All Aboard the Mardi Gras Train: Amtrak's Gulf Coast Service
After nearly 20 years, Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service has returned, connecting Mobile, Alabama, and New Orleans with twice-daily intercity train service. This affordable and convenient mode of transportation is exciting year-round, but as a new transplant to Floridabama, I can’t wait to use the train service to enjoy my first Mardi Gras season. If you’re as excited for the Carnival season as I am, forget the I-10 grind and the stressful logistics of post-parade designated driving. The train service seems like a no-muss, no-fuss way to enjoy the Krewes and colors of Mardi Gras without breaking the bank. This service is poised to transform the Gulf Coast travel experience. There are 6 stops along the route and fares start at $15 each way.
The 62 mile route on the railway
Here are a few reasons I’m excited about the return of this rail option:
Convenience and Affordability- Ditch the punishing cost of gas, tolls, and downtown New Orleans parking (which is astronomical during Carnival).
Twice-Daily Convenience: Morning and evening departures from both Mobile and NOLA mean a quick day trip or a leisurely weekend without the logistics and stress of getting there yourself.
Amenities: The train service includes wide reclining seats, no middle seats (bless!), free Wi-Fi, and a Café service featuring locally sourced items including Muffaletta sandwiches, beers and hurricanes. You can also travel with your bike or small pets.
Safety First: When the evening festivities wrap up, the safest choice is one where everyone gets to be a passenger. Travel by rail eliminates the drunk driving risk entirely. (Maybe yall are sober sisters, I am not.)
Rest and Recuperation: I’ve never been on a train but I bet you can sleep real good on the return trip.
As excited as I am to go to New Orleans as often as possible; this service is really about reconnecting communities, spurring economic growth, and boosting the tourism industry along the coast. “The return of intercity Amtrak service between New Orleans and Mobile is a monumental win for our region. As Mayor, I’ve worked tirelessly to expand equitable, reliable, and forward-thinking transportation options that connect our people and drive economic opportunity. The Amtrak Mardi Gras Service celebrates more than our shared culture—it represents renewed investment in our infrastructure, our tourism industry, and the everyday mobility of our residents. This is how we move our city and our region forward—together,” said New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell.
Rollin With the Homies
Amtrak is ADA-compliant and specific accessibility information is available including permitted wheelchairs sizes and service dog information.
Beyond the Gulf Coast
The Mardi Gras Service is also a vital link to a wider rail network. You now have same-day connections from New Orleans to Chicago and next-day connections to New York and Los Angeles. Suddenly, the entire country is accessible via a comfortable, scenic, affordable mode of transportation.
Book Your Room Now!
The way our economy is looking, budget-friendly ways to travel will become more prevalent this new (again) mode of transportation will will offer people to enjoy the surrounding areas without breaking the bank. If you choose to take the Mardi Gras train, I might just see you on the platform.
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