The Amtrak Mardi Gras Service, connecting Mobile, Alabama, and New Orleans, Louisiana, is proving to be a resounding success! Launched in August 2025, two decades after Hurricane Katrina devastated the region and halted rail service, this scenic route is now adding a third car to accommodate the growing demand, especially for New Orleans Saints games.
More Seats for Saints Fans & Gulf Coast Explorers
Passengers have been eagerly awaiting more seating on the popular route. Starting this month, an additional car will provide 60 more seats, making it easier for fans to travel to home games at the Caesars Superdome on Sundays (Sept. 14, Oct. 5 & 26, Nov. 23, and Dec. 14 & 21). Tickets are available on the Amtrak website.
In just under two months, the Mardi Gras Service has seen over 20,750 bookings! The two-car train has been consistently full, demonstrating the route's appeal and its positive impact on regional tourism. According to Kay Kell, Mississippi commissioner of the Southern Rail Commission, this limited capacity is "a good problem to have."
Discover the Beauty of the Gulf Coast
The Mardi Gras Service offers a unique opportunity to explore the often-overlooked beauty of the Gulf Coast. The almost four-hour journey winds through Louisiana's coastal wetlands and along Mississippi's shoreline, offering stunning views of butter-colored beaches, charming fishing villages, and walkable seaside towns. With stops in Pascagoula, Biloxi, Gulfport, and Bay Saint Louis, it's easy to hop on and off and discover hidden gems.
- Mobile, Alabama: A historic port city with wrought iron balconies and live oaks, known as the birthplace of Mardi Gras in the US.
- New Orleans, Louisiana: A vibrant city famous for its jazz music, unique culture, and delicious cuisine.
The Southern Rail Commission is exploring further ways to utilize the Amtrak train to alleviate traffic congestion on Interstate 10 and within cities, particularly during local festivals like Cruisin' the Coast. Rail advocates also hope to revive routes connecting New Orleans to Baton Rouge and north Louisiana.
The revival of the Mardi Gras route, after its discontinuation in 1996, represents a significant effort by political leaders and civic boosters to connect these important cities and revitalize the region after Hurricane Katrina. Don't miss the chance to experience this scenic and convenient way to travel the Gulf Coast!