How to get to Mardi Gras in New Orleans by train

Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a world-famous annual celebration. Parades and festivities usually start in January and continue through Shrove Tuesday (or Fat Tuesday), which can fall in February or March. With Mardi Gras attracting visitors from across the globe, traveling there via Amtrak can be a convenient and cost-effective way to reach the fun. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your train trip to Mardi Gras.

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Mardi Gras Dates

Fat Tuesday marks the final day of Mardi Gras, with the preceding weekend being the busiest and priciest for visitors. Fat Tuesday dates for the next few years are listed below.

2026: Feb. 17
2027: Feb. 9
2028: Feb. 29
2029: Feb. 13
2030: March 5

Why take a train to Mardi Gras?

Amtrak coach seats are often more affordable than airfare.
Trains offer a simpler boarding process compared with flights.
Avoid traffic congestion and limited parking in New Orleans.
Enjoy scenic views and a relaxing travel experience.
The New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is within walking distance of many hotels and the French Quarter.

Which Amtrak routes go to New Orleans?

Trains on four Amtrak routes travel to New Orleans: City of New Orleans, Crescent, Mardi Gras, and Sunset Limited. Check the route links below to view stations and select the one closest to your starting city. For complete route options, including connecting bus services, visit Amtrak.com and use the “Book” feature.

Note: The Sunset Limited operates only three days per week. Adjust your travel dates if this route is unavailable.

Amtrak Route	Description
City of New Orleans	Chicago to New Orleans with stops in Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana (including in Memphis, TN and Jackson, MS)
Crescent	New York City to New Orleans with stops in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana (including in Atlanta, GA)
Mardi Gras	Mobile, Alabama to New Orleans with a stop in Biloxi and other cities in Mississippi
Sunset Limited	Los Angeles to New Orleans with stops in California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Louisiana (including in Lafayette, Lake Charles, Houston, San Antonio, El Paso and Tucson)

Train Travel Times

Biloxi to New Orleans: 2.5 hours
Hattiesburg to New Orleans: ~3.5 hours
Mobile to New Orleans: ~4 hours
Jackson to New Orleans: 4 hours
Laurel to New Orleans: 4 hours
Lafayette to New Orleans: 4.5 hours
Lake Charles to New Orleans: ~6 hours
Birmingham to New Orleans: ~8 hours
Memphis to New Orleans: 9 hours
Houston to New Orleans: 9.5 hours
Atlanta to New Orleans: 13 hours
Chicago to New Orleans: ~20 hours

Coach vs Private Rooms

All Amtrak trains to New Orleans offer spacious coach seats that are larger and more comfortable than typical airplane seats. Seats partially recline, and each row includes convenient access to power outlets.

Additionally, all New Orleans routes except for the Mardi Gras have private rooms. Sleeper or private rooms are ideal for long-distance or overnight travel, offering beds, included meals, and added privacy. Plus, you can bring alcohol on board for consumption in your room. View the different types of sleeper car accommodations to learn more.

Whether you choose a coach seat or a private room, booking your Amtrak tickets in advance is a good strategy to save money and secure space on a train. Buying your tickets at least two or three months in advance is recommended.

New Orleans Station Guide

Amtrak trains arrive at the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal (1001 Loyola Ave, New Orleans).

Transportation Options

Streetcars and your own two feet are the best transportation options once you arrive in New Orleans. Taxis and rideshare are also available, but aren’t super helpful if you’re staying in the French Quarter due to road closures and heavy traffic (depending on your arrival date).

Lyft and Uber (can be expensive)
Taxis (usually available outside the Union Passenger Terminal, no surge pricing)
46 streetcar, which travels along the border of the French Quarter and the Treme neighborhood. Google Maps can help you plan a trip, just click the train icon to get transit directions. To purchase fare, download the Le Pass app.

Hotels Near the Amtrak Station

Hyatt Regency New Orleans is a top-rated hotel near the train station. Walking time is about 11 minutes.
You can also walk less than 15 minutes to:
For more options, view the best French Quarter hotels, best Central Business district hotels and nearby vacation rentals.

Hotels Near Streetcar Stops

The following French Quarter hotels are within a short walk of stops along the 46 streetcar route. You can board the streetcar outside the Union Passenger Terminal (view map) and reach these places directly without making a transfer.