Is the Acela worth it?

For first class passengers, I do think the Acela splurge is worthwhile. However, if I was just traveling in business class (called coach on the regional trains), I likely would just stick to a regional train, where tickets can be half the price of Acela.



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Superior comfort, with more space and legroom than typical airline seating. With free WiFi, and power outlets at your seat it's easy to stay connected while traveling at speeds up to 150 mph.

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The key thing to know is that Acela tickets are considerably more expensive and trains stop at fewer stations. Plus, Acela trains aren't much faster than the Northeast Regional unless you are traveling a long distance. Despite these drawbacks, there are a few Acela perks.

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We look forward to welcoming you in Acela First Class. Once onboard, you'll enjoy complimentary at-seat meal and beverage service provided by our onboard staff of First Class attendants. Selections include freshly prepared chef inspired entrees as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

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With 95% of the trainset components being made in America, our new Acelas have generated over 1,300 new jobs in over 90 cities across the United States. The new Acela will operate at top speeds of 160 mph vs. today's fleet, which operates at top speeds of 150 mph.

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Why is the Acela so slow? The Acela can do 135 mph up to New York, but it averages about half that speed. That's because the rails are more than 100 years old in places, and thus too frail for anything faster. Amtrak also shares them with slower freight and local commuter lines.

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Why is the Acela so slow? The Acela can do 135 mph up to New York, but it averages about half that speed. That's because the rails are more than 100 years old in places, and thus too frail for anything faster. Amtrak also shares them with slower freight and local commuter lines.

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Seat selection allows for seamless boarding and takes the guesswork out of finding your seat. Seat selection is available on Acela and in Business Class on Northeast Regional, Carolinian, Palmetto and Vermonter. Your seat will be automatically assigned when you complete your reservation.

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All Acela trains now offer seat selection in Business and First Class, offering more peace of mind knowing your seat is waiting for you.

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The core problem, they say, is that the Acela runs on tracks shared with commuter and freight trains—not the purpose-built, high-speed tracks found in Europe and Asia. Catch up on the headlines, understand the news and make better decisions, free in your inbox daily. Enjoy a free article in every edition.

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Probably not. The flight itself is much shorter than the train ride, but the Acela spares you the airport hassles. Between driving, flying and train between Boston and NYC, I usually opt for train. I used to do day trips to NYC for work and they always flew me.

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Each passenger may only bring a total of 2 carry-on items onboard the train; each item should not exceed 50 lbs. (23 kg) and 28 x 22 x 14 inches.

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Amtrak Business Class offers many amenities over coach class including extra legroom, complimentary non-alcoholic drinks and a 25% point bonus through Amtrak Guest Rewards.

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Exclusive Access to Station Lounges Acela First Class service starts with access to station lounges in several northeast major stations — Boston - South Station, New York - Moynihan Train Hall, Philadelphia - William H Gray III 30th Street Station and Washington, DC - Union Station with WiFi available.

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Amtrak Acela's business class tickets offer more plusher, wider seats than you'll experience in coach, but do not include a meal or in-seat service like first-class, roomette, and bedroom accommodations do.

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Acela First Class also offers seat selection, allowing for seamless boarding while taking the guesswork out of finding your seat. Your seat will be automatically assigned when you complete your reservation, but you may change it to an available seat of your choosing at no additional cost.

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September 2019, customers will benefit from continuous travel, new amenities. WASHINGTON – Amtrak today announced the launch of Acela Nonstop, a new offering with direct service between Washington Union Station (WAS) and New York Penn Station (NYP), beginning Monday, Sept. 23, with tickets now available.

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The service, launched in September, connects the nation's two most powerful cities in two hours and 35 minutes, saving passengers about 15 minutes' travel time. In 2021, the railroad plans to debut more Acela train sets, and it is in the midst of other cosmetic changes and upgrades.

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