Amtrak Mardi Gras Service continues to exceed expectations after concluding its inaugural quarter as one of the most successful service launches in the passenger rail operator’s history.
According to the Southern Rail Commission (SRC), as of January 31, 2026, nearly 70,500 passengers have traveled on the Gulf Coast line since its inaugural run in August 2025, with ticket fares averaging $34 per person. Additionally, Amtrak’s Customer Satisfaction Index survey shows 94.1 percent of passengers were extremely satisfied with their overall experience on the train.
Amtrak’s original projected ridership on the Mardi Gras Service was 60,000 passengers in the first complete year.
David Clark, President and CEO of Visit Mobile and SRC commissioner, said, “Amtrak provides options for easy and experiential travel while creating a new avenue of economic impact for the City of Mobile and Gulf Coast communities. It’s a roadmap for success.”
In October, Amtrak Mardi Gras Service was also named Best New Tourism Initiative by international travel magazine JRNY, recognizing its early impact in strengthening destinations, engaging communities and enhancing the visitor experience.
For more information about twice-daily, round-trip routes on the Amtrak Mardi Gras Service, pre-planned itineraries, parking, transportation and more, visit Mobile.org/Amtrak.
