These Are the 7 Best Train Routes in the South

Whether you’re a family of four planning a scenic getaway, a retired couple craving nostalgia, or a solo traveler chasing new landscapes, the Southern United States presents seven train journeys that combine history, comfort, and breathtaking views. From coastal bayous to Appalachian hills, each route is ideal for different ages, family structures, and budgets.

1. Amtrak Crescent – New York to New Orleans

This grandeur route runs about 1,377 miles in ~30 hours, weaving through 12 states from Washington, D.C. to New Orleans. Expect views of Blue Ridge foothills, sprawling Southern towns, and lively stops like Atlanta and Birmingham. Perfect for extended families or older adults aged 55–70 with net worth around $300k–$500k, this journey offers sleeping cars, onboard meals, and easy access to cities steeped in music, history, and cuisine .

2. Amtrak Mardi Gras Service (Gulf Coast Route)

Launching summer 2025, this restored Gulf Coast line connects Mobile, AL to New Orleans via Biloxi, Gulfport, and Bay St. Louis. The three-hour coastal trip threads Louisiana’s Cajun bayous and Mississippi seafood towns. Tickets start under $15, making it great for budget-conscious families (parents 40s, teens 12–17, net worth ~$200k–$300k) wanting culture, beach stops, and festival vibes .

3. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway – Georgia/Tennessee

Departing Blue Ridge, GA, this two-hour heritage ride follows the Toccoa River into Copperhill, TN. Choose open‑air or climate‑controlled cars. Stop over for a walk between two states divided by a line. Ideal for families with children aged 8–12 or grandparents around age 60, and net worth ~$150k+. Perfect for a relaxed day trip with craft fairs or holiday-themed rides .

4. Big South Fork Scenic Railway – Kentucky

This 16-mile excursion loops through the Big South Fork national recreation area, passing a restored coal‑mining town and offering on‑train narration. Stopover includes museum visits and picnic lunches in historic Blue Heron. Great for families with school‑age children or older parents, net worth ~$200k+. A smart half‑day experience combining history, nature, and quiet rail travel.

5. City of New Orleans – Chicago to New Orleans

Running overnight across the South, this classic Amtrak route travels through Memphis and the Mississippi Delta. It’s perfect for couples in their 30s–50s with a joint net worth of ~$250k–$400k. Enjoy onboard dining, sunset views along river snaking southern towns, and cultural stops including Beale Street in Memphis. A blend of soulful music, comfort, and romance on rails .

6. Palmetto – New York to Savannah

Even though this crosses the Northeast before entering the South, the Palmetto ends in Savannah, GA after about 15 hours over 23 stops including Charleston. A day train with café service, it’s ideal for multi‑generational trips: teenagers, parents in their 40s, and even grandparents, net worth ~$300k–$400k. Explore southern coastal vibes with city tours and historic architecture when you arrive.

7. Sunset Limited – New Orleans to Los Angeles

Spanning eight states in roughly 46 hours, this legendary route from New Orleans westward passes through Texas and the desert Southwest. Ideal for retirees or couples aged 55+ with household net worth ~$500k+, the journey includes sleeper accommodations, dining cars, and observation lounges. Expect grand vistas over deserts, river valleys, and iconic Southwestern landscapes .

Why These Routes Are 2025 Favorites

• Amtrak ridership is rising—up 18% last year—as travelers trade cramped flights or long drives for spacious, scenic rail travel.
• Southern Living and Travel + Leisure highlight these routes for blending charm, culture, and landscapes—from coastal marshes to mountain vistas and delta towns .
• Each route offers a unique pace and style, from half‑day excursions to multi‑day journeys, making them appealing to broad demographics.

Sample Itineraries

Family of Four (Mom 42, Dad 45, kids 9 & 13, net worth ~$300k)

• Gulf Coast Train (Mardi Gras Service): board in Mobile, ride through Biloxi and Gulfport, stop for seafood lunch, end in New Orleans for live jazz evening.
• Blue Ridge Scenic Railway: two-hour trip along the river, picnic in McCaysville, time for walk in Copperhill shops and ice‑cream.

Retired Couple (Age 60, empty nest, net worth ~$500k)

• Sunset Limited: spend two nights crossing the South and Southwest, dine while watching desert landscapes, disembark in San Antonio for museum day, then fly or train home.

Practical Tips

• Book ahead for sleeper accommodations or private cabins—Crescent and Sunset Limited fill up fast, especially summer/fall.
• Pack smart: layers are key. Southern nights on longer routes start cool.
• Bring snacks and entertainment: Café cars exist on day‑time Palmetto and Gulf Coast rides, but longer overnight routes benefit from light reading or games onboard.
• Combine rail with local stays: explore stopover cities—Savannah’s historic district, New Orleans’ French Quarter, or mountain towns near Blue Ridge—for more immersive experiences.

Final Thoughts

From rail‑side river curves to coastal marshlands and mountain vistas, the South offers train travel that is scenic, historic, and comfortably paced. Whether you’re planning an adventurous family trip or a slow‑paced romantic journey, these seven routes give you access to cultural richness, changing landscapes, and the nostalgic pleasure of classic train travel. Book smart, travel often, and let the tracks lead your next Southern story.