Amtrak To Relaunch Scenic Gulf Coast Train Route After Two Decades

Almost 20 years ago, Amtrak suspended the Gulf Coast train route, but now the rail company is set to revive the popular service. The train route connects Mobile, Alabama and New Orleans, Louisiana and will bring fresh energy to the Gulf Coast’s train network.

Amtrak to revive scenic Gulf Coast train route

Amtrak recently received approval to restart its scenic train service along the Gulf Coast, which will take passengers through many scenic coastal towns in Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. The national rail operator’s revived route will not only provide practical transportation but will also offer passengers picturesque views along the way.

The coastal train line was last used by Amtrak in 2005, as part of its larger Sunset Limited line. However, service was shut down after Hurricane Katrina wrought havoc in the region in August that year. Meanwhile, during the almost 20 intervening years, rail officials and legislators have been undecided about whether the train route should be reopened.

Mobile City Council approves $3 million funding

However, on August 6, the project gained momentum after the Mobile City Council, together with its port authority, approved a $3 million funding allocation. This funding provides the finances needed to kickstart the Gulf Coast rail service.

Moreover, this also supplements a substantial federal grant of $178.4 million from the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Program, as well as endowments from the states of Louisiana and Mississippi.

Knox Ross, Chairman of the Southern Rail Commission said in a statement:

With the funding in place, this train can roll soon, and it will have a great return on investment and a tremendous impact in connecting people with jobs and education opportunities, boosting our local economies, and supporting our growing tourism industry in our coastal cities.

What can travelers expect when the train service reopens?

Once the Gulf Coast train line is reopened, the service will run twice daily, offering stops in four Mississippi cities – Bay St. Louis, Biloxi, Gulfport and Pascagoula – on the stretch between Mobile and New Orleans.

Meanwhile, the train ride will offer passengers scenic views over the Gulf of Mexico and the various estuaries in the region, including Lake Pontchartrain. Moreover, passengers will also have access to quaint coastal towns along the route.

While so far, there is no official timeline for the revival of the rail service, officials hope to reopen the train line by February 2025. This would align the rail service with several major events, including the Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans and The Big Easy’s iconic Mardi Gras celebrations.

Coastal communities look forward to the revival of the Gulf Coast train

Meanwhile, small towns on the route, like Pascagoula, are looking forward to the return of the train service and hope it will encourage local tourism.

Susannah Northrop. Executive Director of Main Street Pascagoula, told Conde Nast Traveler:

We anticipate a significant boost in tourism, as visitors will now have a convenient and scenic way to reach Pascagoula. This rail connection will allow us to showcase our city’s attractions and hospitality to a new wave of tourists who may not have considered visiting before.

The town of Pascagoula hosts more than 21,000 people and the train station’s proximity to the town center will allow visitors to easily stroll to the local shops, restaurants and hotels while enjoying views of the Pascagoula River.

“This development is a game-changer for Pascagoula and the entire Gulf Coast,” Northrop added. “We’re eager to welcome train travelers and provide them with an unforgettable experience, whether they’re here for a day trip or an extended stay.”

Details, including the official name of the train line and the cost to ride have yet to be revealed, but Amtrak hopes to have more information during the coming months.

Read more posts about train journeys here.