Amtrak announces new 'Mardi Gras Service' between New Orleans and Mobile

Starting this summer, Amtrak will launch a new twice-daily service between two of the most popular Mardi Gras destinations in the southern U.S.

Dubbed the "Amtrak Mardi Gras Service," this new route will ferry guests along the Mississippi Gulf Coast between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama. Four stops in Mississippi will be made: Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi and Pascagoula. The service will offer morning and evening departures from both New Orleans and Mobile.

This new route will also allow for more convenient travel on some of New Orleans' already established long-haul routes to destinations like Chicago, New York and Los Angeles.

"With the launch of the Amtrak Mardi Gras Service, we are not just restoring a transportation link; we are celebrating the vibrant culture and community spirit of the Gulf Coast," Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Joe Donahue said in a press release. "This service will enhance connectivity, boost local economies and create memorable experiences for travelers who wish to explore the beautiful landscapes and rich heritage of our region."

Related: Best places to celebrate Mardi Gras outside of New Orleans

The route's name is a natural fit. New Orleans is widely known as home to the country's biggest Mardi Gras celebrations, and Mobile is the birthplace of Mardi Gras in the U.S., with celebrations dating back to 1703.

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"Mobile and New Orleans have always shared a rich cultural heritage and renewing Amtrak service will strengthen our ties to the Crescent City and the Mississippi Gulf Coast," Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson said. "We are so excited to welcome new visitors from those communities when the Amtrak Mardi Gras Service launches later this year. It will be an asset to our citizens and another enhancement to Mobile's growing downtown waterfront," he continued.

Related: The best credit cards for Amtrak and train travel

A specific service launch date, fares and schedules will be available on amtrak.com within the next few weeks. As on other Amtrak trains, riders can enjoy "reclining seats, ample legroom, no middle seats and generous carry-on baggage allowances." Travelers can also reserve space in advance for golf bags, and pets are welcomed within appropriate weights and with carriers.

When you sign up for Amtrak's free Amtrak Guest Rewards loyalty program and take enough trips to earn elite status, you can enjoy additional perks like bonus points, upgrades and lounge access.

Amtrak currently runs more than 30 routes to over 500 destinations in the U.S. and Canada. When the Amtrak Mardi Gras Service route starts running this summer, travelers can sit back, relax and "let the good times roll" down the tracks.

Related reading:

• The complete guide to Amtrak Guest Rewards elite status
• 14 of the most scenic train rides on Earth
• The best hotels in New Orleans, from the French Quarter to the Garden District
• Skip crowded Florida beaches and head to this Gulf Coast paradise instead