Amtrak Mardi Gras Service has turned out to be one of its greatest recent successes with passenger volumes exceeding every initial estimate between the cities of New Orleans and Mobile.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Amtrak Mardi Gras Service Breaks Ridership Records Across Gulf Coast
Source, photo: www.thetravel.com

Amtrak Mardi Gras Service Launches With Record Demand

Mardi Gras Service started its operations on August 18th, 2025. This rail service operates twice a day between the states of Louisiana and Alabama, serving a total of six points along the way on the Gulf Coast. These points include New Orleans (LA), Bay St. Louis (MS), Gulfport (MS), Biloxi (MS), Pascagoula (MS), and Mobile (AL).

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Total travel time is 3 hours and 43 minutes. Trains include complimentary Wi-Fi access, no middle seats for comfort, and a café with local cuisine. Amtrak Mardi Gras Service train tickets can be bought on the Amtrak website or at local travel points.

During the period between mid-August and late September, passenger traffic was at approximately 19 000. However, by October 23rd, the number exceeded 30 000; this is more than twice Amtrak’s initial estimate. Initially, Amtrak estimated that the first year’s target was to achieve 71 000 passengers; however, current estimates exceed 150 000.

Passenger levels are currently averaging 90 percent, and Amtrak has added a car with 60 more seats to handle the increased passenger demand on peak days. Knox Ross, the Chairman of the Southern Rail Commission, has verified that passenger levels continue to climb.

Amtrak Mardi Gras Service Gains Popularity Through Promotions

Also introduced was a 3X points promotion for Amtrak’s Guest Rewards members to celebrate the new route’s launch. This means that customers who complete at least three journeys between August 18 and November 18 can earn triple points for all journeys made on this route.

Bonus points are applicable retroactively, and further travel earns rewards of 3X points. This initiative has been promoting regular travel. Since a number of Saints fans travel to matches using the Amtrak service, the company can look forward to increased travel during the football season.

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What is the Amtrak Mardi Gras Service?

It is a twice-daily train connecting New Orleans and Mobile with stops in Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula along the Gulf Coast.

How many passengers has the Amtrak Mardi Gras Service carried so far?

Between mid-August and October 23, about 30 000 passengers used the route, double the initial forecast.

What promotions are available for the Amtrak Mardi Gras Service?

Amtrak Guest Rewards® members earn triple points for trips on the Mardi Gras Service from August 18 to November 18.

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