Amtrak has launched five of its new high-speed NextGen Acela trains in the Northeast Corridor. The train makes two stops in Connecticut, in Stamford and at New Haven’s Union Station.
Up to 28 new trains are scheduled to be introduced gradually through 2027 as part of the company’s “fleet modernization plan.”
Boasting speeds of up to 160 mph, the new trains won’t actually reach even half that velocity in Connecticut because of track limitations and federal regulations. The trains will travel between Boston and Washington, and are expected to reach their highest speed on one stretch in New Jersey, two areas in Rhode Island, and one section in Massachusetts.
Other improvements Amtrak touts for the NextGen trains are 27% more seating, high-speed 5G-enabled Wi-Fi, individual USB ports, power outlets, reading lights, and “enhanced” food and beverage service offered onboard.
Here are some other things to know:
How fast will the Acela NextGen travel through Connecticut?
Due to track limitations, curves, high-density areas, and federal regulations, train speeds through Connecticut are capped at about 75 mph, officials have said. In many areas, the new Acela will go slower than that.
How quickly could I get from New Haven to New York City?
The Acela NextGen train can get from New Haven’s Union Station to Penn Station in New York City in about 1 hour and 41 minutes, according to online schedules. The older Acela trains vary from 1 hour and 34 minutes to 1 hour and 44 minutes for the same route, with similar times reported for the Northeast Regional, also run by Amtrak. For context, a peak morning express Metro-North train can go that distance in 90 minutes.
How quickly could the train get me to Boston?
Going from New Haven to Boston, the NextGen offers a trip of about 2 hours and 13 minutes, while the older Acela varies between 2 hours and 5 minutes to 2 hours and 19 minutes, depending on the time of day. Onboard the Northeast Regional, that trip takes between 2.5 hours to just under 3 hours, depending on time of day.
What about traveling to Washington, D.C.?
Going from New Haven to Washington — the longest trip available from Connecticut — you’ll be travelling between 4 hours and 51 minutes to 4 hours and 56 minutes on the NextGen train. The fastest option, according to the online schedule, would be a regular Acela train which, at some time slots, could get you there in 4 hours and 41 minutes. If you take the Northeast Regional, you’re looking at about 5.5 to just under 6 hours.
How much extra does it cost to take the NextGen train?
While Amtrak officials have said there is no additional charge for the NextGen trains compared to the older Acela, prices are based on demand. Since the newer trains are in high demand, the price options for booking online during the first week of September all appear significantly higher on the newer trains. Only business and first class seats are available, while the Northeast Regional offers coach seating. Timing is of significance as well. If you are looking for a ticket just a few days out, prices can be much higher for a business class seat on the NextGen than the original Acela, but if you are booking a few weeks out, you can find prices from New Haven to Washington for both the old and new trains starting as low as $134.