Acela Train

Acela Train High-Speed Rail

Acela Train

Experience the future of American rail travel with Acela, Amtrak’s high-speed rail service, offering fast, comfortable journeys along the Northeast Corridor. Acela connects major cities — Boston, New Haven, New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, DC — with multiple departures every day.

With end-to-end trip times around 7 hours, Acela provides a convenient downtown-to-downtown alternative to flying or driving. The new “NextGen Acela” fleet has been introduced to enhance speed, comfort, and reliability.

Route & Stations

Acela operates between Washington, DC ↔ Baltimore ↔ Wilmington ↔ Philadelphia ↔ New York City ↔ New Haven ↔ Boston, with prominent stops in between.

Key stations include:

  • Boston – South Station and Back Bay
  • New Haven, CT (Union Station)
  • Stamford, CT
  • New York City – Moynihan Train Hall
  • Newark, NJ; Metropark, NJ
  • Philadelphia – 30th Street Station
  • Wilmington, DE; Baltimore (Penn Station & BWI Airport)
  • Washington, DC – Union Station

Departures are frequent, including on weekends; schedules vary by time of day.

NextGen Acela — What’s New

NextGen Acela Engine

Amtrak’s NextGen Acela is the new generation of the Acela trainsets, rolled out beginning August 28, 2025, with gradual deployment of 28 new trains through 2027.

Highlights of NextGen Acela include:

  • Higher speeds: top speeds of 160 mph versus 150 mph in the older fleet.
  • More seating capacity: nearly 25% more seats per train with ample legroom.
  • Upgraded comfort features: ergonomic and wider seats, large windows, quieter ride (tilt system), bright lighting.
  • Enhanced technology: free, faster 5G-enabled Wi-Fi, individual power outlets and USB ports at every seat, reading lights.
  • Improved amenities: better luggage storage (overhead bins, luggage towers), larger restrooms (contactless, ADA-compliant where required), onboard information systems.
  • Greener operation: reduced energy usage per passenger, sustainable materials, and recycling options onboard.

Classes & Seating Options

Acela offers two main classes with distinct amenities:

NextGen Acela First Class At-Seat Beverage Service
First Class
  • Luxury seating with 1×2 (single/double) arrangement, plus conference-table seats for groups of 2 or 4. Seats include adjustable headrests, lumbar support and footrests.
  • At-seat meal service: First Class passengers enjoy complimentary meals and beverages, with menu items rotating every few weeks, including chef-inspired cuisine from notable restaurants.
  • Access to Metropolitan Lounges in major stations (Boston, New York Moynihan, Philadelphia 30th Street, Washington Union Station).
  • Priority boarding and other perks in the seating experience.
Acela Business Class
Business Class
  • Comfortable 2×2 seating with tray tables.
  • Access to power outlets at every seat.
  • “Quiet Car” option for a more peaceful environment.
  • Cart-service food & beverage options on select trains. Cafe Acela open to all, but First Class gets elevated dining.

Seat Selection & Accessibility

  • All Acela trains allow seat selection (First Class & Business). During booking, you can choose seat type (window/aisle, conference/table, forward/backward). Changes allowed post-booking via app or website.
  • Accessible seating for passengers with disabilities, mobility devices and service animals. ADA-compliant restrooms.

Onboard Amenities & Service

Dining & Food

  • First-class passengers receive complimentary in-seat meals and a selection of beverages. Menus rotate every few weeks, featuring seasonal, gourmet items from STARR restaurants, etc.
  • Cafe Acela is open to all customers, offering fresh snacks, sandwiches, salads, artisan items, and beverages.
  • Cart service in Business Class on selected departures: snacks, wine, beer, spirits, drinks delivered to seats.

Connectivity & Comfort

  • Free, high-speed, 5G-enabled Wi-Fi throughout the train.
  • Power outlet and USB port at every seat.
  • Quiet Car for a quieter, more restful atmosphere.
  • Spacious restrooms; contactless features; luggage storage options (overhead bins, luggage towers, under-seat).

Travel Experience & Practical Details

Ticketing & Boarding

  • Book first or business class tickets via Amtrak website or app. Seat selection included at no extra fee.
  • Arrive at the station just minutes before departure — boarding is streamlined.

Schedule & Frequency

  • Multiple departures daily in both directions, including during weekdays and weekends.
  • Travel times vary depending on stops; some non-stop or limited-stop services reduce travel time.

Luggage Policy & Station Facilities

  • Ample luggage storage: overhead bins, dedicated towers, under-seat space.
  • Major stations have Metropolitan Lounges for First Class travelers, access to local transit, taxi, rideshare etc.

Advantages of Choosing Acela

  • Speed & Efficiency — cover long distance on Northeast Corridor in ~7 hours, bypassing airport delays and check-ins.
  • Comfort & Amenities — more legroom, quiet cars, full amenities, reliable Wi-Fi & power at seat.
  • Flexibility — frequent schedules, downtown-to-downtown travel, seat selection, multiple class options.
  • New Fleet — NextGen trains bring upgraded technology, higher speed, more seats, and enhanced sustainability.

Sustainability & Safety

  • NextGen Acela is designed to use significantly less energy per passenger compared to the older fleet. Sustainability in materials and recycling onboard are priorities.
  • Advanced safety systems are included: tilt for a smoother ride, real-time onboard information, and improved stability features.

Pricing & Booking Tips

  • First Class is more expensive, but includes meals, lounge access, priority boarding etc. Business Class offers fewer perks but still strong value with comfort & convenience.
  • Book in advance for lower fares. Monitor schedules, especially if choosing non-stop or limited-stop service.
  • For groups, conference/table seating options (First Class) are worthwhile.
  • Review cancellation/refund policies, especially during uncertain weather or service adjustments.

Regions & Attractions Along the Route

Traveling Acela isn’t just transit—it connects you with historic and cultural destinations:

  • Boston – rich colonial history, Freedom Trail, museums, and academic institutions.
  • New York City – arts, theatre, business, landmarks like the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, etc.
  • Philadelphia – colonial history, Liberty Bell, fine food & museums.
  • Washington, DC – monuments, Smithsonian museums, national institutions.