The long-awaited return of passenger rail to the U.S. Gulf Coast is finally here. On August 18, 2025, Amtrak’s new Mardi Gras Service will begin operations, linking Mobile, Alabama, with New Orleans, Louisiana, and making vital stops in Pascagoula, Biloxi, Gulfport, and Bay St. Louis in Mississippi. This historic reintroduction of rail service marks the first time in nearly two decades that residents and visitors will be able to travel this scenic coastal corridor by train.
The service is not only a practical travel solution but also a significant boost to local tourism and economic development across the Gulf Coast.
Twice-Daily Service for Maximum Flexibility
The new 146-mile Mardi Gras route will offer two daily roundtrips. Morning and evening departures are scheduled from both ends—Mobile at 6:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., and New Orleans at 7:35 a.m. and 5:31 p.m. Travel times will average just under four hours, making it a viable alternative to road trips and short-haul flights. The intermediate stops along the Mississippi Gulf Coast provide easy access for leisure and business travelers alike.
This schedule has been tailored to support a variety of travel needs, from day-trippers exploring coastal cities to commuters and long-haul tourists visiting iconic destinations like New Orleans’ French Quarter or Biloxi’s beaches and casinos.
Affordable Fares and Enhanced Passenger Comfort
One of the biggest highlights of the Mardi Gras Service is its affordability. Fares start as low as $15 for adults traveling between Mobile and New Orleans, with even cheaper pricing for shorter legs of the journey. Children, seniors, and military members are eligible for additional discounts.
Passengers can choose between Coach Class and Business Class seating. Business Class features wider, more spacious seats, extra legroom, complimentary snacks and drinks, and priority boarding. All passengers benefit from free Wi-Fi, ample carry-on baggage, and a no-middle-seat layout, ensuring a more relaxed and spacious ride.
Adding a local flair, Amtrak’s café car will serve snacks and beverages sourced from regional Gulf Coast vendors, offering a unique taste of Southern hospitality while onboard.
Inclusive and Pet-Friendly Travel
The new service is designed with inclusivity and convenience in mind. Pet owners can bring small dogs and cats along for the journey (within specific carrier and weight limits), and golfers can transport bags with prior arrangements—making this an ideal option for leisure travelers.
Accessibility features, including priority seating, onboard wheelchair spaces, and accessible restrooms, also ensure that passengers with mobility challenges can travel comfortably.
Special Amtrak Guest Rewards Triple Points Offer
To celebrate the return of passenger rail to the Gulf Coast, Amtrak Guest Rewards members can earn triple points on all Mardi Gras Service trips taken through November 18, 2025. Passengers need to complete three qualifying journeys during this promotional period to unlock triple-point benefits, which will be retroactively applied to past trips during the offer window.
These points can be redeemed for free travel, upgrades, and additional Amtrak perks, adding further incentive for frequent Gulf Coast travelers.
Economic Boost and Regional Impact
According to state and regional tourism boards, the launch of the Mardi Gras Service is expected to have a strong economic impact. Local businesses—particularly in Biloxi, Pascagoula, and Gulfport—anticipate a surge in tourism-related revenue. Hotels, restaurants, museums, and waterfront attractions are preparing to welcome a new wave of rail travelers.
Mayors and officials across the route have lauded the service for not only supporting local tourism but also helping residents with access to employment, education, and healthcare services in larger metropolitan centers.
The service is part of a broader vision to expand sustainable transport options across the Gulf Coast. Compared to road and air travel, rail is more energy-efficient and reduces environmental impact—a key goal in state-level climate adaptation strategies.
Voices of Regional Leaders
Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson hailed the return of Amtrak as “a transformational opportunity for our community to be reconnected to the Gulf Coast rail corridor.”
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell echoed this sentiment, calling the service “a critical tool for both economic resilience and cultural exchange.”
Regional tourism officials are preparing destination marketing campaigns to promote the new route and boost interstate travel between Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
Booking and Travel Details
Tickets for the Mardi Gras Service can be booked via the Amtrak website, Amtrak mobile app, or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL. Group fares, round-trip discounts, and special packages for events like Mardi Gras 2026 in New Orleans are also in development.
For more details on schedules, seat options, and Amtrak Guest Rewards, travelers can refer to the official Mardi Gras Service page on Amtrak’s platform.
A New Era of Coastal Connectivity
The launch of the Mardi Gras Service on August 18 is a landmark moment in restoring vital public transportation across the U.S. Gulf Coast. Whether you’re traveling for work, heading to the beach, or exploring the culinary and cultural heritage of America’s Deep South, Amtrak’s newest route offers a reliable, scenic, and sustainable way to experience it all.
The Gulf Coast is back on track—literally—and this time, the journey is just as exciting as the destination.
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