Amtrak Mardi Gras Service to Launch in August 2025

MOBILE, Ala., and NEW ORLEANS – Tickets are now available for new twice-daily Amtrak Mardi Gras Service starting August 18, 2025, between Mobile, Alabama, and New Orleans, along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. This new state-sponsored passenger rail service will offer convenient morning and evening departures from both cities – and make intermediate stops at Pascagoula, Biloxi, Gulfport and Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi.

“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,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris.

The trains will offer Coach and Business Class in addition to Cafe service with a menu featuring locally sourced items. Guests will enjoy wide reclining seats with ample legroom, no middle seats, free Wi-Fi, and generous carry-on baggage allowances. With space reserved in advance, golf bags will be accepted and pets will be welcomed in carriers and within appropriate weights.

Amtrak Mardi Gras Service guests will have same-day connections in both directions daily to the renowned City of New Orleans (New Orleans-Jackson-Memphis-Chicago), and next-day connections in New Orleans to the famous Crescent (New York-Washington-Atlanta-New Orleans) and the legendary Sunset Limited (Los Angeles-Tucson-San Antonio-New Orleans).

“We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Amtrak back to Mobile, and with tickets now officially on sale, this long-awaited service feels closer than ever. Mobilians have looked forward to the return of passenger rail for years, and the Amtrak Mardi Gras Service promises to deliver not just convenience, but connection.”

– Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson

Amtrak is operating this service under contracts with the states of Louisiana and Mississippi, financial support by the City of Mobile, and with the long-time backing of the Southern Rail Commission. Including this new service, Amtrak will operate 31 state-sponsored routes for 23 state and agency partners in 20 states. Grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation support operating expenses for this route and are funding improvements for freight and Amtrak trains.

“Visitors from all over the country and even abroad will soon be able to experience the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast from the comfort of a passenger train, a mode of travel not seen in our region for 20 years,” said Charles Busby, Mississippi transportation commissioner, southern transportation district. “I’m thrilled to see its return, and with tickets for the Amtrak Mardi Gras Service now on sale, we look forward to sharing our coastal hospitality with passengers this August.”

News conferences were held at all stops on the route on July 1 to promote the new service.

“Today is only possible thanks to the dedication of stakeholders all across the Gulf Coast who have been tirelessly committed to restoring passenger rail service to our communities for 20 years,” added New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “Amtrak Mardi Gras Service reconnects New Orleans to its Gulf Coast neighbors in Mississippi and Alabama, bringing benefits to our residents, businesses and visitors and further anchoring New Orleans as the premier passenger rail hub in the South.”

“The Southern Rail Commission is incredibly proud and excited that the Amtrak Mardi Gras Service is starting so soon after decades of work by all our partners who have played indispensable roles in today’s announcement,” said Southern Rail Commission Chairman Knox Ross. “We know this service will have tremendous impact in boosting our local economies, connecting people with jobs and education opportunities, and bolstering our vibrant tourism industry in the coastal cities along the route, and we encourage everyone to start buying tickets for your upcoming travel.”

Posted July 1, 2025.