The brand new Amtrak Acela fleet is coming; Here's a look inside the new trains
Amtrak is showing off the interiors of its brand-new Acela train cars that will begin service next year. The cars should make the whole riding experience better from a customer's point of view. TPG got a first look at mock-ups of the new trains last summer, but now we're getting pictures and video of some of the actual cars that will go into service.
For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
"From reliable, onboard wi-fi to enhance your digital experience, to contactless features and technology the new Acela will transform the train travel experience on Amtrak's Northeast Corridor," said Caroline Decker, Vice President of Amtrak's Northeast Corridor Service Line.
Take a look at the video highlighting some of the new features.
Decker said, "The new Acela trains will feature contactless storage options for luggage, seating with individual access to personal outlets and USB ports, plus winged headrests to provide more comfort and separation between you and your neighbor."
Related: Your ultimate guide to Amtrak Guest Rewards
New Amtrak Acela Interiors
As TPG reported earlier this year, Amtrak has been testing the new high-speed train cars with service tentatively set for sometime in 2021. Amtrak has not yet set a date for the debut.
Related: Amtrak plans to expand new nonstop Acela service from New York
The new interiors feature a ton of sanitary improvements — key in the age of coronavirus — including touch-less bathrooms, more space between customers, and no touch overhead bins. Amtrak has also instituted enhanced cleaning procedures and mandated masks.
New Amtrak Acela Trains in the works for some time
Official plans for the new cars were announced more than four years ago.
Related: Planes, trains and a bus: We raced from NYC to DC to find which was fastest
Amtrak has lagged behind Asian and European high-speed trains systems. These new cars should help fill the gap. The new upgraded Acela Express will be able to reach speeds of up to 160 miles an hour and use at least 20% less energy. Engineers hope the cars will eventually reach up to 186 miles per hour, but that will require major infrastructure improvements in the Northeast Corridor.
Building Amtrak's new Acela trains
Alstom is the French company that's building the new cars, and they are also behind the high-speed TGV trains that race around France. The cars are made in America, and are being built at the Alstom manufacturing facility in Hornell, New York.
The new train cars will hold 378 passengers — hopefully making the trains less crowded. Current capacity is 304.
The trains will also feature a significantly improved hard product, including upgraded amenities. Be sure to check out TPG's review of the enhanced interiors.
Amtrak's Acela service between Boston and Washington via New York began service way back in December of 2000.
Related: Acela business class review
Related: Acela first class review
Featured image courtesy Amtrak.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees