Amtrak Announces New Route Linking Gulf Coast Cities

This summer, Amtrak will begin a new passenger rail service that will reconnect Mobile, Alabama, with New Orleans, Louisiana, after more than 20 years without a direct connection. Running twice daily with morning and evening departures, the Mardi Gras Service will give travelers a scenic and convenient alternative to driving along the Gulf Coast. The new service should make it easier to get around the area and offer a more relaxed way to travel from city to city.

Reclining seats, extra legroom, and a pet-friendly approach on the Mardi Gras Service will help make longer trips more comfortable for passengers. Passengers can unwind and take in unhindered views of the seaside without having to drive. The route also offers a more environmentally friendly option to driving or flying at a time when demand for less impactful travel is booming.

The launch is expected to stimulate local businesses and increase Gulf Coast tourism. Smaller towns along the line, which are often harder to reach by standard transportation, may benefit from a rise in visitor numbers. Hotels, restaurants, and cultural institutions that rely on a constant stream of tourists may benefit from easier access.

The new route will improve access to several cities along the Mississippi coast, adding more stops in Bay Saint Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula. Passengers will also be able to connect in New Orleans to other long-distance Amtrak services, including the City of New Orleans to Chicago, the Crescent to New York, and the Sunset Limited to Los Angeles. This integration opens the Gulf Coast to the national rail network.

This new link contributes to the growing trend of accessible, eco-friendly travel. It offers an easier way to visit the region’s cities and coastline while strengthening connections between local towns and major cities across the country. The entire Gulf Coast's transportation system has significantly improved with the reintroduction of regular rail service.