Alabama offers better Amtrak service than many travelers expect, with trains operating in northern Alabama and along the Gulf Coast. The Crescent, a long-distance Amtrak route, runs daily through northern Alabama. Additionally, the newer Amtrak Mardi Gras Service provides convenient, twice-daily regional rail travel along the Gulf Coast, connecting Mobile and New Orleans.
Whether you are planning a longer trip through the Southeast or a quick getaway to New Orleans, here is everything you need to know about riding Amtrak in Alabama.
What Amtrak Routes Serve Alabama?
Here are the two Amtrak routes in Alabama.
The Crescent (Daily Long-Distance Train)
The Crescent operates daily in both directions between New York City and New Orleans. In Alabama, it serves three stations located in the northern part of the state: Anniston, Birmingham, and Tuscaloosa.
Southbound trains usually pass through Alabama late at night, while northbound trains typically arrive in the late afternoon or early evening.
Amtrak Mardi Gras Service (Twice Daily Regional Train)
The Amtrak Mardi Gras Service provides year-round, twice-daily train service between Mobile, Alabama, and New Orleans, Louisiana. Despite its festive name, this train runs daily and serves practical regional travel. The name honors the Gulf Coast’s Mardi Gras heritage.
In Alabama, the route serves only Mobile, then continues to four stations on the Mississippi Gulf Coast: Pascagoula, Biloxi, Gulfport, and Bay St. Louis, before finally reaching New Orleans.
This route restores passenger rail service to part of the Gulf Coast for the first time in nearly 20 years. If this service succeeds, it could extend the Sunset Limited further east, similar to its route before Hurricane Katrina.
Alabama Amtrak Stations (Alphabetical)
Below is a list of Amtrak stations in Alabama; all but Mobile serve Amtrak’s Crescent, while Mobile serves Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service.
Anniston, AL (ATN)
Unstaffed station with a waiting room
126 West 4th Street, Anniston, AL 36201
Anniston is a small, unstaffed Amtrak station with a waiting room and limited amenities. It’s functional but basic—arrive close to departure time and plan accordingly. After purchasing the classically inspired depot from the Norfolk Southern Railway, Anniston renovated it into a busy intermodal center.
Nearby attractions include the Anniston Museum of Natural History and the former Fort McClellan.
Typical Crescent times (approximate):
- Southbound: arou10:15 pm pm
- Northbound: arou6:30 pm pm
Birmingham, AL (BHM)
Staffed station with a waiting room
1819 Morris Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35203
Birmingham is Alabama’s largest and most significant Amtrak station. It is staffed during train hours and offers a waiting room and free parking. Located near the popular Railroad Park, the Birmingham station is also close to the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Birmingham’s central location makes it the most convenient Amtrak boarding point in northern Alabama.
Typical Crescent times (approximate):
- Southbound: arou11:30 pm pm
- Northbound: arou5:00 pm pm
Although the late-night southbound departure isn’t ideal, Birmingham is an excellent stopover or connection point for longer trips.
Mobile, AL (MOE)
Unstaffed platform station – no shelter
101 South Water Street, Mobile, AL 36602
Mobile’s downtown station serves the Amtrak Mardi Gras Service and is conveniently located near Cooper-Riverside Park and the waterfront.
Typical Mardi Gras Service schedule:
- Departures to New Orleans:
- 6:30 am am
- 4:30 pm pm
- Arrivals from New Orleans:
- Arou11:18 am am
- Arou9:14 pm pm
Travel time is typically 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on the departure time.
The morning train gives you a full day in New Orleans, while the afternoon option works well for evening events — even a noon Saints game with same-day return.
Tuscaloosa, AL (TCL)
Staffed station with a waiting room and a ticket office
2105 Greensboro Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Tuscaloosa’s train station is a historic depot built in 1911 by the Southern Railway. It features an enchanting, castle-like bay with deep corbeling and a conical roof. The station includes a ticket office and a waiting room, with staff available daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Checked baggage service is offered during these staffed hours.
The station is located about a mile south of downtown and serves University of Alabama students and visitors.
Typical Crescent times (approximate):
- Northbound: arou4:30 pm PM
- Southbound: arou12:20 am AM
What It’s Like Riding Amtrak in Alabama
Let’s look at the Amtrak train routes in Alabama.
On the Crescent
Amtrak operates the Crescent, a long-distance train service using Viewliner sleeper cars and Amfleet II coach cars.
- Comfortable coach seating with generous legroom
- A café car with snacks, drinks, and light meals
- Sleeper accommodations for longer journeys
- All passengers have access to the café, while sleeper passengers receive Amtrak’s flex dining meals.
Traveling southbound in Alabama typically occurs at night, limiting the scenery. In contrast, northbound trips provide picturesque views of rolling terrain as it transitions into the Appalachian foothills, especially near Birmingham.
Discover more about the Crescent, including its schedule and additional information.
On Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service
Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service operates as a regional train with Amfleet cars:
- Coach and Business Class seating
- A café car offering food, drinks, and regional menu items.
- Large windows for Gulf Coast scenery
This route is one of Amtrak’s most practical regional offerings in the Southeast and works well for both day trips and weekend travel.
Discover more about Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service, including its schedule and additional information.
Amtrak in Alabama Booking Tips
Amtrak lets you book tickets up to 11 months in advance, and the earlier you book, the cheaper your fare is likely to be. Prices rise as seats sell, so if you see a fare you like, it’s usually smart to book it rather than wait.
You can book on Amtrak.com, through the Amtrak app, or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245). If you’d like help planning, a travel agent can book for you, and several agencies specialize in train travel.
Coach is the budget-friendly choice and works well for shorter trips. For longer overnight trips, consider a private room in the sleeper car for more comfort, privacy, and a real bed.
Several ways to save money on Amtrak include discounts for seniors, active-duty military, and veterans. While you’re planning, sign up for Amtrak’s email list so you hear about sales and promotions as soon as they’re announced.
Amtrak in Alabama: Wrap-Up
All my train trips through Alabama have been at night, so I haven’t seen much of the state beyond the glow of the station lights. That means next time, I need to take the northbound Crescent and experience the Mardi Gras Service during the day.
On Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service to Mobile, I took a Lyft from the station to my hotel, and it worked out well. In many cities, more affordable hotels are often located outside the downtown area. If you’re searching for accommodations, compare the savings from cheaper hotels with the cost of rideshares, taxis, or public transportation. This will help ensure your choice fits your budget in both time and money.
Safe Travels & Happy Planning!
Kev
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