Ride Amtrak to NOLA from the Gulf Coast

The Amtrak Mardi Gras Service is Amtrak's newest route, offering twice-daily departures between New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal and Mobile, Alabama. This scenic coastal journey includes stops in Mississippi's most beautiful Gulf Coast destinations, including Pascagoula, Biloxi, Gulfport, and Bay Saint Louis - marking the return of passenger rail to the Gulf Coast after nearly 20 years.

• Biloxi, MS: Try your luck at a casino, eat at Mary Mahoney’s Old French House, or check out the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum for artsy vibes. While not on the routes, Ocean Springs is located a short ride-share away and offers small-town charm, great dining, and the Walter Anderson Museum of Art.
• Pascagoula, MS: Explore historic architecture or relax at Beach Park with views of the Mississippi Sound. Off the Hook Seafood and Cajun Grille serves up local specialties like po-boys and hushpuppies.
• Mobile, Alabama - The final stop features charming architecture, the Historic Mobile Bay, and renowned Southern cuisine. Don't miss the Mobile Museum of Art or a stroll through the historic districts.

In addition to the train stops, Amtrak's new Mardi Gras Service now offers seamless bus connections from Baton Rouge to the New Orleans-Mobile train route. Travelers can use a single ticket for the entire journey, with buses departing Baton Rouge's Greyhound station twice daily at 5:35 a.m. and 2 p.m., arriving at New Orleans' Union Passenger Terminal at 7:05 a.m. and 4:45 p.m., respectively. Passengers then transfer directly to the Amtrak train to Mobile without needing separate tickets.

Adult coach fares end-to-end start at $15 each way. Business class offers more comfortable seating and complimentary beverages for an additional cost. There are everyday discounts for children ages 2-12, students, seniors, veterans, military personnel, and families, small groups, large groups, and others. 

Getting FROM Union Passenger Terminal to the French Quarter, Marigny/Bywater, and Uptown 

Streetcar fare can be paid in cash. It can also be purchased in advance online, at select retail partner locations, or on the Le Pass app (we recommend the app). Fare is $1.25 per ride or $3 for “Jazzy Pass” unlimited rides all day. Discounts are available for disabled, senior, or youth riders ages 5-18. You can also purchase a three-day “Jazzy Pass” for $8, a seven-day “Jazzy Pass” for $15, or a 31-day “Jazzy Pass” for $45. 

Once you arrive in New Orleans, you have the option to take a few different streetcar lines depending on where you’re going from Union Passenger Terminal.  

The most convenient line is Rampart-Loyola Line Streetcar #46. When you exit Union Passenger Terminal, walk to your right straight ahead towards UPT Streetcar Bay 1. You do not need to cross any streets to access this stop. Taking this streetcar going to St. Claude Ave. at Elysian Fields will connect you to the Canal Streetcar Line, where you can transfer to ride on the edge of the French Quarter all the way down to the Riverfront, or toward Mid-City to the New Orleans Museum of Art. You could also remain on the Rampart-Loyola line to head to the Marigny/Bywater. 

If you’re headed Uptown, there’s a streetcar line for you! Once you exit Union Passenger Terminal, walk about four blocks to the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar Line. You can hop on the streetcar at St. Charles & Julia, St. Charles & St. Joseph, or St. Charles & Howard (essentially, just walk toward St. Charles Avenue and you will find a stop). Take the #12 streetcar towards S. Carrollton Ave. at S. Claiborne Ave. Enjoy the ride through scenic Uptown! 

Getting TO Union Passenger Terminal from the French Quarter, Marigny/Bywater, and Uptown 

When you’re heading to Union Passenger Terminal to leave New Orleans, simply do the opposite of what’s above. Line by line, here is what you should take. 

Rampart-Loyola Line Streetcar #46 

Head to UPT Streetcar Bay 1 and get off at the UPT Streetcar Bay 1 stop – the end of the line! 

Canal Streetcar Line 

You will need to transfer to the Rampart-Loyola Line Streetcar #46 to get back to the train station.  

St. Charles Avenue Streetcar Line #12 

Head to Canal at Carondelet and hop off at Carondelet at Julia and walk north down Julia Street towards the terminal. 

Whether you're just doing a day trip or if you're looking to hit the ground running with activities right off the train, there are a number of points of interest, streetcar lines, hotels, restaurants, and more in very close proximity to the train station. Explore the map below to get a better sense of where the station is located in relation to public transportation, popular attractions, and places to eat and stay.

Keep it simple: sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes (the same ones you'll use for exploring New Orleans), a light jacket for air-conditioned train cars, and a small bag for souvenirs.

These Amtrak trains will offer Coach and Business Class in addition to Café service with a menu featuring locally sourced items. Guests will enjoy wide reclining seats with ample legroom, no middle seats, free Wi-Fi, and generous carry-on baggage allowances.

With space reserved in advance, golf bags will be accepted, and pets will be welcomed in carriers and within appropriate weights.  The trains feature comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, and a cafe car with locally sourced menu items.

We're so glad you asked! The Amtrak Mardi Gras Service couldn't have started at a better time. August in New Orleans means COOLinary New Orleans and New Orleans Museum Month, plus other one-of-a-kind festivals and events. Come September, you'll find the start of Saints football season, the return of NOLAxNOLA, and Hispanic Heritage Month. Plan a long weekend over Labor Day, or just hop aboard and come in for a last-minute, end-of-summer getaway. Browse more late summer fun below.