Amtrak Expanding Louisiana, Gulf Coast Service for Mardi Gras

(KMDL-FM) What is the biggest concern that many of us have during Mardi Gras celebrations? Okay, after we've found a place to use the restroom, what's our biggest concern? Right, it's getting from point A to point B safely while still maintaining our Mardi Gras buzz. That's why this year, thousands of Mardi Gras revelers in Louisiana and along the Gulf Coast will leave the driving to Amtrak and the railroad line's newly opened Mardi Gras rail service.

The Mardi Gras Service between New Orleans, Louisiana, and Mobile, Alabama has been some 20 years in the making. The tracks and the service were greatly affected by the wind and water of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Passenger rail service was only recently reinstated as of August 18th of 2025.

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As you might imagine, it took a lot of federal and state dollars to refurbish the tracks and rebuild train stations, but it appears as though the investment is paying off. Amtrak is reporting the new Mardi Gras line has become quite popular. In fact, they will be expanding service during the Mardi Gras or Carnival season.

Which City Hosted the United States First Mardi Gras Celebration?

Both New Orleans and Mobile lay claim to the raucous celebration of Fat Tuesday, so it's only fitting that revelers have a way to get from one town to the other without interrupting their buzz. In order to make sure there will be room for everyone, Amtrak is adding a car to trains 23 and 26 during the Mardi Gras season.

How Many More Seats Are Being Added to the Mardi Gras Amtrak Service?

The additional car will add 58 seats to the current configuration of the Amtrak Mardi Gras service. Three 58-seat cars, along with 17 seats slated for business class and a cafe, where travelers can buy food, beverages, and alcoholic drinks is also included in the Mardi Gras service.

The line has become so popular among train and Mardi Gras enthusiasts that they've created their own line of merchandise. Among the items offered are can coolers, t-shirts, caps, and the ever-popular fanny pack. They call it a belt bag, but we know what it really is.

READ MORE: Where Do Locals Buy Mardi Gras King Cakes in Cajun Country?

Our advice to you if you want to ride Amtrak during Mardi Gras is to reserve your tickets and seats now. The extra car will only be added for a limited time; it will actually go away after Mardi Gras.

Those who know say tickets will be harder and harder to get the closer we get to Fat Tuesday. We don't want you to miss out, and if you're drinking, we'd rather you be riding the train than driving.