A new twice-daily Amtrak service connecting New Orleans, Louisiana, with Mobile, Alabama, comes into service on August 18.

The Mardi Gras will be the first passenger rail route between the two cities for nearly 20 years.

With two daily roundtrips between two cities renowned for their Mardi Gras celebrations, the service offers morning and evening departures and provides a scenic, comfortable alternative for travellers.

“The train is a convenient, accessible way for people to explore the South. It connects us to Mobile and opens that Gulf Coast experience in a relaxed, fuel-efficient way,” commented Jennifer Berthelot, Director of Communications for Louisiana Office of Tourism.

“It’s an economical option and ties in beautifully with the ideas of sustainability and slow travel. There’s even a nostalgic appeal to it and a return to scenic, unhurried journeys is something people are really embracing this year.”

“It’s such a fun connection! We always tease with Mobile because they say they invented Mardi Gras – and, you know, they did – but we perfected it!

“Here in the South, we’re known for our slower pace, and this kind of travel really complements that. It gives visitors the opportunity to take their time, see the sights, and start or end their journey in New Orleans, which means they can arrive and still have time to explore the city without stress.”

Highlights for tourists in New Orleans include Bourbon Street, the National World War II Museum, the Garden District and the French Quarter for shopping, dining and world-class jazz.

In Mobile, a city with vibrant history that stretches back nearly 325 years, centuries-old customs come alive in vibrant festivals, colourful parades and lively gatherings held throughout the year.

David Clark, President and CEO of Visit Mobile and Alabama’s Commissioner on the Southern Rail Commission, added, “This twice-daily service opens new opportunities for tourism and economic growth in Mobile and the wider Gulf Coast.”

The service, funded in part by the City of Mobile and supported by federal and state partners, will accommodate golf bags and pets, and offer free Wi-Fi and spacious seating.

During the near-four-hour journey, the train makes stops in four Mississippi cities:  

Pascagoula, Biloxi, Gulfport and Bay Saint Louis.

Pascagoula has impressive antebellum architecture and pirate Jean Lafitte, presidents Andrew Jackson, Ulysses S. Grant, Zachary Taylor and singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffet all spent time in the city.

Biloxi is known for its family-oriented activities, 24/7 entertainment, white-sand beaches and fresh-caught seafood.

Highlights in Gulfport include fishing charters, a beautiful harbour and an eclectic downtown area that is home to Fishbone Alley, an ever-evolving public art space tucked into a historic alley.

With its historic buildings, Bay Saint Louis is a one-off city which embraces the heritage of the Coastal Mississippi region. It is popular for its white-sand beaches, downtown art galleries and antique stores.

Fares start at $15 one-way, with discounts available for children and seniors.

amtrakvacations.co.uk; alabama.travel; neworleans.com; explorelouisiana.com