The fastest train in American history will officially be arriving in Washington, D.C. next week, on Thursday, August 28th, 2025!
The new Amtrak NextGen Acela will be the premier travel option along the Northeast, reaching record speeds in style with modern luxuries that elevate the travel experience to new heights.
Route map for the Amtrak NextGen Acela
Amtrak’s NextGen Acela trains will run along the entirely of the existing Northeast Corridor route, which includes stops at some of the largest train hubs in the northeast.
- Baltimore, MD
- Philadelphia, PA
- New York City
- Boston, MA
- Prividence, RI
- New Haven, CT
- Stamford, CT
When will the NextGen Acela train start running?
As we mentioned above, the start date for the first NextGen Acela trains will be on Thursday, August 28th, which is just next week!
However, this will only be the first five trains of the new NextGen fleet, which will consist of 28 cars in total.
The remaining trains will be rolled out over the course of the next two years, with the last train expected to be operating by 2027.
What does this mean for Washingtonians and East Coast travelers?
For Washingtonians and East Coast travelers alike, this means the start of something spectacular!
Despite federal funding for the MagLev train project along the Northeast being cut, the implementation of modernized and revamped train travel shows an opportunity for travelers to get around the East Coast more easily than with a car, and more sustainably than by plane.
The brand new NextGen Acela trains will include:
- Redesigned Café Acela with grab-and-go options
- Complimentary 5G WiFi
- Ergonomic seating with winged headrests
- Individual reading lights
- Power outlets & USB ports at every seat
- Expansive windows for East Coast views
How to book a seat on Amtrak’s NextGen Acela
Tickets for the new Acela trains will be available on the Amtrak app, website, and at station kiosks.
During the transition, both current Acela and NextGen Acela trains will operate along the corridor, providing riders with more options and increased frequencies.
About Amtrak
Amtrak is the sole national passenger rail service in the United States of America.
Supported by state and federal subsidies, Amtrak carries over millions of passengers annually, with plans to transport 66 million people annually by 2040.