Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Amtrak’s new Mardi Gras Service will begin on August 18, 2025, connecting Mobile, Alabama, and New Orleans, Louisiana, with stops in Pascagoula, Biloxi, Gulfport, and Bay St. Louis along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. This eagerly awaited service will restore passenger rail to the region for the first time in nearly 20 years, offering a comfortable and scenic travel option for both residents and visitors.
Route and Schedule: Connecting the Gulf Coast
The Mardi Gras Service will operate twice daily, with morning and evening departures from both Mobile and New Orleans. The 146-mile route will include stops at Pascagoula, Biloxi, Gulfport, and Bay St. Louis in Mississippi, making it easy for passengers to experience the vibrant cities of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
The departure schedule from Mobile will be at 6:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., arriving in New Orleans at 10:30 a.m. and 8:13 p.m., respectively. On the return leg, the trains will depart from New Orleans at 7:35 a.m. and 5:31 p.m., reaching Mobile at 11:18 a.m. and 9:14 p.m. This schedule is designed to accommodate both leisure and business travelers, providing flexibility and ease of access for a wide range of passengers.
The new Amtrak Mardi Gras Service gives passengers the opportunity to experience the stunning Mississippi Gulf Coast from the comfort of a modern train, a mode of transport that has not been available to residents and visitors of the region for two decades.
Affordable Fares and Service Options
The fare structure for the Mardi Gras Service is designed to be affordable, with adult coach fares starting at just $15 each way. This makes the service accessible for a broad spectrum of travelers, whether for a quick weekend getaway or for extended trips. Shorter segments of the route will be priced even lower, ensuring that people can access this scenic and comfortable travel option at an affordable price point.
For those looking for an enhanced travel experience, the train will offer both Coach and Business Class seating options. Business Class will provide added comfort with wider seats, more legroom, and exclusive amenities such as complimentary snacks and beverages. Amtrak’s café service will feature locally sourced items from the Gulf Coast region, providing passengers with a taste of the area’s flavors while traveling. In addition to the comfortable seating, the train will offer free Wi-Fi, ample carry-on baggage allowances, and a no-middle-seat policy, ensuring a pleasant travel experience for all guests.
For those planning to travel with special items, golf bags will be accepted with advance reservations, and pets are welcome, as long as they are in carriers and within weight restrictions. This makes the Mardi Gras Service an appealing option for families, pet owners, and golfers alike.
Special Amtrak Guest Rewards Promotion
To celebrate the return of passenger rail service to the Gulf Coast, Amtrak is offering a limited-time promotion for Amtrak Guest Rewards members. Through November 18, 2025, members can earn triple points on all travel aboard the Mardi Gras Service. To qualify, members must complete three qualifying trips within the three-month promotional period. Once the threshold is met, they will receive triple points retroactively for those trips and for all additional qualifying trips taken during the promotional period.
The Amtrak Guest Rewards program offers members the opportunity to earn points for each trip taken, which can then be redeemed for free travel, upgrades, and other rewards. This promotion is an exciting way for frequent travelers to earn bonus points while exploring the Gulf Coast on the new service.
Economic Impact: Boosting Local Economies
The restoration of passenger rail service between Mobile and New Orleans is expected to have a significant positive impact on the local economy. The return of Amtrak to the region will provide a much-needed boost to tourism, a key economic driver for both Alabama and Louisiana. By making it easier for visitors to access the Gulf Coast, the new service will help support local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, attractions, and retailers, while also creating new jobs in the region.
In addition to its impact on tourism, the service will also improve connectivity between major cities along the Gulf Coast, making it easier for residents to access employment, educational, and healthcare opportunities. The Amtrak Mardi Gras Service is also seen as a vital component in improving the region’s transportation infrastructure, providing a more sustainable and reliable alternative to road and air travel.
Celebrating the Return of Passenger Rail
The launch of the Amtrak Mardi Gras Service is the culmination of decades of effort by local, state, and federal officials to restore passenger rail service to the Gulf Coast. For Mobile, the return of Amtrak is particularly significant, as the city has long awaited the restoration of rail connections to New Orleans and other regional destinations.
Mayor Sandy Stimpson of Mobile expressed his excitement about the new service, calling it a “game-changer” for the city. He noted that the Mardi Gras Service would not only make it easier for Mobilians to travel to New Orleans but would also attract new visitors to the city. This sentiment was echoed by Mayor LaToya Cantrell of New Orleans, who celebrated the new service as a way to reconnect the city with its Gulf Coast neighbors and bolster the regional economy.
How to Book Tickets
Tickets for the Mardi Gras Service are now available for booking on the official Amtrak website, through the Amtrak mobile app, or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL. Travelers can choose from a variety of ticket options, including one-way and round-trip tickets, as well as group fares for those traveling with a larger party.
For more information on schedules, fares, and the Amtrak Guest Rewards program, visit the official Amtrak Mardi Gras Service page on the Amtrak website.
Conclusion: A New Era for Gulf Coast Rail Travel
The introduction of the Mardi Gras Service is a significant milestone in the revitalization of passenger rail travel in the Gulf Coast region. With its affordable fares, convenient schedule, and modern amenities, the Amtrak Mardi Gras Service promises to be a popular choice for both residents and visitors. Whether traveling for business, leisure, or to experience the stunning scenery of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the Mardi Gras Service provides a comfortable, efficient, and enjoyable way to travel the region.
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