Amtrak Launches New ‘Mardi Gras Service’ Between New Orleans and Mobile

Updated: April 25, 2025, 2:03pm CDT

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Take a Ride on the Mardi Gras Service
How Much Will the Mardi Gras Service Cost?
Final Thoughts

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Ever wanted to go on a Mardi Gras crawl? Now you can, thanks to Amtrak’s newest route.

Named the Mardi Gras Service, this route provides twice-daily connections between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama. Let’s take a look at the details, including all the stops you’ll find and the price you can expect to pay for a ticket.

Take a Ride on the Mardi Gras Service

Amtrak announced today that agreements have been reached for a new service running along the Mississippi Gulf. Starting this summer, the Amtrak Mardi Gras Service will provide both morning and evening departures from Mobile and New Orleans.

Amtrak Mardi Gras Service — Image Credit: Amtrak

With stops in New Orleans, Bay Saint Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, Pascagoula, and Mobile, Alabama, travelers can now enjoy a stress-free trip throughout Mardi Gras’ biggest cities.

Plus, Bay Saint Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula will also have same-day connections to Amtrak’s City of New Orleans trains between New Orleans and Chicago (via Memphis).

Next-day connections are also available to New York (via Atlanta) on Amtrak’s Crescent trains and to Los Angeles (via Tucson, San Antonio, and Houston) on Amtrak’s Sunset Limited trains.

How Much Will the Mardi Gras Service Cost?

Amtrak hasn’t yet released fare details or schedules for the Mardi Gras Service; those will be revealed when a start date is announced (expected in a few weeks).

However, we can get an estimate based on existing Amtrak routes. For example, a train from New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, costs $31 in coach, while a private room starts at $244.

Amtrak route cost — Image Credit: Amtrak

Tuscaloosa is much further from New Orleans than Mobile, coming in at 291 miles versus 144 miles. We can expect, then, that the Mardi Gras Service will take less time and cost less than this route.

With more legroom, no middle seats, and free luggage allowances, the new Mardi Gras Service should provide a better experience than flying on an airline. Plus, golf bags and pets are allowed with advanced reservations.

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Final Thoughts

Amtrak has announced a new Mardi Gras Service this summer, with stops along cities between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama. While schedules and fare details haven’t been released yet, it’s good to see train service growing in a region that so desperately needs it.

Once schedules and pricing are available, we’ll be sure to provide updates.