Ride the Rails to Coastal Mississippi: Amtrak Mardi Gras Service Returns This August

Coastal Mississippi Welcomes Passenger Rail Service for the First Time in Decades

BILOXI, Miss., July 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Coastal Mississippi Tourism, the Destination Marketing Organization for Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson Counties on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, is thrilled to announce the long-anticipated return of passenger rail service to the Mississippi Gulf Coast this August with Amtrak's new Mardi Gras Service.

Service will begin on August 18, with four daily trips between Mobile and New Orleans, calling in Pascagoula, Biloxi, Gulfport, and Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.

"This isn't just a transportation milestone; it's a transformative opportunity to drive tourism growth across our entire region," said Judy Young, CEO of Coastal Mississippi Tourism. "We're deeply grateful to Amtrak and our state, local, and federal partners for working together to turn this long-awaited vision into reality."

Coastal Mississippi is already celebrated for its warm hospitality, beautiful beaches, world-class gaming, rich cultural attractions, and extraordinary culinary scene. With the return of passenger rail, visitors will find it even easier to discover and enjoy the authentic charm of our communities.

For the first time in decades, residents and visitors can enjoy convenient, comfortable trains connecting four of our key Coastal Mississippi communities to two major ports of entry, making it easier to explore all the region has to offer.

The Amtrak Mardi Gras Service is expected to bring thousands of new visitors annually to Coastal Mississippi's cities and towns. From the excitement of our many festival weekends, concerts, and special events, to relaxing beach weekends, culinary adventures, and family getaways, there's no better time—or easier way—to experience the Gulf Coast than by train.

"We look forward to welcoming our first passengers on August 18, and we invite everyone to hop aboard the Mardi Gras Service to discover everything there is to love about Coastal Mississippi," added Young.

Service Schedule, Tickets, and More Information are available on the Coastal Mississippi website.

About Coastal Mississippi Tourism

Coastal Mississippi is an organization charged with promoting South Mississippi as a tourism and convention destination worldwide. Its mission centers on attracting ever-increasing leisure, convention, sports, and business visitors to the area. It is dedicated to maximizing the travel and tourism industry in South Mississippi.

SOURCE Coastal Mississippi