The sleek new train promises a faster, smarter, and more comfortable journey for travelers between Washington, D.C., New York, Boston, and key destinations in between.

Passengers and officials gathered at Baltimore’s Penn Station on August 28 to witness the momentous arrival. It’s the first time since Acela's original launch in 2000 that brand-new high-speed trainsets have begun service on this vital corridor.

“Acela is synonymous with American high-speed trains, and today marks a new era of next-generation service,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris, via press release. “On behalf of everyone at Amtrak, I’m proud to welcome you aboard NextGen Acela. The future of high-speed rail starts now.”

The new Acela trains are American-built, assembled by Alstom in Hornell, NY, using components from over 180 suppliers across 29 states, and supporting an estimated 15,000 U.S. jobs.

Designed to deliver a more modern, premium, and elevated travel experience, the new Acela fleet features:

• 5G-enabled, high-speed Wi-Fi
• Individual power outlets and reading lights
• Spacious First Class and Business Class seating
• An all-new Café Acela offering high-quality, fresh food and beverages
• More seats per train, increasing capacity by 27%

“From the moment our guests step onboard, they’ll feel the difference of a NextGen Acela train thanks to a more modern, premium, and elevated experience,” said Amtrak Board Chair Tony Coscia, via press release. “We are grateful for Secretary Duffy and Deputy Secretary Bradbury’s support on the project, and for helping it get over the finish line so Northeast Corridor residents and visitors can enjoy a whole new way to travel.”

The Northeast Corridor—America’s busiest rail route—is home to millions of commuters and long-distance travelers every year.

Acela trains have already carried over 69 million passengers since their debut in 2000. The NextGen Acela aims to serve even more, with 28 new trainsets entering service by 2027 and expanded weekday and weekend schedules.

“With these new Acela trainsets, Amtrak will provide more reliable service and lower prices for the American people – all while increasing the organization’s profitability,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, via press release. “But we’re not stopping there. Instead of being a point of pride, Washington’s Union Station has fallen into disrepair. By reclaiming station management, we will help make this city safe and beautiful at a fraction of the cost.”

The fleet is also part of a larger transformation underway at Amtrak, which includes:

• The introduction of Amtrak Airo trains on regional routes
• Modernized interiors across long-distance trains
• Investments in safety, accessibility, and sustainability

NextGen Acela trains are now available for booking on Amtrak.com and the Amtrak app.

You can look for these train numbers (subject to change):

• Weekdays: 2153, 2154, 2170, 2173
• Saturdays: 2250, 2251
• Sundays: 2248, 2258, 2259, 2271

“The NextGen Acela trains are the first high-speed trains built in America. The team at Alstom has brought nearly five decades of global experience in high-speed rail to the United States to deliver the fastest and most technologically advanced trains in the nation,” said Henri Poupart-Lafarge, CEO of Alstom, via press release. “We thank Amtrak for their trust and partnership, the Federal Railroad Administration and USDOT for their leadership, our suppliers, designers, engineers and especially the hard-working men and women in Hornell who are building these high-speed trains in America, for America.”