Amtrak travel to New Orleans or Mobile: Walkable city centers are nearby for easy exploration
Amtrak's Mardi Gras Service Returns to New Orleans, Offering Convenient Travel Options
After undergoing renovations, the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans has reopened, making it a must-visit attraction in the vibrant city. Now, travelers have another reason to visit New Orleans as Amtrak's Mardi Gras Service is set to begin on August 18, providing a unique way to explore the city and its surroundings.
The Mardi Gras Service will connect New Orleans with Mobile, with stops at Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula. The journey takes approximately four hours, offering an alternative to fighting traffic and paying for parking to attend a Saints' football game in New Orleans or any other events in the city.
Amtrak's Mardi Gras Service offers affordable fares, with one-way coach fares starting as low as $15 for the full New Orleans to Mobile journey. Weekend coach fares are around $30, with business class at $75. Round-trip tickets range from about $30 to $80, depending on booking and class. Everyday discounts are available for children, seniors, veterans, students, and groups, and a Mardi Gras BOGO (buy one, get one) deal is also available from August 18 through December 31, 2025.
The morning departure from Mobile leaves at 6:30 a.m., arriving in New Orleans before noon, allowing travelers to attend afternoon events and return on the evening train departing around 5 p.m.
To book a ride, visit the Amtrak website or app, select your travel dates on or after August 18, 2025, and choose Mardi Gras Service on the Mobile–New Orleans route. Discounts and promotions like the BOGO can be applied during booking.
The New Orleans Amtrak station is located at the foot of the Garden District, near St Charles Avenue, while the new train platform in Mobile is at 101 South Water Street, in the walkable downtown entertainment district.
The return of Amtrak's Mardi Gras Service coincides with the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, making it a significant moment for the city. The service is beneficial for leisure, business, meetings and conventions, sports fans, and international travelers.
In addition to the Audubon Zoo, New Orleans offers a variety of attractions, including Audubon Park and City Park, with the sculpture garden and Celebration in the Oaks Christmas light display, accessible via a 10-minute Uber or streetcar ride. Trip Advisor lists Preservation Hall, ghost tours, cemetery tours, and shopping on Magazine Street as popular activities in New Orleans.
Passengers can also explore old Fort Conde and the USS Alabama battleship, the oldest US submarine on public display, in Mobile. Hotels and bed and breakfast inns are within walking distance for those who want an overnight getaway during Mardi Gras in Mobile.
The Amtrak Mardi Gras Service stops at Pascagoula, Biloxi, Gulfport, and Bay St. Louis in South Mississippi, allowing passengers to visit attractions, shops, and restaurants in cities along Mississippi's Gulf Coast. The service also stops at the Caesar Superdome and the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, making it easy for sports fans to attend events.
The National World War II Museum is a 10-minute walk from the station, offering visitors a chance to learn about one of the most significant events in history. Whether you're a history buff, a sports fan, or simply looking for a unique travel experience, Amtrak's Mardi Gras Service provides a convenient and affordable way to explore New Orleans and the surrounding areas.
The Mardi Gras Service provided by Amtrak will not only connect New Orleans with Mobile but also offer access to neighboring towns such as Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula, making it an ideal choice for those interested in exploring the transportation industry. This service, affordable with fares starting at $15 for a full journey, is a significant addition to the finance aspect of the city's transportation, offering a more budget-friendly alternative to other modes of transportation like buses.
