“NextGen Acela is more than a new train—it’s an evolution of travel,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris. “In just a few weeks, history will be made with the debut of NextGen Acela as we launch a new standard for American train travel.”

After years of anticipation and multiple delays, Amtrak has officially announced the launch date for its cutting-edge NextGen Acela high-speed trains.

Amtrak will debut its new NextGen Acela high-speed trains Aug. 28, offering faster, more comfortable service between Washington, D.C., New York City and Boston.

Amtrak's new high-speed NextGen Acela trains will soon begin operating between Boston, New York and Washington, D.C.

Amtrak's first NextGen Acela trains officially enter service this month along the Northeast Corridor, marking the first major overhaul of the high-speed route since Acela debuted in 2000.

NextGen is faster than the original Acela but will not set any world speed records. Its top velocity of 160 mph falls short of global benchmarks set by China’s Fuxing, which hits 217 mph, and Japan’s newest Shinkansens, which reach 200 mph.

The first five of Amtrak’s long-awaited, Alstom-built higher-speed trainset, the “NextGen Acela” (but also called “Acela II,” “America’s high-speed train,” and “Avelia Liberty” by the builder), are se

The United States' fastest passenger train is finally ready to roll. On August 28, 2025, Amtrak will launch the long-awaited NextGen Acela, s tarting a new era of high-speed rail travel along the heavily trafficked Northeast Corridor, connecting Boston, New York City, and Washington, D.C.

Amtrak first introduced its Acela product in 2000. The NextGen trains were outlooked to enter service in 2022, but experienced numerous hurdles delaying their introduction.

The new trains feature 27 percent more seats and more daily departures, Amtrak said. They will have a top speed of 160 miles per hour, 10 miles per hour faster than the current fleet.

Travelers can experience the new ride Aug. 28. The post Amtrak’s new high-speed NextGen Acela trains to debut this month appeared first on Boston.com.