Are you planning to travel by train through Mississippi? Whether you start your journey there or continue to other destinations within the Amtrak system, you’ll find excellent connections throughout the Magnolia State. There are 15 stations across three routes: 2 long-distance and one regional. Whether you’re traveling from Jackson to Chicago, exploring the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast by train, or passing through Meridian on your way to the East Coast, this comprehensive guide provides all the information you need to navigate Amtrak in Mississippi.
Note that all Mississippi Amtrak stops are listed by the trains they serve.
Quick Answer: What Amtrak Trains Go Through Mississippi?
Mississippi has 15 Amtrak stations located across three different route systems.
- City of New Orleans (Chicago to New Orleans) – 7 stops in Mississippi
- Crescent (New York to New Orleans) – 4 stops in Mississippi
- Amtrak Mardi Gras Service (New Orleans to Mobile) – 4 stops in Mississippi
The routes do not overlap except in New Orleans, as each one serves different areas of the state.
If you want to switch from one line to another, you’ll need to do so through New Orleans. This may require planning for an overnight stay and purchasing separate tickets for both New Orleans and your next destination.
City of New Orleans: Mississippi’s Main North-South Route
- Route: Chicago, IL – New Orleans, LA
- Frequency: Daily services
- Mississippi Travel Time: Approximately 5-6 hours through the state
- Popular Trips: Jackson to New Orleans, Memphis to Jackson, Chicago to Mississippi
- Amenities: This Superliner (two-story) train offers coach class, roomettes, bedrooms, accessible, and family rooms.
The City of New Orleans is the main Amtrak route that runs through the heart of Mississippi, connecting travelers to Chicago, Memphis, and New Orleans. This train traces its origins to the Illinois Central era, when it was called the Panama Limited. Amtrak later renamed it the City of New Orleans, inspired by the song’s popularity. The City of New Orleans operated in the morning, while the Panama Limited operated in the evening, similar to the current schedule.
This overnight train passes through the Mississippi Delta, the state capital, and the Piney Woods region.
City of New Orleans Station Stops in Mississippi (North to South)
- Marks, MS (MKS) – Unstaffed station with a platform with shelter
- Northwest Mississippi Regional Station, 285 Cherry St., Marks, MS 38646
- Location: Northwest Mississippi
- Opened: 2018
- The newest station on the route serves the Delta region near Clarksdale.
- Greenwood, MS (GWD) – Unstaffed station building with waiting room
- Carrollton Avenue and East Gibson Street, Greenwood, MS 38930
- Location: Mississippi Delta
- Highlights: Grammy Museum Mississippi, blues heritage
- Perfect for: Music enthusiasts and Delta culture
- Yazoo City, MS (YAZ) – Unstaffed platform with shelter
- West Broadway (SR149) & North Water Street, Yazoo City, MS 39194
- Location: Central Delta
- Gateway to Mississippi Delta attractions and history.
- Jackson, MS (JAN) – Staffed Station Building with waiting room
- 300 West Capitol Street, Jackson, MS 39201
- The original structure, built in 1927 in the Georgian Revival style by the Illinois Central Railroad, has undergone several additions since its inception.
- Popular routes:
- Jackson to New Orleans (2.5 hours)
- Memphis to Memphis (3.5 hours)
- Jackson to Chicago (12 hours)
- Mississippi’s busiest Amtrak station
- Hazlehurst, MS (HAZ) – Unstaffed platform with shelter
- North Ragsdale Avenue and East Conway Street, Hazlehurst, MS 39083
- Location: South-central Mississippi
- Small town stop between Jackson and the Louisiana border.
- Brookhaven, MS (BRH) – Unstaffed Station Building with waiting room
- Godbold Transportation Center, 440 North Railroad Avenue, Brookhaven, MS 39601-3839
- Location: Southwest Mississippi
- Known for: Historic downtown, local arts scene
- McComb, MS (MCB) – Unstaffed station building with waiting room
- 114 North Railroad Avenue, McComb, MS 39648
- Location: Southern Mississippi (last Mississippi stop before Louisiana)
- Gateway to: Louisiana and New Orleans (1.5 hours south)
The Crescent: East-West Mississippi Route
- Route: New York, NY – New Orleans, LA
- Frequency: Daily service in each direction
- Mississippi Travel Time: Approximately 3-4 hours through southern Mississippi
- Popular Trips: Meridian to Atlanta, Hattiesburg to New Orleans, Mississippi to Washington, DC.
- Amenities: This Viewliner (single-level) train offers coach class, roomettes, bedrooms, and accessible family rooms.
The Crescent is an eastern route through Mississippi that connects the Gulf Coast to the nation’s capital, passing through Atlanta and Washington, D.C., en route to New Orleans. Although it serves as Mississippi’s secondary Amtrak corridor and has fewer stops than the City of New Orleans route, the Crescent offers a unique journey through the state’s landscape, with Meridian as its central station. This route has deep historical connections to the Southern Railway’s legendary Southern Crescent, which once linked New Orleans to New York along a similar path. When Amtrak took over the route, it preserved both the name and the spirit of this train, which epitomized Southern elegance and long-distance rail travel.
Crescent Train Stations in Mississippi (Northeast to Southwest)
- Meridian, MS (MEI) Staffed station building with waiting room
- 1901 Front Street, Meridian, MS 39301
- Location: East-central Mississippi
- Station: Historic Meridian Union Station (built 1906)
- Amenities: Full waiting room, restrooms, local transit, stunning Beaux-Arts architecture
- Popular routes: Meridian to New Orleans (4 hours), Meridian to Atlanta (4.5 hours)
- Don’t miss the beautifully restored station building
- Laurel, MS (LAU) – Unstaffed station building with waiting room
- 230 North Maple Street, Laurel, MS 39440
- Location: Southeast Mississippi
- Known for: Historic downtown, HGTV’s “Home Town.”
- Great for: Small-town Mississippi experience
- Hattiesburg, MS (HBG) – Unstaffed station building with waiting room
- 308 Newman Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401
- Location: Southeast Mississippi
- Home to: University of Southern Mississippi
- Amenities: Station building, waiting area, local transit connections
- Attractions: African American Military History Museum
- Popular routes: Hattiesburg to New Orleans (2 hours)
- Picayune, MS (PIC) – Unstaffed station building with a waiting room.
- 200 Highway 11 South at Tate Street, Picayune, MS 39466.
- Location: Southeast Mississippi (near the Louisiana border)
- Near: Pearl River Wildlife Management Area
- Good base for: Nature exploration and outdoor activities
Amtrak Mardi Gras Service – Gulf Coast Service
- Route: New Orleans, LA – Mobile, AL
- Service Name: Amtrak Mardi Gras Service
- Frequency: Twice daily in each direction
- Service Started: August 2025
- Travel Time in Mississippi: Estimated at approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to cross the Mississippi coast.
- Amenities: Amtrak regional coach cars with coach and business class, plus a cafe car.
The Mardi Gras train operates between New Orleans and Mobile, making stops at Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. This route resumed service in August 2025, 20 years after Hurricane Katrina disrupted passenger rail service in 2005.
From these stations, you can make same-day connections to the City of New Orleans (to Chicago) and next-day connections in New Orleans to the Crescent (to New York) and the Sunset Limited (to Los Angeles). The schedule, which operates twice daily, offers flexibility for day trips along the coast or longer journeys connecting through New Orleans.
Amtrak in Mississippi: Amtrak Mardi Gras Service Stops (West to East)
- Bay St. Louis, MS (BAS) – Unstaffed platform station with no shelter
- 1928 Depot Way, Bay St. Louis, MS 39520
- Location: Western Mississippi Gulf Coast
- Features: Charming coastal town, restored historic depot
- Known for: Art galleries, Old Town district, beaches
- Gulfport, MS (GUF) – Unstaffed platform only, no shelter
- 1419 27th Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39501
- Location: Central Mississippi Gulf Coast
- Largest coastal city with full amenities
- Attractions: Casinos, beaches, Island View Casino Resort
- Perfect for: Weekend getaways, gaming, beach vacations
- Biloxi, MS (BIX) – Unstaffed platform only, no shelter
- 890 Esters Boulevard, Biloxi, MS 39530
- Location: Central Mississippi Gulf Coast
- Historic resort city
- Known for: Gaming, fresh seafood, maritime heritage, Biloxi Lighthouse, and Casino resorts
- Pascagoula, MS (PAG) – Platform only, no shelter
- 505 Railroad Avenue, Pascagoula, MS 39567
- Location: Eastern Mississippi Gulf Coast (last Mississippi stop before Alabama)
- Known for: Shipbuilding industry, fishing
- Near: Gulf Islands National Seashore
Complete List: All 15 Mississippi Amtrak Stations
By Route:
- City of New Orleans Route (7 stations)
- Marks, Greenwood, Yazoo City, Jackson, Hazlehurst, Brookhaven, McComb
- Crescent Route (4 stations)
- Meridian, Laurel, Hattiesburg, Picayune
- Gulf Coast Route (4 stations)
- Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, Pascagoula
Amtrak in Mississippi Station Types.
Amtrak has several types of stations.
- Staffed stations include ticket agents, an indoor waiting area, checked-bag service, and more.
- Unstaffed stations still have buildings and waiting areas, but no staff on site. The train’s onboard staff will assist you with boarding upon arrival.
- Platform stations are simply platforms. These unstaffed stations may or may not have a shelter.
Unstaffed and platform stations can serve as flag stops. At these stations, trains only stop when passengers are getting on or off. It is also handy to know how to track your train.
Understanding these differences will help you prepare for your stop and know what to expect upon arrival.
How to Connect from Mississippi Amtrak Stations
From Jackson or Central Mississippi to:
- Chicago: City of New Orleans northbound (daily, ~12 hours)
- Memphis: City of New Orleans northbound (daily, ~3.5 hours)
- New Orleans: City of New Orleans southbound (daily, ~2.5 hours)
- Connections: In New Orleans, connect to the Crescent, Sunset Limited, or Gulf Coast service
From Meridian or Hattiesburg to:
- Atlanta: Crescent northbound (daily, ~4-5 hours from Meridian)
- Birmingham: Crescent northbound (daily, ~2 hours from Meridian)
- Washington, DC: Crescent northbound (daily, ~14 hours)
- New York: Crescent northbound (daily, ~24 hours)
- New Orleans: Crescent southbound (daily, 2-4 hours depending on station)
From the Mississippi Gulf Coast to:
- New Orleans: Twice daily westbound (~2 hours from Gulfport)
- Mobile, AL: Twice daily eastbound (~2 hours from Gulfport)
- Connections: In New Orleans, connect to the nationwide Amtrak network
Major Connection Hub:
New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is the key connection point for Mississippi travelers, offering access to:
- City of New Orleans (to Chicago)
- Crescent (to New York/Atlanta/New Orleans)
- Sunset Limited (to Los Angeles/Texas)
- Gulf Coast Service (to Mississippi/Mobile)
Amtrak in Mississippi Travel Tips
Travel Times Through Mississippi
- City of New Orleans – Midwest
- The journey takes place in central Mississippi during the day, specifically around midday, offering scenic views.
- The Crescent – Southern and East Coast services
- Travel occurs in southern Mississippi in the morning, heading north, and in the mid-to-late afternoon, heading south.
- Amtrak Mardi Gras – Gulf Coast Service
- Morning and evening departures are perfect for day trips or weekend getaways.
Popular Mississippi Amtrak Routes
- Jackson to New Orleans: 2.5 hours, $25-45
- Memphis to Jackson: 3.5 hours, $30-55
- Meridian to Atlanta: 4.5 hours, $45-85
- Hattiesburg to New Orleans: 2 hours, $20-35
- Gulfport to New Orleans: 2 hours, $15-30
Prices are approximate and may vary based on the booking and travel dates. Saver fares are controlled by capacity and tend to sell out quickly on popular routes.
What to Do in Mississippi’s Amtrak Cities
- Jackson: Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, State Capitol, and dining in the Fondren District.
- Meridian: Historic Union Station, Meridian Museum of Art, Dentzel Carousel
- Hattiesburg: University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg Zoo, and the African American Military History Museum.
- Gulfport/Biloxi: Enjoy beautiful beaches, exciting casino gaming, fresh Gulf seafood, and excursions to Ship Island.
- Greenwood: The Grammy Museum Mississippi, the heritage of Delta blues, and the Viking Range cooking school.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amtrak in Mississippi
Does Amtrak go to Mississippi?
Yes, Amtrak serves Mississippi with three routes and 15 stations. The City of New Orleans runs through central Mississippi daily, the Crescent serves eastern Mississippi daily, and the Gulf Coast service runs twice daily along the Mississippi coast.
What is the central Amtrak station in Mississippi?
Jackson Union Station (JAN) is Mississippi’s busiest and central Amtrak station, located in the state capital. It’s served by the City of New Orleans route, which operates daily between Chicago and New Orleans.
How long is the train ride from Mississippi to New Orleans?
Train times from Mississippi to New Orleans vary by starting point:
- Jackson to New Orleans: 2.5 hours
- Hattiesburg to New Orleans: 2 hours
- Gulfport to New Orleans: 2 hours
- McComb to New Orleans: 1.5 hours
Can you take Amtrak from Mississippi to Chicago?
Yes, the City of New Orleans train operates daily from Jackson, Mississippi, to Chicago Union Station. The journey takes about 12 hours, depending on your destination, with stops in Memphis and various communities in central Illinois.
Does Amtrak serve the Gulf Coast of Mississippi?
The Mardi Gras Service began in August 2025 and operates twice daily along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. It connects Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula, with same-day connections to New Orleans. If you intend to continue your journey on the Sunset Limited or the Crescent, you will need to spend the night in New Orleans.
How do I get from Memphis to Mississippi by train?
Travel south from Memphis Central Station on the City of New Orleans. The first stop in Mississippi is Marks, which is 2 hours from Memphis. Next, you will stop at Greenwood, then Yazoo City, and finally Jackson, which is 3.5 hours from Memphis.
Book An Amtrak in Mississippi Trip
Ready to explore Mississippi by train? Here’s how to book:
- Online: Visit Amtrak.com to check schedules, compare fares, and book tickets
- Mobile: Download the Amtrak app for easy booking and real-time train tracking
- Phone: Call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) for reservations and customer service
- Travel agent: Many travel agents can help you book your adventure; a few specialize in train travel.
Pro Tip: Book early for the best fares, especially on long-distance routes and for weekend travel to the Gulf Coast. Amtrak offers discounts for seniors, military, students, and children; learn more about how to save money on Amtrak.
Wrap-up on Amtrak in Mississippi
I’ve taken multiple trips through Mississippi on both the City of New Orleans and the Crescent trains, and I’m planning to try the new Mardi Gras Service soon.
To recap: take the City of New Orleans if you’re heading north to Chicago or Memphis. Opt for the Crescent when traveling to eastern corridor destinations such as Atlanta or Washington, D.C. The Mardi Gras for a day trip along the Gulf Coast.
All three routes offer solid service and unique character, and the scenery through Mississippi is worth the ride.
Safe travels & Happy Planning,
Kev
Last Updated: January 2026. Train schedules and routes may change. Always verify current schedules, amenities, and more on Amtrak.com before traveling.
Do You Love Train Travel?
Want more insider Amtrak travel tips, route guides, and travel updates? Join my free Travels with Kev newsletter to get my Quick Reference Guide to Amtrak Long-Distance Trains, covering train equipment, dining options, and more. It comes out every Thursday!
It is a simple way to start planning smarter, smoother train trips.
If this guide helped you, you can also support my work through my Support Page or by joining me on Patreon. Your support helps keep Travels with Kev going, and paid Patreon members receive a postcard from my travels each month.
