Mobile to New Orleans: Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service Is Back

(KHLA - Lake Charles, Louisiana) - The eagerly anticipated Amtrak "Mardi Gras Service", a twice-daily passenger train that will run between Mobile, Alabama, and New Orleans with stops along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, is launching today.

After being out of service since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the passenger rail route has now resumed operations throughout the Gulf Coast.

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Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari said of the new service:

You’re avoiding I-10. You’re avoiding people who are next to you driving and yakking on the phone or smoking or shaving or putting on hair products. Or a big truck filling your rearview mirror. You can be productive while you’re traveling.

 

Trains will arrive in New Orleans at 10:30 a.m. and 8:13 p.m., after leaving Mobile at 6:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Return rides from New Orleans are planned to depart at 7:35 a.m. and arrive in Mobile at 11:18 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and 9:14 p.m., respectively.

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Although rates fluctuate by day and demand, one-way coach fares start at $15. Children, veterans, elders, and students can all receive discounts from Amtrak.

Due to construction problems near Mobile, the original plans to begin service were postponed. According to Amtrak, tickets for today's opening day sold out in less than 24 hours after the line was formally introduced to the public back in July.

Coach and Business Class will be available on these Amtrak trains, along with café service that serves food that is sourced locally. Free Wi-Fi, big carry-on baggage allowances, no middle seats, and wide, reclining seats with plenty of legroom are all features that guests can enjoy. Golf bags will be allowed if space is requested in advance, and pets in carriers weighing no more than the permitted amount are welcome.