Amtrak travelers headed to New Orleans or Mobile can expect downtown areas within easy reach on foot
Discover the charms of Mobile, Alabama, and New Orleans, Louisiana, as Amtrak's Mardi Gras Service links these vibrant cities along the Amtrak Mardi Gras Line.
The National World War II Museum, a mere 10-minute walk from the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal, sets the stage for a journey that combines rich history, vibrant culture, and festive Mardi Gras traditions.
In Mobile, the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, Mobile Carnival Museum, and Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center are must-visit attractions. Exploring Historic Downtown Mobile through a smartphone-guided walking tour offers a unique opportunity to uncover landmarks such as Mardi Gras Square, Dauphin Street, and the city's historic forts, cathedrals, parks, and museums at your own pace.
Other notable sites include the Mobile Museum of Art and local breweries, reflecting the city's ongoing cultural evolution.
New Orleans, with its famed Mardi Gras parades, food, music, and historic charm, is a highlight of the Mardi Gras Line. Visitors can expect vibrant Mardi Gras celebrations, historic French Quarter explorations, and riverfront activities.
Travelers can now experience historic naval and military heritage, immersive Mardi Gras history and festivities, science and art museums, vibrant local culture, and heritage walking tours in Mobile, alongside the famed Mardi Gras parades, food, music, and historic charm of New Orleans.
With the first day trains quickly booked, Amtrak will run two trains a day both east and west. Passengers can connect to Amtrak trains heading nationwide, to buses, or the local streetcar line at the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal.
Coach and business class seating is available, with local cuisine and free WiFi on the trains. There are no middle seats, ensuring a comfortable journey.
Passengers can attend a Saints' football game in New Orleans instead of driving and parking, or take their kids to Mobile to explore old Fort Conde and the USS Alabama battleship. Audubon Park and City Park, nearby attractions, can be reached by a 10-minute Uber or streetcar ride.
The service will stop at Pascagoula, Biloxi, Gulfport, and Bay St. Louis in Mississippi. Adult coach fares end-to-end from New Orleans to Mobile start at $15 each way, with lower fares for shorter distances. Discounts are offered for children, students, seniors, veterans, military personnel, families, and groups.
Trip Advisor lists Preservation Hall music venue, ghost tours, cemetery tours, and shopping on Magazine Street among the favourite activities in New Orleans. Amtrak provides online ticket purchasing options, including through their app and website, as well as phone booking.
Passengers can use the service to reach attractions, shops, and restaurants in cities along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The train platform in Mobile is located at 101 South Water Street, near the Mobile Convention Center and the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf.
The return of Amtrak's service coincides with the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. The Amtrak Mardi Gras Service will start operating on Aug. 18, connecting New Orleans and Mobile.
Mobile is planning promotions for Amtrak excursions, similar to promotions they offer when they have cruise ships in town. The city's Audubon Zoo and aquarium, which underwent millions of dollars of renovations and have recently reopened, are also within easy reach.
The downtown entertainment district in Mobile has over 50 locally-owned restaurants, multiple art galleries, shops, science centers, history museums, and museums. The Amtrak Mardi Gras Service stops at the Caesar Superdome and the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.
Embark on a journey of history, culture, and festivities with Amtrak's Mardi Gras Service, connecting Mobile and New Orleans like never before.
- The National World War II Museum and the vibrant Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans, combined with the history, science, and art museums, local culture, and heritage walking tours in Mobile, make for an unforgettable transportation-based lifestyle expedition.
- Business class travelers can enjoy free WiFi during their journey while availing of discounted fares, and upon arrival, they can immerse themselves in the diverse range of dining options, art galleries, and shopping venues in both cities.
- With numerous attractions such as the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, Mobile Carnival Museum, and the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf in Mobile, and the famed French Quarter, Preservation Hall, and City Park in New Orleans within easy reach by streetcar or Uber, a multi-day rail and travel experience awaits both finance-conscious tourists and luxury seekers alike.
