Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service has seen a surge in popularity, leading the rail company to add an additional train car to accommodate the growing number of passengers. The service connects three states—Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama—and is particularly favored by fans traveling to watch the New Orleans Saints play at the Caesars Superdome.
The Mardi Gras Service connects New Orleans, Gulfport, and Mobile, completing the journey in approximately 3 hours and 43 minutes. This route not only facilitates access to major sporting events but also serves as a gateway to popular tourist destinations, including beautiful beaches and rich historical sites. With train speeds exceeding 100 mph, the service offers a quicker alternative to driving.
Amtrak operates the Mardi Gras Service twice daily, with local stops in Bay Saint Louis, Biloxi, and Pascagoula. The addition of a new car expands capacity by 60 seats per trip, a necessity given the ticket prices—just $15 one-way for adult coach tickets. Business Class options are also available for those seeking a more luxurious experience. Additionally, passengers may bring small pets along for the journey.
Fans of the Saints can take advantage of this increased capacity during the team’s home games, with three remaining this season on November 23, December 14, and December 21. If the Saints qualify for the playoffs, Amtrak may extend service into 2026 for postseason games.
To further encourage ridership, Amtrak is offering a special “3-3-3” promotion for loyalty members, allowing them to earn triple points for completing three trips on the Mardi Gras Service route. This offer extends to all journeys along the route until November 18.
The demand for the Mardi Gras Service is not just limited to football fans. Many riders have utilized the service for events such as Mississippi’s Cruisin’ the Coast, which has seen train rides completely sell out. Additionally, local residents are using the route for commuting or visiting family members in smaller communities along the line.
In a statement, Judy Young, CEO of Coastal Mississippi, noted, “Early ridership on the Amtrak Mardi Gras route has continued to increase.” She highlighted that local stations are welcoming new guests and facilitating family reunions through the service.
The rising popularity of rail travel could encourage more people to choose trains over planes, particularly given the current air traffic controller shortages impacting flight reliability. According to the Southern Rail Commission, nearly 19,000 riders used the Mardi Gras Service in August and September alone, averaging over 105 customers per train. This translates to approximately 400 fewer cars on highways like the I-10 and US-90 each day.
As more passengers opt for heavy rail travel, there is potential for both government and private sector investment in expanding rail services. Amtrak’s successful Mardi Gras Service could pave the way for additional routes, improving travel options across the country.
