After lengthy delays, Amtrak’s new Acela trains, the Avelia Liberty, are finally entering service!
According to Amtrak’s website, these new trains will enter service on August 28, 2025. We do not have exact schedules as to which train numbers these Acelas will run as, and we also don’t have the inaugural train number either. Note that these trains will enter service in phases, so not all of the current Acela fleet will immediately be replaced by the new ones.
Still though, this is a major milestone for Amtrak in improving their Northeast Corridor service.
I unfortunately won’t be able to attend the inaugural service as I will still be in Japan during that day. I do, however, have a trip scheduled from New York to Boston on September 3. I may try to adjust my schedule based on when the new Acelas run, whenever a concrete schedule gets published.
No matter what, I should have opportunities to ride them at some point during September. I’m planning to write reviews of both business and first class, so stay tuned!
I’ve seen them up close (on the platform) twice, and I do like the look of them in person. These trains will have increased capacity compared to the current Acela fleet, carrying up to 386 passengers. It’s 11 cars total, with 9 of them being passenger cars. Amtrak has the option to add more cars in the future if demand allows.
The trains have been built based on the France TGV’s new train, the Avelia Horizon, and they’ll have a top operating speed of 160mph (260kmh). The trains themselves can technically run at speeds up to 220mph or 350kmh, but we’re limited by the old infrastructure of the Northeast Corridor.
As a frequent Acela rider, I can’t wait to ride these new trains. I will miss the current fleet for sure, but it’s absolutely time for them to go.
All photos taken by the author.
Will this actually speed it up? It used to be a 2:25 ride if I recall correctly and I took it this week and was basically 3 hours … it’s ridiculous.