For the first time in almost 20 years, passenger trains will once again travel the Gulf Coast between Mobile, Alabama and New Orleans over almost a day.
On August 18, Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service will begin departing twice a day between the two cities, stopping at four coastal Mississippi communities: Bay St. Louis, Biloxi, Gulfport and Pascagoura. Despite the name, the service is available all year round (not just for the carnival season).
The route has not been implemented since Hurricane Katrina destroyed a section of the truck in 2005, and its return is part of the Gulf Corridor Improvement Project, which also aims to enhance storm resilience in the area.
The name of the railway line nods to the famous New Orleans celebration and the deep roots of Mobile, which hosted its first Mardi Gras in 1703. More than a century before the first parade of Big Eiley Set in 1837. “This is not just a transportation milestone, it’s a transformational opportunity to drive tourism growth across our region,” said Judy Young, CEO of the Mississippi Coast, in a release.
The 145-mile trip takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes. Riders can choose between coach class or business class. Neither has middle seats, and both offer café services with menus in local specialties. Business class passengers get extra legroom with footrests and one complimentary non-alcoholic drink. In New Orleans, the route connects Amtrak’s Sunset Limited Services to Houston, San Antonio, Tucson and Los Angeles, as well as the city of New Orleans, which connects Memphis and Chicago. Mobile allows travelers to continue their journey to other Gulf destinations by car or bus. In particular, the next project of the Southern Rail Committee is to expand its services to Florida. Mardi GRAS service tickets start at $15 each way or $59 in business class. You can book now through the Amtrak website or through the app.
Things to look along the Amtrak Mardi Gras route, do, eat
Between the route’s New Orleans and the famous endpoints of mobile, travelers can find four attractive, slow coastal Mississippi cities.
Bay St. Louis
Called Mississippi’s “secret coast,” Bay St. Louis is charming with its dog-friendly, dog-friendly white sand beaches and artistic old town. They jump into galleries and boutiques, put Nosh in fresh seafood from spiny oysters and blind tigers, hunting whimsical “angels of the Bay” and live on angel-carved oak trees. On the stairs from the station, there is a new restaurant in the Depot area (check out Butcher Block Steakhouse, which has a lively Wednesday night market with wine, cocktails, charcuterie or Butcher Block Steakhouse, local favorites, Biloxi, shops, food trucks, craft vendors and live music.
Virox
Biloxi blends beach culture and adventure with the vibrant casino scene. Tour the cast-iron Biloxi Lighthouse, book a fishing charter, rent a paddle board, or relax in the sparkling white sand. Once known as the “seafood capital of the world”, Biloxi travelers can take shrimp tours, visit the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum, and sample world-inspired Gulf seafood. Try the white pillars led by James Beard semi-finalist Austin Smral.
Gulfport
Mississippi’s second largest city offers family-friendly attractions and easy access to the Gulf Islands National Coast. Visit the Marine Mammal Research Institute to interact with stinging rays and dolphins, or take a day trip to the ship’s island. From March to October, the ferry whisks visitors 11 miles south to Barrier Island. Barrier Island features untouched beaches, designated swimming areas and historic Fort Massachusetts. On the mainland, Gulfport’s wide sandy waters include playgrounds, volleyball courts and fishing piers.
Pascagoura
Located on the bay and its river of the same name, the relaxed Pascagoula is all natural and was born here Jimmy Buffett. In addition to Buffett Beach, outdoor spaces include salt marsh, Cypress marsh, Magnolia birdwatching pier and the town’s historic bike trails. Visit the oldest buildings in Mississippi, Brick Round Island Light House and La Pointe Krebs House. It dates back to about 1718, and is one of the remaining two examples of French colonial architecture on the Gulf (the other is an old Alabama mobile site).
