Faster, Comfier, Better: Amtrak to Debut New Acela Trains in August

High-speed rail is taking another step forward in the United States this month as Amtrak launches its long-anticipated NextGen Acela service Aug. 28. High(er) speed rail, at least – the NextGen Acela trains will hit 160 miles per hour, up from 150 on the current trains. This development marks a major upgrade to passenger rail travel along the Northeast Corridor between Boston, New York, and Washington, DC. The rollout begins with five new trainsets, part of a 28-train fleet that will enter service through 2027. The new trains will increase capacity by 27 percent per departure and expand weekday and weekend schedules, according to the company.

“NextGen Acela is more than a new train — it’s an evolution of travel,” Amtrak President Roger Harris said in a statement. “In just a few weeks, history will be made as we launch a new standard for American train travel.”

What to expect on the new NextGen Acela trains

Photo courtesy Amtrak

Amtrak is upping the ante in an effort to make rail travel more appealing to a drive-focused American public. For starters, the NextGen Acela trains will have sleeper cars — so if you had a big night out in Boston (Dropkick Murphy’s show, anyone?) you can sleep it off on the way down south in the morning. Sightseer cars will also be available, along with revamped dining and standard cars.

Road trippers on the East Coast could increasingly become “train trippers.” Designed for both business and leisure passengers, the trains feature 5G-enabled high-speed Wi-Fi, individual power outlets, reading lights, upgraded lighting and finishes, and more spacious seating. Plus there’s no need to drive, park, or worry about directions. Tickets will be available through the Amtrak website, mobile app, and station kiosks, with customers able to identify NextGen Acela departures during booking. During the initial rollout, both the current Acela and NextGen Acela trains will operate on the corridor.

Will Amtrak deliver more high-speed rail in the future?

Photo courtesy Amtrak

While the United States is light years away from having the Japanese Shinkansen or the high-speed rail enjoyed throughout China and even parts of Europe, The NextGen Acela program is part of a broader modernization push at Amtrak. Other projects include the forthcoming Amtrak Airo trains for routes such as Amtrak Cascades and the Northeast Regional, new long-distance locomotives, and upgraded interiors in coach, sleeper, dining, and lounge cars. The company expects to have all 28 NextGen Acela trains in service by 2027, further increasing frequency on the 457-mile Northeast Corridor — the busiest passenger rail line in the United States.

Additional details on schedules and availability are expected in the coming weeks as Amtrak prepares for its first departure of the new service. The launch represents the most significant equipment upgrade to the Acela line since it began operating in 2000, with Amtrak positioning the trains as the next chapter in American high-speed rail.

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