Photos: Inside the new Amtrak Mardi Gras train in New Orleans
Why it matters: Amtrak hasn't operated this line between New Orleans and Mobile since Hurricane Katrina.
The big picture: Amtrak's new Mardi Gras Service starts Aug. 18 with two daily trains. The stops are...
New Orleans
Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
Gulfport, Mississippi
Biloxi, Mississippi
Pascagoula, Mississippi
Mobile, Alabama
How it works: One-way tickets start at $15 but fluctuate based on demand, Amtrak vice president Nicole Bucich says.
Weekend trips we checked from New Orleans to Mobile were $30 for coach and $75 for business class.
Discounts are available for children, seniors, veterans and groups.
Behind the scenes: The trains are being promoted as an easier way to travel for Mardi Gras, Saints games, beach trips and other adventures.
It takes about four hours to do the full line, which is about two hours slower than driving. But, officials say you don't have to worry about traffic on I-10.
Several officials at the kickoff announcement earlier this month talked about the possibility of using the trains during hurricane evacuations. They didn't have many answers yet about how that would work.
Between the lines: This route is being partially funded by Louisiana, Mississippi, the City of Mobile and grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Zoom out: This is the fourth train route from the Union Passenger Terminal in New Orleans.
The City of New Orleans route goes to Memphis and Chicago.
The Sunset Limited goes to Los Angeles.
The Crescent goes to Atlanta and New York.
If you go: The Mardi Gras Service train is pet-friendly and you can bring luggage.
The seats felt roomier than coach seats on airplanes, plus there was a lot more legroom.
The train has a cafe and dining car with booth-style tables. The menu includes muffulettas, pralines, Zapp's chips and Abita beer.
They also have free WiFi and bathrooms.
💭 Carlie's thought bubble: Amtrak was a convenient option for my husband when he broke his foot and needed to get to Birmingham.
I've also taken it from Memphis to Chicago. I'm interested in trying the Gulf Coast route.
💭 Chelsea's thought bubble: I can totally see taking the Amtrak for a Mississippi beach day trip, especially because it would be easier to entertain a toddler while traveling on a train than in a car.
Go deeper: Check the train schedule and fares.
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