There’s something magical about traveling by train — the steady rhythm of the tracks, the easy comfort of the ride, and that rare feeling that the journey is just as memorable as the destination.
Now, for the first time in nearly two decades, that experience is returning to the Gulf Coast — and New Orleans is ready to roll out the welcome mat.
Starting August 18, Amtrak’s new Mardi Gras Service will connect New Orleans and Mobile with stops in Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula. With morning and afternoon departures daily in both directions, tickets start at just $15 between New Orleans and Mobile — even less for shorter hops in between. It’s an affordable, convenient new way to reconnect with family, plan a weekend escape, or explore the Gulf South.
The launch of the Mardi Gras Service is more than a transportation milestone — it’s a celebration of connection, progress, and persistence. This route is the result of years of teamwork, vision, and commitment from Amtrak, the Southern Rail Commission, and our Gulf Coast partners. We’re proud to have stood shoulder to shoulder with them to bring passenger rail back to our region.
For New Orleans, this is about more than travel. Passenger rail means more visitors discovering our music, food, and festivals. It means neighbors visiting neighbors, businesses growing across state lines, and local shops and restaurants welcoming new faces.
To our friends in Alabama and Mississippi: we can’t wait to see you. Whether you’re coming for a Saints game, a festival, a business meeting, or simply a great meal with great company, we’re ready to welcome you with the kind of hospitality you’ll only find in the Gulf South. Our train station is in the heart of our walkable downtown, surrounded by 26,000 hotel rooms, steps from the iconic French Quarter, and close to some of the finest restaurants in the world.
So hop aboard, take in the view, and come spend some time with us. And don’t worry — we’ll be making the trip to see you, too.