After years of delays and canceled debuts, the next generation of Amtrak’s high-speed Acela train will finally enter revenue service on the Northeast Corridor on August 28. 

Amtrak officials say five Acela Avelia Liberty (sometimes called the NextGen Acela)  trainsets will enter service to start, and that by the end of 2027, all 28 trains should be in operation. Until then, high-speed service between Boston and Washington, D.C. will be handled by both the original Acela trains and the new ones. 

“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.”

The Alstom-built trains were expected to enter service back in 2021, but they were delayed by various mechanical and infrastructure issues, specifically compatibility issues with the decades-old catenary on the route. With those issues resolved, testing of the trains has been increasing in recent weeks along the Northeast Corridor. 

The new trains can travel up to 160 miles per hour and feature amenities like free, high-speed internet, individual power outlets and more. Tickets to ride the new trainsets will be available in the coming days. 

—Justin Franz