Last week I took Amtrak’s Acela Express train for the first time in a few years and I realized I’d completely forgotten what it was like. I was traveling from New York’s Penn Station (one of America’s worst train stations) to Wilmington, Delaware. Since it had been so long since I’d taken Acela, I actually felt like a complete rookie traveler and ended up making all kinds of mistakes—like getting to Penn Station super early. I didn’t know if I needed to get my prepaid printed ticket stamped in advance or not. I didn’t.
Here are my other observations and experiences:
Acela is a fast train that can travel at speeds of up to 150 mph (only in certain locations). What’s nice is that taking the train to and from New York and Boston, Providence, Philadelphia, Wilmington, Baltimore or Washington DC is so much more convenient than flying or driving. Did you know that it only takes 2:50 to get from New York to DC and 1:07 to get from New York to Philadelphia or 1:30 to Wilmington, Delaware? No wonder so many people commute or take day trips.
However, it’s not cheap during the week. A one-way ticket from New York to Washington two months in advance is $259 for business and $375 for first (the only two classes offered on Acela). But if you aren’t in a hurry, you can get cheap tickets ($49) on the Northeast Regional, which is frankly just as comfortable and only takes 50 minutes more. See screenshot above.
But many business travelers love Acela because:
- It’s quicker with faster stops
- There are Express trains offered every hour on the hour during peak morning and afternoon rush hours between New York, Washington, DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and other intermediate cities
- There are at-seat electrical outlets and conference tables
- They have free Wi-Fi—I used a VPN (PrivateWiFi.com) so I was on a secure signal
- They usually aren’t paying
What I learned is that:
- There are no assigned seats
- There are two types of seating in business class: a four-top with a table in between, and two regular seats side-by-side, facing either forward or backward; in first class, they have those and single seats facing each other
- There is lots of overhead space
- The Quiet Car was really quiet (and full)
- If you travel off-peak, you have a much better chance of getting an open seat next to you
- Amtrak has live tracking, which you can see when you agree to their internet terms and conditions
- Tip: Bring bottled water
On the departure leg, the 9 am train, I was in business class and it was great as I had an open seat next to me and in front of me. And we were on time.
But the return journey wasn’t and that was because of one individual…the conductor. Which was a shame, because the company that booked my same-day return ticket put me in first class so I could relax and enjoy the complimentary in-seat meal and beverage service. The first 10 minutes were great since I was in a comfortable seat with an open seat across from me. The waitress quickly came over and handed me a menu, and then took my dinner and drink order (jerk chicken and bottled water), as well as my ticket.
Two minutes later, I was eating my jerk chicken (it was pretty awful) when the conductor (D. Purvis) came by and said really loudly to me, “Big problem. Your return ticket has been refunded and you need to buy a new ticket before we reach Philly.” I thought he was talking to someone else until I realized he was looking right at me. I was not only dumbfounded but embarrassed as well, as the snooty passengers dressed in suits across the aisle looked at me like, “I knew he didn’t belong up here.”
Then Mr. Purvis stood over me until I called Amtrak to speak to an agent. It took about five minutes with all of their prompts, but it felt like hours with him hovering over me like I was about to eat my free meal and run. This is after I’d already sent inquiring messages to the person who booked my ticket (but didn’t get a reply as they were in meetings).
The conductor then said that the on-site cash price was $261 but it might be cheaper by calling—and that I couldn’t book via the web. Then, the moment I got a hold of the agent the conductor said, “Hang up.” I said, “Excuse me?” “Are you Johnny?” he asked. “Yes,” I replied. He said, “Hang up, you’re okay then.”
He said “sorry,” and started to walk away. I said, “Sorry doesn’t cut it after you treated me like a convict and gave me an upset stomach over you getting my ticket number wrong.” He looked at me like I was crazy and walked away, while the other passengers gave me the nod like I was right.
I was fuming for a few minutes but then I realized—why was I so mad? I should have been happy because this guy just inadvertently prevented me from eating the horrible chicken, stale bread and fattening pudding that I would’ve eaten just because it was there. Thank you, Mr. Purvis, and please, next time, doublecheck your passengers’ tickets before making them feel like a hobo.
Would I take Acela again? Absolutely, as long as someone else is paying. Otherwise I would take the Northeast Regional train since it’s a quarter of the price in advance and you don’t have to deal with airport security, small planes and weather delays.
I live in New jersey, Year 2009 (decade ago still fresh in memory) I had called up AMTRAK about their auto car train from Lorton, VA to Florida where you can take your car in train and ride along to Florida. The agent was rude and not helpful with information, not to judge the entire AMTRAK company based on one agent’s behavior , I called two days later this time a lady she was so arrogant and condescending each minute passing by she got louder and louder and more irritated. I had some basic 2 or 3 answers which I could not get from their website. Finally I decided to drive and having a stop over in North Carolina then riding the train as I did not want to get any surprise experience riding in AMTRAK. This perennial loss making company runs on government subsidy, if they improve their customer service I am sure people will love to ride on train.
I come in on a flight from Las Vegas to BWI about every three months or so. In the past I have taken Amtrak north from BWI station to Wilmington.
Coming up from Union Station, the Northeast regional train has never been on time at BWI. It is always delayed at Union Station for varying lengths of time. The longest I waited was 3 hours.
You cannot depend on Amtrak to get you to your destination in a timely manner if you have an appointment that day
Often times, people complain because they think that they’re FAR more important than they really are. The SLIGHTEST bit of inconvenience provokes a response far in excess of what is needed. As for myself, I look forward to these situations happening to me because I usually can turn a negative into a positive. Like getting free stuff. Instead of using anger as a response, I use politeness, logic, and guilt over their treatment of me to get whatever I can. And I’m good at it. One time, I got my Amtrak fare (including Roomette bedroom) comped by Amtrak from Reno to Chicago.
My wife and I do the regular Amtrak Phila to Boston run 3 times a year. We’ve done the Acela twice, Phila to NYC, and Phila to D.C.. Frankly, we don’t think the steep extra cost of the Acela is worth it. I’d bet most of the Acela passengers are not paying out-of-pocket. We are in our 70s, and always fly first class (which we feel is worth it). A few days ago we took the Amtrak Silver Meteor to Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Great trip!
I live in Northern Va and chose a dentist in NYC. He is worth the travel, and the travel by Acela makes it beautiful. I have to say, most of the conductors onboard are like your Purvis, but the other staff, they are angelic!
I traveled up on Monday night, last train, and back on Tuesday night, last train. (Usually I do it in one day, but this was a particularly ouchy appointment) The staff kicked out two people who snuck into .first class, but only after one made an ass of herself. I was overjoyed, as she had quickly snagged the seat I was heading towards. After her departure, I got up, toted my suitcase way back to that seat, and the staff just grinned. Not one peep about me being obnoxious.
Next stop in Delaware, a family with two loud children sat down at the table beside me, and woke me up, so I traipsed right back to the seat I had abandoned, as I sat down, the conductor all but tackled me, and said I couldn’t sit there!
I was so confused. I said, but I was sitting here before! I am just trying to escape that noise back there.
She informed me they were trying to keep two seats “open”.
Why would you do that? I asked…and she answered -“for him” -and pointed to a sleeping extremely high level politician. (Not Biden, that would have made more sense!)
But I immediately assured her I just wanted to go back to sleep…and the wait staff chimed in, saying oh honey she’s ok, she’s a great gal! And with that, I was allowed to snuggle right down into the chair and return to my nap. I honestly love the staff on the Acela.
And I love the fruit plate. It’s truly the best meal I have had on any kind of public transport. I’m not even a vegetarian, but it’s always delicious, and filling. And doesn’t require Pepto after.
The Acela is such a convenient, pleasant way to round trip from DC to NYC in one day… if you can do it, try it!
-loved your review Johnny, but I gotta add mine to the Northeast Regional, I took it once. The 4:00am to NYC.
Maybe because it was the early train, it was the most miserable experience I have had purely travel wise. I felt like I was in a grayhound bus,with all the stops, and not one seat was empty. I Would breathe a sigh of relief as people exited each stop, then die a little inside, as they were quickly replaced with newcomers every stop!
It was so crowded and loud, and slowwww compared to the Acela. Plus the Union Station Acela Club is so divine, and so close to the gates! You can’t take advantage of it if you ride the Regional!
Now, if we could get Penn Station to upgrade THEIR Acela Club, we would really be working some magic.