Amtrak journeys to New Orleans or Mobile: Downtown areas within walking distance
In an exciting development for travelers, Amtrak's new Mardi Gras Line is set to connect New Orleans and Mobile from August 18, enhancing the region's connectivity and offering a unique travel experience.
The Mardi Gras Line offers end-to-end adult coach fares starting at $15 each way, with discounts for children, students, seniors, veterans, military personnel, families, and groups. This affordable pricing makes it an attractive option for both locals and tourists alike.
The service is designed to facilitate travel for Mardi Gras events, Saints games, beach trips along the Mississippi coast, and other regional activities. Passengers can explore downtown Mobile and New Orleans, both rich in history, culture, and cuisine.
In Mobile, notable attractions include historic districts, the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, and Mardi Gras parades, as Mobile claims the oldest Mardi Gras celebration in the U.S. In New Orleans, visitors have access to the French Quarter, live jazz on Frenchmen Street, iconic Mardi Gras festivities, Creole and Cajun cuisine, and cultural landmarks.
The train offers Coach and Business class seating, free WiFi, and a café serving regional specialties like Muffuletta sandwiches and local beers, enhancing the travel experience connected to Gulf Coast culture. For long-distance travelers, this service connects to Amtrak’s City of New Orleans line to Chicago and other major routes from the New Orleans Union Terminal, making it a convenient hub for exploring beyond the region.
Amtrak President Roger Harris aims to bring a festive Mardi Gras feeling to every trip, ensuring passengers have an enjoyable and memorable experience. The station is located at the foot of the Garden District, near St Charles Avenue and beautiful homes. Tickets can be purchased online, by phone, or on the Amtrak App, and accept various payment methods.
Passengers can use the service to attend a Saints' football game in New Orleans or visit Mobile's old Fort Conde and USS Alabama battleship. The new train platform is located at 101 South Water Street in Mobile's walkable downtown entertainment district.
The return of Amtrak coincides with the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, marking a significant milestone in the region's recovery and growth. Ashley Rains, senior public relations and communications manager for Visit Mobile, highlights the district's 50 restaurants, multiple art galleries, shops, science center, history museum, Mobile Carnival Museum, and National Maritime Museum of the Gulf.
In New Orleans, Kelly Schulz, senior vice president of communications and PR for New Orleans & Company and Visit New Orleans, expresses excitement about the return of Amtrak. Families can visit the world-class Audubon Zoo and renovated aquarium in New Orleans. Trip Advisor lists Preservation Hall music venue, ghost tours, cemetery tours, and shopping on Magazine Street as popular activities in New Orleans.
The service stops at Pascagoula, Biloxi, Gulfport, and Bay St. Louis in South Mississippi, allowing access to their beaches and local attractions. The first day trains were quickly booked, with two trains running each day, east and west. Children ages 2-12 ride at half-price every day, and infants under age 2 are free.
The National World War II Museum is a 10-minute walk from the station in New Orleans, while the USS Alabama and submarines on the causeway are a 10-minute Uber ride away from the train platform in Mobile. Audubon Park and City Park, including the sculpture garden and Celebration in the Oaks Christmas light display, are accessible via a short Uber or streetcar ride from the station.
With its affordable fares, cultural experiences, and convenient stops, Amtrak's Mardi Gras Line is set to revolutionize travel along the Gulf Coast.
- The new train platform in Mobile's walkable downtown entertainment district is a hub for travelers, as it connects to Amtrak's City of New Orleans line, offering long-distance travel options to Chicago and other major routes.
- Along the Mardi Gras Line, passengers can explore various attractions, such as Mobile's old Fort Conde, the National World War II Museum, and New Orleans' Audubon Zoo and renovated aquarium, enriching their lifestyle and travel experiences.
- To further enhance the transportation experience, the train offers business class seating, free WiFi, and a café serving regional specialties like Muffuletta sandwiches and local beers, reflecting the Gulf Coast's unique culture and finance industry.
