The Travels with Kev Weekly Newsletter

Hello Reader,

This week, I'm talking about one of my favorite trains. Then again, most long-distance trains are my favorite — so take that with a grain of salt. What I love about this one in particular is the chance to escape the Midwest scenery for something completely different.

I have nothing against the Midwest; I live here, after all, but there's something unique about seeing a landscape outside your window that doesn't resemble home.

The Sunset Limited: 1,995 Miles of Desert, Bayous, and a Fake Prada Store

If you've wondered about Amtrak's southernmost long-distance route, let me introduce you to the Sunset Limited — a train that rewards patient travelers and catches the unready off guard.

Running three times a week in each direction between New Orleans and Los Angeles, the Sunset covers 1,995 miles across five states: Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. End to end, you'll spend just under 46 hours aboard. That's two nights and nearly three full days of scenery rolling past your window. It's also the only Amtrak train where you can occasionally see Mexico from your seat.

Before you book, know this.

The tri-weekly schedule is the first thing that trips people up. The Sunset doesn't run every day, and if you try to book on a day it doesn't operate, Amtrak's website will throw an error with no explanation. Check the schedule first, then book. You'll thank me later.

Also worth noting: between San Antonio and Los Angeles, this train operates as the Sunset Limited/Texas Eagle and has two route numbers (Train 1/421 westbound, Train 2/422 eastbound). If you're traveling that segment, check both trains — prices can vary.

What you'll see out the window.

This is where the Sunset earns its reputation. Leaving New Orleans, you'll travel through Louisiana bayou country before crossing into Texas. The landscape dramatically changes as you head west — from Gulf Coast flatlands to rugged terrain along the Mexican border, then into the vast Chihuahuan Desert. By the time you reach the Southwest, you're surrounded by scenery most people only see in photographs.

A few personal highlights I always look forward to are the "Prada Store" in the Marfa desert (yes, it's real, and yes, it's exactly as bizarre and wonderful as it sounds), the legendary Burrito Lady in El Paso if timing permits, and the Huey P. Long Bridge near New Orleans on the return trip — a stretch where you genuinely feel like you're flying over water.

One fun note: on one of my early trips, I woke up to a text from my cell provider saying "Welcome to Mexico!" I turned my phone off pretty quickly — I didn't have an international plan at the time and wasn't about to find out what roaming would cost out in the desert. But that was only for a very short segment on the trip.

What's on the train?

The Sunset features Superliner equipment—bi-level cars with large windows designed to enjoy the scenery. Passengers can choose between coach class (reclining seats, outlets under every window, two levels) or a sleeping car room. Room options include a Roomette, Bedroom, Family Bedroom, or Accessible Room.

Sleeper passengers receive complimentary traditional dining meals in the dining car, which offers freshly prepared breakfast, lunch, and dinner — plus one free adult beverage with dinner. Coach passengers can visit the café on the lower level of the Sightseer Lounge, open roughly 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. One heads-up: the Sunset Limited does not have Wi-Fi. Plan accordingly.

On-time performance — the honest picture.

The Sunset's January 12-month customer on-time average is 62.8%, which falls short of Amtrak's 80% standard for long-distance trains. Delays usually occur due to freight train interference on Union Pacific tracks and slow orders on the BNSF segment. With a tri-weekly schedule, missing a connection can lead to a long wait. Allow extra buffer time, especially if you're transferring to another train in Los Angeles or New Orleans.

There is some reason for cautious optimism. As of April 1, 2026, Amtrak and Union Pacific reached an agreement allowing the Sunset to operate on a new 5-mile segment of UP-owned track near Avondale, Louisiana — a reroute that should help reduce interference on that part of the route.

Is the Sunset Limited for you?

If you want breathtaking scenery, a true cross-country adventure, and don't mind a laid-back pace with some schedule unpredictability, definitely yes. It's one of Amtrak's most visually stunning routes and truly unlike anything else on the network.

Pack some snacks, bring a book or other entertainment, and enjoy the desert passing by.

Ready to start planning? I've put together a complete Sunset Limited guide on the site — schedule, room types, dining options, and a day-by-day route breakdown. Check it out here →​

What is Kev Up To?

I hope everyone had a great week and weekend. For me, it's a relief to have Holy Week and Easter Sunday behind me.

Since last week, I have updated a few articles to ensure they're current and optimized for search — so when someone searches for Amtrak guidance, they are more likely to find their way to the site.

This week also had a fun mix of my two worlds colliding. I helped move an organ, and I helped a fellow organist plan an Amtrak trip to the American Guild of Organists National Convention in St. Louis this summer. Naturally, I couldn't let him book a flight when there's a perfectly good train.

Thank You!

Thanks for reading!

If you're interested in helping me continue, you can click the green button below, visit my support page for more options, or join my Patreon! With a paid Patreon membership, you get a monthly postcard and more, and I just ordered new postcards.

Until Next Week!

Safe travels & Happy Planning,
Kev Monteith

Help Travels With Kev If you appreciate my work and would like to show your support, this is a fantastic way to do so! Your contribution... Read more Support Travels with Kev

​