Amtrak in The Deep South - The Fly-Drive Alternative

Travelling by train in the USA offers a great alternative to going the more typical fly-drive route; it means you get to take in all the sights whilst someone else takes care of the driving! With comfort and convenience prioritised, and routes guaranteeing first-class scenery, you can be sure your all-American experience is the real deal. Whether you're just travelling around the Deep South itself or incorporating the region in a bigger journey, there are plenty of route options, and none will disappoint.

The coaches on each train offer various seating options - Coach Class, Business, First Class and Accessible seating - and provide facilities onboard to ensure the journey ticks all your comfort and convenience boxes. Overnight long-distance journeys offer sleeper cars with roomettes, bedrooms or family bedrooms. Onboard dining has various options, ranging from snacks to full sit-down meals. - something to suit every taste, every appetite and every journey.

 Deep South Amtrak Routes...

• The Crescent Train: Travelling from New Orleans to New York (and vice versa!), via Atlanta. Trains on Amtrak’s Crescent route travel daily between New York City and New Orleans, crossing through New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. There are many natural and cultural highlights on the journey - one such highlight being the journey over Lake Pontchartrain on the longest rail bridge in the US. 
  • Distance: 1377 miles
  • Travel time: 32.5 hours
  • Frequency: One train daily in each direction
  • Journey highlights: Lake Pontchartrain; bayous; pine forests; foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains; Potomac river
• The City of New Orleans Train: Taking you from New Orleans to Chicago, via Jackson, Mississippi and Memphis, Tennessee. It’s such a great route to ride for food, music and culture. Memphis’ Central Station is worth checking out; featuring restaurants and lounges, such as Bishop and Eight and Sand, and if you're looking for a place to stay, the Central Station Hotel is the perfect choice. The station is situated within a mile of iconic Beale Street and has access to popular visitor spots, such as the National Civil Rights Museum.
  • Distance: 934 miles
  • Travel time: 19.5 hours
  • Frequency: One train daily in each direction
  • Journey highlights: Farms, forests, Lake Pontchartrain
• The Mardi Gras Train: Re-opened in August 2025, this route runs from New Orleans to Mobile, Alabama - both renowned for their Mardi Gras - via Mississippi Gulf Coast gems like Bay Saint Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi & Pascagoula. White sandy beaches, beautiful harbours and delectable seafood are just some of the gems to savour on this route.
  • Distance: 145 miles
  • Travel time: 3.75 hours
  • Frequency: Twice daily - morning and early evening
  •  Journey highlights: Mardi Gras (obviously!), Bayous, Gulf Coast beaches

More routes available:

Amtrak in Alabama

Amtrak in Louisiana

Amtrak in Mississippi

Amtrak in Tennessee

For further information on any of the above email info@deep-south-usa.com or visit www.amtrak.com