Amtrak sets new schedule for New Orleans-L.A. Sunset Limited

A new schedule for the Amtrak Sunset Limited is set to take effect on May 7.

The days of westbound operations for the New Orleans-Los Angeles route will change to provide better connections for riders traveling to and through California.

The changes are expected to increase ridership and revenue, and reduce crew layover costs, said Amtrak officials in a prepared statement.

“These are improvements that can be implemented quickly, require no capital investment and will enhance connectivity across our national network,” said Amtrak President and Chief Executive Officer Joseph Boardman.

The westbound train will depart from New Orleans on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays about three hours earlier each day than the current Monday, Wednesday, Friday schedule. Although there will be no change to eastbound days of operations from Los Angeles on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays, trains will depart seven hours later each day in order to restore connections between the Sunset Limited and the Amtrak Coast Starlight trains, and to make possible better next-morning arrival to Arizona destinations.

In addition, the changes will significantly reduce the layover in San Antonio by more than seven hours for eastbound passengers and by more than three hours for westbound passengers when rail cars are exchanged between the Sunset Limited and the Texas Eagle trains.