Why Acela?

Title

Get Comfortable. Be Productive. Save Time. Save Money.

How would you like to get to your next business meeting? Would you like to hassle with finding a taxi or driving (and parking) at the airport, fighting traffic along the way only to find yourself running to your plane where a small, cramped seat awaits you?

Or would you prefer to walk from your office to the Amtrak station, where you can board a train with wide reclining seats equipped with power outlets? Our Acela trains offer hourly service to destinations throughout the Northeast Corridor, with first- and business-class seating options and free WiFi. Stretch your legs with a stroll to the Café Acela or, if you're traveling in First Class, enjoy at-seat dining service.

The answer is clear: Acela Express is the smarter way to go, saving you time, money and hassles when traveling from DC to Boston.

Productivity and Comfort

Plug in or tune out — the choice is yours. Acela trains offer free WiFi and wide seats equipped with power outlets and tabletops, so whether you came to work or play, the space is there for you to kick back and enjoy the ride.

  Acela Airline Shuttle
Seat width (maximum)
 23" 19"
Seat pitch (maximum)
 42" 34"
AC electrical outlets
 Adjacent to each seat No
Available conference tables
 Yes No

Sources: SeatGuru and Global Airline Seating Guide

Efficient

When you add it all up, Acela just makes sense. Take a look at the time and money savings by traveling on Amtrak from mid-town Manhattan to Union Station in Washington, DC.

Acela vs. Airline Shuttle: Savings

  Roundtrip Fare Travel Time Total Travel Time and Expense
Acela Cab from DC location to downtown
 $14 15 min

$338

3 hr 15 min
Train fare
 $310 2 hr 45 min
Cab to Mid-town location
 $14 15 min
Airline Cab from DC to Reagan National
 $11 15 min

$729

2 hr 6 min
Non-stop plane fare (Reagan National to LaGuardia)
 $678 1 hr 16 min
Cab from LaGuardia to Manhattan
 $40 35 min

Comparison based on same day round-trip pricing, center of city to center of city. Fares are effective as of April 17, 2009, for walk-up fares. Cab fares were obtained from AirportShuttle.com and metwashairports.com.

Café Acela and First Class At-Seat Meal Service

Café Acela is open to all our Acela Express passengers and offers bistro menu selections freshly prepared to your liking in minutes. Acela Express First Class passengers enjoy our rotating at-seat menu service and cuisine typically found in fine dining restaurants.

First Class Exclusively on Acela Express

Arrive at your location relaxed and revived by traveling in Acela Express First Class. Enjoy spacious seating with at-seat service in a quiet, elegant atmosphere, as well as complimentary meals, beverages, hot towels and newspapers. Plus you’ll also enjoy privileged access to ClubAcela lounges in Boston South Station, New York Penn Station, Philadelphia 30th Street Station and Washington Union Station.

The Green Way to Go

Did you know trains consume 11 percent less energy per passenger-mile compared to airplanes, and 31 percent less energy than automobiles? Yet with two powerful electric propulsion engine locomotives on each train, Acela generates enough strength and speed to get you from city to city safely and efficiently.