Amtrak announces Aug. 18 start date for new Gulf Coast route, with ticket sales now open.

This morning, Amtrak issued a press release announcing the official start date, schedules, and fares for the new Amtrak Mardi Gras Service between New Orleans and Mobile.

Read Amtrak's press release here.

Book train travel here.

Knox Ross, Chairman of the Southern Rail Commission, issued the following statement:

“The Southern Rail Commission is incredibly proud and excited that the Amtrak Mardi Gras Service is starting so soon after decades of work by all our partners who have played indispensable roles in today’s announcement. We know this service will have tremendous impact in boosting our local economies, connecting people with jobs and education opportunities, and bolstering our vibrant tourism industry in the coastal cities along the route, and we encourage everyone to start buying tickets for your upcoming travel.”