Discover the USA by Train in 2025

Looking to explore the vast, scenic beauty of the United States in a way that’s both relaxing and adventurous?

Forget about renting a car or battling airport crowds—train travel is back in style!

With Amtrak rolling out exciting new routes in 2025 and destinations steeped in railway charm, it’s the perfect time to rediscover America from the comfort of a train car.

All Aboard the Southern Charm Express

Starting in Spring 2025, Amtrak’s highly anticipated new service will connect New Orleans to Coastal Mississippi, just in time for the legendary Mardi Gras celebrations.

This Gulf Coast line is a big deal—it’s the first passenger train service along this route in over 18 years!

The train will link New Orleans to Mobile, Alabama, making stops in four charming Mississippi towns: Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula.

Whether you’re drawn by the Southern hospitality, vibrant culture, or stunning coastal views, this route promises an unforgettable journey.

If you’re craving a longer ride, Amtrak offers plenty of other options to and from New Orleans. For instance:

• The Sunset Limited: Embark on a cross-country adventure from New Orleans to Tucson, San Antonio, and beyond, soaking up the diverse landscapes of the American Southwest.

• The Crescent: Travel in style from New Orleans to big East Coast cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., while enjoying charming small-town stops along the way.

• City of New Orleans: This one’s for the music lovers! Journey from the birthplace of jazz to the blues heartland in Mississippi, then groove your way up to Memphis, home of soul and rock ’n’ roll, before finishing in Chicago. Along the way, you’ll pass through the towns where legends like Elvis Presley, B.B. King, and Louis Armstrong made history.

Plan your train adventure to New Orleans here.

—

Tennessee Rail Adventures: Nostalgia on the Tracks

If you’re in the mood for a slower-paced journey brimming with history, head to Tennessee. Imagine stepping aboard a vintage train and traveling back in time, all while enjoying some of the most spectacular scenery in the Southeast.

The Delano to Copperhill Special

This beloved ride offers a front-row seat to Tennessee’s natural beauty, from rolling hills to picturesque rivers. The vintage carriages evoke a golden age of travel, making the journey as much about the experience as the destination.

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

Located in Chattanooga, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is a must-visit for rail enthusiasts. More than just a collection of old engines and rail cars, it’s a living history experience. Hop aboard one of their historic trains and get a sense of how railroads once shaped America’s cities and industries. The museum’s mission to preserve and celebrate rail travel ensures that future generations can enjoy this timeless form of transport.

Learn more about Tennessee’s railway journeys here. 

—

Why Train Travel in 2025?

There’s something magical about train travel—it combines the romance of the past with the comfort and convenience of modern amenities. Whether you’re gliding through the jazz-soaked streets of New Orleans, watching the sun set over the Gulf Coast, or riding a nostalgic line through Tennessee’s countryside, trains offer a window to the heart of America.

So why not make 2025 your year to embrace the rhythm of the rails? It’s time to sit back, relax, and let the train take you on a journey you’ll never forget.