Amtrak Mardi Gras Service Gains Momentum as Coastal Mississippi Routes Attract Thousands of Riders – You Need to Know

Published on December 5, 2025

Amtrak’s newest service connecting New Orleans and Mobile is witnessing an impressive surge in ridership, reflecting strong demand and community enthusiasm along the Gulf Coast corridor. Since its launch on August 18, more than 46,000 passengers have taken advantage of the twice-daily round trips, highlighting the growing popularity of this seasonal train service.

The service, designed to accommodate travelers along Coastal Mississippi, has exceeded initial projections and is on track to double its original ridership estimates. The route has quickly become a preferred choice for both local commuters and tourists, demonstrating the appeal of convenient, reliable rail travel through Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.

Local communities have played a pivotal role in embracing the Mardi Gras Service, actively supporting its integration into regional travel options. Tourism agencies in the region, along with the Southern Rail Commission, have also contributed to the service’s rapid growth, promoting the route as an accessible, enjoyable way to participate in Gulf Coast celebrations.

Passenger feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with customer satisfaction rates soaring to unprecedented levels for a new service. Ninety-six percent of riders reported being “extremely satisfied” with their journey, citing punctuality, comfort, and overall service quality. On-time performance has been a highlight, with more than 86 percent of trains arriving as scheduled, marking one of the highest reliability rates within the Amtrak network. Even during occasional delays, nearly 90 percent of passengers still expressed high satisfaction, demonstrating the resilience and quality of service maintained by train crews and operational staff.

Over the first 108 days of operation, the service has consistently carried an average of more than 420 passengers per day on the two round trips between Mobile and New Orleans. The route has also helped alleviate highway congestion, diverting thousands of car trips from I-10 and US-90 and contributing to a more sustainable travel option for the region.

Unlike many routes that experience a seasonal dip in ridership during the first quarter of the calendar year, the Mardi Gras Service has bucked the trend. The timing aligns with the Gulf Coast’s festive season, including over 40 parades in Mobile beginning on January 30, and New Orleans’ Carnival celebrations, which start as early as January 6 and continue through Fat Tuesday on February 17. Cities along the route, including Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula, also host a variety of Carnival events, further boosting passenger interest in rail travel during this period.

The service is supported and sponsored by the states of Louisiana and Mississippi, in partnership with the City of Mobile and the Southern Rail Commission. This collaboration underscores the commitment of regional authorities to enhance transportation infrastructure while promoting tourism and local culture along the Gulf Coast.

As the Mardi Gras season approaches, Amtrak’s Coastal Mississippi route is poised to continue its strong performance, providing a reliable, enjoyable, and festive travel experience. With high satisfaction rates, record ridership numbers, and active community engagement, the service stands out as a model of successful regional rail integration, offering both residents and visitors a seamless way to celebrate the Gulf Coast’s vibrant traditions.

The success of the Mardi Gras Service demonstrates the potential for rail travel to expand beyond traditional commuter use, blending cultural experiences with efficient transportation. As more passengers discover the convenience and appeal of this route, it sets a benchmark for future initiatives aimed at connecting communities, supporting tourism, and reducing roadway congestion across the region.