My Experience on America's Fastest Train: Business vs. First Class

Recently, I embarked on a journey aboard the fastest train in the United States, the Amtrak NextGen Acela. My travel encompassed both business and first-class accommodations from New York City to Washington, DC, and back.

The Cost and Initial Impressions

For the outbound leg from NYC to Washington, I chose a business-class ticket priced at $180. Meanwhile, the return trip in first class set me back $450, bringing the total expenditure for this quick intercity round-trip to $630.

A Look at the Cutting-Edge Fleet

August 2025 witnessed the introduction of the futuristic NextGen Acela fleet. With features like enhanced speed reaching up to 160 miles per hour, this train represents the pinnacle of rapid transit in the U.S.

My Journey Begins: NYC to Washington

Departing from New York's Penn Station, I made my way to Washington, DC. Business class represents the standard ticket option on the Acela, which does not offer coach class.

Heading Back: Washington to NYC in First Class

Returning to New York in first class offered a slew of perks, including meals, access to train station lounges, a dedicated attendant, and priority boarding privileges.

Differences in Station Experience

The contrast between the two classes became apparent as soon as I reached the stations. Waiting for the business-class train at NYC Penn Station forced me to sit on the floor due to overcrowding in the waiting room. A $50 fee would grant lounge entry to non-first-class travelers. Conversely, in Washington, my first-class status afforded access to the Metropolitan Lounge at Union Station.

The lounge experience was serene, enhanced by comfortable seating, tasteful artwork, and a variety of refreshments available at no additional cost.

The Boarding Process

In first class, I availed of priority boarding, joining a short line. This contrasted sharply with my business-class boarding, where I was positioned near the end of a lengthy queue.

Onboard Acela: Color Codes and Seating Configurations

The Acela cars were distinctively color-coded: blue for business class and red for first class. The interior layout also varied, with business class featuring two rows of seats divided by an aisle and first class showcasing single rows on one side, providing a more spacious setting.

Comfortable Seating with Some Differences

Across both classes, seats boasted smooth lining, plush cushioning, winged headrests, personal reading lights, and USB outlets. However, first-class seats were noticeably more generous with additional legroom.

Dining Options: Comparing Both Classes

In business class, I purchased food at the café car, where a range of snacks and quick meals are available. My selection, a breakfast sandwich, was satisfactory given its microwave preparation. First class, in contrast, provided complimentary meals with attentive table service. My chosen dish, involving chicken with accoutrements, surpassed any previous Amtrak dining experience.

Bathroom Facilities: Similarities in Simplicity

Regardless of class, the bathrooms were identical, distinguished only by door color. They boasted cleanliness, spaciousness, and touchless technology.

Concluding Thoughts

Spending consecutive hours across both classes on the NextGen Acela was surprisingly enjoyable. Arriving at NYC, I felt no urgency to disembark, relishing the comfort provided by first-class seating.