News Summary
Amtrak has launched its Mardi Gras Service, connecting Mobile, Alabama, to New Orleans, Louisiana, starting August 18, with affordable fares of $15 each way. This service reinstates passenger rail along the Gulf Coast, absent since Hurricane Katrina. The route includes stops in Mississippi and offers modern amenities, including Wi-Fi and local cuisine. The launch aims to reconnect communities and boost tourism, with additional incentives for Amtrak Guest Rewards members until November 2025.
Mobile, Alabama – Amtrak has launched its new Mardi Gras Service, offering a much-anticipated train route connecting Mobile, Alabama, to New Orleans, Louisiana. This service officially begins on August 18 and will feature twice-daily intercity train rides with stops in Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula, Mississippi. Adult coach fares on this new route start at a competitive $15 each way, making it an appealing transportation option for travelers. Discounts will also be available for children, students, seniors, veterans, military personnel, and groups.
To commemorate the launch, an inaugural train event will take place on August 16 for local public officials and stakeholders involved in the project. The introduction of this service marks a significant development as it reinstates passenger rail service to the Gulf Coast, which has been absent since the suspension following Hurricane Katrina nearly two decades ago.
The new Amtrak Mardi Gras Service includes both Coach and Business class seating. Passengers can expect several modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi, reclining seats for comfortable travel, and an onboard café menu showcasing local culinary delights such as Muffuletta sandwiches and Moon Pies.
Travel schedules are designed for convenience, featuring westbound departures from Mobile at 6:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., along with eastbound departures from New Orleans at 7:35 a.m. and 5:31 p.m. This service aims not only to reconnect the communities of New Orleans, Mississippi, and Alabama but also to foster economic growth and bolster tourism along the coast.
Passengers can also benefit from connectivity to other Amtrak services: same-day connections to the Amtrak City of New Orleans train to Chicago, as well as next-day connections to the Amtrak Crescent trains to New York and the Sunset Limited to Los Angeles. This strategic routing supports the idea of seamless travel across the region.
In addition to affordable travel, there are special incentives for Amtrak Guest Rewards members. From now through November 18, 2025, members can earn triple points on qualifying trips taken on this new service, further enhancing the travel experience.
Local transportation departments emphasize the importance of restoring passenger rail service, highlighting its role in strengthening community connections and promoting development. By bringing back this vital mode of transport, Amtrak aims to help stimulate local economies while providing a smooth travel experience for residents and tourists alike.
The Mobile depot’s final construction is nearing completion, paving the way for long-awaited operations of the train service. This launch coincides with the 20-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, symbolizing a major recovery milestone for the Gulf Coast region. Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service is set to usher in a new era of connectivity and opportunity for residents and travelers in this vibrant area.
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