CNN just unveiled their take on 2025's most exciting new train routes across the globe, and we've covered Europe's new additions, like Brussels to Venice on a sleeper train and Paris to Berlin in just 8 hours.
When it comes to the U.S., truth be told, there's a lot of bureaucracy. Sometimes we ‘put the cart before the horse' as they say, just like when it was announced San Diego would soon have a new public airport last summer, but it only became official this month.

The same goes for trains. A new grant was just passed for CNN's only mention of an ‘exciting' new train route in the U.S, therefore giving us the confidence to say Amtrak is definitely making a major comeback to New Orleans after a 20-year hiatus, and you can probably guess what lead to that decision…
Yes, Amtrak has been serving New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina, but a suspended route passing through some of the South's most underrated beach hideaways is back in action for 2025.
With So Many Flights, Why Hop Aboard Amtrak To New Orleans?

Philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “It's not the destination, it's the journey”. That pretty much sums up why any of us should opt for trains anywhere since speeds are a fraction of air travel.
Sometimes, it's best to throw efficiency out the window. If it works for Asia and Europe, it's gotta work for the States too, right?
Oozing European vibes, New Orleans has long been one of America's most cultural cities and never a bad idea for a weekend getaway at the very least.
But why stop there? If New Orleans is the destination of your choice, the new Amtrak route will begin in Mobile, Alabama, where you'll cover a 140-mile stretch along some of the South's best-kept secrets.

Where Will Amtrak's Revamped Route Go?
Between Mobile and New Orleans are a cluster of delightful coastal vacation spots between the 3 states.
Starting in Mobile, you can have an unexpected adventure beach-hopping through Mississippi, ultimately ending up in the iconic city of New Orleans.
According to CNN, this revamped route will cover 140 miles making stops in the following towns:
- Bay St. Louis
- Gulfport
- Biloxi
- Pascagoula

If you're unfamiliar, since coastal Mississippi is another destination overshadowed by neighboring Gulf Shores and Florida's never-ending supply of paradisal retreats, Mississippi's hidden gems are worthy stopping points to squeeze in nice beach days before indulging the sights, sounds, and tastes of Bourbon Street.
While parts of the Gulf get a bad rap to murky water, Mississippi's coast should be an exception as many of these not as commonly visited beaches are lined with white sand and great waterfront stays.
Gulfport is an up-and-coming laid-back beach community while neighboring Biloxi is fun for the whole family with upscale resorts and beachside entertainment.

The biggest gems are Bay St. Louis and Pascagoula, the former being an idyllic bayside getaway, while Pascagoula is a tiny, historic beach town at the Alabama/Mississippi dividing line.
It's expected there will be two round trips per day no matter your starting point, and there is no definitive launch date at this time.
In fact, despite confirmation the route is happening as planned, travelers cannot buy tickets just yet, but the latest grant confirms Amtrak will arrive again ‘soon'.
Additionally, Travel + Leisure claims the goal is February 2025. Time is ticking if that's the case…
The Southern Hospitality Train

Not every destination on the route is a splendid beach getaway, but the common denominator is certainly southern hospitality.
Yes, even in bustling New Orleans, you'll still find friendly baristas, bartenders, and simply locals loving their city.
No offense to Mobile; New Orleans will certainly be the most popular destination on the route, but you'll need to arrive hungry no matter how you go about the trip.
Every stop along this route has its southern comforts and staples of the community, whether it be New Orleans's cheap po'boys, Mississippi's seafood shacks, or Mobile's West Indies Salad (a must-try!).

Each destination is home to old-timey inns worthy of downsizing in place of ritzy resorts. My personal favorite is the Historic Mardi Gras Inn in New Orleans, which is conveniently located and has warm staff who make it feel like a home away from home.
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