Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service has seen a surge in popularity among fans of the NFL’s New Orleans Saints, prompting the addition of a new train car to accommodate the growing number of riders. This service connects New Orleans, Louisiana, with Gulfport, Mississippi, and Mobile, Alabama, providing a vital transportation link for fans traveling to home games at the Caesars Superdome.
The route, which takes approximately 3 hours and 43 minutes, departs twice daily and stops at several locations, including Bay Saint Louis, Biloxi, and Pascagoula. With the added car, Amtrak increases its capacity by 60 seats per trip. Adult coach tickets are priced at a reasonable $15 each way, while Business Class options are also available for those seeking a more comfortable journey.
Amtrak’s trains travel at speeds exceeding 100 mph, making this option significantly faster than driving, especially during game day traffic. The service has become a popular choice not only for football fans but also for tourists visiting areas known for their Mardi Gras celebrations and other attractions.
The additional capacity will be available during the Saints’ remaining home games, scheduled for November 23, December 14, and December 21. Should the Saints qualify for the playoffs, Amtrak plans to extend the service into 2026 to accommodate postseason games.
To promote the Mardi Gras Service, Amtrak is currently offering a special “3-3-3” loyalty program, which rewards members with triple points for three trips along this route until November 18. This promotion includes all three stops on the line.
The demand for the Mardi Gras Service has exceeded expectations, not just for sports fans but also for attendees of local events, such as Mississippi’s Cruisin’ the Coast. The route has sold out during this popular festival, highlighting its broad appeal.
In a statement, Judy Young, CEO of Coastal Mississippi, noted that early ridership on the Amtrak Mardi Gras route has continued to increase. “Our local stations are welcoming new guests and seeing friends and families taking advantage of the ability to have a ‘mini family reunion’ as they travel,” she said.
The success of the Mardi Gras Service may encourage greater investment in rail travel. According to the Southern Rail Commission, nearly 19,000 riders used the service in August and September, averaging over 105 customers per train. This level of ridership equates to approximately 400 fewer cars on the I-10 or US-90 highways each day, demonstrating the potential for rail travel to alleviate traffic congestion while providing a more environmentally friendly alternative to driving.
As the popularity of the Mardi Gras Service continues to grow, there is hope that it will inspire further expansion of train routes across the country, improving travel options for both leisure and commuting.
