Amtrak NextGen Acela: Business vs. First Class Review

The Amtrak NextGen Acela is currently the fastest train in the United States, featuring a top speed of 160 miles per hour. A traveler recently documented a round-trip journey between New York City and Washington, DC, comparing the business and first-class cabins. The total travel time was six hours, with a cumulative cost of $630. The first-class ticket, priced at $450, offered significant perks including complimentary lounge access and a full meal service. In contrast, the $180 business-class ticket required purchasing food from an onboard café car and waiting in the general station area. Despite the price difference, both classes featured the same modern seating amenities, though first class offered more space. The review highlighted that the NextGen Acela fleet, introduced in August 2025, provides a futuristic and comfortable ride regardless of the chosen class.

In September 2025, a traveler booked a round-trip excursion on the Amtrak NextGen Acela. The route connected New York City to Washington, DC. The Acela serves as the express option for the Northeast corridor, offering exclusively business and first-class seating. There is no coach seating available on these trains, making business class the standard ticket option.

The itinerary began with a business-class ticket purchased for $180. This covered a three-hour ride from NYC to Washington, DC. The return journey featured a first-class ticket costing $450. The total expenditure for the six hours of travel amounted to $630. The NextGen Acela fleet was launched in August 2025, bringing a new look and modern amenities to the route.

The differences between the two classes were evident before the trains departed. For the business-class trip, the traveler waited on the floor of Penn Station in New York City as the waiting room was full. Access to the Metropolitan Lounge would have cost $50. Conversely, the first-class ticket provided complimentary access to the Metropolitan Lounge at Union Station in Washington, DC, where other passengers typically pay $35 for entry.

The lounge environment was described as quiet and calm, featuring comfortable seating, art, and complimentary snacks and beverages. Following the lounge visit, first-class passengers utilized a priority boarding lane. This allowed for immediate boarding with fewer than a dozen people ahead. In contrast, the business-class boarding process involved a long line where the traveler was positioned toward the back.

Inside the NextGen Acela, the cars are color-coded to distinguish between service levels. Blue indicates business class, while Red signifies first class. This coding extends from the headrests to the bathroom doors. The layout also differs: business class features two rows of seats on either side of the aisle, whereas first class has a single row on one side.

Both classes feature seats with smooth lining, soft cushions, and winged headrests. Amenities include reading lights, USB ports, and reclining functions. The primary difference noted was the size of the seating; first-class seats were larger and offered more legroom. However, the traveler found both classes to be more comfortable than any other Amtrak seating previously experienced.

Dining options varied significantly between the two classes. During the business-class ride, the traveler visited the café car to purchase a breakfast sandwich. This area allows passengers to buy grab-and-go items, snacks, and quick hot meals prepared by an attendant. The meal was described as a microwaved item that tasted 'pretty decent.'

First-class passengers received full attendant service and a complimentary menu. The traveler selected a chicken dish with roasted squash and a Key-lime pie in a jar, describing it as the most satisfying meal ever had on an Amtrak train. Regarding restrooms, an Amtrak representative confirmed that the bathrooms are identical in both classes, save for the door color. They feature automatic doors, touch-free fixtures, and ample space.

Ultimately, the experience on the Amtrak NextGen Acela was rated highly for comfort. The traveler noted that despite the long travel day, the comfort of the train made it difficult to leave upon arrival.