The US now has a high-speed train that sets a new standard

The train: Amtrak

• Route New York City to Philadelphia
• Distance 146 kilometres; One hour and 10 minutes
• Operator Amtrak
• Class Business
• Frequency A dozen or more daily Acela train departures from NYC to Philadelphia.

The journey

This train journey on the new Amtrak NextGen Acela train starts from New York’s Penn Station and ends at 30th Street Station in downtown Philadelphia. In 2025, Amtrak introduced the NextGen Acela high-speed service between Boston and Washington DC, including this popular NYC-Philadelphia sector. For the first time since Acela’s debut in 2000, new premium high-speed trainsets now operate on the US Northeast Corridor, which links Washington DC, New York and Boston. The trains, five of which are currently in service, can reach speeds of up to 257.5 km/h, have fast Wi-Fi, better seats and improved food.

Boarding

The Moynihan Train Hall at Manhattan’s Penn Station (America’s busiest) is conveniently connected to city subway lines. I buy a takeaway tea and wait for the track number to be displayed on digital screens on the main concourse. I have an assigned seat so there’s no need to rush to the train. We depart on time.

The seat

Business class seats on this train are in a 2-2 configuration. I’m in Car 2, seat 2C, an aisle seat that does not face the direction of travel (a rookie booking error on my part). It’s a spacious comfortable seat with a winged headrest. Features include a fold-down tray table, adjustable leg rest, individual reading light and a personal power outlet (US socket) and USB port at every seat.

Baggage

A passenger may bring two pieces of luggage up to 23 kilograms each (no larger than 71 x 55 x 35 centimetres) and one personal item up to 12 kilograms (no larger than 35 x 27 x 18 centimetres. There are luggage racks at the end of the carriages and ample space on shelves above the seats. There’s not enough room in front of my legs for my small roller bag.

Food + drink

Food and drink items are available in the Cafe Acela car. Sandwiches, salads, antipasto and hot meals are reasonably priced, from $US4 to $15 ($5.50 to $21). Beers, spirits and wines, as well as non-alcoholic beverages including La Colombe Cold Brew, iced tea, juice and soft drinks are available. In the snack aisle, we spy Darrell Lea Australian licorice ($US5), alongside Kettle chips, M&Ms and popcorn. Business Class customers may purchase food, drink and snack items from the convenience of their seats with the Acela cart service (on select departures). First Class passengers have complimentary at-seat meal and drinks service, from a menu created by Philadelphia-based Starr Restaurants group. It includes signature items such as El Presidente’s crab enchiladas, Parc’s ricotta ravioli and Korean barbecue short rib.

One more thing…

Whether it’s cheaper to take the train or to fly between US east coast cities depends on the route, how far in advance you book, available sale prices and baggage fees. For this short 70-minute train journey, the convenience of rail travel is a clear winner. There is no fixed number of NextGen Acela departures, so look for the “NextGen” tag on the Amtrak website when booking.

The price

From $60 ($93).

The verdict

Finally, there is a new premium standard for American train travel. Amtrak’s new NextGen Acela is faster, more comfortable and more upscale than anything Amtrak has offered before. Book in advance to get the best price.

Our rating out of five