Amtrak has announced that tickets are now on sale for its new state-supported Mardi Gras Service, which will operate twice daily between Mobile, Alabama and New Orleans, Louisiana, with stops along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
The service will commence on 18 August 2025, marking the reintroduction of passenger rail in the region following a nearly two-decade absence since Hurricane Katrina disrupted operations in 2005.
The new route is operated in partnership with the states of Louisiana and Mississippi, the City of Mobile, and the Southern Rail Commission. It is supported in part by funding from the US Department of Transportation.
The Mardi Gras Service will offer morning and evening departures in both directions. Coach-class fares for the full journey between Mobile and New Orleans start at 15 USD each way, with reduced rates available for shorter segments and for children, students, older adults, military personnel, and small or large groups.
Each train will feature Coach and Business Class seating, along with a Café service. Trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, reclining seats, power outlets, and generous carry-on luggage allowances. Facilities will also accommodate pets and golf bags that are reserved in advance.
Passengers travelling on the Mardi Gras Service will have same-day connections in New Orleans to the City of New Orleans route to Chicago, and next-day connections to long-distance services such as the Crescent (New York–Atlanta–New Orleans) and the Sunset Limited (New Orleans–Los Angeles).
Amtrak President Roger Harris said: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. Guests can plan travel for football trips this fall, for November and December holiday travel – and even Mardi Gras Season next year.
Amtrak has also launched a promotional rewards programme through Amtrak Guest Rewards, which allows members to earn triple points on Mardi Gras Service journeys completed between 18 August and 18 November 2025, once three qualifying trips have been completed.
The introduction of the Mardi Gras Service has been welcomed by elected officials, transport agencies, and local authorities across the Gulf Coast.
The Mardi Gras Service forms part of Amtrak’s broader state-supported network, which now includes 31 routes operated in partnership with 23 states and agencies. An inaugural journey on 16 August will mark the official launch of the service, with participation from stakeholders and public representatives who contributed to the project’s development.
