UK and Irish visitors to the southern US city of New Orleans can let the train take the strain from today, following the August 18 launch of Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service.
Set to become a fixture on Deep South tours, the Mardi Gras Service will link New Orleans’ centrally located Union Passenger Terminal to the city of Mobile, Alabama twice daily, via four scenic stops along Mississippi’s dreamy Gulf Coast, including Biloxi and Pascagoula.
As Kim Priez, Senior Vice President of Tourism at New Orleans & Company, pointed out, in addition to offering a convenient, car-free way to arrive in New Orleans, the new route offers effortless, affordable excursion options for those already in The Big Easy, from touring cities such as Biloxi and Mobile to beach days along Mississippi’s Gulf Shore.
“New Orleans is excited to welcome back Amtrak train service from New Orleans to Mobile. It has never been easier to enjoy New Orleans and Louisiana in combination with Gulf Coast Communities and the city of Mobile, Alabama. This unique itinerary includes six destinations, each offering unique experiences filled with award-winning cuisine, entertainment, outdoor experiences, shopping and more.”
Journeying from New Orleans to Mobile, both famed for their exuberant annual Mardi Gras celebrations, will take up to four hours one way on the line, which marks the first time the two cities have been connected by passenger rail for almost 20 years. With adult fares starting at just $15 one-way for adults, these Amtrak trains will offer Coach and Business Class, in addition to Café service, with a menu featuring locally sourced items.
Guests will also enjoy wide reclining seats with ample legroom, no middle seats, free Wi-Fi, and generous carry-on baggage allowances. Plus, departures are available in the mornings and evenings in each direction, with spaces to be reserved in advance.
As Doug Bourgeois, Assistant Secretary of Tourism at the Louisiana Office of Tourism, noted, the popularity of rail trips in the UK and Ireland bodes well for the launch, while New Orleans makes a great launchpad for further exploring the state, with its world-famous Creole and Cajun cuisine; pristine environments such as the Atchafalaya Basin; and 400+ annual festivals.
“With so much focus on US road trips, I think our visitors from the UK and Ireland sometimes forget how convenient the train is, both for reaching popular locations within the state, such as Lafayette and Lake Charles, and for onward travel from New Orleans to cities such as Memphis, San Antonio and Chicago,” said Bourgeois. “With this latest launch, visitors can now explore the Mississippi Gulf Coastline without a car, and we know how our visitors from the UK and Ireland love a good rail trip!”
How to do it:
The Mardi Gras Service provides a unique way for visitors from the UK and Ireland to experience the Deep South USA, offering a sustainable and scenic alternative to driving or flying for portions of their itinerary. What’s more, tour operators have already embraced the service, including Travelbag with its 13-night Deep South USA by Rail experience, from £1,599 per person, including flights.
American Sky’s new five-night New Orleans and Alabama break features a return trip on the Mardi Gras Service, along with return international flights, three nights accommodation in New Orleans, and two nights accommodation in Mobile, from £1,149 per person. See: www.americansky.co.uk/
America As You Like It offers a 14-night Get Your Vibe On 65 self-drive tour, from £2,000 per person, including flights, accommodation and car hire. The open-jaw package steers visitors from Chicago to Mobile, where visitors switch to Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service for onwards travel to New Orleans, for a one-night stay, before flying back to the UK. See: www.americaasyoulikeit.com/
Timetable details for the Mardi Gras Service can be found below. Meanwhile, details of Amtrak’s extensive rail network in Louisiana can be found here, and suggestions for car-free explorations of New Orleans can be found by clicking here.
In addition, visitors to New Orleans can use Amtrak’s existing Sunshine Ltd service to access Louisiana vacation hotspots such as Lake Charles and Lafayette, as well for onward travel to popular southern gateways such as Memphis and Chicago.