After two decades of waiting, Mobile is officially back on the passenger rail map. Amtrak announced Tuesday that its long-awaited Gulf Coast service will launch August 18th, connecting our city to New Orleans with twice-daily departures.
The Details Mobile Needs to Know
Service Launch: August 18, 2025
Route Name: Amtrak Mardi Gras Service
Daily Departures from Mobile: 6:30 AM and 4:30 PM
Ticket Prices: Starting at just $15 one-way for the full route
The eastbound trains will make stops in Pascagoula, Biloxi, Gulfport, and Bay St. Louis before rolling into New Orleans at 10:30 AM and 8:13 PM. Return trains arrive back in Mobile at 11:18 AM and 9:14 PM daily.
Perfect for Day Trips and Saints Games
Those departure and arrival times aren’t accidental. Mobile football fans can catch the morning train, enjoy a noon Saints game in the Big Easy, and still make it back on the evening return service. It’s a game-changer for anyone who’s made that familiar drive down I-10.
How Mobile Made It Happen
Getting passenger rail back to Mobile wasn’t easy. The project faced years of local political hurdles, including concerns about taxpayer subsidies and potential conflicts with Port of Mobile freight operations.
The breakthrough came when the Mobile City Council agreed to contribute just over $3 million for three years of service. The Alabama State Port Authority and Governor Kay Ivey’s office stepped up to split that cost, clearing the final obstacle.
Knox Ross, chairman of the Southern Rail Commission, made sure to set the record straight: “The very first organization or city or state that signed on the dotted line was the city of Mobile. They were the first people… Mobile stepped up.”
What to Expect Onboard
The Mardi Gras Service trains will feature both coach and business class seating, along with cafe service highlighting local Gulf Coast fare. Amtrak promises wide reclining seats, no middle seats, free Wi-Fi, and generous baggage allowances. Pet owners can bring their companions in carriers, and golfers can reserve space for their clubs.
Connecting Beyond New Orleans
The service opens up connections throughout the country. Same-day connections are available to Amtrak’s City of New Orleans route heading north to Chicago through Jackson and Memphis. Next-day connections include the Crescent service to New York via Atlanta and the Sunset Limited to Los Angeles through Texas.
Getting Your Tickets
Tickets are available now through Amtrak.com, the Amtrak mobile app, or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL. Early users reported some website glitches Tuesday morning, but the system appears to be running smoothly now.
As an added bonus, Amtrak rewards program members will earn triple points on Mardi Gras Service trips. The company also offers everyday discounts for children, students, seniors, and veterans.
The Bottom Line
After Hurricane Katrina ended Gulf Coast passenger rail service in 2005, many wondered if trains would ever return to Mobile. Twenty years later, we finally have our answer. Whether you’re planning a New Orleans weekend, a Saints game day trip, or connecting to destinations across the country, Mobile is back on track.
Tickets and route information: www.amtrak.com/mardi-gras-service
