Last week, on 18 August, Amtrak officially launched its Mardi Gras Service, reconnecting New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama. This twice-daily service marks the first passenger rail route along the Gulf Coast in nearly two decades.
The new line revives a corridor dormant since Hurricane Katrina halted service in 2005.
On August 16, an invitation-only inaugural run took place, hosting approximately 300 guests. The formal public debut followed on 18 August, with tickets selling out immediately.
The service covers ~145 miles between New Orleans and Mobile, making stops at Pascagoula, Biloxi, Gulfport, and Bay St. Louis. The journey takes roughly 3 hours and 43 minutes.
Fares begin at just 15 USD one-way, with discounts for children, students, seniors, veterans, military, and groups.
A video of the launch can be viewed here.
