The Acela, Is it worth the extra $100?

It depends. The clientele is different, and the ride is much smoother. The acela is also business class, so if you compare the price to the coach ticket on the regional train, its not a completely fair comparison.

I've taken the acela a few times, its worth it when you need it to be (if you're going to be tired on the way home, take it).

IMHO, no.  Unless you want to have the experience or are really pressed for time, it is not worth $100 to me.  The interiors are more modern and seem more spacious but my rides on the Acela actually seemed bumpier than the conventional (Amfleet) trains -obviously, there are differing perceptions on this.  If you do just want to ride the Acela, you might want to consider a shorter and less expensive trip than New York to Washington.  You also might want to consider that the Acela reaches its top speed only on a stretch of track in Rhode Island (NYC-Boston leg).

The cost of a ticket varies throughout the day and how far in advance it is purchased.  sometimes, the DC to NY trip is less than of what it is at a peak travel time.  

If you like riding trains, then surely you have to ride it. Hang the expense. I travel on trains every time I go to the US. The Acela is on my to do list for next time.

I've done the NYP to WAS trip many, many times.

For me, business class on regional service is always worth it.

I hopped a ride on the Acela a few years back when they were running off-peak promo pricing. It was great.

I would say that on a one a one-off trip, enjoy the Acela. On repeated trips, it's hard to justify the cost.

Or you could always ride regional one way and Acela the other.

If it was me, yes. I have been on the acela and it is great, smooth, fast and modern. Go for it.

I like the bigger windows, seats are more comfortable, and the rest rooms much nicer. But, again, worth the cost is a matter of opinion. I take it on longer Boston trips whenever possible.

The fact that you are in a train forum asking that question means that you are into trains.  If you have the opportunity take the Acela, at least one way, otherwise you will keep wondering what it is like.

My wife and I took the Acela both ways between NY and Boston.  Great ride nice, spacious interior in coach.  We also took the NE Regionial from Newark, NJ to Fredericksburg, VA.  It was on time and smooth.  Less cabin space but nowhere near as bad as a plane.  I'm 6'3" and I could cross my legs.

The regional train was more crowded and, as was pointed out, “the clientele is different” – not bad, just different.

Enjoy your trip.

For 5 years, I had to go from VA to Boston once a month on business.  I always went Acela Express, and had an enjoyable 6-1/2 hours, which included two served meals in 1st class.  However, if only going between DC & NYC, and not on business, $100 probably isn't worth it except as noted above, to try it.

I did it with my wife on a weekend trip and the expense was well worth the shorter trip and enjoyment of the train! It was a great ride and very enjoyable! Terry

IMO your better off taking the Acela up through the CT/RI/MA area. The views are much better and as someone else said it hits its top speed.

150mph through Wickford Junction in RI.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dk0eaNa_ETE

Anyone know how fast the Acela goes between NY and DC? I rode the regular train and it was quite slow and bumpy.

Hi, Greg.

I've ridden the Acela a few times, once on business (the company paid) and a second time for pleasure to give my son the experience of riding the train. I considered my trips worth the premium fare. If you're a true enthusiast, I believe it's money well spent.

Bob 

Acela at South Station Boston.

Matt, I believe the Acela peaks at 120 or 125 between DC & NYC, and that the regular train peaks at 100.

No. I take the Chinese bus, which only costs ten bucks.

Thanks for all the input guys!

I think I will probably end up taking the Acela on the way down and then take the regular train back just to check it out. 

I've ridden the Acela between NY Penn and South Station Boston and it was very enjoyable, even for the cost. lots of room and a great experience.

if you never plan on taking the Acela again, then it is worth it. If you can book early or off-peak for savings then it is defintely worth it.

a bit of advice for any ride to DC: take a seat in the middle of the car, the number of interlockings south of Philly make for a bumpy ride. no matter which train you choose.

Chris, hearing and feeling those interlocking switches knowing what is going on are one of the high points for me. 

Nothing quite like runing through #24 turnouts.

Forget the extra cost to you, personally. Think, instead of the huge subsidy your countrymen are having to pay. Even those taxpayers in Wyoming, Texas, Alaska, etc. subsidize your ride. (as well as 99% of other train rides). As much as I enjoy this hobby, there is NO logical or economic reality here! Dave G.

dgauss:  You don't think the airlines are subsidized?  USA pays for air controllers, the airways navigation system, and part of the cost of constructing airports.  And the Chinese bus referenced by another poster benefits from the govt building the Interstate Highway system.

If Amtrak were not hauling so many passengers in the NOrtheast Corridor, the govt would have to build more lane-miles of highway to carry the load, or larger airports to handle the flights.

And to get to the RR station or to the airport:  municipally-subsidized busses, or a taxi riding on govt-built & maintained streets.

I went through this same thought process in early March, except I had to travel between NYC and Boston Back Bay.  In the end I opted for the Northeast Regional and saved the money.  My daughter and I were traveling to Boston in the morning and coming back late the same day.  We traveled on April 4th.  The train was clean, comfortable, had a smooth ride and was on time both ways.  I noticed when running at high speed I didn't enjoy the view as much.