Amtrak’s New NextGen Acela Debuts August 28 — Here’s What’s New and How To Book With Points

A faster, sleeker, and more spacious way to travel the Northeast Corridor is finally here. Starting August 28, 2025, Amtrak’s NextGen Acela officially enters service, marking the most significant upgrade to high-speed rail in the U.S. in over 2 decades.

The all-new trains, running between Boston, New York City, and Washington, D.C., are designed to offer a more modern and comfortable experience for travelers while boosting capacity and cutting travel times.

Amtrak is rolling out 5 new trains at launch, with all 28 new trains expected to join the fleet by 2027. The new NextGen Acela fleet replaces the aging Acela Express trains that have been operating since 2000, bringing faster top speeds, more seating, and upgraded onboard tech to America’s busiest rail corridor.

Here’s what passengers will find in the new onboard experience.

 What’s New on NextGen Acela?

The headline features are clear: top speeds of 160 miles per hour, 27% more seats per train, and a smoother ride, thanks to a tilt system designed to handle curves more comfortably. But Amtrak isn’t just making the Acela faster while packing in more seats. It’s also refreshing the entire passenger experience, according to a press release.

Travelers can expect the following onboard amenities:

• Free, high-speed 5G-enabled Wi-Fi throughout the train
• Individual power outlets, USB ports, and reading lights at every seat
• Ergonomic seating with extra legroom and winged privacy headrests

Updated food and beverage amenities include:

• A redesigned Cafe Acela with fresh food, hot items, and self-serve options
• At-seat meal service in First Class, featuring dishes curated by Stephen Starr, a James Beard Award-winning restaurateur

While today’s Acela trains top out at 150 miles per hour, the new fleet clocks in at 160 mph. That’s still short of global high-speed rail standards, but it’s a meaningful improvement for U.S. train travel.

First Class passengers also get access to Amtrak’s Metropolitan Lounges at stations, a dedicated boarding car at the front of the train, and more spacious seating options, including solo seats.

Where Acela Runs

Like its predecessor, the NextGen Acela will serve the northeast corridor, with stations including:

• Boston, MA
• Providence, RI
• New Haven, CT
• New York, NY
• Philadelphia, PA
• Baltimore, MD
• Washington, D.C.

Intermediate stops remain the same, and Amtrak will increase weekday and weekend departures as more NextGen trains are added to its fleet. During the transition, the legacy Acela and NextGen Acela trains will operate side by side.

How To Book

Travelers can book NextGen Acela tickets at amtrak.com, the Amtrak mobile app, or train stations.

Check details carefully when you book. For now, Amtrak will continue running both old and new Acela trains, so not every Acela ride will be operated by NextGen Acela equipment.

Fares on the full D.C.-to-Boston route can range from around $80 to $180 in business class, while tickets in First Class can cost $250 to $400, depending on date and demand. Booking early and avoiding peak weekday hours can help secure better fares.

If you’re paying cash for a ticket, we recommend using a credit card with rewards on travel purchases to provide extra value.

It’s also possible to redeem Amtrak Guest Rewards points for these tickets. In this example, you’ll get 2.67 cents per point in both business and first class.

As the launch date approaches, Amtrak says it will provide information on how to identify NextGen Acela offerings when purchasing tickets.

Final Thoughts

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.

While it still lags behind international high-speed rail standards, the upgrade offers a clear improvement over the aging Acela fleet it replaces. The improved experience and faster speeds may also make taking the train more appealing to those who’ve previously opted for driving or flying between cities.