High-Speed Acela Train Launches Service This Week In Boston

BOSTON, MA — Traveling between the major cities in the Northeast Corridor is a hassle.

How early do I need to leave to miss traffic outside of D.C.? Around New York City? Heck, just leaving your door in Boston.

This week, Amtrak is launching the NextGen Acela, a high-speed train — 160 miles per hour — connecting those cities that, hopefully, will ease that burden and make train travel in the region that much more efficient.

“NextGen Acela is more than a new train—it’s an evolution of travel,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris. “In just a few weeks, history will be made with the debut of NextGen Acela as we launch a new standard for American train travel.”

The new train, company officials said, offers a "premium ride," running between major city centers from Washington, DC, to New York to Boston and destinations in between, including Providence.

Trains will include first-class and business-class offerings, plus free, high-speed WiFi, power outlets and reading lights.

Plus, Amtrak has upgraded the dining experience, with what officials call a "selection of high-quality, fresh, food and beverages available in the new Cafe Acela."

This week, company officials are heading to Boston to celebrate the launch before the first train takes off from South Station heading to Washington D.C.

Official said NextGen Acela is just a step in Amtrak’s broader fleet modernization plan, which includes new Amtrak Airo trains debuting on the Amtrak Cascades, Northeast Regional and East Coast routes.

That plan also includes new, more efficient long-distance locomotives, upgraded train interiors and more.

Amtrak plans to introduce all 28 new NextGen Acela trains by 2027.