As a native New Englander and Bostonian, I absolutely loved every minute of both the Acela trip northbound to Boston, as well as southbound from South Station, Boston to Penn Station in New York. I was thoroughly familiar with every bit of the scenery as I was quite a frequent rail traveler to and from Boston and New York - therefore I have experienced these train trips on Amtrak all my life. I also commuted on MBTA trains for years into South Station and home to Natick, MA on the Boston-Framingham-Worcester commuter line. I also resided on Commonwealth Avenue in Back Bay, Boston for a few years and used Back Bay Station on Dartmouth Street regularly. For a time I lived in Salem, MA, and would commute by MBTA rail daily into and out from North Station, Boston. Before I moved from Salem to Palm Springs, CA - unfortunately I did not have the opportunity to experience AMTRAK's "Downeaster" trains between North Station, Boston. MA and Portland and Brunswick, ME. For several years I lived in Buffalo, NY, and would often travel to Boston and back by AMTRAK's "New England States" , on AMTRAK's "Water Level Route" between Boston and Chicago, for which I always purchased a Roomette in one of the train's sleepers. I have really enjoyed these "Simply Railway" videos and anxiously await more! THANK YOU for both the memories of "home" and these awesome informative videos!

13:58 your coffee seems to be dancing across the table... maybe it's "DANCIN' DONUTS... PROUDLY SERVED ON AMTRAK" ☕💃😂

I do enjoy the Northeast Regional. It's significantly cheaper than Acela, and if you have time to spare in your travels, it's much more relaxing than flying.

Great, accurate, and fair review of this train. I've been riding this route since moving to Boston in 1974. Until the late 1980s, Amtrak ran sleeper service on this route -- that was my favorite way to travel between Boston and Washington DC (where my family of origin lived). Although that train left Boston relatively late (10p), they allowed early boarding. The change-over from diesel to electric happened in New Haven, CT in that era. The New Haven stop therefore always entailed a 20-30 minute wait. The sleeper arrived in DC at 8:00a the following morning -- after breakfast in the diner, en-route from NYC to DC. It was a truly civilized way to make the trip. For the past few years (prior to the pandemic) I've enjoyed taking 1-2 week "Amtrak vacations" from my home in Boston. I hope to resume those soon. On today's NE corridor, as you observed, coach fare on the NE Regional is far and away the best value. The primary benefit of the upgrade to business class on the regional is that it's always at one end of the train (usually the rear) and always adjoins the cafe car. This greatly reduces the number of people walking through the car (except railfans taking videos from the rear :) ). The fare bump from the regional to the Acela is completely driven by the minor (30 minute) schedule change. That, by the way, is absolutely arbitrary on the part of Amtrak. About ten years ago, the wheelsets of the Acela needed to be replaced because of premature fatigue cracks. The result was that the Acela schedule was operated by conventional (electric) engines -- frequently using old Metroliner equipment put back in service for the occasion. Those trains operated within about the 10 minutes of the Acela schedule. The major factor in shortening the NE trip time between BOS and NYC when the line was electrified all the way to Boston was removing nearly all of the slow-order segments. Before that change, every train had to slow to 15MPH or in some cases 5MPH for things like old bridges and such. Those changes benefited all trains on the route. The high-profile Acela has always been more marketing buzz than passenger reality. The ONLY difference between business class and first class on the Acela is a meal service (with wine). So you're paying about $40 for a microwave supper and a split of drinkable but distinctly average grocery-store wine (red or white). I hope that the new administration is eventually able to restore some of the luxury that used to be available even on Amtrak. There are reports in March of 2021 that overnight rooms have been restored to the NE Regional service between Boston and DC. If that proves to be true, it will be one of the first post-pandemic trips I take.

My bestie wanted to use Megabus for our trip from Boston to NYC but then I looked up Amtrak prices and it’s only $6 more round trip. So I already knew it way a way better deal to use the train and after seeing this video, I can’t believe how good of a deal it actually is. You’d think it would be a lot more! Thanks for the video!

As a frequent Amtrak traveler between Boston and NYC, your video was a very good overview of the Northeast Regional. The Acela is faster, makes fewer stops, and does offer more legroom in coach, which on the Acela is business class. This being said, the Acela can be pricey, as you accurately point out. Fares on all Amtrak Northeast Corridor routes (including the Acela) have fallen dramatically during the pandemic. The Acela clearly caters to business travelers as you'll see more outlets, roomier seats, and seating with table configurations. I tend to prefer the Northeast Regional overall as I think it's by far the most economical way to get to New York. Here in the Northeast, we sometimes take our myriad of transportation options for granted. We are lucky in how easy it is to travel up and down the Northeast Corridor from Boston to DC, making all stops in between. All aboard!

Great videos of US and European rail service. I'm a retired rail conductor NJ Transit. I get to view the other railroads without leaving the man cave. Thanks.

I think Amtrak opened a new train hall in penstation this year. It looks rather good and modern.

Excellent video, at 12:19 you stated there are no active grade crossings on the NEC. Between New Haven, and Providence Rhode Island, their are currently 14 active grade crossings in that territory. The majority of them are in CT, and a few in Rhode Island. Freight trains do share the ROW with Amtrak operated by the Providence and Worcester R.R. At 16:50, you are officially at the halfway point between Boston, and New York, MP 112.

The bridging platforms are common with the MTA of New York especially on the new Haven line in the summer time seen here. The “local” tracks often under go maintenance in several spots so MTA uses the metal platforms so they can continue regular service to all stations on the New Haven line. Taking a train from Either New Haven or Fairfield Metro to GCT is definitely worth a trip report in my opinion.

Your detailed descriptions are superior. America through a foreigners eyes. So needed.The New York skyline never fails to impress and going under the river into Penn Station always delights me. Family childhood memories.

One thing about these Amfleet coaches... when it rains really, really hard, the roofs leak. I'm not sure how that happens. It's absolutely true that these regional trains are a far better value for money than the Acela--the Acela experience isn't that much better, it's only slightly faster and the price differential is just too high. But since we live out in the far suburbs now, I'm a bit sorry to say we've actually switched to buses as our primary way of getting to New York from metro Boston. There are coach services that leave from hotels near where we live and offer free long-term parking in the hotel lot. The fares are even lower than Amtrak regional, the seating's even more comfortable (3 across) and it puts you at the Port Authority bus terminal, which is no palace but (at least before Moynihan Train Hall opened) was a better place to arrive than Penn Station. The only disadvantage is that the buses can be much, much slower getting in and out of NYC if you hit it during rush hour. If we lived closer to South Station, or if there was a North-South Station rail link so we could ride the train directly in from our local station, it'd be a different story.

Man, I was about to buy the Acela but your two videos changed my mind and saved me money. Thank you!

Before the pandemic I used to ride the Northeast Regional from Westerly, Rhode Island to NYC regularly. I would have lunch, see a Broadway show, do a little shopping and take the train back. What a great value and pleasant, comfortable trip. The Amtrak staff was always friendly and helpful. I am so looking forward to experiencing the new Moynihan Hall at Penn Station. I can’t wait for everything to get back to normal and enjoy my one-day vacations again!

I lived in Boston from '85 to '00... I had two cars .... I left them in the driveway most of the time and took my bike, bus, subway, commuter rail, ferry and Amtrak everywhere .... beautiful city and incredible harbor.... I miss that city right up until the first freezing cold rain and I'm not even going to talk about snow.... Now I live in hot Vegas - Red Rock and Valley of Fire beautiful in a different way.... Thanks for taking me back to this awesome city ! Be well...

The part of the Northeast Corridor between New Haven and Boston wasn’t electrified before 2000 and has another electrification system than the part between New Haven and New York. This is why the Catenary supports looks older on the part south of New Haven.

Took Acela one way and NE Regional the other last summer. Enjoyed both trips immensely. Regional is better for sightseeing along the Connecticut coast. Acela is comfortable and the food in 1st class was delicious!

I used to work in the offices of South Station so I used to have a front-row seat to all of the train action. And I have taken the train many time to NYC and Washington for work and pleasure. Thank you for your content.

Very detailed & overall excellent video. I’ll be riding on Amtrak from Boston to NYC in October for vacation, though I’ll be arriving at the new Penn Station in NYC. Thank you!

Nice report and nice video. I wouldn't complain about the age of the Amfleet too much, those are super strong stainless steel Budd built cars. They'll certainly last longer than anyone of us.

Ah yes, New England. Where English settlers used their true imagination to name cities and rivers

WOOOW YO U HAD ME SO ENGAGED READING EVERY FACT, It was so entertaining to watch!!!

Those Amfleet cars were designed to mimic jet liner interiors ; same shape as the Metro liners ; early attempt at high speed rail. Amtrak did an excellent job at refurbishing the interiors.

my wife and I did the very same journey back in 2014, your video captured that very special journey and recalled a lovely holiday in the USA, have a great day.

Also keep in mind that the Acela is getting a new Alstom train sets.

Finally back! happy new year Simply Railway :) Great video as always

Interesting. Remembers me the Portuguese Inter-City service with its old, stainless steel coaches running up to 200 km/h, pushed by Siemens Eurosprinter locos.

Great video! I can tell I’m getting old I still call the RFK bridge by it’s original name the Triborough Bridge! 😆

Taken this many times from Rte 128 to penn station. great value and a nice. when things settle down, a weekend in nyc is in order. nicely done by the way!

Great stuff! I’ve always loved travelling by Amtrak when visiting the US. You captured the enjoyment really well. 👍

Finally someone doing a very informative review of coach class on the NE Regional. I've always wanted to ride amtrak to see how's it like, but never had the chance and especially with the pandemic going on.

I live on the west coast but originally from Japan. I will be taking Amtrak from Boston to NYC with my son this summer for the first time, as I'm not fond of flying, especially over such a dense short distance and scenic route. After looking at the price and speed difference between Acela and Northeast Regional, I agree with your "value" issue of Acela. This video served as a great preview of what to expect, thank you! We'll look forward to taking Northeast Regional and enjoying the scenery with lunch!

Been riding the Northeast Regional for the last 6 years. This is a great review of the product. The Amfleet I seats were upgraded in the last 2 years to the pleather material from cloth, and is a much nicer and cleaner experience. Your tickets were very cheap at $29, which was most likely due to pandemic pricing. In normal times, the Saver Fare is $39 (rare), and usually $49 one-way. It can be as expensive as ~$198+ when booked full such as for holidays. On the NER and Acela, there is also a designated Quiet Car -- great if you have an early train and want to take a nap! Keep up the great reviews, and thanks for showcasing my favorite route. Also, the bridging platforms you see at Bridgeport and other MetroNorth Railroad stations are due to alternate track use and maintenance. Allows trains to stay on main trunk lines and still service these stations, as the side tracks are being re-ballasted and repaired or temporarily not used due to lack of demand to reduce wear and tear.

I rode both Northeast Regional and Acela. I can't decide which is better. They're both very amazing trains

Update on a previous statement: I said earlier Milwaukee Intermodal was my favorite station. Now it's Denver Union Station. Did a train trip back in June of 2020.

You should try the Downeaster up here in Maine. The state fought for it for a long time and when it finally got done it became one of Amtrak's busiest lines (pre-pandemic at least.) The state is opening up fully in a week and is beautiful! Definitely worth a visit!

I take that line from Boston down to New London or New Haven when I go back east to visit family. I love the old coaches because they remind me of riding the train (maybe the same ones.) when I was kid. This video made me long to go back and see family. It's been since summer 2019. I've really been enjoying your channel. Thanks for all the great content.

Loved it! Can't wait for the Avelia Liberties to come out in late 2021 and blow all of our minds

Us native New Yorkers still call the RFK Bridge the Triborough Bridge.

They really did a nice job on refurbishing the Northeast Regional coaches (the same ones run on the Keystone Line between NY and Harrisburg, PA). The seats are really nice and comfortable. The old fabric seats are really nasty. In 2019 I went from Philly to Boston and back, 8 hours each way but time flew between the wonderful scenery and the comfortable seat. I've taken the NER between Philly and NY many times, also on trips south to Baltimore and D.C. and it beats flying anytime. I'm looking forward to the new Acela coaches and hoping (once I get vaccinated) I can check it out.

Amtrak opened a new terminal at Penn Station that looks amazing.

I could feel how comfortable a ride you had...and that was the slower train on the NEC, on the older (albeit renovated) Amfleet cars! Reminds me of the ride I enjoyed from Savannah to Florence on the Palmetto (#90) in an Amfleet II back in April 1985. Keep it coming... and thanks for taking us along!

I can't wait to be able to travel to the US again and ride Amtrak somewhere new! Great video!

I did a similar thing back in 2002. Got greyhound from Boston to NY. Hotel overnight. Got the Amtrak back to Boston the following day. Cost me $50 but it was is first class or whatever it was called. Got a meal and lots of Budweiser beers during the journey.

Amtrak should try to order more Siemens Coaches similar to the Austrian Railjet that should enable the ACS-64 to run 220 km/h 135 mph in some sections of the NEC.

I have watched several of your vids from both USA and overseas. Have liked them all, especially at a time when I don't feel I can safely travel because of the COVID. RE: voiceover---actually confusing for me since I do not speak French; certainly wish I did. Thanks and continued success.

Kingston is a great spot to see the Acela go by at top speed of 150 MPH. The entire platform has been redone to be a high level stop in the last few years also now using the third track.

This brings back memories. My wife and I went back to Boston for two weeks in 2018 and took the same train to NYC for a few days with some friends down there. A very pleasant experience all told. Great video. Oh, I didn’t see any Japan videos on your channel. I have a strong feeling you’ll enjoy the trains here. Best in the world.

I’m excited for the Mbta trip report as it is my local rail company!

@16:50, you are going by Rocky Neck State Park. We like to wave at the trains as they go by!!

Wicked awesome report! I've never understood the price difference on Acela when you really don't gain that much in time on the trip. I used to make this drive weekly back in the 90's from Boston to East Rutherford, NJ and on the weeks when my car was in the shop, I'd take Amtrak to Newark. I've also taken the Downeaster from Portland, Maine to Boston...and that was just as good as you experienced (except the wifi). Look forward to your MBTA commuter rail review.

I love Boston. I lived in CT for 13 years when I was younger (1978-XXX). Hugh Boston Bruins fan. I grew up in and near Rochester NY. Took many train trips back on Amtrak with my girl friend and a few times with her parents. We took the Lake Shore Limited with adjacent sleeper bedrooms. There was a sliding divider that we could open to both rooms with a service table available between them. Great fun. The Lake Shore Limited connected 2 trains. 1 from Boston and the other from NYC near Albany. Heading west, it arrived in Rochester at 3:30 AM. If on time. That's why the sleeper. Coach on the way back. The upgrade from coach to the bedroom was minima. You paid an extra fee on the ticket. 1st time only $50 from the coach price. $50 for the upgrade for 1, 2 or 3 people. Per group not per person. They used to give you a wine and cheese basket with crackers. It was wrapped like an Easter basket. All 1st class with great attendants. Not so reasonable anymore.

Usually fare for Northeast Corridor is not that affordable. Glad that you are able to catch the Covid 19 sale.

You better have plans to revisit the Acela, since they're getting brand-spanking-new trains this year!

I've only traveled by Amtrak on that Northeast Regional so far, and this stretch is one of my favorites. I hope to try more of those routes in a healthier world (glad vaccines are being phased in, hopefully we'll be in the clear sooner than later). So many great destinations and scenery by rail, and as always, a very insightful video.

In 1976 I rode the TurboTrain from Penn Station to Boston. As luck would have it I got to sit in the dome car, which was pretty cool being at the front of the train. Unfortunately, it was night, but it was still a fun ride. The service was discontinued that same year and I never got to ride it again. Hell Gate Bridge is one landmark that I have not only ridden over by train, but I also went under it in a boat. The currents there are notorious, because it is a tidal river affected by Long Island Sound, and New York Harbor.

Those seats in coach are nicer than the cloth seats they had before.

Thanks for the report. I did this trip at New Years 2016-17, and it looks as though they have updated the seats since then. After having travelled via Acela NYC-DC, I was pleasanlly surpised by the NE Regional, and agree that the dollars don't tack up for a tourist.

I have been watching all of your videos and up till now have been traveling by car and plane everywhere. Only once have I taken the train and that was some 30 years ago when I went to see my son deploying out of the US. I'm 72 now and plan to experience some of the US by train. I love your videos... they're very thorough and I like your honest opinions of what you liked and what you didn't. I'm not sure what trip I'm going to take 1st but I think I may fly into Boston (I live in Vegas) and take the train to New York. Meet my son in New York and drive down to Maryland and then catch the train from DC to Miami. Thank you so much. I enjoy all of your videos and I know for sure one trip I'll be taking is the one in Anchorage. Safe travels!

Good work mate, keep it up

Thank you for making this

I've ridden the Northeast Regional many times, the stretch between New Haven and Providence is very scenic.

When I was a kid in the 50s, I used to ride what we called the New York, New Haven & Hardly Running from New Haven into Grand Central to visit my grand father. Back then, NH Metro had an awful greasy spoon dinner in the middle. But I loved Grand Central with the Oyster Bar & the hustle & bustle. Back then you had to have your "sea legs" for the ride or you wold wind up in someone's lap trying to walk down the aisle to the bathroom.

For all the obsession with High Speed Rail and even things like Maglev, things like this and also countries like Germany (where regional trains also often share the tracks with high speed trains), show that good, fast, electric regional services can also offer good journey times and value for money.

I do love these train videos with comments!!

7:50 I think it is 25KV 50Hz and the only ones to use the 25KV 60Hz are parts of the Japanese Shinkansen and the narrow gauge lines and the line you are riding in 'murica(and also Caltrain in the future)

The Acela is infamous for slowing down a lot between New York and Boston. Its only worth it if you're going all the way to Philly or DC

Its 'regional' as compared to the old 'clocker' (local) and 'express' (acela) trains. It stopped at less stops than the clocker, but more stops than the express. But yeah, the route wasn't always this long, originally it was introduced as the regional version of the Acela (it was originally named Acela Regional) and only ran from Boston to DC. It wasn't until later that the route was extended into Virginia.

I love the thumbnail! Also, 15: 12 what a waste of liquid soap lol!

Awesome video. I live in the northeast and have only really traveled by train up here. Used to live in Florida and was interested in tri-rail but never rode it. I agree the Acella is not a good value for the money.

Thanks for this excellent video. Answered my most important question, which was which one to choose-Acela or basic train. After seeing this, I’ll choose basic train and save a lot of money! Thanks again.

The Vintage look of the Amfleets pairs well with their recent internal upgrades :) No need to update the polished look, though if thdey could update the HVAC on all of them to the modern standard that would be a wonderful improvement.

Oh boy this trip report is amazing!

great video on the Amtrak north-eastern regional very cheap price also despite the train being old i like the refurbished interior and also the view out of the front and back but the best thing is the scenery the coastal and beach scenery to seeing the skyscraper city of New York if i decide to come USA in the future and explore i will use Amtrak

Pro tip next time you take an Amtrak train from Boston: if you're heading south or west, get on at Back Bay instead of South Station. It's still in downtown but it's a good deal cheaper

Love your videos and your style of editing. I would like to take that trip sometime again, it has been many years.

12:47 that's the last station on the MBTA commuter rail Providence line, Wickford Junction.

Very nice video, would love to take the trip right now. Also perfect weather!

I think they did a great job with refreshing the interiors.

Honestly, pre pandemic, the Acela was pretty nice since it was a lot more comfortable, and had less stops than the Northeast Regional so less people moving around. You also had the larger windows and was quicker to New York than a Regional would’ve been (I think). But if you’re looking to get from point A to point B, the regional is just fine

Loved this video and your descriptions. I just subscribed. Thank you!

I've travelling on Amtrak train even before Amtrak merged private Railroad Company for over 52 years. I hopped once or twice a year acrossing in any part of USA as I love it and no matter if the train is delays or on time because trains travel is a blast with a wonderful socially different people from all over the places and a beauty by looking views passing different areas too. And I'm using mostly sleeper car is the best! I used take Southern Pacific Peninsula Commuter trains for years (SP ran between San Francisco and San Jose). For now covid and I will resume traveling again. For you guys taking a short trip to see if like trains before taking a long trip. Enjoy!

Passenger rail is just not as viable in the U.S., at present, as it is in Europe. It's a shame. I think Amtrak does a good job overall and provides essential service to many parts of the country. Thanks for your videos promoting rail travel, they're terrific!

How fun!! Thanks for the video!

Your videos are really enjoyable when im working on my videos because i don't get distracted

Le retour tant attendu !

Acela is a bit better value (though still pricey) on the NYP-Washinton leg where it has a great time advantage. It does compete with air travel there for total trip time.

I'm going to New York soon. this is helpful for me

Another excellent video. I really enjoyed the slow-motion scene. Last year, my wife and I took a trip from Newport News, VA to South Station for our wedding anniversary trip. The Northeastern Corridor trains we used were not yet renovated. Looks like Amtrak did a nice job. I wonder why they didn't have curtains in the coach class cars. They had them in the business class sections.

I was on this yesterday(Christmas) It's better than driving. i'll leave it at that

Thanks for your honest commentary on comparative costs and service. I agree Acela is way over-priced considering it is not much faster than Regionals. When Acelas were pulled from service due to mechanical problems AEM7/Amfleet covered the schedules with no problem.

I dont drive anymore to NYC, what you spend on gas, tolls and parking, Train is so much easier and better in the long run

Amtrak has ordered new Siemens coaches similar to Florida's Brightline, Amtrak Midwest, and Amtrak California coaches to replace the half century old regional Amfleet I fleet of coaches. Unfortunately the slightly newer long distance Amfleet II fleet of coaches are only getting a refurbishment and have to soldier on longer as are the Superliner I and II fleet. Keep in mind the Amfleet I fleet of coaches were the coaches of the former Metroliners which were the fastest trains in America before Acela...

I was travelling in Boston and spoke to an old conductor on the train . I told him I too work in the Australian railways. He said mention my name when you go to New York and you won't have to pay. I did and it cost me nothing. That's 1988 and I remember his help.

Great vídeo !! Saludos desde Spain !!

Please try the Highspeed Rail from Ankara to Istanbul ( Turkey ) with Siemens Velaro Highspeed Trains.

I love riding the train!! That looks like a nice enjoyable trip

hopefully with Biden, we can see more improvements on amtrak and other trains so we can get better quality and speed. also just missed the new penn station train hall!

The Amfleet cars are derived from the Metroliners that the Pennsylvania Railroad in its last gasp as a premier passenger RR had designed as the first so called high speed trains on their NYC to Washington route. Metroliners were tested at 160mph, and were used at 110mph in those days. The design was meant to emulate, to some degree the airliners used in the "Eastern Airlines" shuttle service that competed with passenger service on that route. Eastern and the Pennsy both lost money doing that, and both eventually went under. Amtrak took over in 1971 as you probably know, an I had the chance to ride the Metroliners still in Pennsy livery. MU cars that used a non standard MU system, they apparently broke down fairly often. The cars were quite sturdy if de-powered and hauled by locos, so some of them did surprisingly find their way to Southern California in that form. Amtrak not having a lot of money for new designs, chose that one for their basic long distance trains after the "rainbow" days where they mixed a lot of different prior railroad companies newer 1950s vintage passenger cars on all of their routes. Like a dog walking on its hind legs, Amtrak doesn't do passenger rail service that well, but the wonder is that it does it at all.

I used to be a regular commuter on the northeast regional between philadelphia and New York. I am very familiar with those Amfleet coaches. I agree with you the small windows are disappointing. But the worst is the terrible bumpy ride quality, as you can see from the coffee cup that kept moving. I guess it's caused by the old age of the coaches or just poor track maintenance or both.