National rail operator Amtrak has opened up bookings for the highly anticipated Mardi Gras service. The service has been years in the making and will connect Mobile, Alabama to New Orleans. The first Amtrak Mardi Gras Service is expected to commence August 18, 2025.
A New Route Years In The Making
The Mardi Gras rail service has been years in the making is part of a bigger picture. The service will be operated by Amtrak under service contracts with the States of Louisiana Louisiana and Mississippi with financial backing from the City of Mobile. “The long-awaited return of Amtrak passenger service is well worth celebrating, particularly as we approach the 20th anniversary of our recovery and growth since Hurricane Katrina. This rail service will bring the Gulf Coast region and its communities closer together, while inviting more people to experience the spirit of coastal Mississippi. We’re grateful to Amtrak and all involved for helping make this vision a reality,” said Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Chair of the U.S Senate Transportation-Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee.
Connections To Other Amtrak Services
The route will strategically connect to other Amtrak Services. At Bay Saint Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi and Pascagoula stations, it will be possible to make same-day connections in both directions to Amtrak City of New Orleans trains between New Orleans and Chicago via Memphis. Next Day connections can be made at New Orleans to Amtrak Crescent trains to and from New York via Atlanta, and Amtrak Sunset Limited trains to and from Los Angeles via Tucson, San Antonio and Houston.
Earning Extra Points
If you are an Amtrak Guest Rewards member, you will be able to earn triple Points on the Mardi Gras from now to Nov. 18, 2025. To qualify, members must complete three qualifying trips on the service during the three-month promotional period. If the threshold is met three times the rewards points will be rewarded. Honestly it’s not a bad offer if you live where the route operates.