Hello Reader,

Welcome back! How is your week going?

Explore the City of New Orleans

New Orleans, LA, is a fantastic place to visit, and Amtrak's City of New Orleans can take you there. This train operates between New Orleans and Chicago, with several intermediate stops along the way.

By the way, you can visit there more than just for Mardi Gras!

Route at a Glance

• Chicago ↔ New Orleans
• Distance: 934 miles, daily service through IL, KY, TN, MS, and LA
• Stops & Sites: Key hubs include Memphis, Jackson, MS, and the iconic Lake Pontchartrain Bridge

Schedule Snapshot

• Southbound #59 departs Chicago Union Station \~8 PM, arriving New Orleans \~3:47 PM next day
• Northbound #58 leaves New Orleans \~1:45 PM, arriving Chicago \~9:15 AM next morning

Always confirm departure/arrival through your Amtrak e‑ticket

Onboard Experience

• Equipment: Bi‑level Superliner cars featuring Coach, Roomettes, Bedrooms, Family/Accessible rooms
• Scenic lounge car: Panoramic views in the Sightseer Lounge
• Food & Drink:
  • Café car is open for Coach & Sleeper passengers
  • Flex meals included for Sleeper passengers

Class & Comfort

• Coach Class: Reclining seats, leg rests, tray tables, outlets (bring an extension cord), plush extras like blankets and pillows recommended
• Sleepers: Includes private rooms, showers, meals, lounge access, and amenities.

Practical Tips

• Pack an extension cord—outlets are limited
• Slip in extras: water, snacks, cozy pillows
• Bring entertainment—Wi‑Fi isn’t available; rely on books, podcasts, and scenic views.

Performance Notes

• Typical one-time average 74% of trips (Jun 2024–2025)
• Mainly operates on Canadian National tracks—along with Amtrak-owned tracks near Chicago and New Orleans.

Perfect Pairings

• Easily connect to other long-distance and regional Amtrak trains in Chicago or New Orleans—some routes might need overnight stays planned.
• This train can connect with the new Mardi Gras Service​

Learn More

If this interests you, learn more about everything covered and its schedule on my Amtrak City of New Orleans page.

What has Kev been up to?

I'm in the middle of working as a bus captain for the American Theatre Organ Society. Lots of work with little sleep. Plenty of bus riding. I’m seeing some old friends and making new ones.

One cool thing is that I had the opportunity to meet a podcaster from Spain who is originally from the UK.

​Steve Ashley hosts a podcast called Hot Pipes, which features a wealth of theatre organ music. I often listen to it while I mow the lawn. It was fun to talk with him, but I joked that it’s weird to hear his voice without headphones.

Looking at the Markers

Thank you for reading this newsletter and reaching out—it means a great deal to me!

Thanks to Ann M. for hitting the green button at the bottom of the page.

If you enjoy my work, consider supporting this free resource.​
You can visit my support page to learn how to help keep this train rolling, or click the green button at the bottom of this newsletter to pitch in.

Your support makes everything I do possible. Every little bit truly helps—and together, we’re inspiring more people to explore the world, one train trip at a time! 🚆✨

Until Next Week…

Happy planning and safe travels,
Kev Monteith