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If you’ve ever come back from a vacation in Italy or Japan, you’ve probably been left wondering why on earth the U.S. has not developed better and faster trains. Well, it’s been a long time coming, but we’re finally onboard, no pun intended, with the launch of Amtrak’s NextGen Acela.
With a speed of up to 160 mph, the NextGen Acela is the first of its kind when it comes to high-speed trains in the U.S. I got to experience it firsthand as one of the first to ride the NextGen Acela on its launch route along the Northeast Corridor, ahead of its public launch on August 28 (specifically, I was whisked from New York City to New Haven).
My immediate impression was that it is very similar in style to Italy’s sleek and modern Frecciarossa trains, and the speed certainly added to that effect. That said, we never hit top speed on my journey, and NextGen Acela won’t be hitting top speed until there are infrastructure improvements to the tracks—but it’s still noticeably faster than a standard Amtrak ride when you look out the window and watch everything flash by. There were moments we slowed down quite drastically, but as someone who frequently takes Amtrak trains between upstate New York and New York City, I can confirm the NextGen Acela is a massive step above all of my Amtrak experiences in both speed and comfort.
How big is the train and where does it go?
There are eight cars on the NextGen Acela, including a first-class car and designated quiet cars, offering 27% more capacity in terms of seats per train. For now, NextGen Acela is offered in major cities such as New York, Boston and Washington, D.C., with plenty of connections along the way in destinations like Philadelphia, New Haven and Providence. There are a total of 28 new trains, five of which have launched so far. Amtrak has a goal to put all 28 into service by 2027.
How much does the NextGen Acela cost?
Like any form of transport, the cost greatly depends on factors like routes and timing. For example, a one-way ticket from New York to Washington, D.C. can run anywhere from $100 to $500. A quick search on my Amtrak app gave me prices of $153 for a one-way Business Class seat to New Haven from New York, and $256 for First Class when I searched for a departure less than seven days out. When I search the same route three months in advance, the same ticket runs $78 for a Business Class seat and $161 for a First Class seat.
Amenities onboard the NextGen Acela
Working from an office will be dull in comparison to working from the NextGen Acela. Each seat is equipped with an outlet, a reading light and USB ports. There’s free high-speed Wi-Fi available for all passengers, and not to mention, your views are bound to be stellar as you watch the world quite literally pass you by.
The ergonomic seats offer plenty of legroom and a winged headrest, and after taking the NextGen Acela from Moynihan Train Hall to New Haven on its first-ever public ride, I can confirm they are a step above a standard Amtrak when it comes to comfortably cushioned seats. In first class, the seats recline for even more maximized relaxation. There are tray tables at each seat along with a placement for cups. If I had to knock something, it’s that my laptop didn’t fit on the designated tray in first class.
As for the ride itself, it’s as smooth as ever thanks to the train’s tilt system. The train was also built with accessibility in mind; for example, the quarter-circle-shaped restroom allows a 60-inch turning radius for people in mobility devices. Yet another fun feature of the restroom: Once you close the automatic door, you will hear a voice reminding you to “lock the door,” which can be done with the push of a button inside.
Food and drink on the NextGen Acela
Cafe Acela in car six is the go-to spot for all things food and drink onboard. Here, you can enjoy prepared meals and snacks, like a Mediterranean salad with falafel, a cheese plate with fresh fruit and pita bread, an antipasto plate with cured meats and crackers, and various other salads and sandwiches. I went for the cheese plate and antipasto, living out my Frecciarossa dreams right in the U.S.. There is also a decent selection of soft drinks, like canned sodas and San Pellegrino, and if you’re looking for a glass of vino to take those Italian high-speed train vibes even further, the Business Class wine cart offers a selection of pinot noir, sauvignon blanc, and cabernet sauvignon.
First-class passengers will have access to the Metropolitan Lounge prior to departure. Once onboard, first-class ticket holders can enjoy at-seat meal service, featuring the dishes of James Beard award-winning restaurateur Stephen Starr.
Bottom Line
It’s about time the U.S. joins the club of high-speed railways, and the NextGen Acela is only the beginning. With comfortable plush seats, outlets at every seat, fresh food and fun snacks like a cheese plate (what can I say, the NextGen Acela really had me at that cheese plate), free high-speed Wi-Fi and a train that gets us to where we’re going with more pep in its step, I’d say we’re off to a good start.