Amtrak has confirmed that its NextGen Acela high-speed service will officially launch on Thursday, 28 August 2025, connecting Boston and Washington, D.C. with stops in major cities along the Northeast Corridor, including New York.
The rollout begins with five new trainsets, with a total of 28 NextGen Acela trains scheduled to enter service in phases through 2027, gradually replacing the current Acela fleet that has been operating since 2000.
Originally, the trains were planned for service by 2021, with full deployment by 2022. However, testing requirements and manufacturing challenges pushed the project back several years.
Each NextGen Acela will provide 27% more seating capacity per departure than the existing trains. Amtrak is also expanding schedules on both weekdays and weekends, giving passengers more frequent travel options across the busy corridor.
Key passenger amenities on board include:
* **High-speed 5G-enabled Wi-Fi**
* **Individual power outlets** and **reading lights**
* **Enhanced seating and interior design** for greater comfort
Travelers will be able to book tickets and manage their journeys via the Amtrak mobile app, the website, or station kiosks. During the transition, both current Acela and NextGen Acela trains will operate simultaneously on the corridor.
The NextGen Acela fleet, also known as Acela II, is manufactured by Alstom at its facility in Hornell, New York, with components supplied by over 180 companies across 29 U.S. states. According to Amtrak, the project has supported around 15,000 jobs nationwide, in partnership with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.
This introduction is part of Amtrak’s broader fleet modernization program, which also includes the rollout of Amtrak Airo trains on routes such as the Cascades and Northeast Regional, as well as upgrades to long-distance locomotives, coaches, and sleeper cars with improved seating, lighting, and interiors.
The full NextGen Acela fleet is expected to be operational by 2027, marking a major step in the transformation of America’s high-speed rail travel.
