summary

• More about the journey than the destination, Sunset Limited boasts stunning views of the Southwest.
• The train ride through the picturesque southwestern landscape offers breathtaking views and is well worth a stop along the way.
• Amtrak's Sunset Exclusive Tour across Arizona offers comfortable options and scenic views for an unforgettable travel experience.

It is known as America's oldest railroad line. Sunset Limited is an Amtrak service that connects New Orleans and Los Angeles. The train runs on Amtrak's southernmost route, taking passengers through the scenic heart of the Southwest to the Pacific Coast.

Sunset Limited is known for valuing the journey over the destination. A journey for those seeking true adventure through the heart of America. There are great views all along the way and plenty of stops worth disembarking.

If you're traveling through Arizona and want to get a little taste of Sunset Limited and soak in the beauty of Arizona, here's everything you need to know about one of the most spectacular ways to experience Arizona .

Sunset-only route overlooking the southwest direction

New Orleans-San Antonio-Tucson-Phoenix-Los Angeles

The southern United States is home to some of the nation's most beautiful natural landscapes and the nation's most vibrant culture. What better way to experience this than with Sunset Limited?

From the bustling city of New Orleans, the train heads west through Houston and San Antonio, Texas, then through New Mexico and winds through Arizona, stopping in Benson, Tucson, Maricopa, and Yuma. From there, the train heads west through Palm Springs to California, eventually arriving in landmark-filled Los Angeles.

All sunset-only routes

• New Orleans, Louisiana – Union Passenger Terminal (NOL)
• Schriever, Louisiana (SCH)
• New Iberia, Louisiana (NIB)
• Lafayette, LA (LFT)
• Lake Charles, LA (LCH)
• Beaumont, Texas (BMT)
• Houston, Texas – Amtrak Station (HOS)
• San Antonio, Texas (SAS)
• Del Rio, Texas (DRT)
• Sanderson, TX (SND)
• Alpine, Texas (ALP)
• El Paso, Texas – Union Depot (ELP)
• Deming, New Mexico (DEM)
• Roseburg, NM (LDB)
• Benson, Arizona (BEN)
• Tucson, Arizona (TUS)
• Maricopa, Arizona (MRC)
• Yuma, Arizona (YUM)
• Palm Springs, California – Amtrak Station (PSN)
• Ontario, California (ONA)
• Pomona, California (POS)
• Los Angeles, California – Union Station (LAX)

Things to see while on board (and places worth stopping along the way)

Arizona's natural scenery is awe-inspiring, with stops in Tucson and Phoenix.

One of the highlights of Amtrak's Sunset Limited is the ever-changing landscape between states, from the bayous and Gulf Coast of Louisiana, through the plains of Texas and through the juniper- and pinon-covered dunes of New Mexico. . Travel through the deep red mountain desert of Arizona.

Without a doubt, Arizona was one of the highlights of the trip. During the ride, passengers can enjoy the view not only from their seats, but also from the must-see observation car, which has floor-to-ceiling windows.

With a drink in hand, travelers head to the observation car and take in the picturesque landscape of rugged mountains and vast red desert. What better way to arrive in the cool city of Tuscon, have lunch, and spend a full day exploring the Saguaro Desert.

A great way to travel around Arizona and take in the majestic desert landscape is aboard the Arizona Sunset Limited. Here are some great options for travelers heading to Phoenix: After exploring Arizona's great capital — Take the Sunset Limited from Maricopa, Arizona to Tucson; saguaro national park and from there proceed to Benson.

Sagauro National Park Prices

• Private car pass: $25
• Bike pass: $20
• Personal pass: $15

Benson is a small town in eastern Arizona that is home to the scenic Kerchner Caverns State Park, which offers great camping and cave tours. Benson has a beautiful mountain setting and a charming Western-style downtown filled with shops and restaurants. He is one of Arizona's most underrated towns and a place worth exploring.

Cartner Caverns State Park Admission Fee

• Per vehicle: (1-4 adults): $7.00
• Individual/Bicycle: $3.00
• camp: Cabin – $99 Campsite – $30
• time: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

How much does Sunset Limited cost?

Coach seats cost $42 each way on the Sunset Limited

Sunset Limited departs three times a week from New Orleans and Los Angeles. Trains depart from New Orleans every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 9 a.m., and from Los Angeles every Thursday, Friday, and Sunday at 10 p.m.

One-way fare is approximately $142 This is a base price and will vary depending on the time of your trip and the priority level of your accommodation. Riding the Sunset Limited from Yuma, Arizona across the state to Benson, Arizona costs $42 each way for a coach seat.

Amtrak's Sunset Limited offers varying levels of comfort, from standard coach seats to private family suits, with roomettes and private bedrooms in between. If you are only traveling within Arizona, coach seating is sufficient. With this ticket, passengers can use the observation car and cafe. However, it is wise to bring extra drinks and snacks.

It's important to plan your trip to coincide with the day the Sunset Limited passes through Maricopa. If you're headed east to Tucson and Benson, trains depart from Maricopa on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday mornings.

A vacation to Arizona is already worth adding to your bucket list. However, riding through its heartland on Amtrak's Sunset Limited takes your vacation to the next level. Of course, a road trip through the scenic Southwest is a classic experience. But when you have the opportunity to sit back and soak up every inch of the scenery, you'll uncover magic you'd otherwise miss.

A trip through the heart of picturesque southwestern Arizona on America's oldest railroad line is sure to be an unforgettable journey.