While the two cities may argue about their role in the origins of Mardi Gras—one may be the original while the other is arguably bigger and more famous—Mobile and New Orleans both celebrate, so Amtrak has fittingly named its new Southern route the Mardi Gras Service. Starting this summer, getting between these two fun-loving cities just got easier. Amtrak is launching the brand-new service linking New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, with four stops along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
The new route will run twice daily, with morning and evening departures from both cities. It also opens up smoother connections to Amtrak’s long-haul routes from New Orleans to Chicago, New York and Los Angeles. The service will stop in Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi and Pascagoula.
“Amtrak Mardi Gras Service is a natural choice for the name of the new trains that will reflect the region’s distinctive culture,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris in a press release. “Travel should be about more than just getting somewhere. Our goal is to have some of that festive Mardi Gras feeling on every trip, sharing the culture of the Gulf Coast region while connecting with the rest of the Amtrak network.”
Exact schedules, fares and start dates will hit amtrak.com soon, but riders can expect the usual Amtrak perks: roomy, reclining seats, plenty of legroom, no dreaded middle seats, generous baggage allowances, and options to bring along pets or even golf bags (with reservations).
“With the launch of the Amtrak Mardi Gras Service, we are not just restoring a transportation link; we are celebrating the vibrant culture and community spirit of the Gulf Coast,” said Joe Donahue, Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.
Whether you're catching a parade, or just looking for a beach getaway along the Gulf Coast, this new service is ready to let the good times roll.