Amtrak’s New Generation High-Speed Acela Train Enters Service for Luxurious Travel Experience
Amtrak’s new generation high-speed Acela train officially launched on Wednesday, August 27, departing from Union Station in Washington D.C. towards Penn Station in New York City, marking its inaugural journey.
Positioned as a luxurious journey for passengers, the new Acela offers complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, individual USB ports, power outlets, and reading lights.
According to Amtrak’s official website, on Friday, August 29, the one-way business class ticket from Washington to New York is priced at $498 per passenger.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that the operation of the new train will bring more affordable prices and provide the American public with a superior “travel experience.”
The new generation Acela train can reach a maximum speed of 160 miles per hour, 10 miles faster than the previous Acela, making it the fastest railway option along the Northeast Corridor in the United States.
Operating between Washington D.C., New York City, and Boston, the train covers multiple popular destinations along the route.
Amtrak plans to have 28 new trains in operation by 2027, increasing seating capacity by 27% per trip and expanding weekday and weekend frequencies.
However, it is worth noting that despite the speed improvement, current travel times from Washington to New York are 3 to 7 minutes slower than the previous model due to infrastructure limitations.
An Amtrak spokesperson emphasized that with continuous improvements to the infrastructure along the route, future travel times will further shorten.
The new Acela is designed as a “luxurious journey” tailored for passengers seeking comfort. The train features ergonomically designed seats in the premium cabin, providing ample legroom and wing-shaped privacy headrests; complimentary high-speed 5G wireless network; individual power outlets, and reading lights.
Upgrades have been made to the coach, dining, sleeper, and observation cars, equipped with new seat cushions, lighting systems, and modern decor to enhance overall comfort and aesthetics.
Dining services have also undergone a comprehensive upgrade, with the new Acela Café offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, while business class passengers can also enjoy cart service.
Ticket prices for the new generation Acela vary by route and date. For example, one-way fares from New York to Washington D.C. range from $100 to $500.
According to Amtrak’s website, the one-way business class ticket from Washington to New York on August 29 is priced at $498 per person, while the business class ticket from Washington to Philadelphia ranges from $232 to $361, and the fare to Boston South Station is approximately $526.
Booking the new Acela is straightforward. The new trains are labeled “NextGen” on the Amtrak website or app for easy identification by passengers.
Here are some common train numbers (subject to schedule changes, please confirm online): Weekdays: Trains 2153, 2154, 2170, 2173; Saturday: Trains 2250, 2251; Sunday: Trains 2248, 2258, 2259, 2271.
The new generation Acela is not just an upgrade in travel but also a boost to the U.S. economy. Amtrak stated in a press release that these trains are assembled at the Alstom factory in Hornell, NY, utilizing components from over 180 suppliers across 29 states, creating approximately 15,000 American job opportunities.
Amtrak President Roger Harris described the new Acela as a milestone for rail travel in the United States, stating, “The future of high-speed rail sets sail now.”
The inaugural journey of the new Acela coincides with the return of management rights of Washington Union Station to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Secretary Duffy previously requested Amtrak to enhance public safety at stations, aligning with the Trump administration’s goal of strengthening security in Washington D.C. The Department of Transportation plans to reclaim management rights of Union Station in September to provide passengers with a safer and more comfortable environment.