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Amtrak readies to set sail for Mardi Gras festivities, revealing fare details and launch date for services

Amtrak to initiate Mardi Gras services on August 18, offering one-way trips to New Orleans for as low as $15.

Amtrak's Mardi Gras Service Sets Sail: Find Details on Ticket Prices and Launch Date
Amtrak's Mardi Gras Service Sets Sail: Find Details on Ticket Prices and Launch Date

Amtrak readies to set sail for Mardi Gras festivities, revealing fare details and launch date for services

After nearly 20 years, passenger rail service is set to return to the Gulf Coast with the launch of the Amtrak Mardi Gras Service on August 18, 2025. This new state-supported route connects Mobile, Alabama, and New Orleans, Louisiana, with stops along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, including Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula.

The service offers twice-daily intercity trips, with morning and evening departures from both Mobile and New Orleans. The journey duration is approximately 3 hours and 43 minutes. Arrival times in New Orleans are near the Superdome at about 10:13 AM and 8:13 PM.

Fares for the Coach class start at $15 one-way for full end-to-end trips, with lower fares available for shorter distances. Discounts apply for children, students, seniors, military personnel, and certain group travelers. The service also offers Business Class seating, and onboard Café service featuring locally sourced items, including Gulf Coast-themed options such as Muffuletta sandwiches, Pralines, and Moon Pies.

Passengers can enjoy free Wi-Fi, ample legroom, no middle seats, and a generous carry-on baggage allowance. The train accommodates golf bags (with advance reservation) and allows pets in carriers within appropriate weight limits.

The Amtrak Mardi Gras Service includes three cars and two locomotives, seating 135 passengers with the ability to add more. The train was officially named after the pre-Lenten holiday Mardi Gras, and it coincidentally commences on the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.

Amtrak Mardi Gras Service guests can enjoy same-day connections to longer distance trains from New Orleans' Union Terminal, including the City of New Orleans train to Chicago, the Amtrak Crescent to New York and Atlanta, and the Amtrak Sunset Limited to Los Angeles.

Passengers are encouraged to book tickets early to enjoy this scenic and comfortable service along the Gulf Coast. Visitors to Mobile will find promotions at the train depot or on board the train, including brochures advertising things to do in the Mobile area, QR codes, greeters, and other features advertising the city to train users.

The train's inaugural guest-only trip is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 16. The beer menu onboard includes New Orleans-based Abita Amber Lager and Chandeleur Lil' Smack IPA. Notably, Chandeleur Island Brewing Company, based in Gulfport, is opening a location inside the historic train station in Pascagoula.

Amtrak Mardi Gras Service passengers are in for a treat, as the service aims to provide a memorable and enjoyable journey along the Gulf Coast.

  1. The Amtrak Mardi Gras Service, which will provide transportation between Mobile, Alabama, and New Orleans, Louisiana, is also set to offer connections to longer distance trains, including the City of New Orleans to Chicago, the Amtrak Crescent to New York and Atlanta, and the Amtrak Sunset Limited to Los Angeles.
  2. In addition to comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and generous baggage allowance, the Amtrak Mardi Gras Service will also feature locally sourced items in its onboard Café, such as Muffuletta sandwiches, Pralines, and Moon Pies, emphasizing the service's connection to the Gulf Coast transportation industry and finance.

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