When Amtrak’s Mardi Gras line between Mobile and New Orleans opened to the public on Aug. 18, 2025, the train service carried lots of hope while raising a number of questions.
When it celebrated its first anniversary last Tuesday, most of the hopes had been more than realized, while the many smaller questions have been replaced with just a single, bigger main concern.
One year ago Tuesday, Amtrak launched its new Mardi Gras Service along the Gulf Coast by transforming one of its trains into a rolling Carnival celebration complete with jazz bands, beads, MoonPies and adoring crowds at every stop.
When two New Orleans-Mobile, Ala., round trips began on Aug. 18, 2025, many observers wondered whether the enthusiasm from the previous Saturday’s raucous inaugural events would translate into strong and sustained daily patronage.
Guess what? It did.
Southern Rail Commission and Amtrak personnel are celebrating the one-year anniversary of Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service by announcing that the trains have more than doubled pre-launch estimates of 71,000 annual riders. Amtrak said in a press release today (Aug. 18, 2026) that total ridership since the start of service will reach 150,000 this week. Along with staging media events along the route today, the company is giving out commemorative pins, cups, and anniversary certificates to passengers on morning train Nos. 23 and 24.
Desire for travel on Amtrak Mardi Gras Service trains remains strong across Coastal Mississippi between New Orleans and Mobile, Ala., as the locally-sponsored twice-daily service celebrates its first anniversary today.
Ridership since the service began on Aug. 18, 2025, will reach 150,000 this week, with more 100,000 of those passengers in 2026. Each customer riding these Amtrak trains today received a commemorative certificate, 1st Anniversary Pin and logo cup as keepsakes to mark the historic occasion on the newest service in the Amtrak network.
“This route has exceeded every expectation for ridership and revenue,” said Amtrak Executive Vice President Jennifer Mitchell. “The trains are consistently at the top of all services in customer satisfaction scores, due to great work by Amtrak train, engine, on-board and maintenance teams.”
This service is sponsored by the Louisiana and Mississippi transportation departments and the City of Mobile, in cooperation with the Southern Rail Commission (SRC). Mitchell credits strong marketing support from Visit Mobile, New Orleans & Co., and Coastal Mississippi, three regional tourism agencies promoting this service.
“Thanks to all those who have welcomed Amtrak back to this region after 20 years,” Mitchell added. “Much of the marketing muscle for this route has come from our partnership with the three destination promotion organizations who have made our service regionally, nationally and globally famous.”
Book now at Amtrak.com/MardiGras, by using Amtrak mobile apps, the New Orleans ticket counter or by calling 800-USA-RAIL.
Reactions:
“What a year it has been since we celebrated the launch of the Mardi Gras Line. Passenger rail has increased tourism and expanded job opportunities along the Gulf Coast. We are introducing the world to Mississippi, and we are doing it in style,” said Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.)
“What a milestone for Mississippi! One year in, the Amtrak Mardi Gras Service has shown just how much our Gulf Coast communities value this connection. I was proud to champion the return of this service, and I’ll continue working to build on its success and help it grow as Chair of the Senate Transportation-HUD Appropriations Subcommittee. This first anniversary is a powerful reminder of the difference this service is making, boosting tourism, strengthening our economy, and sharing our way of life along the Coast,” said Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Chair of the Transportation-HUD Appropriations Subcommittee.
"One year ago, we welcomed the Amtrak Mardi Gras Service back to the Gulf Coast, and what a year it's been. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we made a promise to rebuild stronger, more connected communities — and the ridership, the partnerships, and the stories from passengers along this route show that promise is being kept. From New Orleans to Mobile, this line has become more than a way to travel; it's become a lifeline for local economies and a bridge between communities that share a Gulf Coast spirit. Here's to the employees, the state partners, and most of all the riders who made year one a success. All aboard for many more," said Rep. Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La. 2nd).
“One year ago, the return of passenger rail service to the Mississippi Gulf Coast marked an exciting new chapter for South Mississippi. The Amtrak Mardi Gras Service has strengthened connections along the Gulf Coast, created new opportunities for tourism and economic growth, and provided residents and visitors with another way to experience everything our region has to offer. I’m proud to celebrate this milestone and look forward to seeing this service continue connecting our coastal communities for years to come,” said Rep. Mike Ezell (R-Miss. 4th)
"As we celebrate the one year anniversary of Amtrak’s return, I think it’s important to reflect on the positive impact bringing back passenger rail has had on the entire central Gulf Coast region," said Mobile Mayor Spiro Cheriogotis.
“Anytime Mississippi’s multimodal network expands, it does the people of our state a great service. In the case of Amtrak Mardi Gras Service, passenger rail service has been restored on the Gulf Coast and has far exceeded ridership expectations in its first year. MDOT was proud contribute matching funds that helped enable this service and provide another mode of transportation that connects Mississippians and visitors to destinations along the Gulf Coast, boosting tourism and local economies,” said Commissioner Charles Busby, Southern Transportation District, Mississippi Department of Transportation.
“Over the past year, it has been incredibly exciting to see the unprecedented demand for passenger rail in the Gulf Coast region. We never could have anticipated the incredible impact that Amtrak Mardi Gras Service would have, and I look forward to seeing how it will continue to bring together these communities and promote an exciting way of travel,” said Knox Ross, chairman of the SRC.
“Better connectivity is key to staying competitive. Since the launch of Amtrak Mardi Gras Service one year ago, New Orleans has seen a nearly 20 percent increase in visitation from Mobile, and similar increases from across the Mississippi Gulf Coast. We’ve hosted many international journalists and influencers on the train, generating positive media stories, showcasing the beauty of our region and inspiring even more visitors to book a trip. We congratulate Amtrak, the Southern Rail Commission, and our Gulf Coast destination partners on this tremendous anniversary and look forward to building on this momentum for years to come,” said Walt Leger III, President and CEO of New Orleans & Company, the official destination sales and marketing organization for the New Orleans tourism industry.
“Amtrak Mardi Gras Service has continued to surpass expectations since day one, one year ago today. From adding cars to meet demand to earning the highest customer satisfaction rating among all Amtrak lines and exceeding yearly anticipated ridership at the six-month mark, this multi-agency initiative has been a resounding success,” said David Clark, President and CEO of Visit Mobile and SRC member.
“Over the past year, the Amtrak Mardi Gras Service has proven to be so much more than a new transportation option. It has created a new front door, bringing even more visitors to Coastal Mississippi. We’re thrilled to welcome passengers traveling from New Orleans and Mobile and give them an easy, enjoyable way to experience each of the four coastal communities on the line. Whether they come for our fresh Gulf seafood, beautiful beaches, world-class attractions or the unique character of our coastal towns, rail travel makes it easier than ever to discover what makes Coastal Mississippi so special. As we celebrate this first anniversary, we’re excited about the opportunities ahead to introduce even more travelers to our 62 miles of scenic shoreline and everything waiting for them along the way,” said Judy Young, CEO, Coastal Mississippi.
The Amtrak route that carries hundreds of passengers a day between New Orleans and Mobile is celebrating a year of extraordinary success and promise, even as its leaders confront growing questions of safety at rail crossings along the Gulf Coast.
The changes transforming this coastal Mississippi city are easy to spot. Where a lot sat vacant, a boutique hotel is now welcoming visitors. In a building that once housed an old bank, young professionals are moving into modern apartments with a rooftop bar.
Where a train depot long languished in disrepair, an elegant new brew pub just opened.
In the nine months since Amtrak launched its Mardi Gras Service between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, more than 115,000 people have ridden the new train, generating nearly $4 million in ticket sales and blowing past projections.
But some of the most surprising numbers related to the service have come from the cafe car, which has also has exceeded expectations. Passengers on the twice-daily route have spent more than $586,000 on food and beverages since the service began in August 2025, according to data from Amtrak.
The Amtrak Mardi Gras line is drawing riders from across the Gulf South nearly a year after its launch, with ridership far exceeding expectations.
The train rolls into the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal three hours after leaving Mobile, Alabama.
Rachel Elvis said the ride from Mobile through the beaches of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and into New Orleans was smooth.