NY - Boston, 'Acela' or 'Northeast Regional'

Hi Folks

Looking at the train options from NY to Boston.

The Acela seems to be about 25 minutes quicker over the trip, but is much more expensive than the 'Northeast Regional' which we've used before and found quite satisfactory.

Could anyone enlighten me about the benefits of Acela over the Northeast Regional service?

Cheers!

This thread on Trip Advisor might help as it is comparing the two services.

:X

Hi Folks

Looking at the train options from NY to Boston.

The Acela seems to be about 25 minutes quicker over the trip, but is much more expensive than the 'Northeast Regional' which we've used before and found quite satisfactory.

Could anyone enlighten me about the benefits of Acela over the Northeast Regional service?

Cheers!

Hi Clarkey

I have caught the Acela a couple of times and found it to be a great way to travel between Boston and NYC. The seats are comfortable and they have free on-board wi-fi if you want to work etc. It's all business class so you don't need to find a specific carriage and the seats are not reserved, although I recall you do get a seat number on your ticket.

On the Tripadvisor thread they mention the quiet cars (carriages) which are wothwhile if you want peace and quiet. The last time I did the journey in a "noisy" car there were a few people on their phones for hours on end - literally. I had to get my Bose n/c headphones out!

Depending where you are staying in Boston, you may find it easier to get on/off at the stop on Route 128. I have friends who live just out of town and they always use that stop so they don't have to got into central Boston with the traffic and parking challenges.

Cheers

Martin

About 10 years ago I did business class on the regional service. It was a Sunday and the Acela didn't run on Sundays then.

Loads of space and free snacks and sodas - just needed to go to the cafe car and show my ticket. I think they did at seat service during the week.

Funnily enough I was looking at doing the ACELA from Bos to DC and went 'ouch' at the price difference (and double ouch for the 1st class fare)

Back Bay station is also an option depending on where you are staying.

The last time I travelled on the Acela (three weeks ago) the WiFi was not free. As to the difference, the Acela is of course quicker, has better seating, in business the cafe is great, in first the at seat dining is good and the drinks are endless. The Acela trains are newer and nicer, there's loads of luggage space too. Also, if you want peace and quiet, take the Acela, Americans on their cellphones can be loud, lengthy and obnoxious!

Either way, it's a lovely train ride, you go up and out of NYC, into CT, partly along the sea shore which is beautiful, clip RI and then into MA. Back Bay station in Boston is perfect for a short walk to many of the hotels too.

I did the Acela trip too, and there's a trip report on it.

I did First Class on Acela, and Standard class a year later (on a different route - Boston to Portland, Maine) and both were excellent. Spacious seats and very clean.

My Acela Trip Report