Tickets are now available for a new twice-daily Amtrak intercity train service starting Aug. 18 between Mobile, Ala., and New Orleans, along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
The new state-sponsored Amtrak Mardi Gras Service will offer convenient morning and evening departures from both cities, plus a promotion to introduce Amtrak Guest Rewards to the region.
“We encourage customers to get their tickets now to experience this new, comfortable, and scenic service, and have the first opportunity to travel by train on the Mississippi Gulf Coast in nearly 20 years,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris. “Guests can plan travel for football trips this fall, for November and December holiday travel – and even Mardi Gras Season next year.”
Adult coach fares end-to-end start at $15 each way, less for shorter distances. There are everyday discounts for children ages 2-12, students, seniors, veterans, military personnel, and families, small groups, large groups, and others
“We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Amtrak back to Mobile, and with tickets now officially on sale, this long-awaited service feels closer than ever,” said Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, who spoke at a Government Plaza news conference Tuesday where the start date, schedule, and fares were first announced. “Mobilians have looked forward to the return of passenger rail for years, and the Amtrak Mardi Gras Service promises to deliver not just convenience, but connection. Our community is eager to use this service and excited to welcome visitors from across the Gulf Coast.”
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said, “Today is only possible thanks to the dedication of stakeholders all across the Gulf Coast who have been tirelessly committed to restoring passenger rail service to our communities for 20 years. Amtrak Mardi Gras Service reconnects New Orleans to its Gulf Coast neighbors in Mississippi and Alabama, bringing benefits to our residents, businesses, and visitors and furthering anchoring New Orleans as the premier passenger rail hub in the South.”
These Amtrak trains will offer Coach and Business Class in addition to Café service with a menu featuring locally sourced items. Guests will enjoy wide reclining seats with ample legroom, no middle seats, free Wi-Fi, and generous carry-on baggage allowances. With space reserved in advance, golf bags will be accepted and pets will be welcomed in carriers and within appropriate weights.
Amtrak Mardi Gras Service guests have same-day connections in both directions daily to the renowned Amtrak City of New Orleans trains between New Orleans and Chicago via Jackson, Miss., and Memphis, and next-day connections in New Orleans to famous Amtrak Crescent trains to and from New York via Atlanta, and legendary Amtrak Sunset Limited trains to and from Los Angeles via Tucson, San Antonio and Houston.
An Inaugural Train will operate on Aug. 16, inviting public officials and others to thank them for working to bring Amtrak service back to the region. A schedule and other details will be released later this month.
Through Nov. 18, 2025, Amtrak Guest Rewards members can earn triple points on Amtrak Mardi Gras Service travel. To qualify, members must complete three qualifying trips on the service during the three-month promotional period. Details are on Amtrak.com.
Amtrak is operating this service under contracts with the states of Louisiana and Mississippi, financial support by the City of Mobile, and with the long-time backing of the SRC. Including this new service, Amtrak will operate 31 state-sponsored routes for 23 state and agency partners in 20 states.
Grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation support operating expenses for this route and are funding improvements for freight and Amtrak trains.
Credit: Source link
