Train travel to New Orleans or Mobile with Amtrak offers convenient access to downtown areas on foot
Starting August 18, 2025, the Amtrak Mardi Gras service will launch, offering twice-daily trips between New Orleans, Louisiana, and Mobile, Alabama. This passenger train route will pass through key Gulf Coast cities, including Pascagoula, Biloxi, Gulfport, and Bay St. Louis, restoring passenger rail travel along the Gulf Coast for the first time in nearly 20 years.
New Orleans: A Cultural Hub and Gateway to Exciting Attractions
The Amtrak Mardi Gras service departs from the Union Passenger Terminal (NOL) in New Orleans, a centrally located station that offers easy access to a variety of attractions and activities.
- Situated near the French Quarter, visitors can immerse themselves in the city's vibrant music scene, enjoy live performances, and experience Mardi Gras-related festivals and events, especially during August and September when special celebrations take place.
- The station area is well-served by public transportation and taxis, making it easy to connect to local sights and dining.
- Day trips along the route are convenient, as the train stops provide access to beautiful beaches, coastal towns famous for seafood, fishing, and water recreation.
Mobile: Rich History and Mardi Gras Traditions
In Mobile, Alabama, visitors can enjoy historic sites, museums, and local festivals. The city is well known for its own Mardi Gras traditions, which are among the oldest in the United States. The convenient morning and evening arrivals/departures allow travelers to explore the city's architecture, waterfront, and cultural attractions.
Along the Gulf Coast: Beach Outings, Local Cuisine, and Charming Towns
Stops along the Gulf Coast offer opportunities for beach outings, water sports, and coastal exploration. Passengers can sample local cuisine, especially fresh Gulf seafood, and visit charming coastal towns with unique shops and historic points of interest.
Family-Friendly Travel and Accessible Coastal Day Trips
The Amtrak Mardi Gras service is suitable for families and children, and Amtrak provides tips on planning and packing for these coastal day trips. Whether you are staying in New Orleans or exploring the Gulf Coast towns, this service offers a convenient and enjoyable way to experience the region.
Tickets are available to book now, with flexible options for travelers, and schedules may vary for special events or holidays. It is recommended to check the official Amtrak Mardi Gras service page for up-to-date details before traveling.
In summary, the Amtrak Mardi Gras service not only connects major Gulf Coast cities by rail but also offers a rich cultural and recreational corridor linking New Orleans Mardi Gras excitement with coastal charm and history in Mobile and Mississippi Gulf Coast towns. This service is seen as a great opportunity for leisure, business, meetings and conventions, sports fans, and international travelers. Mobile is planning for Amtrak excursions and has several partners offering promotions. Passengers can use the service to attend a Saints' football game in New Orleans or visit Mobile's old Fort Conde and the USS Alabama battleship. The return of Amtrak coincides with the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.
Adult coach fares on the Mardi Gras Line start at $15 one-way from New Orleans to Mobile, with lower fares for shorter distances. Discounts are available for children, students, seniors, veterans, military personnel, and families. Infants under age 2 travel for free. Passengers can connect to Amtrak trains heading nationwide, to buses, or the local streetcar line from the station. The service stops at the Caesar Superdome and the Smoothie King Center. The name Mardi Gras Line connects the cities of Mobile, New Orleans, and the four stops in South Mississippi. The USS Alabama and submarines on the causeway are a 10-minute Uber ride away from the train platform. Audubon Park and City Park, with the sculpture garden and Celebration in the Oaks Christmas light display, are a 10-minute Uber or streetcar ride from the station. The National World War II Museum is a 10-minute walk from the station. The streetcar provides an air-conditioned ride from the terminal to Canal Street and the French Quarter. The district has more than 50 locally-owned restaurants, multiple art galleries and shops, science centers, history museums, and museums.
- The Amtrak Mardi Gras service, departing from the Union Passenger Terminal in New Orleans, offers a convenient and enjoyable way to access the city's vibrant music scene, cultural festivals, and local cuisine, making it a popular choice for families and travelers alike.
- Passengers traveling on the Mardi Gras Line can experiencemobile's rich history and Mardi Gras traditions, as well as explore charming coastal towns along the Gulf Coast, sampling local seafood and participating in various water sports and recreational activities.
- With convenient arrivals and departures in Mobile, Alabama, as well as key stops along the Gulf Coast, the Amtrak Mardi Gras service provides a unique opportunity for international travelers, sports fans, and business or leisure travelers to connect major cities, immerse themselves in cultural experiences, and enjoy coastal day trips.
