Train Stations

[Joe]

Hello I'm thinking about taking a trip aboard the Sunset Limited in the coming months. I'm looking at either going to New Iberia or Lafayette. Both stations are relatively close to each other. Which station and town is better? Does any station have lockers to hold bags or belongings in? Also what is there to do in each of these towns? Any information would be helpful and appreciated.

Thank You

 

[user 1215]

Will you be in a position to go in to one station and out the other? It seems from the web that Lafayette is much more traveller friendly. They have a relatively new station that is only three years old. Check out some pictures on Trainweb.org. From that link, you can click on New Iberia on the bottom to compare. It seems to be more resident oriented and sparse. At the same time, it seems to be much less restored and more "authentically" old than it's Lafayette cousin. The downtown in New Iberia seems quaint, but Lafayette seems more contemporary yet historic.

If I were making the trip, I would consider going into New Iberia (seeing as my time in the station is almost completely voluntary) and leaving from Lafayette (where it could be more comfortable if the train were late and I had to be stuck somewhere for a couple of hours).

If I had to pick one station only, it would probably be Lafayette as it seems to be better attended.

I haven't been to either, so my opionion is just that. I think PennyK is from the area and can help you better.

Most importantly, enjoy! And if you have an opportunity to share your experience after the fact, we would all be indebted.

 

[Bob Dylan]

I haven't been to either, so my opionion is just that. I think PennyK is from the area and can help you better.

Penny is from Florida, ^_^ don't think she been out of Florida in her life, especially Louisiana, except to ride Trains! :lol: :lol: :lol: Good job on the Station info! Jay Hadley might have more info since he lives in Southern Louisiana and is a retired engineer. Believe there's another member of AU, Pat??? that either lives in the area or knows about it! There was a thread awhile back from henryj in Houston about this, might want to Google it up!

Ive only been through on the Sunset so dont have any info,but Google should give you lots of useful stuff, it's a Touristy type area that's being pushed as an alternative to New Orleans, check it out!(Cajuns and food and music and history!!! )

 

[user 1215]

Doh - You are right. I think PAT is our Louisiana Lady.

 

[Pat Harper]

Yes, I'm near Lafayette. It's about 6 miles south of where I live. I took pictures at the Lafayette station not long ago. The area was under construction, and I haven't been back since I took these photos.

You can see them here:




Be advised the Lafayette depot is shared by city bus riders. There's no Amtrak staff there, although there are offices for the Lafayette Transit workers. There are no lockers that I know of, but there are restrooms inside the building. They do keep it locked at night to keep out the transients.

 

[the_traveler]

They do keep it locked at night to keep out the transients.

You talking about us?

BTW: Nice photos!

 

[Pat Harper]

You talking about us?

Well, I hadn't intended to. Lafayette has their own transients to worry about. Besides, the hours they lock the station are the hours there are no trains or buses going through.

There's also a policeman there when the train is due to keep panhandlers from harassing the the Amtrak pax.

 

[had8ley]

I would definitely pick Lafayette as it has a well maintained station and is across the way from the police station. It was re-built as an intermodal facility with federal dollars. new Iberia is also in the middle of a dingy town prone to outbursts of violence. The station itself is just an old hole in the wall. I think more than 10 people would be a crowd in the waiting room. There really isn't any safe direction to go in New Iberia~ especially at night. Lafayette is your best bet~ hands down.

 

[Pat Harper]

I would definitely pick Lafayette as it has a well maintained station and is across the way from the police station.

Had8ley, I don't know what police station you are referring to. The police department building is no where near the Amtrak depot, although there might be a police substation near by. There is a smaller building next to the depot, but I don't know what goes on there. I always assumed it was for city bus personnel. I've never seen any police cars there.

The transportation complex has been dubbed the "Rosa Parks Transportation Center", however there is a post office branch located there as well. It's also within walking distance of the Greyhound bus station.

Greyhound has been trying to gain access to the multi-modal center, but they've been stopped because there are no accommodations there for Greyhound personnel.

At one time, the police dept was using a part of the building next to the depot, but they are no longer there as they have moved to another location.

 

[had8ley]

I would definitely pick Lafayette as it has a well maintained station and is across the way from the police station.

Had8ley, I don't know what police station you are referring to. The police department building is no where near the Amtrak depot, although there might be a police substation near by. There is a smaller building next to the depot, but I don't know what goes on there. I always assumed it was for city bus personnel. I've never seen any police cars there.

The transportation complex has been dubbed the "Rosa Parks Transportation Center", however there is a post office branch located there as well. It's also within walking distance of the Greyhound bus station.

Greyhound has been trying to gain access to the multi-modal center, but they've been stopped because there are no accommodations there for Greyhound personnel.

At one time, the police dept was using a part of the building next to the depot, but they are no longer there as they have moved to another location.

No big deal...last time I went through(last month)on #1, Bob Morgan, the conductor, called for a smoke break. I got off and spotted four or five police cars parked together and assumed the law was still around the depot. Still doesn't add any points to New Iberia. And the last time I got off #2 in New Iberia the SCA said, "I've been working for Amtrak for 25 years and you are the first one I've seen to get off a sleeper here." Only reason I got off there is my wife was born on Avery Island~ home of Tabasco sauce.