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Official Acela partner

Wanderu is an official partner of Acela

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About Acela

The Acela is the flagship high-speed rail service of Amtrak, the largest passenger railroad service in America. Running along the Northeast Corridor of the United States, the Acela provides a high-speed express train service between Boston and Washington, DC via 16 stops at key cities, including Providence, New Haven, New York City, Philadelphia and Baltimore.

Amtrak’s Acela service was launched in December 2000 and it has since established itself as one of the most popular lines on the train operator’s network. With a speed of up to 82.2 mph, the Acela is currently Amtrak’s fastest running passenger train service. As a result, it is also the most premiumly priced amongst all of Amtrak’s lines in the Northeast region.

Due to the shorter trip duration and high-class trains, the Acela is a very popular mode of transportation among business travelers. To best cater to the often busy clientele, Acela trains are equipped with free high-speed internet, power outlets and extra comfortable seats. In addition, all Acela passengers have access to the service’s signature Corridor Café where they can unwind and enjoy a freshly prepared meal with a glass of wine.

Amtrak is an official Wanderu partner, which means you can find and compare all Amtrak train options in one convenient place, and book your Acela train ticket at no additional fee. Are you an Amtrak Guest Rewards member? Make sure to enter your unique number during checkout so you can earn those valuable points.

 #3 Best Ground Travel Provider in the Mid-Atlantic
 #3 Best Ground Travel Provider in the Mid-Atlantic

Acela Amenities

Air conditioningAir conditioning
RestroomRestroom
BeverageBeverage
Extra legroomExtra legroom
Loyalty rewardsLoyalty rewards
MealMeal
Power outletPower outlet
SnacksSnacks
WiFiWiFi

Quickview

Acela train coverage

Daily Trips1,010
stations15
cities13
countries1

What travelers are saying about Acela

Here’s what Wanderu users who have booked trips with Acela had to say about their travel experience.

Traveling During COVID-19

"The spacing on the train was nice."
based on 125 reviews

Onboard Experience

"Great wifi."
based on 165 reviews
"The conductor was incredibly friendly and personable."
based on 170 reviews
"Good value for money and more relaxing than flight."
based on 150 reviews
"The conductor was incredibly friendly and personable."
based on 194 reviews
"The seating was comfortable and spacious."
based on 196 reviews
"The train seemed super clean."
based on 201 reviews

Acela reviews from Wanderu customers

Overall review score for Acela

(Based on 222 reviews)

4.5
Ratings (Out of 5)
Comfort

4.4

Timeliness

4.8

Staff

4.3

Value

3.1

Condition

4.6

Acela passenger reviews

3.0

Qiang

January 16, 2023- Regular commuter

New York to Boston

Pros: roomy. Cons: train is too shaky- can not do work on a laptop at all. NO help for luggage. Not enough room to put my luggage. No latte in coffee bar. Wifi not stable...

Pros: roomy. Cons: train is too shaky- can not do work on a laptop at all. NO help for luggage. Not enough room to put my luggage. No latte in coffee bar. Wifi not stable...

5.0

William

January 4, 2023- Visiting friends

Washington to Newark

Pros: Comfortable seats and a clean enviroment. Cons: Keep up the standards. Tips: I always travel by air from Washington DC to New Jersey by air. First time doing that by Train. Its a perfect alternative. Less hussle.

Pros: Comfortable seats and a clean enviroment. Cons: Keep up the standards. Tips: I always travel by air from Washington DC to New Jersey by air. First time doing that by Train. Its a perfect alternative. Less hussle.

3.0

Carolina

December 18, 2022- Vacation

New York to Washington

Arrived much later than advertised

Arrived much later than advertised

4.0

F J A

December 13, 2022- Vacation

Washington to New York

Pros: To see something of the area. Traveling by plane doesn't have that. Cons: I think the quality of the line could improve. Less chocking... Tips: No.

Pros: To see something of the area. Traveling by plane doesn't have that. Cons: I think the quality of the line could improve. Less chocking... Tips: No.

5.0

Kevin

December 8, 2022- Vacation

New York to Washington

Pros: Everything was great coming from UK to holiday in NY then travel down to DC there’s no comparison I would recommend train travel every time to anyone from UK. Cons: I struggle to see anything I was great. Tips: Just check train details regularly my train had been...

Pros: Everything was great coming from UK to holiday in NY then travel down to DC there’s no comparison I would recommend train travel every time to anyone from UK. Cons: I struggle to see anything I was great. Tips: Just check train details regularly my train had been cancelled for a number of weeks that said the staff quickly got me back on track on the next train to DC brilliant & thanks.

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Acela Routes & Network

Acela’s train network features 193 train routes that connect 13 cities serving 15 stations. On average, Acela performs about 1010 train trips every day. The top cities to which Acela offers the highest number of daily train service include Boston and New York.

Top Cities Served by Acela

CityRouteEarliest trainLatest train
New York8010:05 am3:35 am
Boston4211:05 am3:04 am
Washington5810:05 am3:40 am
Philadelphia4210:05 am2:26 am
Providence2710:05 am1:43 am
Newark3010:05 am3:35 am
Baltimore2810:05 am3:27 am
New Haven2610:05 am12:50 am
Wilmington2410:05 am2:28 am

Most popular Acela routes

The train from Boston to New York is Acela’s most popular route. Trips from Washington to Newark and New York to Baltimore are also highly popular.

Top Acela routes

RouteDaily TripsDurationPrice
Boston to New York143h 40m$77
Washington to Newark82h 31m$95
New York to Baltimore132h 20m$88
Boston to Providence140h 31m$25
Boston to Newark124h 5m$77
Washington to Philadelphia81h 33m$67
New York to Philadelphia91h 9m$60
New York to Providence73h 1m$75
Washington to New York82h 50m$95

Acela Cancellation Policy

All Acela tickets can be cancelled for a full refund within the first 24 hours after purchase. If more than 24 hours have passed, the cancellation policy and change fee structure for Amtrak bookings depend on the type of fare you purchased:

Saver Fare tickets: A 25% fee applies for any changes. If you cancel the trip, you will receive an eVoucher worth 75% of the original ticket price.

Value Fare tickets: No change fees and fully refundable up to 15 or more days before departure. If cancelled less than 14 days before departure, a 25% cancellation fee applies.

Flexible, Business and Premium Fare tickets: No change fees and fully refundable if cancelled or changed before departure.

Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable after the train has departed, so be sure to make your updates as soon as possible if your travel plans change.

If your Acela ticket is eligible for change or cancellation, you can do that by calling Amtrak’s customer service phone number at 1 (800) 872-7245. To cancel or change your booking online, simply go to www.amtrak.com and click on the “Modify Trip” tab in the upper right corner.

Wanderu also offers an affordable trip protection option by Allianz Global Assistance that you can purchase when booking your tickets. In addition to 24-hour assistance during your trip and coverage for lost or damaged baggage, trip protection can help you get your money back in case you need to cancel or change your trip. You can file a claim to have any Amtrak change or cancellation fees reimbursed if you cannot travel due to covered reasons such as illness, extreme weather, or required work shifts.

Acela Train Guide & FAQs

Are Acela tickets refundable?

If your travel plans have changed, then Acela offers ticket cancellation and refunds. If you have specific questions about refund eligibility, call Amtrak at 1-800-872-7245. You can also modify or cancel your reservation on the Amtrak website. There is no fee if you cancel or change your reservation within 1 hour after booking, but after that a cancellation fee of 20% of the ticket price will apply, plus any price difference if a new ticket is booked.

What is Acela's luggage policy?

While other Amtrak trains offer carry-on and checked baggage services, Acela trains only allow carry-on items. There is no option to check baggage. Overhead bins, luggage racks and space underneath the passenger’s seat are available in each car, which allows travelers to bring 2 personal items up to 25 lbs and 14 x 11 x 7 inches each, and 2 carry-on bags up to 50 lbs and 28 x 22 x 14 inches each.

Are there assigned seats on Acela trains?

No, generally there are no assigned seats on the Acela train. Amtrak offers the ability to book assigned seats for select First Class tickets, but the seats will be automatically assigned to you.

What is Acela First Class?

Whether you’re booking Acela tickets for a short commute or traveling long distance, consider the premier First Class experience. Passengers in First Class enjoy the best amenities, including complimentary dining and beverage service and access to Club Acela lounges in Boston and New York. Each seat includes headrests, adjustable arm and footrests, as well as a complimentary newspaper. Each seat is also equipped with power outlets, WiFi, custom lighting and AC to make your journey even more relaxing and comfortable.

Do Acela trains have WiFi?

Yes, Acela offers WiFi on their trains. Although most trips with Acela will have WiFi as advertised, some trains might not come equipped with WiFi and onboard WiFi can lose its connection in rural areas. We recommend you bring a book or download a movie just to play it safe. Acela WiFi is generally best used for surfing the web, checking emails and chatting with friends; you shouldn’t count on the WiFi to binge watch your favorite show.

Are there power outlets or USB plugs on the train?

Yes, there are power outlets onboard Acela trains. You can generally find one or two sockets per row of seats, so be a good traveller and check if your seat neighbor might want to charge up their devices as well. With the onboard power outlets, you can charge both a computer and USB devices with a USB power adapter that typically comes with most phones and tablets.

Since Acela might sometimes use replacement train vehicles, not all trips are guaranteed to have power points. We recommend to bring a power bank to charge your phone for all trips over 2 hours, just in case.

What is Acela's schedule?

On a typical day, Acela has 1010 scheduled train trips in total. However, the exact departure and arrival times vary depending on the day and route. The best way to find the exact schedule for your trip is to use the search tool on this page.

Can you pick up will call tickets at the station?

No, Acela does not offer will call tickets. You should purchase your tickets online and make sure you have everything you need to board before you arrive at the station.

Do you need an ID to get on the train?

Yes, Acela requires you to present an ID to an agent to be allowed to board the train. Make sure you have identification issued by a government agency that meets the carrier’s requirements. Alternative IDs, such as a college ID, won’t work.

What are Acela’s COVID-19 policies?

Visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide to view the most up-to-date information about Acela’s cleaning protocols and adjusted ticket change policies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Are there bathrooms on Acela trains?

Yes, there are bathrooms on Acela trains. The bathrooms are pretty basic and include a toilet, toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Most bathrooms don’t have running water. As you will be using a bathroom on a moving vehicle, please use caution and hold on to a rail at all times.

Are meals or beverages available?


Acela offers meal service during your trip with them. If you require a meal with special dietary restrictions, we suggest you contact Acela customer service directly to see if one can be arranged to meet your needs. Acela provides snacks to satisfy your hunger during your travels. Be sure to pack a credit card and some cash in case you get hungry. Don’t worry about being parched while traveling with Acela as they offer a beverage service to make sure you stay hydrated. Though we always recommend bringing a reusable water bottle with you to make sure you have water within easy reach and help reduce unnecessary plastic waste.

Do you have to print your Acela ticket?

Acela does not require a printed ticket to board the train. Instead, an eTicket is sent to you by email when you make your reservation. You can use your smartphone to show this eTicket to the ticketing agent as you board.

Does Acela offer any premium features like extra legroom or movies?

Acela goes the extra distance to deliver premium features to its customers.

Do you find yourself squished in a regular seat or just love having extra room to sprawl out? Well you’re in luck as Acela offers extra legroom seating. Since there is no standard of what extra legroom is, the extra space you get may vary between train lines, but getting extra is always good.

How do I get the best deal on Acela tickets?

Wanderu is the best place to score cheap Acela tickets. Wanderu offers the lowest available fares every day and charges no extra booking fees. Plus, you can compare Acela prices with trips offered by other train companies to be sure you’re getting the best deal on your tickets!

Pro travelers know that booking your ticket well in advance is key to finding the lowest price. Ticket prices normally go up the closer you get to the travel date, so don’t miss out on a good deal when you see one. If you can be flexible with your travel date, you can also get cheap tickets by traveling on weekdays instead of weekends.

When you’re ready to book, type your departure city and destination city in the search bar above, select your travel date, and let Wanderu work its magic to show you all of the best bus and train ticket prices available for your trip. Pick the ticket that’s best for your budget, schedule, and preferences, and complete the booking right on Wanderu to secure your great deal.

More transportation options

Top Acela Routes

Top Acela Destinations

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