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

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.