Amtrak plans twice-daily Mardi Gras Service between New Orleans, Mobile

Amtrak is set to restore passenger rail service along the Gulf Coast for the first time in nearly 20 years with the launch of its Mardi Gras Service, connecting New Orleans and Mobile with twice-daily trains. The route will include stops in Bay Saint Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula, offering both morning and evening departures from each terminus. Passengers will benefit from same-day connections to the City of New Orleans service to Chicago and next-day connections in New Orleans to the Crescent (to New York) and Sunset Limited (to Los Angeles) routes. The service is supported by contracts with Louisiana and Mississippi, financial backing from the city of Mobile, and the Southern Rail Commission. Amtrak aims to infuse the trips with the festive spirit of Mardi Gras, reflecting the region's unique culture while boosting connectivity and local economies. Fares and schedules will be announced soon, with service expected to begin in 2025.