Amtrak Expands Mardi Gras Service: More Room for Revelers Heading to the Festivities!

Mardi Gras season is just around the corner, and Amtrak is gearing up to make it even more enjoyable for everyone traveling between Mobile and New Orleans. According to Mobile, starting January 9 and running through February 23, 2026, an additional coach car will be added to the popular train service. This is great news for both seasoned rail travelers and those planning their first journey!

The added capacity will be available for the twice-daily routes, specifically on trains 23 and 26. Train 23 leaves Mobile every morning at 6:30 a.m. heading to New Orleans, while Train 26 departs New Orleans for Mobile at 5:31 p.m. With the extra space, more locals will be able to hop on board and enjoy the festivities in the Big Easy.

The push for this additional car came from a meeting of the Southern Rail Commission (SRC) held in Bay Saint Louis in December. David Clark, the President and CEO of Visit Mobile and an SRC commissioner, noted the success of the existing Mardi Gras service, which has been well-received by riders. “Given the popularity of the service and the addition of extra cars during Saints games, it was a no-brainer to request more capacity for Mardi Gras,” Clark explained. He added that this route boasts the highest customer satisfaction ratings among all of Amtrak’s lines across the country.

Amtrak’s Board Chairman Anthony Coscia has indicated that the Mardi Gras Service is on track to significantly exceed initial customer estimates since its launch in August. As we prepare to celebrate this vibrant season, it’s encouraging to see our local train service accommodating the growing number of revelers.

For all the details on the Mardi Gras Service, including schedules and travel tips, check out Mobile.org/Amtrak and get ready to make the most of this year’s festivities!

Originally reported by Mobile