Amtrak Acela Train: A Comprehensive Guide to Riding the Northeastern Corridor

Amtrak’s Acela Express is the premier train service running along the Northeast Corridor (NEC). With stops in major cities like Washington, D.C., New York City, and Boston, Amtrak Acela offers a convenient way to travel up and down the East Coast. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide everything you need to know about riding Amtrak Acela, from train stations and attractions to onboard services and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). Let’s get started!

History of Amtrak Acela Train

Amtrak Acela is Amtrak’s high-speed rail service that operates along the Northeast Corridor (NEC) between Washington, D.C., and Boston. The Acela Express was first introduced in 2000 as a replacement for Amtrak’s slower Metroliner service. Amtrak Acela reaches speeds of up to 150 mph (241 km/h).

Building And Development of Amtrak Acela Train

Amtrak Acela is powered by electric locomotives built by Bombardier and Alstom. The trainsets consist of four or six-passenger cars, a café car, and a business-class car. Amtrak Acela Express trains are the only high-speed trainsets in the United States that operate on standard gauge track.

Impact Of The Amtrak Acela Train

Amtrak Acela has had a positive impact on Amtrak’s ridership and revenue. Amtrak Acela carried more than three million passengers in its first year of operation and has consistently been Amtrak’s most popular and profitable service. Amtrak Acela is credited with revitalizing Amtrak and the Northeast Corridor.

Cost of Amtrak Acela Train

Amtrak Acela is Amtrak’s most expensive service. Tickets are priced according to demand, with fares typically ranging from $60-$200 one-way. Business-class tickets are available for an additional cost.

If you’re looking to travel in style and comfort, Amtrak Acela is the way to go. With convenient stops and onboard amenities, Amtrak Acela makes it easy to get around the Northeast Corridor.

Quickview of Amtrak Acela Train

Amtrak Acela Train Train Coverage

The Amtrak Acela Train covers the following states:

  • Maine
  • New Hampshire
  • Massachusetts
  • Rhode Island
  • Connecticut

Amtrak Acela covers a distance of about 457 miles (736 km) in about six and a half hours, making it the fastest train in North America.

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What Travelers Are Saying About Amtrak Acela Train

I was a bit hesitant to travel on Amtrak Acela Train during Covid-19, but I’m so glad I did. The staff made sure that everyone was following the guidelines and they were very helpful. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a safe travel experience

Mike, business owner

The Amtrak Acela Train was an amazing experience. The staff was so friendly and the train itself was very comfortable. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a unique travel experience

Claudia, office manager

I loved the Amtrak Acela Train! It was so convenient and the scenery was beautiful. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxed travel experience

John, traveler

The Amtrak Acela Train was a great way to see the Northeast. The train was comfortable and the staff was very friendly. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for an enjoyable travel experience

Angelina, businesswoman

Traveling During Covid-19 on Amtrak Acela Train

I felt very safe while traveling on Amtrak Acela Train. The staff took all the necessary precautions and made sure that everyone was following the guidelines. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a safe travel experience

Sarah, nurse

Onboard Experience of Amtrak Acela Train.

Amtrak Acela Train offers First-Class and business class with wider and more comfortable seats, as well as complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Amtrak also offers Wi-Fi and electrical outlets in all classes. You can find Amtrak’s quiet car policy here.

There are three main types of Amtrak trains: regional, long-distance, and Acela. Amtrak Acela is Amtrak’s high-speed rail service that operates along the Northeastern Corridor (NEC) between Boston and Washington, D.C.

Amtrak Acela trains are powered by electric locomotives and can reach speeds of 150 mph (240 km/h). The average Amtrak Acela train speed is about 84 mph (135 km/h), with some sections reaching 110 mph (177 km/h).

Amtrak Acela offers two classes of service: First Class and Business Class. Amtrak Acela First Class seats are wider and more comfortable, with complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Amtrak Acela Business Class seats are also wider and more comfortable, with complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Amtrak Acela trains also offer Wi-Fi and electrical outlets in all classes.

Things To Know about Amtrak Acela Train

Amtrak Acela Train is the first and only high-speed train in the United States. Amtrak Acela Express makes stops along the Northeast Corridor (NEC) between Boston and Washington, D.C., with intermediate stops in New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and other major cities. Amtrak Acela has a maximum speed of 150 mph (241 km/h), though its average speed between Boston and New York is only about 65 mph (105 km/h) due to the frequent stops.

The Amtrak Acela Train offers several Amtrak Acela-specific services, including Amtrak Connect, which allows passengers to stay connected to the internet while on board, and Amtrak eTicketing, which allows passengers to purchase tickets and check in using their mobile device.

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Services in Amtrak Acela Train

Amtrak Acela offers two classes of service: business class and coach class. Business-class passengers have access to Amtrak’s Metropolitan Lounge at select train stations, complimentary beverages, and priority boarding. Coach-class passengers have access to onboard snacks and beverages for purchase.

Composition of Amtrak Acela Train

Amtrak Acela trains are composed of Amtrak GenerationFleet electric locomotives, Amtrak Cafe Car, Amtrak Business Class car, Amtrak Coach Class car.

Operations And Staffing in Amtrak Acela Train

Amtrak Acela trains are operated by Amtrak train crews and staffed by Amtrak on-board service personnel. Amtrak train crew members include the Amtrak train conductor, Amtrak assistant conductor, and Amtrak locomotive engineer. Amtrak on-board service personnel include Amtrak food service attendants and Amtrak club car attendants. Amtrak security personnel are also present on all Amtrak trains and at Amtrak train stations.

Wi-fi Service in Amtrak Acela Train

Amtrak’s Wi-Fi service is available in all classes on Amtrak Acela trains. Amtrak offers two options for Wi-Fi service: AmtrakConnect and AmtrakConnectPlus. AmtrakConnect is a basic Wi-Fi service that is available for free to all Amtrak passengers. AmtrakConnectPlus is a premium Wi-Fi service that is available for purchase by Amtrak passengers.

Amtrak’s Wi-Fi service is provided by Amtrak’s partner, iPass. Amtrak passengers can access the Amtrak Wi-Fi portal by connecting to the “AmtrakConnect” Wi-Fi network on their personal devices.

Amtrak passengers can also use the Amtrak app to access the Amtrak Wi-Fi portal. The Amtrak app is available for download on the App Store and Google Play.

Schedule of Amtrak Acela Train

Amtrak Acela trains operate on a schedule that is determined by Amtrak. Amtrak Acela train schedules are subject to change without notice. Amtrak passengers can view Amtrak Acela train schedules on the Amtrak website or on the Amtrak app.

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Major Stops of Amtrak Acela Train

The Amtrak Acela Train covers the following areas:

  • Washington, D.C.
  • Baltimore, Maryland
  • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • Newark, New Jersey
  • New York City, New York
  • Stamford, Connecticut
  • Providence, Rhode Island
  • Boston, Massachusetts

More info about the train you can find on the official website.

What is to see in Washington?

Washington, D.C., is the capital of the United States of America. Washington, D.C., is located on the East Coast of the United States, on the Potomac River. Washington, D.C., is a federal district and is not part of any U.S. state. Washington, D.C., is home to the U.S. government and many of its agencies, including the Pentagon, the CIA, and the FBI. Washington, D.C., is also home to the U.S. Capitol, the White House, and the Supreme Court.

What is to see in Baltimore?

Baltimore is the largest city in the state of Maryland and the 30th-most populous city in the United States. Baltimore is located on the Chesapeake Bay, on the East Coast of the United States. Baltimore is home to many historical and cultural attractions, including the Inner Harbor, Camden Yards, the National Aquarium, and the Maryland Zoo. Baltimore is also home to Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland.

What is to see in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is the largest city in the state of Pennsylvania and the fifth-most populous city in the United States. Philadelphia is located on the Delaware River, on the East Coast of the United States. Philadelphia is home to many historical and cultural attractions, including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Philadelphia is also home to the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University.

What is to see in Newark?

Newark is the largest city in the state of New Jersey and the third-largest city in the New York metropolitan area. Newark is located on the Passaic River, on the East Coast of the United States. Newark is home to many historical and cultural attractions, including the Newark Museum, the Prudential Center, and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Newark is also home to Rutgers University-Newark and Seton Hall University School of Law.

What is to see in New York City?

New York City is the most populous city in the United States and the second-most populous city in North America. New York City is located on the East Coast of the United States, on the Hudson River. New York City is home to many historical and cultural attractions, including Times Square, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and Broadway. New York City is also home to Columbia University, NYU, and CUNY.

What is to see in Stamford?

Stamford is a city in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. Stamford is located on Long Island Sound, on the East Coast of the United States. Stamford is home to many historical and cultural attractions, including the Stamford Museum & Nature Center, The Palace Theatre, and The Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens. Stamford is also home to the University of Connecticut-Stamford and Sacred Heart University.

What is to see in Providence?

Providence is the capital and most populous city of Rhode Island, United States. Providence is located on the Providence River, on the East Coast of the United States. Providence is home to many historical and cultural attractions, including WaterFire, the Roger Williams Zoo, and the Rhode Island School of Design Museum. Providence is also home to Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design.

What is to see in Boston?

Boston is the capital and most populous city of Massachusetts, United States. Boston is located on the Atlantic Ocean, on the East Coast of the United States. Boston is home to many historical and cultural attractions, including the Freedom Trail, Fenway Park, and the Boston Tea Party Museum. Boston is also home to Harvard University, MIT, and Boston College.

There you can find more info about what to do in Boston.

Attractions of Amtrak Acela Train

Amtrak Acela trains offer passengers the opportunity to experience the following attractions:

  • The Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge at select train stations
  • Complimentary beverages in business class
  • Amtrak Connect Wi-Fi service
  • Amtrak eTicketing
  • Amtrak Mobile App
  • Amtrak Onboard Entertainment
  • Amtrak Food Service
  • Amtrak Club Car
  • Amtrak Baggage Service
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Other routes in the Northeast you can find on our site.

Watch the video about the Acela’s first class:

Questions about Amtrak Acela Train

What is the difference between Acela and Amtrak? 

Acela is Amtrak’s high-speed rail service that operates on the Northeast Corridor between Washington, D.C. and Boston, MA.

How fast does the Amtrak Acela go? 

The Amtrak Acela can reach speeds of up to 150 mph.

How long is the Acela from DC to NYC?  

The Amtrak Acela from Washington, D.C. to New York City takes approximately three hours and thirty minutes.

How long is Acela train from Boston to DC?  

The Amtrak Acela from Boston, MA to Washington, D.C. takes approximately six hours and thirty minutes.

How long is the Acela train from Boston to New York?  

The Amtrak Acela from Boston, MA to New York City takes approximately four hours and thirty minutes.

Does Acela have WiFi?  

Yes, Amtrak Acela trains offer passengers the Amtrak Connect Wi-Fi service.

Is Amtrak Acela Train cheaper than flying?  

The Amtrak Acela is not necessarily cheaper than flying, but it can be a more affordable option depending on the route and the price of airfare. Amtrak Acela prices are based on the distance traveled, with fares starting at $15 for short trips and reaching up to $300 for longer journeys. Amtrak also offers discounts for passengers who book their tickets in advance, as well as Amtrak loyalty program members.

Do cell phones work on Amtrak Acela Train?  

Amtrak passengers can use their cell phones on Amtrak trains, but Amtrak does not guarantee cell phone reception.

Does Amtrak Acela Train have showers?   

No, Amtrak Acela trains do not have showers.

Is there a microwave on Amtrak Acela Train?   

No, Amtrak Acela trains do not have microwaves. Amtrak passengers can purchase food and beverages onboard Amtrak Acela trains.

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