Amtrak Riders Celebrate Return of Beloved Route

Amtrak's Mardi Gras Service Makes a Strong Comeback

Amtrak has experienced a successful summer, with its newest service, the Borealis, achieving record milestones that have surpassed expectations since its launch in 2024. With a $6 billion investment boost in 2025, the rail service continues to offer new experiences, major upgrades to stations, faster trains, special discounts, and expanded routes. One of the most anticipated Amtrak lines this year is the return of a Gulf Coast route in August, after a 20-year hiatus. The route was discontinued following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Amtrak has given the route a new name: the Mardi Gras Service. This service connects New Orleans, Louisiana, and Mobile, Alabama, making it one of the most culturally rich Amtrak routes. Community leaders and residents are excited about the relaunch, as the train is expected to improve local commuting, economies, and tourism across six cities. The Mardi Gras Service uses the same scenic corridor as Amtrak’s previously discontinued Gulf Coast Limited (1984-1985, 1996-1997) and Sunset Limited (1993-2005), which many passengers long for.

While many are happy about the Mardi Gras Service, some still miss the long-distance Sunset Limited. Here's everything you should know about Amtrak’s newly restored Gulf Coast route: routes, schedule, fare prices, and discount promotions.

Amtrak Passengers Overjoyed by Gulf Coast Route Return

The restored Gulf Coast route, the Mardi Gras Service, begins operations on August 18, 2025. U.S. Representative Mike Ezell highlighted in a press release that the route spans "62 miles of scenic shoreline" across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. The summer launch is expected to attract local inter-city commuters, new visitors to the region, and multimodal travelers connecting to longer-distance Amtrak lines. Passengers are thrilled, with many already scrambling for early tickets as they sell out quickly.

However, the announcement of the train’s name initially received mixed reactions. Some found the name odd. A user on the Amtrak subreddit wrote, “As a French speaker, it took me a moment to realize that this wasn’t a special service for the Mardi Gras (Shrove Tuesday) fest... [corrected].” Amtrak President Roger Harris described Mardi Gras as a “natural choice” for the eclectic character of the cities along the route. He explained in the press release: “Amtrak Mardi Gras Service is a natural choice for the name of the new trains that will reflect the region's distinctive culture.”

Harris added that aside from convenience, the goal of the line is “to have some of that festive Mardi Gras feeling on every trip.” Despite this, some passengers are disappointed that the Mardi Gras Service seems to be a replacement for the beloved Sunset Limited, which ran from Orlando, Florida, to Los Angeles, California. The Sunset Limited still operates on a reduced schedule between New Orleans and L.A., but there are no indications of restoring the full route, which was also discontinued due to Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

One comment on a Facebook group stated, “We stand by our assertion, 'Those between Mobile and Jacksonville will still be waiting. This is not a restoration. It is a replacement.'” This was in response to an optimistic comment by a passenger who deemed the Mardi Gras Service “a restoration for those between Mobile and New Orleans. A partial restoration: the first step toward a complete restoration.”

Still, whether it's being called a replacement or restoration, the Mardi Gras route is generating excitement, and rail fans are rejoicing over the opportunity to ride this route in August.

Amtrak Mardi Gras Service Route and Schedule

The Amtrak Mardi Gras Service runs for 3 hours and 43 minutes, with two departures each day. The schedule shows daily morning and evening trips in each direction.

Westbound:
Train 23 leaves Mobile at 6:30 AM and arrives in New Orleans at 10:30 AM. The evening departure from Mobile is at 4:30 PM, with a dinnertime arrival in New Orleans at 8:13 PM.

Eastbound:
Train 24 leaves New Orleans at 7:35 AM and arrives in Mobile at 11:18 AM. The evening departure from New Orleans is then at 5:31 PM, with a later arrival of 9:14 PM in Mobile.

Amtrak Mardi Gras Service Stops

The Mardi Gras Service stops at the following locations:
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
- Gulfport, Mississippi
- Biloxi, Mississippi
- Pascagoula, Mississippi
- Mobile, Alabama

The Union Passenger Terminal in New Orleans is just a mile away from the vibrant Bourbon Street. The Bay St. Louis station is within walking distance of its Old Bay St. Louis Historic District, home to 681 historic properties and a lively artistic scene. Gulfport offers water parks, aquariums, and marinas. Biloxi has art, history, and casinos. Pascagoula provides peaceful beaches, and Mobile offers a culmination of all these attractions.

Amtrak Mardi Gras Service Offers Economical Fares

The Mardi Gras Service offers economical fares, with coach tickets starting as low as $15 for the full journey (one-way). There are also reduced everyday rates for shorter segments, children, students, seniors, military personnel, and small or large groups. The Mardi Gras trains are equipped with cozy amenities such as reclining seats, Wi-Fi, power outlets, and generous space for carry-on luggage. Pet owners and those bringing golf bags can reserve special spots in advance.

In addition to comfortable coach seats and business class options, the Mardi Gras trains offer Café service featuring locally sourced items. This convenient inter-city train ride is a must-try, especially for those seeking a unique Gulf Coast adventure. For an affordable price, you get a scenic train ride, flexible inter-city connections, stations close to festive downtown areas, and easy links to other Amtrak trains like the Sunset Limited or the Crescent (New Orleans to New York).

If you're an Amtrak Guest Rewards member, you can earn triple points on Mardi Gras rides. This is part of the “3-3-3” promotion, where members must complete three qualifying trips on the service during the three-month promo period lasting through November 18, 2025. You’re then awarded three times the points for these trips, as well as for all additional qualifying trips taken within the period. Visit Amtrak’s website for more details.