New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal
Located at 1001 Loyola Avenue, the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal (NOUPT) serves as a critical intermodal facility in the heart of Louisiana. As a primary transit hub, it seamlessly integrates rail, bus, and streetcar services, connecting the Crescent City to the rest of the United States. Owned by the City of New Orleans, the terminal is a vital gateway for both residents and tourists.
The facility is most notably the southern terminus for several major Amtrak routes. It manages a complex operation involving multiple platforms and tracks, supported by a nearby coach and engine yard to maintain the fleet.
Key Facts
- Location: 1001 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana.
- Primary Rail Operator: Amtrak (Station Code: NOL).
- Bus Services: Greyhound Lines and Megabus.
- Local Transit: Direct connection to the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) via the Rampart–Loyola Streetcar Line.
- Passenger Volume: 188,071 Amtrak passengers in FY 2025.
- Accessibility: Fully accessible facility with 180 long-term parking spaces.
History and Architecture
The Union Passenger Terminal was opened in 1954 to consolidate the city's fragmented rail operations. Before its construction, New Orleans was served by five separate stations: Union Station, the Southern Railway Terminal, T&P Station, Louisiana & Arkansas Station, and Louisville & Nashville Station.
Designed in 1949 by architectural firms Wogan and Bernard, Jules K. de la Vergne, and August Perez and Associates, the terminal was considered ultramodern upon its debut. Interestingly, its opening coincided with the rapid rise of commercial air travel, which began to challenge the dominance of rail.
The station's site has a unique geography, built partly over the former turning basin of the New Basin Canal. The main lead track follows the path of this filled-in canal and the Pontchartrain Expressway (I-10). Inside, the terminal features a 120-foot mural depicting the history of Louisiana and New Orleans, painted by Conrad A. Albrizio and James Fisher, which was meticulously restored following the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Evolution of Services
Over the decades, NOUPT has evolved from a pure rail terminal into a multi-modal hub. In the 1970s, the facility was modified to accommodate Greyhound Lines, integrating bus travel into the terminal's footprint. In 2015, Megabus further expanded the terminal's bus offerings.
The terminal's connection to the city was significantly enhanced in January 2013 with the launch of the Loyola Avenue-Union Passenger Terminal Streetcar Line. This $52 million project, largely funded by a federal TIGER grant, connects the terminal to the Central Business District and the Superdome.
The Impact of Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina in 2005 marked a turning point for the station. In the immediate aftermath, Amtrak provided the first commercial transportation out of the city. During the recovery phase, the bus station was temporarily repurposed as a detention facility known as "Camp Greyhound." The disaster also altered rail routes; the Sunset Limited, which previously ran east to Florida, has remained terminated in New Orleans since 2005, though efforts to restore eastern service have been proposed.
Modern Rail Expansion
Recent years have seen a resurgence in regional connectivity. On August 18, 2025, the Mardi Gras Service began operations, restoring passenger rail between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, with stops in Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula. Additionally, there are future plans for a New Orleans–Baton Rouge service, potentially launching in 2027.
Station Overview and Connectivity
The terminal currently operates as a stub-end terminal with four island platforms (three currently in use) and one side platform. It serves as the hub for three long-distance Amtrak trains and one regional service.
| Train Service | Primary Destination | Status/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| City of New Orleans | Chicago | Active |
| Crescent | New York | Active |
| Sunset Limited | Los Angeles | Active (Eastern Terminus) |
| Mardi Gras Service | Mobile | Active (Started Aug 2025) |
| New Orleans–Baton Rouge | Baton Rouge | Proposed (Possibly 2027) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which train services operate out of the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal?
Amtrak operates the City of New Orleans (to Chicago), the Crescent (to New York), the Sunset Limited (to Los Angeles), and the Mardi Gras Service (to Mobile).
How can I get from the terminal to downtown New Orleans?
Passengers can use the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) streetcars, specifically the Rampart–Loyola Streetcar Line, which connects the terminal to the Central Business District and Canal Street.
Does the terminal offer bus connections?
Yes, the terminal is an intermodal facility that serves both Greyhound Lines and Megabus.
What happened to the train service to Florida?
The Sunset Limited previously continued east to Florida, but since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, New Orleans has served as the eastern terminus for this route.
Is the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal accessible?
Yes, the facility is fully accessible and provides 180 long-term parking spaces for travelers.