Amtrak is set to relaunch its Mardi Gras Service along the US Gulf Coast 20 years after it was halted in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Beginning 18 August, the intercity train service will operate between Mobile, Alabama and New Orleans twice daily, with morning and early evening departures. The journey takes around four hours, with stops in Pascagoula, Biloxi, Gulfport and Bay Saint Louis in Mississippi along the way.
“The return of passenger rail gives both visitors and locals a new way to enjoy the sights, sounds and flavours that make Louisiana so special,” said Glenn Ledet, Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.
“Re-starting the Amtrak line is a significant step toward establishing self-sufficient passenger rail service in the Gulf Coast Region.”
Prices start at US$15 each way for adults, with both coach and business class options. Travellers will be able to take on two carry-on bags, weighing up to 23kg, and a personal item. Pets can also be taken aboard in carriers, subject to size restrictions.
For those looking to travel further afield, the timings of the new trains allow for same-day connections to the Amtrak City of New Orleans trains between New Orleans and Chicago via Jackson, Mississippi and Memphis. There will also be next-day connections in New Orleans for the Amtrak Crescent trains to and from New York via Atlanta, and the Amtrak Sunset Limited trains to and from Los Angeles via Tucson, San Antonio and Houston.
More information: amtrak.com
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