Ticket Sales Surge for Amtrak Mardi Gras Launch Service

Amtrak’s new Gulf Coast Mardi Gras Service has sparked strong interest, and early ticket sales confirm how eager travelers are to ride the train. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Just a day after the official launch, the first morning departures on August 18 were sold out in both directions. The 6:30 a.m. train from Mobile to New Orleans and the 7:35 a.m. return trip filled quickly.

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However, afternoon ticket options on the same day were still available as of July 3. Coach fares from Mobile cost $46, while tickets from New Orleans start at $24. Business class is already sold out.

Ticket Pricing Driven by Demand

WALA-TV reported complaints from viewers unable to find the advertised $15 ticket rate. But evidence on Amtrak’s website shows those fares were visible for August 20.

Dynamic pricing has played a key role in shifting costs. On July 3, $15 seats were available for August 19–20 in both directions. Prices increased to $24 on August 21 and $30 from August 22–24.

Spokesman Marc Magliari clarified that weekend fares are less likely to stay low, especially as demand surges.

Ticket Demand Signals Strong Start for New Route

Amtrak officially revealed the schedule, start date, and ticket pricing on July 1. This launch follows nearly ten years of negotiations and planning across state and federal levels.

So far, interest has remained steady throughout the first week of service. As more passengers book early, higher prices can be expected due to real-time fare adjustments.

The Gulf Coast route offers twice-daily round trips, reviving intercity rail between Mobile and New Orleans. For many in the region, the return of this service is both long overdue and widely welcomed.

Source: www.trains.com

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