🚆 Rolling Forward: Amtrak Mardi Gras Service Brings Passenger Rail Back to the Gulf Coast

After nearly two decades, Amtrak is reigniting Gulf Coast passenger rail with the launch of its Amtrak Mardi Gras Service—a twice-daily route between Mobile, Alabama and New Orleans, Louisiana, beginning August 18, 2025. This long-awaited milestone marks a collaborative achievement across federal, state, and local stakeholders aiming to reconnect communities and bolster regional tourism.

🎉 A Long-Awaited Comeback

Interrupted since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, passenger rail is finally returning to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Amtrak President Roger Harris notes the service opens the door to convenient travel for sporting events, holiday gatherings, and next year’s Mardi Gras celebrations. End-to-end fares start at just $15, with discounts available for children, seniors, veterans, students, and groups.

🌊 Scenic Connections and Local Hospitality

Stops along the route include Pascagoula, Biloxi, Gulfport, Bay Saint Louis, and the New Orleans terminal—offering travelers immersive coastal experiences. Local leaders such as Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson and New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell celebrate the line as a symbol of regional unity and economic revival.

With Coach, Business Class, and Café service featuring locally sourced food, passengers will enjoy comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, generous baggage allowances, and pet-friendly travel options. The route is also timed for seamless connections to long-distance Amtrak services, including the City of New Orleans, Crescent, and Sunset Limited trains.

🎁 Launch Perks and Loyalty Rewards

To sweeten the deal, Amtrak Guest Rewards is running a “3-3-3” promotion through November 18, 2025: triple points for members who complete three qualifying trips during the promotional period.

🚉 A Regional Vision Realized

Backed by the Southern Rail Commission and supported by state contracts, city investments, and federal grants, this new service is more than a ride—it’s a testament to two decades of community determination. Leaders across Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama view the Amtrak Mardi Gras Service as a launchpad for job growth, increased connectivity, and amplified tourism.

An Inaugural Train will run on August 16, honoring the individuals who helped make this project a reality. As the tracks hum back to life, the Gulf Coast stands ready to welcome the world—one scenic journey at a time.