The Amtrak Mardi Gras Service is back, connecting the two US South Carnival capitals of New Orleans, Louisiana and Mobile, Alabama for the first time in 20 years on the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina on 18 August 2025.
For Aussie travellers, the Mardi Gras Service opens up a new way to explore the American South. With direct flights from Australia into Dallas and Houston – and easy connections from LA and New York – New Orleans and Alabama are more accessible than ever.
First launched in 1984, the storm devastated the rail infrastructure in 2005, destroying tracks and bridges along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast.
Now back on track, the state-sponsored Mardi Gras Service is a Southern USA itinerary on rails with one-way tickets from USD$15 (around AUD$23) and daily morning and evening departures.
The Amtrak trains will offer Coach and Business Class options with wide, reclining seats and ample legroom, no middle seats, free Wi-Fi and generous carry-on allowances.
The “Mardi Gras” name automatically connects Mobile, New Orleans and the four stops in South Mississippi – Pascagoula, Biloxi, Gulfport and Bay St Louis – where Carnival traditions are celebrated.
The three-hour-and-43-minute route between NOLA and Mobile showcases the Gulf Coast’s culture and scenery with stops in Bay St Louis, Biloxi, Gulfport and Pascagoula.
Local flavour is part of the journey. Onboard menus feature NOLA favourites such as muffulettas, Zapp’s VooDoo Chips and pralines, plus breakfast, lunch and dinner options.
The rail line pairs perfectly with New Orlean’s legendary festivals and events, such as Mardi Gras 2026, football season (NOLA hosted Super Bowl LIX last year) and holidays, and offers an affordable, scenic way to explore multiple Southern states in one trip.
“Our goal is to have some of that festive Mardi Gras feeling on every trip, sharing the culture of the Gulf Coast region while connecting with the rest of the Amtrak network,” Amtrak President Roger Harris said.
New Orleans & Company President and CEO Walt J. Leger III added, “Expanding connectivity throughout the Gulf Coast region is essential to creating new economic opportunities for residents and businesses alike.”
“With the return of passenger services between New Orleans and Mobile, the Amtrak Mardi Gras Service will continue to make this region a great place to live, work, learn and invest and, of course, visit,” he remarked.
“We are excited about the opportunity to further connect visitors from across the region to New Orleans for leisure travel as well as the variety of meetings, conferences and special events that happen throughout the year, and eager to market and promote the Gulf Coast, particularly to international visitors interested in exploring multiple culturally rich Southern destinations while they visit the United States.”
The route resumption also comes as New Orleans welcomed more than 19 million visitors in 2024, matching pre-pandemic records, with more than USD$1 billion in hotel renovations and development since 2005 and a USD$14.5 billion flood protection system (successfully tested during Hurricane Ida in 2021).
For more info, visit neworleans.com and mobile.org
