Amtrak launched its upgraded NextGen Acela service Thursday, rolling out five new high-speed trains between Washington, D.C., New York, and Boston. The trains will reach top speeds of 160 mph, a boost over the original Acela line that debuted in 2000.
The inaugural trip began at Union Station in Washington, where the Trump administration is moving to reclaim management in what Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy described as an effort to restore the station and improve safety. The push aligns with President Donald Trump’s broader crime crackdown in the capital.
"NextGen Acela is more than a new train—it's an evolution of travel."
— Fox News (@FoxNews) August 27, 2025
Amtrak's newest, fastest premium service is launching Thursday in the busy Washington, D.C.-New York-Boston corridor. pic.twitter.com/Cclzf0jwdy
Amtrak says the NextGen Acela offers faster, more comfortable service with expanded seating, free Wi-Fi, USB ports, and more amenities. A total of 28 trains will be phased in by 2027, supporting about 15,000 U.S. jobs.
Tickets are steep — nearly $500 one-way from Washington to New York — but Amtrak calls the project “an evolution of travel.”
Announcing the NextGen Acela!
— Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) August 27, 2025
These are brand new beautiful trains delivered by @USDOT and @Amtrak will:
-increase reliability
-lower ticket costs
-improve Amtrak profitability
This is all part of @POTUS’ vision to Make Travel Great again 🚄 pic.twitter.com/fdKYadooxM
