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Few means of transportation are as relaxing and enjoyable as traveling by train. The hypnotic rhythm of the tracks combined with the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of beautiful natural landscapes makes train travel a great way to get where you’re going.
This year, passengers can find new routes and new overnight train experiences across the U.S.
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Amtrak recently added new rail cars to the San Joaquin Valley service in California and plans to roll out new cars in the Amtrak Midwest network — which includes Wisconsin, Michigan, Missouri and Illinois — throughout the year.
Here are more updates to consider when planning a train trip this year. Fares vary depending on timing and accommodations.
Gulf Coast service, Amtrak
Route: Between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama (with connections to routes serving other parts of the country)
Travelers along the Gulf Coast will see the long-awaited return of Amtrak service to the region for the first time in almost 20 years.
Marc Magliari, senior public relations manager for Amtrak, says the company plans to add the service in the fall. It will be the first time passenger rail service will be available in that area since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. “The service we had before only ran three times a week and always overnight. This service will be twice daily, leaving at each end in the morning and afternoon.”
Although the route technically won’t offer overnight service, Amtrak plans this service to feature connections to the Sunset Limited train, which offers overnight train travel to destinations between New Orleans and Los Angeles, and the Crescent train, which includes overnight travel from New Orleans to New York City.
Cost: Fare details are still in the works; Amtrak offers a 10 percent discount on all routes for people 65 and older.