Skip to content

Amtrak is eyeing a new route in the Southern US

Jan. 19, 2020
2 min read
Nashville Skyline at Sunset
Amtrak is eyeing a new route in the Southern US
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.

Amtrak executives are starting the year off with a bang.

Reports are surfacing that Amtrak wants to launch a route from Nashville to Atlanta, with stops in Chattanooga, Murfreesboro and Tullahoma.

The idea is in the early stages, though, as the federal government would need to create a grant program for the states first. CSX Corporation, the railroad owner, would also need to add more passenger trains. Amtrak is a federally owned corporation and pitched the idea earlier this week at a House Transportation panel meeting.

If all goes according to plan, it will be Nashville's first Amtrak route. Ray Lang, Amtrak's government affairs director, noted that the route would be six-and-a-half hours, with rides twice a day from both cities.

Amtrak has been surging in popularity as of late. Even if you take a handful of trips a year, do yourself a favor and make sure you're getting the most bang for your buck out of your trips. Our handy guide on the best credit cards for train travel will have you racking up the points/miles before you can say "All aboard." Our top picks are the Chase Sapphire Reserve (3x), Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2x) and Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (2x miles).

Daily Newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts
By signing up, you will receive newsletters and promotional content and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.

No matter how often you ride the rails, don't be one of the people who makes these 11 common mistakes when taking a cross-country Amtrak.

In the meantime, we'll be looking forward to the new Acela interiors set to launch next year.

Featured image by Getty Images
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.