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Provider information and services
Amtrak Acela
About
Amtrak Acela is the flagship high-speed train service operated by Amtrak, the national rail operator of the United States. Running along the Northeast Corridor, Acela connects major cities such as Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, Providence, and Boston. It is the fastest train service in the U.S., reaching speeds of up to 150 mph (250 km/h). Passengers can choose between Business Class and First Class. Both offer seat reservations, free Wi-Fi, power outlets, adjustable lighting, conference tables, and large tray tables, with spacious seating and extra legroom. Business Class includes complimentary snacks and beverages, while First Class offers larger seats, complimentary meals, and access to premium lounges. Food and drinks are also available for purchase at Café Acela. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–New York City, New York City–Boston, and Philadelphia–Washington, D.C.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Coach Class: Not included, can be purchased. Business/First Class: Included
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone
Popular routes
Amtrak Acela train tickets
Select the route
Showing the fastest and cheapest results for Feb 23
Amtrak Acela
02:47PM0h23
BWI Airport Rail Station, Hanover, MD03:10PMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC
$531One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak Acela
09:23AM0h32
BWI Airport Rail Station, Hanover, MD09:55AMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC
$611One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak Acela
07:37PM0h25
BWI Airport Rail Station, Hanover, MD08:02PMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC
$701One-way
0 transfers
Popular Amtrak Acela routes
Edward L. Logan International Airport to Providence, RI train
from $7
Direct trains available
0h38 average duration
16trains per day
Served by
- Amtrak
- Amtrak Acela
John F. Kennedy International Airport to Philadelphia, PA train
from $12
Direct trains available
1h05 average duration
97trains per day
Served by
- Amtrak Acela
- Amtrak
John F. Kennedy International Airport to Boston, MA train
from $24
Direct trains available
3h35 average duration
33trains per day
Served by
- Amtrak Acela
- Amtrak
Baltimore/Washington International Airport to Washington, DC train
from $7
Direct trains available
0h26 average duration
24trains per day
Served by
- Amtrak Acela
- Amtrak
Ronald Reagan National Airport to John F. Kennedy International Airport train
from $25
Direct trains available
4h05 average duration
49trains per day
Served by
- Amtrak Acela
- Amtrak
Baltimore/Washington International Airport to Washington Union Station, Washington, DC train
from $6
Direct trains available
0h26 average duration
23trains per day
Served by
- Amtrak Acela
- Amtrak
Philadelphia International Airport to New York, NY train
from $12
Direct trains available
1h21 average duration
45trains per day
Served by
- Amtrak
- Amtrak Acela
Baltimore/Washington International Airport to Penn Station, New York, NY train
from $19
Direct trains available
2h20 average duration
66trains per day
Served by
- Amtrak
- Amtrak Acela
T. F. Green International Airport to Boston, MA train
from $7
Direct trains available
0h46 average duration
16trains per day
Served by
- Amtrak Acela
- Amtrak
Amtrak Acela FAQs
Everything you need to know to travel with Amtrak Acela: amenities, cancellation policy, luggage allowance and more

Amtrak Acela offers high-speed rail service connecting major cities in the Northeastern United States, including Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C.
Amtrak Acela trains are accessible for passengers with reduced mobility, offering features such as wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, and accessible platforms and stations.
Amtrak Acela allows cancellations, but the policies depend on the ticket type and timing.
With Amtrak Acela, there is no formal check-in process; passengers can board using a valid ticket.
Yes, Amtrak Acela provides compensation if you miss your connection due to a delay.
Refund processing with Amtrak Acela takes about 2-3 weeks. Refundable tickets can receive a full refund before departure, while non-refundable tickets are eligible for an 80% credit for future travel.
For Amtrak Acela, compensation requests for ticket refunds or credits need to be submitted before departure for refundable tickets, which are eligible for a full refund. Non-refundable tickets can receive an 80% credit for future travel. Processing for such requests typically takes 2-3 weeks.
If your Amtrak Acela train is delayed, you may be eligible for compensation specifically in cases of missed connections due to the delay.
Amtrak Acela departs from major city hubs in the Northeast Corridor such as Washington, D.C.'s Union Station, Philadelphia's 30th Street Station, and New York City's Penn Station.
Passengers on Amtrak Acela trains can store their luggage in overhead racks, under seats, and in designated luggage areas at the end of the cars. Each passenger is permitted to bring 2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free of charge.
When traveling on Amtrak Acela within the United States, you do not need to bring a passport, but a valid government-issued photo ID is required.
Small pets under 20 pounds are allowed on Amtrak Acela trains for a $26 fee and must be in a carrier, while service animals can travel for free.
If your Amtrak Acela train is canceled, you are eligible for a full refund.
Amtrak Acela offers refundable tickets for its Flexible Fare option, allowing customers greater flexibility to alter or cancel their travel plans.
Yes, Amtrak Acela trains provide plug sockets for passengers, which include USB outlets.
Subway tickets cannot be purchased onboard the Amtrak Acela train.
Amtrak Acela does not offer compensation for delays caused by weather or strikes.
Yes, Amtrak Acela trains offer WiFi onboard, allowing passengers to stay connected during their journey.
Yes, Amtrak Acela offers quiet zones where passengers can enjoy a peaceful environment, but it does not specifically mention family compartments.
station information and services
Most popular Amtrak Acela train stations
Amenities at train station
information
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Sun: 05:00-22:00
Distance to city center
4 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi available in Moynihan Train Hall.
Lockers
- Baggage assistance is provided by Red Caps, open 24/7 at Penn and open from 05:00 to 23:00 at Moynihan Train Hall.
Dining
- Blue Bottle Coffee
- Magnolia Bakery
- Starbucks
- The Pennsy Food Hall
- Nick + Stef's Steakhouse
- Penn & Sushi
- Krispy Kreme Donuts
- T.G.I. Friday's
- NY Pizza Suprema
- Blarney Stone
- & many more
Accessibility
- Accessible facilities including restroom, parking, elevators, and ramps. Additional assistance available at ticket counters or by asking uniformed employees.
Hotel
- The New Yorker at Wyndham Hotel
- Courtyard by Marriott New York Manhattan/Chelsea
- Hilton Garden Inn West 35th Street
Ticket Office
- Mon - Sun: 05:00-22:00
Information Desk
- Located on the connecting concourse near Tracks 18-19.
Public transit options for Penn Station
- Subway lines: 1, 2, 3, A, C, E
- Bus lines: M7, M20
- Train lines: Acela, Adirondack, Cardinal, Carolinian, Crescent, Empire Service, Ethan Allen Express, Keystone Service, Lake Shore Limited, Maple Leaf, Northeast Regional, Pennsylvanian, Silver Service/Palmetto, Vermonter, PATH, New Jersey Transit, Long Island Railroad, AirTrain Newark, AirTrain JFK
Amenities at train station
information
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 04:30 - 22:00
- Sat - Sun: 05:00 - 22:00
Distance to city center
2 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station courtesy of Amtrak.
Lockers
- Amtrak provides temporary luggage storage for $10 per bag for 24 hours for customers holding Amtrak tickets.
Dining
- Shake Shack
- McDonald’s
- Starbucks
- Potbelly Sandwich Shop
- Chopt Creative Salad Co.
- Chipotle Mexican Grill
- Thunder Grill
- Johnny Rockets
- Jamba Juice
- Ladurée Union Station
- & many more
Accessibility
- Elevators, escalators, wheelchair access. Accessible facilities including restrooms, parking, platforms, ticket office, waiting room.
Hotel
- Hyatt Recency Washington On Capitol Hill
- Phoenix Park Hotel
- Kimpton George Hotel
Ticket Office
- Mon - Fri: 04:30 - 22:00
- Sat - Sun: 05:00 - 22:00
Information Desk
- Located on the train concourse of Level G near the Amtrak Waiting Area.
Public transit options for Union Station
- Metro lines: Red
- Bus lines: D6, D8, 80, 96,
- Train lines: Acela, Capitol Limited, Cardinal, Carolinian, Crescent, Fredericksburg Line, MARC Brunswick, MARC Camden, MARC Penn, Manassas Line, Northeast Regional, Palmetto, Silver Service/Palmetto, Vermonter
Amenities at train station
information
Ticket Office Hours
- 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Number of platforms
13Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via Atlantic Avenue.
Dining
- Legal Sea Foods
- Tavern in the Square
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, restrooms.
WC
- $0.50
Hotel
- InterContinental Boston
- The Langham, Boston
- Boston Harbor Hotel
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Car Rental
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-5 for Amtrak services
- Hall 2: platforms 6-13 for MBTA Commuter Rail services
- Bus terminal located on the upper level.
Public transit options for South Station
- Subway: Red Line
- Bus: Several lines available
- Commuter Rail: Multiple lines
Amtrak Acela destinations
Not sure where to begin your Amtrak Acela adventure? Check out these popular Amtrak Acela destinations for travel details and nearby attractions:
