On Aug. 28, Amtrak unveils a high-speed train set to revolutionize train travel in the United States. The brand’s NextGen Acela will redefine the future of East Coast travel, connecting the Northeast Corridor between Washington, D.C.; New York City; and Boston.

The train will reach maximum speeds of 160 mph and use a new “tilt system” for a smoother, quieter travel experience. Five trains will launch Aug. 28, with more planned to hit the rails in the near future. In fact, Amtrak intends to launch 28 brand-new trains through 2027.

The launch also means 27 percent more seats will be available per departure, as well as expanded weekday and weekend schedules.

“NextGen Acela is more than a new train—it’s an evolution of travel,” said Roger Harris, president, Amtrak. “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.”

This historic launch will see premium onboard features never before seen. The elevated experience on NextGen Acela will include features and amenities today’s savvy travelers expect, as well as everything needed to be productive along the way, like free high-speed WiFi, individual power outlets and reading lights.

The debut of this new train also involves a simpler and flexible approach to booking, seat selection, itinerary management and changes in the event of disruptions through the Amtrak mobile app, website or at station kiosks. In the coming months, Amtrak will also operate both the current Acela equipment and NextGen Acela trains as the new trains transition into the fleet.

The new train’s fleet was assembled at Alstom’s facility in Hornell, New York. The NextGen Acela marks an essential step in Amtrak’s broader fleet modernization plan, which includes new and more efficient long-distance locomotives. The brand also plans to launch new Amtrak Airo trains on the Amtrak Cascades, Northeast Regional and East Coast routes.

Travelers can also soon expect upgraded interiors in coaches, dining cars, sleepers and sightseer lounges, complete with new seat cushions, upholstery, lighting and finishes.

These upgrades and brand-new trains signal a change in the train travel industry in the United States. According to a June 2024 report from Stephen Garden, CEO, National Railroad Passenger Corporation, ridership on trains in the United States is expected to exceed the 32.3 million passengers recorded before COVID-19. Amtrak alone expects to reach 66 million passengers per year by 2040.

Newsweek noted in a December 2024 piece that more Americans rode Amtrak trains than ever before in 2024, marking a resurgence in train travel across the country.

Do you travel by train? Do you prefer to travel by plane or train? Do you plan to travel on the new NextGen Acela? What do you wish to see change/update in train travel in the United States? Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com. Please include your full name and location.