Amtrak route connecting Boston, NYC, DC: What to know

Amtrak’s NextGen Acela, the nation’s up-to-date high-speed rail service, will begin carrying passengers between Boston and Washington, DC, on Aug. 28, offering travelers a faster, more spacious and more connected option along the Northeast Corridor.

Here are details about the route:

What features will the Amtrak NextGen Acela have?

The new service features 28 brand-new trainsets rolling out through 2027, with 27% more seats per departure, free 5G-enabled Wi-Fi, and upgraded seating. Initially, five trainsets will enter service, with more added in the coming years.

The $2 billion fleet was assembled at Alstom’s facility in Hornell, New York, using parts from more than 180 suppliers across 29 states, creating an estimated 15,000 U.S. jobs. It is part of Amtrak’s broader modernization effort, which also includes the forthcoming Amtrak Airo trains and upgraded interiors for long-distance services.

How does the Amtrak route compare with flying or driving?

Amtrak touts the NextGen Acela as a competitive alternative to flying or driving between major East Coast cities. The high-speed rail covers the Boston-to-Washington route in about six hours and 30 minutes, roughly the same total travel time as a short-haul flight when factoring in airport security, boarding, and travel to and from airports. By car, the journey can take seven to nine hours depending on traffic.

“NextGen Acela is more than a new train, it’s an evolution of travel,” Amtrak President Roger Harris said. “We’re setting a new standard for American train travel.”

How to purchase tickets for Amtrak NextGen Acela route

Tickets will be available through the Amtrak app, the website and station kiosks. Amtrak will operate both the current and NextGen Acela trains during the transition period.