Amtrak officially returns to the Coast August 18 with four stops in Mississippi

• Dignitaries, including Mississippi U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, will take a ceremonial first ride on the new passenger rail service on Saturday.

The return of passenger rail service officially returns to the Mississippi Coast this weekend after nearly 20 years, as Amtrak’s new “Mardi Gras Service” line makes its way from New Orleans, Louisiana to Mobile, Alabama.

Along the twice-daily, round-trip service will be four stops in Mississippi at Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi and Pascagoula.

While the official start date is not until Monday, August 18, dignitaries from the states of Louisiana and Mississippi as well as the Federal Railroad Administration will take a VIP ceremonial ride on Saturday, August 16. They will depart New Orleans at 8:00 a.m.

Among those attending will be New Orleans & Co. President & CEO Walt Leger, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, U.S. Rep. Troy Carter, U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, City Councilman Eugene Green, Acting Administrator for the Federal Railroad Administration Drew Feeley and more.

The ceremonial ride will feature stops in each of the four Mississippi locations with celebrations and remarks from local and national leaders.

For the public wishing to book a trip on the new rail service, tickets are available at Amtrak. Adult coach fare starts at $15 each way end-to-end, and is less for intermediate stops. Discounts are available for children (ages 2–12), students, seniors, and groups.

Amtrak’s service features coach and business service, café service, and free Wi-Fi. Golf bags are accepted and pets are welcome in carriers.

The service schedule, slated to begin Monday, August 18, as provided by Amtrak for the new Coast line is shown below.