Amtrak's Upgraded Acela Trains Previewed for August 28 Release - Learn the Updates and How to Reserve With Reward Points
The highly anticipated NextGen Acela trains are set to revolutionise rail travel along the East Coast, offering a significant improvement over the aging Acela fleet they replace. The new trains will enter service on August 28, 2025, and will serve stations including Boston, New York City, and Washington, D.C.
Amtrak is rolling out 5 new trains at launch, with all 28 new trains expected to join the fleet by 2027. These trains will feature numerous improvements designed to enhance the passenger experience, including higher top speeds, increased seating capacity, a smoother ride, and modern onboard technology.
One of the most noticeable improvements is the increase in speed. The NextGen Acela trains will have top speeds of 160 miles per hour, 10 mph faster than the existing Acela’s 150 mph. This improvement can reduce travel times by up to 20 minutes between Washington, D.C., and New York City.
In terms of capacity, each NextGen Acela train will have 27% more seats than the predecessor, achieved while making cars roomier to avoid crowding. This will help ease capacity issues on one of Amtrak’s busiest routes.
The new trains will also offer a more comfortable ride, thanks to a tilt system designed to handle curves more comfortably. This feature, along with ergonomic seats featuring winged headrests, larger panoramic windows, and brighter lighting, will contribute to an overall improved travel experience.
Every seat on the NextGen Acela will be equipped with individual power outlets, USB ports, and reading lights, along with complimentary high-speed 5G-enabled Wi-Fi throughout the trains, supporting work and entertainment on the go.
The Café Acela has been redesigned with fresh and hot food options, including self-serve elements. First Class features at-seat meal service curated by a James Beard Award-winning chef. First Class passengers will also have a dedicated boarding car at the front of the train and access to Amtrak’s Metropolitan Lounges at stations.
As the launch date approaches, Amtrak says it will provide information on how to identify NextGen Acela offerings when purchasing tickets. It's worth noting that both the legacy Acela and NextGen Acela trains will operate side by side during the transition.
Travelers can book NextGen Acela tickets at amtrak.com, the Amtrak mobile app, or train stations. For those who have Amtrak Guest Rewards points, it's possible to redeem them for these tickets, with 2.67 cents per point in both business and first class.
The NextGen Acela isn't just a cosmetic refresh. It's a long-overdue step forward for rail travel in the U.S., delivering meaningful improvements in speed, comfort, and capacity on the nation’s busiest train routes. These improvements may also make taking the train more appealing to those who've previously opted for driving or flying between cities.
If you're paying cash for a ticket, using a credit card with rewards on travel purchases can provide extra value. Amtrak will continue running both old and new Acela trains, so not every Acela ride will be operated by NextGen Acela equipment.
With its faster speeds, increased seating capacity, and modern amenities, the NextGen Acela aims to create a more attractive alternative to flying and other travel options along the busy East Coast route.
[1] Amtrak. (2023). NextGen Acela. Retrieved from https://www.amtrak.com/nextgenacela [2] Amtrak. (2023). NextGen Acela Features. Retrieved from https://www.amtrak.com/nextgenacela-features [3] Amtrak. (2023). NextGen Acela FAQs. Retrieved from https://www.amtrak.com/nextgenacela-faqs [4] Amtrak. (2023). Amtrak Guest Rewards. Retrieved from https://www.amtrakguestrewards.com/ [5] Amtrak. (2023). Northeast Corridor. Retrieved from https://www.amtrak.com/northeast-corridor
- The NextGen Acela trains, launching in 2025, will revolutionize travel along the East Coast, offering improvements in both speed and capacity. (news, travel)
- Each NextGen Acela train will have 27% more seats than its predecessor, aimed at easing capacity issues on one of Amtrak’s busiest routes. (business, industry, capacity)
- The NextGen Acela trains will boast a tilt system to handle curves more comfortably, along with modern amenities such as individual power outlets, USB ports, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi. (technology, finance, transportation, lifestyle)
- Amtrak’s Café Acela has been redesigned, offering fresh and hot food options, including self-serve elements, while First Class passengers will have a dedicated boarding car and access to Metropolitan Lounges. (food, business, lifestyle)
- With its increased speed, seating capacity, and modern amenities, the NextGen Acela aims to create a more attractive alternative to flying and other travel options along the East Coast route. (travel, transportation, business)
