is not a good option since you will have to go up to Washington, DC and then catch another train to come back down to New Orleans.
Galveston Island does not have Amtrak service. The best way to go is to take an Acela Express from Providence to New York Penn Station. At Penn Station, transfer to the Crescent to New Orleans. Drive from New Orleans to Galveston Island. From Providence to New Orleans will take 35 hours.