Amtrak Mardi Gras Service: Schedule, Stops, & Route Guide

The Amtrak Mardi Gras Service runs twice daily between New Orleans and Mobile along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

This train makes it easier to visit Gulf Coast cities like Biloxi, Gulfport, and Bay St. Louis without dealing with Interstate traffic, long drives, or airport hassles.

For train travelers, the return of passenger rail service to the Gulf Coast after nearly 20 years is a major milestone. It also offers first-time riders a relaxed, scenic way to experience Amtrak while exploring one of the most distinctive regions in the South. There are even discussions about eventually expanding service farther east.

I’ve ridden this train several times and found it to be one of the easiest and most relaxing ways to travel along the Gulf Coast.

Amtrak Mardi Gras Service at a Glance

• Route: New Orleans, LA ↔ Mobile, AL
• Start Date: August 18, 2025

States Served:

• Louisiana
• Mississippi
• Alabama

Frequency:

• Two daily round-trip in each direction

Travel Time:

• About 3 hours and 45 minutes end-to-end

Major Stops:

• New Orleans
• Bay St. Louis
• Gulfport
• Biloxi
• Pascagoula
• Mobile

Click on the stops to view the address, stop information, and additional details.

Classes Available:

• Coach
• Business Class

Onboard Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• Power outlets
• Café service
• Wide reclining seats
• No middle seats

Best For:

• Gulf Coast vacations
• Weekend getaways
• First-time Amtrak travelers
• Avoiding Interstate traffic
• Connecting to other Amtrak routes in New Orleans

Amtrak Connections in New Orleans:

• City of New Orleans
• Crescent*
• Sunset Limited*

👉 *Connection timing may require an overnight stay depending on your travel direction and schedule.

Major Stops Along the Mardi Gras Service

The Amtrak Mardi Gras Service operates along the Mississippi Gulf Coast between New Orleans and Mobile, making stops in various coastal communities along the route.

New Orleans, LA

New Orleans, famous for its live music, historic neighborhoods, Creole cuisine, and Mardi Gras celebrations, is one of Amtrak’s most iconic destinations. The station also provides connections to various long-distance Amtrak routes.

Bay St. Louis, MS

Bay St. Louis is a small Gulf Coast town known for its beautiful beaches, local shops, seafood restaurants, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Gulfport, MS

Gulfport features beautiful beaches, vibrant casinos, fishing charters, and family-friendly attractions along the Mississippi coast.

Biloxi, MS

Biloxi is a popular destination due to its casinos, resorts, beaches, seafood, and waterfront attractions.

Pascagoula, MS

Pascagoula is recognized for its shipbuilding heritage, beautiful coastal scenery, and a more tranquil atmosphere along the Gulf Coast.

Mobile, AL

Mobile offers a blend of Gulf Coast culture, historic architecture, museums, and waterfront attractions. The city also boasts deep Mardi Gras traditions that predate those of New Orleans.

The Amtrak Mardi Gras Service Schedule

The listed departure times are for all stops except the final destination. Station stops typically last 2 to 3 minutes, so please be on the platform before your scheduled departure time; the train will not wait.

This route may experience delays due to bridge openings. When bridges do not need to open, trains often arrive early and wait at the next station until the scheduled departure time.

The links to the stations include each location’s address and the services available there.

👉 Downloadable Amtrak Mardi Gras Schedule PDF

Once available, you can view or download the full schedule here, which is ideal for planning your trip or for printing for reference during your trip.

Accommodations on the Amtrak Mardi Gras Train

This train offers Coach Class seating, which includes:

• Reclining seats
• Plenty of legroom
• Large windows for Gulf views
• Free Wi-Fi (great for those coastal selfies!)
• Restrooms in each car
• Grounded power outlets are available at your seat.
  • An extension cord can help make things easier.

Business Class is available on this route; however, Coach is a comfortable, budget-friendly option for trips of four hours or less.

Luggage Information

Café Car on the Mardi Gras Service

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 features booth seating, allowing you to enjoy snacks on board or take them back to your seat.

You can learn more about Amtrak’s café cars and check out the Mardi Gras Service café menu, which features locally sourced items.

How to Board and What to Expect on the Mardi Gras Service

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 purchase it in the app, on the website, by phone, or at staffed stations. Not all Amtrak stations are staffed.

When it’s time to board, ensure you have your ticket in hand, whether it’s electronic or printed.

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

Connecting to Other Trains

Currently, this train only has a same-day connection with Amtrak’s City of New Orleans.

If you’re hoping to ride the Crescent or Sunset Limited, you’ll need to spend the night in New Orleans since same-day connections aren’t available.

For example, you can’t currently book a trip from Mobile to New York City with a same-day connection to the Crescent. Instead, you’ll need to book one ticket from Mobile to New Orleans, then a separate ticket from New Orleans to New York the following day. You could also use a multi-city ticket to plan your trip with an overnight stop.

Best Time to Ride the Mardi Gras Service

• Spring: Pleasant temperatures and festival season
• Summer: Beach trips and Gulf Coast vacations
• Fall: Fewer crowds and milder weather
• Winter: Comfortable temperatures compared to much of the country

Final Thoughts on Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service

Whether you’re a local seeking a weekend getaway or adding the Gulf Coast to your Amtrak bucket list, the Mardi Gras train offers a fun and scenic ride along the coast.

I rode this train in January 2026 and had a smooth experience. We arrived early at every stop, including the final destination. Due to limited platform space at stations, passengers were assigned to specific cars to facilitate efficient exiting. I connected from the City of New Orleans, so most of my trip took place at night. I plan to make another daytime trip to better see the coastline.

🚨 Be sure to bookmark this page so you don’t miss the official schedule drop!