Amtrak's Gulf Railway Line is back – here's what you'll expect

The Amtrak Gulf Train, which connects the Mardi Gras capital of Louisiana's New Orleans with Alabama's waterfront city Mobile, is set to reopen in spring 2025 and will become one of the great rail routes in the United States. In that three-hour journey, it passes through the Cajun Country of Louisiana – known for its miles of Bios, traditional festivals and hearty gumbo (spicy Cajun Chicken Soup) – and Mississippi Coast. The latter is an unvisited area with white sandy beaches, fresh crayfish and easy-to-walking seaside towns, all easily accessible from train stations along the line.

The train was originally launched in 1984, and its regeneration comes after nearly 20 years of rest due to damages from Hurricane Katrina, which destroyed miles of trucks and several bridges in 2005. Residents campaigned to get the train back. It will be led by the Southern Rail Committee in collaboration with local cities and tourism organizations. The train runs twice a day in each direction, morning and evening. This means that travelers are already heading to New Orleans for Creole culture. The city of Mississippi stops along the route. These include the small town of Bay St. Louis. This is known for its speaky buttery beaches, biloxi and seafood. The train has a dining car that serves southern meals for onboard meals.

Route highlights

1. New Orleans Preservation Hall
Big Easy is synonymous with jazz, and this restored historic venue hosts many local legends, but it is one of the most authentic spots to enjoy the genre. It was founded in 1961 with the jazz band from the House Conservation Hall. This plays a bright, 45-minute show every night.

2. Gulf Hills Hotel & Resort, Ocean Springs
Spend an evening overlooking the peaceful seas of Fort Bayou on the Mississippi coast in the only waterfront hotel along the Gulf coast. Gulf Hills Hotel & Resort, fresh from a modern makeover, first opened in 1927 and was Elvis' favourite holiday spot in the 1950s. It has a saltwater pool and a stylish cocktail lounge.

3. Mobile Carnival Museum, Mobile
America's first Mardi Gras celebration took place in downtown Mobile in the early 1700s, not in New Orleans. 300 years of Carnival history is packed into this small museum inside the historic Alabama mansion. Highlights include black and white photographs of carnivals from the past, as well as a vast collection of colorful parade costumes dating back to the 1920s.