I’ve spent 26 hours riding the rails in business class around the world. My most recent Amtrak trip was the best business-class experience I’ve ever had in the US — but it still wasn’t worth the price tag.
In September 2025, I booked a business-class ticket from New York City to Washington, DC, on the Amtrak NextGen Acela train for $180.
The three-hour ride felt extremely comfortable and a tad luxurious. In the end, though, I couldn’t see myself splurging for it again.
I rode from New York City to Washington, DC, on the Amtrak NextGen Acela train.
The Amtrak Acela is an express service between Boston and Washington, DC. The train line introduced a new fleet on the route in August 2025, known as NextGen Acela.
In addition to being the fastest Amtrak train with a top speed of 160 miles per hour, the NextGen Acela has modern interiors and high-tech amenities.
I booked a business-class ticket for $180.
The Amtrak Acela trains only have two classes — business and first. I booked my business-class ticket for $180.
Out of curiosity, I looked at the pricing for coach seating on the regional Amtrak train, which is 30 minutes slower than the Acela. It was $40.
When I arrived at Penn Station in NYC, I sat on the floor to wait for my train.
My train was scheduled to leave at 10 a.m., but there was a 90-minute delay. Since I was stuck at the station for longer than anticipated, I briefly considered going to the Metropolitan Lounge, an elevated space overlooking the train hall with cozy seating and complimentary refreshments.
First-class passengers and those traveling in sleeper accommodations can get into the lounge for free, but other Amtrak riders have to pay $50 to access it.
Since I’d already splurged on the business-class ticket, I decided to skip the lounge and head to the standard waiting room instead, but it was full. I finally settled for a seat on the floor against the wall until it was time to board.
Since I wasn’t in first class, I didn’t get priority boarding.
When I got in line to board, I was reminded that business class is just a standard ticket on the Amtrak Acela. Unlike business-class rides I’ve taken that also had coach seating, this trip didn’t include the perk of priority boarding.
The business-class car had a sleek, modern look.
Retractable window shades, exposed overhead bin space, informative screens, and ergonomic seats made the car feel like a step up compared to business-class Amtrak trains I’ve booked in the past.
The seat was much more comfortable than most I’ve booked on Amtrak trains.
Soft, cushy, spacious, supportive — these are the words that popped into my head when I settled into my business-class seat. A reclining function and footrest made the ride even more comfortable.
Power outlets, USB ports, and a reading light were all conveniently located on the side of the seat. In front of me was a tray table and a fold-out cupholder.
I spent most of the ride streaming YouTube videos.
Most Amtrak trains I’ve been on have had WiFi, but in my experience, the connection has typically been too weak for much more than a Google search.
I was stoked when the NextGen Acela’s 5G WiFi was fast enough to stream YouTube videos without any issues. I passed the time by watching live sessions of my favorite bands.
The bathroom was spacious and clean with modern touches.
I’ve learned to set the bar low for train bathrooms. Stocked toilet paper, soap, and paper towels are not a given. Cleanliness and extra space aren’t either. In my experience, some business-class bathrooms are no different from those in coach.
So I was ecstatic when I stepped inside the lavatory on the NextGen Acela. The automatic door opened into a spotless space that felt big enough for two people to do jumping jacks simultaneously.
I found it aesthetically pleasing too, with bold red accents and trendy touches, from the shelf to the mirror.
I also appreciated the touchless water, soap, and dryer functions on the sink.
Although it was much more comfortable than sitting in coach, I didn’t think a business-class ticket was worth the high price point.
“Amtrak travelers always have their preference,” an Amtrak representative wrote in an email to Business Insider. “If they want to experience these premium trains with enhanced amenities, they can. Or, if they prefer convenient and affordable downtown-to-downtown service up and down the Northeast Corridor, Northeast Regional trains offer a comfortable and enjoyable way to travel throughout the Northeast Corridor and points beyond.”
The next time I take an Amtrak train, I’ll miss the cozy seat, elevated bathroom, high-speed WiFi, and shorter travel time. Still, these perks weren’t enough for me to consider Acela’s business class to be worth more than quadruple the price of a coach ticket.
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