Get ready, Gulf Coast! The new Amtrak Mardi Gras Service is rolling out twice daily between New Orleans, Louisiana, and Mobile, Alabama, making stops in several charming Coastal Mississippi communities. Whether heading to a festival, the beach, or just enjoying the journey, this train adds sparkle to your travel plans.
🎭 Think of it as a parade on rails — minus the beads, but with comfy seats and scenic views.
I am still waiting for additional information about this train. Amtrak announced that it will be coming soon, in April 2025.
🚆 The Amtrak Mardi Gras Service at a Glance
- Route: New Orleans, LA ↔ Mobile, AL
- States Covered: Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama
- Frequency: Twice Daily in Each Direction
- Start Date: Coming Soon in 2025!
- Stops Include: Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, Pascagoula, and more.
This new service is part of a broader initiative to reconnect communities along the Gulf Coast. It’s perfect for day trips, weekend getaways, or as part of a larger Amtrak adventure. We hope the Amtrak Mardi Gras Service will connect you with the City of New Orleans and the Crescent and Sunset Limited routes, though it may require an overnight stay. We must wait for the upcoming schedule to see how everything will work out!
🕒 Amtrak Mardi Gras Service Schedule
Here’s the schedule for both directions. I will fill out this section once the final times are released.
| East Read Down | East Read Down | Communities Served | Miles | West Last Stop | West Last Stop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| – | – | New Orleans, LA | 0 | – | – |
| – | – | Bay Saint Louis, MS | – | – | – |
| – | – | Gulfport, MS | – | – | – |
| – | – | Biloxi, MS | – | – | – |
| – | – | Pascagoula, MS | – | – | – |
| – | – | Mobile, AL | – | – | – |
👉 Downloadable Schedule PDF (coming soon!)
Once available, you can view or download the full schedule here, which is perfect for planning your trip or printing it out for the road.
🪑 Accommodations on the Mardi Gras Train
This train offers Coach Class seating, which includes:
- Spacious reclining seats
- Plenty of legroom
- Large windows for Gulf views
- Free Wi-Fi (great for those coastal selfies!)
- Restrooms in each car
No Business Class is expected on this route, but Coach is comfy and budget-friendly for a ride under four hours.
🧳 Luggage Information
You can bring:
- A personal item (up to 25 lbs each)
- Two carry-on bags (up to 50 lbs each)
This route likely won’t offer checked baggage, so pack light and smart. Rolling suitcases and travel backpacks both work well for this quick coastal trip.
☕ Café Car
Fuel your fun with snacks, sandwiches, coffee, and soft drinks in the Café Car. It’s the perfect excuse to stretch your legs, meet other travelers, or grab a treat while the train rolls on.
The café car also has booth seating, so you can enjoy snacks in that car or take them back to your seat.
🎉 Things to Do at Stops
Each stop on the Mardi Gras route has its local flavor:
- New Orleans: Food, jazz, and festivities year-round
- Bay St. Louis: Quaint charm and coastal views
- Gulfport & Biloxi: Casinos, seafood, and sandy shores
- Pascagoula: Home to beautiful bayous and riverfront parks
- Mobile: A lively downtown and Mardi Gras history galore
Want help figuring out what to do? I’ll be adding travel tips for each stop soon!
🚉 How to Board and What to Expect
Are you new to Amtrak?
No worries. Check out my Amtrak Boarding Guide to learn what to expect. Ensure you have your ticket; you can buy them on the app, website, phone, or at staffed stations. Not all Amtrak stations are staffed.
When it is time to board, make sure you have your ticket in hand, either electronically or you can print it out.
💡 Tips for First-Time Riders
- Arrive early – about 30 minutes before departure
- Download the Amtrak app – handy for updates and tickets
- Pack snacks or a water bottle – though the café has you covered, too
- Bring a light jacket – the A/C can be strong onboard
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🙌 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a local looking for a weekend getaway or a traveler adding the Gulf Coast to your Amtrak bucket list, the Mardi Gras train is a fun, scenic, and easy ride. Keep an eye on this page for updated schedules and more tips as the launch approaches.
🚨 Be sure to bookmark this page so you don’t miss the official schedule drop!
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