Amtrak’s New Mardi Gras Service: Experience the Ultimate Gulf Coast Adventure from Alabama to New Orleans!

Published on December 15, 2025

A new Amtrak Mardi Gras service is offering an exciting way to explore the Deep South of the United States, allowing travelers to experience the vibrant culture, rich history, and delicious cuisine of the Gulf Coast. Running twice daily, this service connects Mobile, Alabama, to New Orleans, Louisiana, with stops in Pascagoula, Biloxi, Gulfport, and Bay St. Louis in Mississippi. The route, launched in August 2025, provides a scenic and unique perspective of the Gulf Coast, allowing passengers to enjoy the sights and sounds of the region while traveling comfortably on the train.

The Amtrak Mardi Gras Service: A New Way to Travel the Gulf Coast

The Amtrak Mardi Gras service has made its debut in the region, connecting Mobile, Alabama, with New Orleans, Louisiana, for the first time since Hurricane Katrina disrupted passenger rail service along the Gulf Coast. This new service offers a convenient and scenic way to explore the area, with passengers enjoying picturesque views of the bayou, marshes, and small communities along the way.

The train offers a leisurely ride that allows passengers to absorb the beauty of the Gulf Coast, with a journey that showcases a quick transition from tranquil landscapes to the bustling cities of New Orleans and Mobile. The Amtrak Mardi Gras service is named after the famous carnival celebrations that take place in both cities every year, creating an exciting link between these vibrant cultural hubs.

A Journey Through Culture, History, and Music

The Amtrak Mardi Gras service provides more than just transportation; it also offers passengers an opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture and history of the Gulf Coast. As the train passes through the region, travelers can experience the diverse music, history, and food that define this area.

• Mobile, Alabama: Known for its walkable downtown, Mobile is filled with lively restaurants, bars, and historic districts, including the famous Dauphin Street. The city is home to the oldest Mardi Gras celebration in the U.S., which starts in November and lasts until Ash Wednesday. Visitors can explore the Mobile Carnival Museum and see the elaborate costumes and floats used in the city’s parades.
• Biloxi, Mississippi: This city is renowned for its casinos and vibrant entertainment scene. The Ground Zero Blues Club, co-owned by actor Morgan Freeman, offers visitors the chance to enjoy blues, soul, and R&B music. Visitors can also learn about the region’s maritime and seafood industries at the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum.
• Bay St. Louis, Mississippi: A lively area with a party atmosphere, Bay St. Louis offers music spilling out of bars along the waterfront, alongside shops offering local crafts and antiques. The recently opened Anthony’s Restaurant serves up delicious dishes, including lobster arancini while providing live music for guests to enjoy.
• New Orleans, Louisiana: Known for its French Quarter and vibrant music scene, New Orleans offers visitors a chance to enjoy everything from jazz and R&B on Bourbon Street to live performances at quieter spots like Frenchmen Street. The National WWII Museum is a must-see for history enthusiasts, and Antoine’s Restaurant, which dates back to 1840, is the perfect place for a jazz brunch.

Mardi Gras Celebrations: A Major Attraction

One of the highlights of the Amtrak Mardi Gras service is the chance to experience the world-famous Mardi Gras celebrations in both Mobile and New Orleans. Mardi Gras parades are a major part of the cultural fabric in these cities, and the Amtrak service makes it easier than ever to experience them.

• Mobile: Known for having the oldest Mardi Gras celebrations in the United States, Mobile kicks off the festivities in November, with parades and balls leading up to Ash Wednesday. The city’s Mobile Carnival Museum offers an in-depth look at the history of the event, showcasing costumes, floats, and memorabilia from previous celebrations.
• New Orleans: Known globally for its Mardi Gras celebrations, New Orleans transforms into a vibrant, colorful spectacle from February to March each year. Visitors can enjoy the parades, music, and festive atmosphere throughout the city, particularly in the French Quarter, which is known for its lively street parties and rich cultural history.

The Amtrak Mardi Gras service is the perfect way for travelers to visit both cities and experience the festivities in one day. As Cart Blackwell, curator at the Mobile Carnival Museum, explains, the train service makes it easier for visitors to attend parades in both cities on the same day, enhancing the overall Mardi Gras experience.

Scenic Views Along the Way

The journey aboard the Amtrak Mardi Gras service is an experience in itself. The train travels through some of the most picturesque areas of the Gulf Coast, offering travelers the opportunity to see wide rivers, small communities, marshlands, and the unique landscapes of the region. The ever-changing scenery makes the ride both relaxing and exciting, with passengers constantly treated to new and beautiful views as they move from city to city.

Whether it’s the peaceful bayous outside Mobile or the bustling cityscape of New Orleans, the journey offers a unique perspective of the Deep South that is hard to replicate by car or plane. The train’s café service adds to the experience, allowing travelers to enjoy a drink while watching the stunning views pass by.

A Cultural and Culinary Journey

No visit to the Gulf Coast would be complete without indulging in the region’s famous cuisine. During the journey, travelers have the chance to sample some of the best food the South has to offer, from seafood in Biloxi to crab dishes in Mobile and lobster arancini in Bay St. Louis. In New Orleans, the culinary scene is just as diverse, with dishes like beignets, gumbo, and Café Brûlot taking center stage.

The Amtrak Mardi Gras service not only offers a scenic and cultural journey but also a culinary one, allowing travelers to explore the rich flavors of the Deep South.

Conclusion: A Must-Do for Southern Travelers

The Amtrak Mardi Gras service offers a unique and exciting way to explore the Gulf Coast, connecting Mobile, Alabama, with New Orleans, Louisiana, and offering travelers a chance to experience the culture, history, and cuisine of the Deep South. Whether for a day trip or an extended stay, the service provides an unforgettable journey through one of America’s most vibrant regions.