Make the Most of Six Hours in New Orleans by Train
The Amtrak Mardi Gras Service is Amtrak's newest route, offering twice-daily departures between New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal and Mobile, Alabama. This scenic coastal journey includes stops in Mississippi's most beautiful Gulf Coast destinations, including Pascagoula, Biloxi, Gulfport, and Bay Saint Louis - marking the return of passenger rail to the Gulf Coast after nearly 20 years.
The first train of the day arrives in New Orleans at about 10:30 a.m. The last train departs from New Orleans at 5:30 p.m. During your six hours in New Orleans, experience the culinary decadence of the French Quarter, take the streetcar, and explore New Orleans in a journey all your own.
10:30 a.m. – Take the streetcar
Once you arrive in New Orleans, exit Union Passenger Terminal and walk to your right straight ahead towards UPT Streetcar Bay 1. Hop aboard the Rampart-Loyola Line Streetcar #46. Taking this streetcar going to St. Claude Ave. at Elysian Fields, make your first stop. Exit the streetcar six stops later at N. Rampart St. at Conti St.
Tips for riding the streetcar:
Streetcar fare can be paid in cash. It can also be purchased in advance online, at select retail partner locations, or on the Le Pass app (we recommend the app). Fare is $1.25 per ride or $3 for “Jazzy Pass” unlimited rides all day.
11 a.m. – Stop for coffee just outside of the French Quarter
Enjoy a stop at Backatown Coffee Parlour to fuel your day of nonstop fun. This Black-owned coffee shop located in the historic Storyville District has delicious menu items such as crawfish quiche and shrimp and corn chowder. Enjoy standard coffee and tea products, plus comfy seating to enjoy your meal. Best of all, this shop is open seven days a week.
12 p.m. – Shop along Royal Street
Embark on a leisurely stroll down Royal Street, where art galleries and antique shops beckon with treasures waiting to be discovered. Lose yourself in the eclectic mix of local artwork, vintage finds, and unique souvenirs as you soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic thoroughfare. Visit antique shops like M.S. Rau and peruse locally made gifts at The Shop at the Collection. Much of Royal Street closes to vehicular traffic and becomes a pedestrian mall, perfect for strolling and shopping.
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Paul Broussard
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(1) Chemin à la Mer, (2) Napoleon House, (3) Napoleon House - Muffuletta, (4) Broussard's - Josephine Benedict
1 p.m. – Enjoy a classic New Orleans lunch
Lunch in New Orleans means another delicious meal! Dig into a muffuletta and Pimm’s cup at Napoleon House, or a po-boy and Barq’s root beer at Verti Marte. Or, take the fine dining route. Visit the oldest restaurant in the country, Antoine’s, for the Gulf Fish Amandine and Baked Alaska. Broussard’s, Arnaud’s, Galatoire’s, and Brennan’s are more classic dining spots where you can get gumbo, BBQ shrimp, grilled Gulf fish, and turtle soup. Lunch is typically more casual and cost-effective than dinner, so feel free to feast!
2 p.m. – Visit a fun museum
Perhaps you’d like to visit the penguins at Audubon Aquarium or snap photos in the larger-than-life, interactive exhibits of JAMNOLA. Learn about the history of jazz (and stop in for an afternoon performance!) at the New Orleans Jazz Museum. Or visit the Sazerac House, where you can go behind-the-scenes of New Orleans cocktail culture with free samples (and free entry!).
4 p.m. – Head back to Union Passenger Terminal
Hop aboard Canal Streetcar Line #48/47. Once you reach Canal at N. Rampart, you will need to transfer to the Rampart-Loyola Line Streetcar #46 to get back to the train station. Amtrak recommends arriving at the train station at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Spend the train ride reminiscing on the sights, sounds, and tastes of New Orleans – and don’t forget to plan your next visit!
Through Nov. 18, 2025, Amtrak Guest Rewards® members can earn triple points on Amtrak Mardi Gras Service travel when they complete three qualifying trips during the promotional period.
