How Amtrak's ACELA is the SLOWEST High Speed Train in the World

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I took a ride on America's Fastest Train, that goes at an ear blistering 150mph (for a couple of miles).
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[@jdb316]

Amtrak Northeast Corridor (Boston-New York-Washington) are more likely to be on time because Amtrak owns the tracks. Amtrak's other routes are generally on tracks owned by freight lines, so the freight trains get first priority.

[@casondean8271]

You're right that they own most of them, but not all. From New Rochelle to the CT-RI border, it is owned by the MTA or CTDOT

[@casondean8271]

So that's where they might get delayed

[@LeviRamsey]

@@casondean8271 On the NYC-Boston leg, Amtrak only owns south of New Rochelle and from New Haven to the RI-MA border. New Rochelle to New Haven is Metro North and the part in Massachusetts is MBTA-owned.

[@mgzuck]

@@casondean8271 Not to often really. Metro North is pretty good about their own things being on time too and there are plenty of tracks there.

[@myquealer]

And even with owning the tracks and having a train capable of 150mph, it's not much faster than driving. This country needs high speed rail.

[@TheRareVideosXL]

I love that you travel with various means of transport and not just air travel. You never disappoint with your content. Keep up the great work as always.

[@Jezzaaa3]

I second this

[@noelphilips]

Thank you!

[@TheRareVideosXL]

@@noelphilips You're welcome.

[@carkawalakhatulistiwa]

@@noelphilips A train can only be called a fast train if the rails can support an average speed of at least 200 km/hour or 125 miles/hour. like a freeway, it doesn't matter what type of car it is if the road is designed to be driven at an average speed of at least 100km/h or 62 miles/h. can only be called a freeway

[@davidburrow5895]

Your first class ticket would have also given you access to the lounge at Moynihan Train Hall in NYC on arrival. It's a much nicer lounge than the one in Boston, and they enough food there that you wouldn't have had to find a restaurant.

[@jstarASMR3103]

I absolutely love trains. I guess this ties into non-car transportation as a whole, but theres something so cozy about sitting back, relaxing, and enjoying the ride. The fact that you can relax, look out the window, and do whatever you want while the train makes it way to your destination always makes me feel so cozy and safe. Loved this video, and as a college student living in Philadelphia, I'd love to take Amtrak one day!

[@pey.l]

If your goal is just to get to ride Amtrak, they've got new 'night owl' fares on the Northeast Regional that will allow you to book a ticket from Philadelphia to New York or Washington DC for only $10 one-way, provided you choose a departure between 7pm and 5am and you book a bit in advance. You can also go to Baltimore or Newark, NJ for only $5 each way. You'd probably have to return the same night unless you want to pay for a hotel, but being in Philadelphia, it's an easy to experience the train!

[@jayesh787800]

She didn't want to scan the QR code!

[@cds1848]

I would love to imagine Noel's reaction if he emerged in the "old" Penn Station. 😄😄😄

[@ades.3327]

Me too 😂

[@jasonkaiser1179]

Run for your life!

[@therandomytchannel4318]

Another great review by Noel, I had just watched SimplyRailways version of the Amtrak Acela and his tray table was broken lol :D

[@damnimloomin]

I still think next time he should take a tour lol really take in the beauty 🤣 since I always enter/ leave nyc on NJT I still go there more than the pretty side

[@caromurray6152]

I remember the old Penn Station-just awful. The scenery on this route is gorgeous.😊

[@timgee999]

Has anyone else noticed that Noel sighs so much, lol. 😂😂😂

[@heydo8393]

As a person who grew up riding trains as my dad worked for the railroad, I have always loved riding Amtrak. The issue is even though Acela can do 150 it is stymied by speed restrictions set by cities and boroughs. And, Amtrak is now more expensive than flying. Best deal is to get a yearly pass if offered in your state. My dad has a lifetime pass.

[@aycc-nbh7289]

Are you sure? Tickets from Newark, NJ to Washington, DC may not be very expensive and it may cost five times as much to fly between them.

[@FFred-us9tw]

None of the restrictions on the Northeast Corridor have anything to do with restrictions set by cities and boroughs. The restrictions have to do with the track profile and signal systems. Nothing more.

[@kartoonfanatic]

Just discovered your videos yesterday, and coincidentally you're back in America! Boston's South station is so pretty, and didn't realize a "fast" train existed in the US. Been bingewatching Japanese Bullet train videos by STJ and SST and wondered if you'd consider reviewing the Shinkasean or anything similar in the future, if you haven't already. You're always so polite to the crews and staff that you encounter in all your videos, which is extremely refreshing to anybody working with the public, ESPECIALLY travel companies. My mother was once a gate agent for American Airlines, and as seen the worst of humanity. Keep it up, and stay healthy and safe as you document your adventures for us at home to relax to. Thank you from Illinois!

[@jstarASMR3103]

Yes, New England is gorgeous. As someone who was born and raised in Philadelphia, and now in college in the Philadelphia, I really need to get myself up to New England more👍🏼😆😁

[@dev6035]

This is one of the reason I like your VDOs, you just don't limit to airliner.

[@nurilha]

but there are some people that will be upset that it wasnt about planes

[@dev6035]

@@nurilha you can't please everyone I guess

[@voxley19]

I did that journey on the Acela in July 2018 and there is a video of it on my channel. I found it pretty slow because, as you said in your video, it doesn't go at 150 mph very often. As you noted, some of the scenery is awe-inspiring. In June 2019 I returned to the USA, and rode the New York to Washington segment on a NE Regional train, not an Acela. This was because, booking the day before, the cheapest Acela one way fare was $400! I got a return on NE Regional for about $300. Even the lady at the ticket office at Penn Station seemed embarrassed by that Acela fare. By the way, you might want to go back at some point, because I think new trains are due to be introduced on the Acela. Your video was great.

[@dragon32210]

Will be easier for Noel to try out now that he lives in Texas!

[@crazyScottishferretlady]

While in America we took the train from NY down to DC. Went standard cattle class but even that was perfectly comfortable and acceptable. I actually really enjoyed the train down and getting to see more of America

[@soeren72]

Strange definition of first class, just like US planes.

[@tomkearney3075]

Extra points, not only for the hot meal but silverware, too. My gran had a lifetime pass w/ CP rail (way back in the day) and full meal service with white table linen was standard fare on cross Canada rail. Now you're lucky to get microwaved burgers. Noel Philips - Making Bald Great Again.

[@tridentair]

I have taken this train a few times but in business class. Acela is only First and business. The business class seems to be a better for seating. However, there is no meal service. The views riding along the Connecticut coast are spectacular. Also, N.B the speed of 150mph is only on certain parts of the journey. The condition of the track does not allow continuous speed of 150mph.

[@jamesk1806]

If you watched the last bit of the video he does state this about the speed.

[@dblissmn]

It isn't the condition of the track -- which is very good -- but rather the alignment, and, especially between New Haven and New York, the congestion. The alignment from New Haven east to the Rhode Island border winds around every. little. inlet. and. bay, drawbridge by drawbridge.

[@15Med3]

i would LOVE to see you fly to Japan and go on the bullet train and all that amazingness of trains. The on time factor there is absolutely insane for their rail network

[@aycc-nbh7289]

Are you sure? I believe I’ve seen someone in another video express his dissatisfaction with the Shinkansen network and how it is regularly late.

[@MrMorbor101]

Yes I would agree! I lived in Japan for a while, and when I was in the cities I don't remember taking an on time train. Was very disappointed actually 😂

[@Barns2]

Been waiting for my Sunday fix!

[@AviationAndTravelWithSash]

This makes me happy to see. I've only taken our Northeast Regional train when going to New York. After seeing this video, I think I'll treat myself and take the Acela train for the first time!

[@benfelps]

It’s totally worth it

[@AviationAndTravelWithSash]

@@benfelps I'll definitely try it for sure! I travel to New York a lot 😆

[@walkietalkietraveller2932]

no better time to treat yourself than at christmas :)

[@AviationAndTravelWithSash]

@@walkietalkietraveller2932 That's a pretty good idea! And I can go see the Big Christmas tree too!

[@SteveSmithRailways]

Glad we got to see a lot of the scenery at 150mph!

[@jayalberts]

Have taken this one before. If only it would actually run at 150 MPH for any substantial amount of time

[@9094nancyj]

Definitely ride the train! You don't have all of the hassle you do when flying - that puts me "on edge"! Bonus is that you get to see the country at a slower pace.

[@SPTSuperSprinter156]

yep, lots to be said for going by train. very doable to explore Europe by train as well.

[@willywonka5680]

What a fantastic journey Noel. The sun is shining 🌻🌟 thank goodness 😊👍👍

[@Barry_BredaNL]

Thanks Noel!!!! so nice to see the trainroute i also did in december 2019, in a winter landscape! Greetings from Breda in the Netherlands!

[@johnsheppard6605]

I’m from Boston, so I’m glad to hear that you liked what you saw in your brief trip! You’ll have to try going through Logan Airport again in the future. I use Acela whenever traveling between Boston and DC, because its stress free and puts you in the middle of any city along that northeast corridor, though I have been curious to try tailwind. They’re actually replacing all the Acela coaches in the next 3-6 months, the new trains should be faster and have a more refreshed interior.

[@polarix2314]

Problem is the outdated tracks, not the train itself

[@FFred-us9tw]

@@polarix2314 it has nothing to do with the age of the tracks. The tracks are not old. It has to do with the route. It’s the number of curves and movable Bridges. That’s the problem.

[@FFred-us9tw]

You will not see the new Acela in service this year. Next year (2024) at the earliest.

[@user-re7jn4os5u]

Is anyone gonna say it ? We mainly watch you for your personality and interaction with people, the air travel is great but would love to see more Vlogs. All the best.

[@ScreaminEmu]

Your walk from Southie to South Station took you right past my apartment! I walk these streets every day; I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Noel! Love my neighborhood. :)

[@Phiyedough]

It seemed a bit noisy on the train but I suppose Americans do have a reputation for speaking more loudly than other nationalities.

[@SuperSubworld]

Thank you for showing my home city of stamford at the end

[@martymerc17]

This is a familiar route for me, absolutely love the Acela.

[@petermcdonough3709]

The cost on Acela and the “regular” train varies so widely it’s worth shopping around for day/time combos. I paid less than $90 for the Acela one way from Philly to Boston and the regular train was almost double the price (and slower) at the same time.

[@thefareplayer2254]

It’s great to see you in Boston, Noel!

[@avgjoe1]

Went into the lounge to show us sofas, did it have food or anything interesting?

[@Reens-Rails]

I would love to check out the Acela as well, but when i saw the price tag on this "highspeed" train that wish was gone 🤣 It's so insane overprized. I'd rather eat my lunch in a 200mph ICE, Eurostar or Thalys for a quarter of the price (and probably 3x the distance). Train travel in the US seems to be more of a hobby then serious mobility.

[@dblissmn]

We have this fantasy in the US that trains should pay their own way, and be additionally lumbered with arbitrary 1950s-vintage regulations on crash safety (based on the outdated concept of "buff strength" -- this is pre-Volvo-safety-cage stuff) that added so much weight to the Acela and therefore so much power consumption and such a limitation on speed that the workers at the French car-body-shell contractor referred to it as "le cochon" (the "pig"), while we characterize subsidizing airlines and roads as an "investment". Amtrak managed to drag regulators halfway to reality for the new Acela trains that are replacing existing equipment over the next year (a third more trains, each one with a third more seats, that use a third less power), while Joe Biden (in 2016 when he was vice president) cooked up a pretty sweet financing deal on the new trains, so at least they won't be drowning in interest costs, and we'll see how that all works. Hopefully faster and not quite so outrageously expensive.

[@Dylan-bh6uj]

A train video at last! Love these videos.

[@bradyreed3457]

Love the music on this video!

[@vikerlase]

Wow. I live in NYC. Nice that you're here! Welcome!

[@kawangkwok5262]

I would travel through the plane, the experience is unique. BTW, the Boston lounge is so BEAUTIFUL

[@dianeboileau2026]

Can't say I prefer one over the other. Like you, I would do both! I was only in New York a few days but I loved it! Same with Boston!

[@Chrizz06041980]

Nice video, Noel. Trains with speeds from 125 mph or 200 kmph on are to be counted as high speed trains. Trains with speeds between 99 mph or 160 kmph are to be counted as higher speed trains.

[@clairedobson2240]

Beautiful scenery

[@bitrexgm]

Thanks for the review, Noel. I sometimes used to ride this train one stop from just south of Boston to visit my girlfriend when she lived in Providence, over the stretch it mostly does 150 mph. Barely had time to take my seat and let her know I was on my way before I was stepping off again! But particularly in winter weather the drive is miserable and the "Girlfriend Express" was worth the price

[@jontooke846]

That was awesome thanks so much Noel

[@noelphilips]

Thanks for watching!

[@TheNotamerican]

Always a good day when I see a new video from you Noel. One day I'd love to see you fly up northern Canada through some of the small planes there!

[@davidwolfhudson]

Not sure how long you've been here, but Noel did fly on the 737 Combi up to the North but not on any "little planes"

[@TheNotamerican]

@@davidwolfhudson Watching now! :)

[@jhmcd2]

Hey, I've taken several trains out of London, it's ain't that beautiful along the rails ether. But then again, while people love transit, few like living right on top of it.

[@TaviaShadowstar11]

I like the new style of the videos. The music is a nice change. The editing. Your engagement (even in the ads 🤣). Well done.

[@phyllislowry6265]

My father worked for the Pullman Co from the late 30's until they went out of business. He was called an Inspector & he was the man the workers did not want to see boarding the train. He inspected ecerything & everyone & could fire anyone who was not doing their job.Also, if the company had received complaints, he would check them out. We rode for free & always in deluxe accomodations & I grew up traveling on trains. I love trains to this day & rode the train from Chicago back & forth to Milwaukee many times when I lived in Chicago. I've toured Amtrak trains a few times & it's all so different from the old days. I enjoy all of your trips especially the train trips!

[@Jarvy159]

We used to live in Connecticut so have used this route many times. Leaving Boston on time, very rare! Try in winter when there are many issues with frozen points as well as frozen bridges!!

[@bamazur22]

We usually take Amtrak on the NE extension from Wilmington to NYC and back. It’s super easy. Nice to see the second half the that route

[@vyomakeshaconsultancy3406]

Another well done travel blog as usual this time by train.

[@tubetrainstracks24]

Very spacious train. Like the animation.

[@daleowen2606]

The biggest limit to high speed rail in the US is infrastructure. The rails are old and designed for cargo trains rather than high speed passenger trains

[@lisahirschlozano823]

Noel, this was my route during college! I took the train from Boston to New London, CT to visit my parents regularly. Of course, that was 25 years ago and the high speed train did not exist, so it was significantly slower.

[@kevinellis8869]

Nice to see a train video for a bit of variety although it was very clear it's not your preferred mode of transport. Hope you're settling into your new home in the US - I was in Mansfield yesterday, it doesn't change :(

[@MasterOfPizza99t]

I did the Acela from Boston to Providence back in November 2024 and I felt like it only took 20 minutes, blew my Pittsburgh yinzer mind!

[@cabottaxi]

Brings back sad memories when I visited NY just after 9/11 for a birthday treat. Loved the visit but very sombre.

[@simonhutchings6073]

Interesting video Noel ! Lovely to see a train running on a Sunday without a substitute bus lol . 😀

[@noelphilips]

Thanks for watching!

[@carkawalakhatulistiwa]

@@noelphilips A train can only be called a fast train if the rails can support an average speed of at least 200 km/hour or 125 miles/hour. like a freeway, it doesn't matter what type of car it is if the road is designed to be driven at an average speed of at least 100km/h or 62 miles/h. can only be called a freeway

[@HarrisonPeloso]

I love when you take some time to ride trains here in the USA on the side of flying out of town.

[@kanwilliam88]

I have been waiting long for this Sunday’s video 😂

[@rerunplaya532]

9:25 My home. Stanford CT!!!! Peaceful quaint town. Just 45 minutes from busy NYC.

[@domnicdavid3684]

Noel is da best!

[@uknewslink]

Highly original Noel. Thank you.

[@noelphilips]

Thanks so much!

[@frederickvondinkerberg7721]

Traveling from a place I hate to a place I will never willing travel to...

[@pelleparafin8647]

Ty

[@mortillery2306]

Thanks for sharing, opens up travel plan ideas

[@walkietalkietraveller2932]

always good to see all the options :)

[@noelphilips]

Glad it was helpful!

[@greyjay9202]

The train is the way to go, Noel. In the old days, I rode the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, and the Pennsylvania railroad. Parlor cars to ride in, and a dining car with silver service and linen napkins at the table. Now, its all about efficiency and speed, and those railroads are gone, replaced by Amtrak.

[@erik_griswold]

Ah, the lovely Alstom USA chime that we also get to endure on the Pacific Surfliner cars. P.S. Between Route 128 station and Providence, you passed over the Canton Viaduct which is from the 1830s and is designed by the Artist Whistler's (of Whistler's Mother fame) father. The work in Massachusetts got Mr. Whistler a job in Russia building the St. Petersburg to Moscow railway which is where his son learned to draw.

[@acts29today]

150 MPH 😂 stone age speed 😮 unreal how far behind Old America is with train travel 😂

[@davidoliver1169]

Very well produced videos Noel.

[@94vrcommodore]

Our high speed train the tilt train in Australia goes even slower than 150 miles. It only reaches 160 Km but only for a short time. It does an average of 85 Km. Good video.

[@Padraiginban]

Love your videos, thank you for all your hard work and for sharing.

[@noelphilips]

Thanks for watching!

[@DanknDerpyGamer]

The Moynihan train hall is SUCH a step up from what was Penn Station before it opened - still wish that some day they'd rebuild Penn Station as it was before Madisoon Square Garden was built, but hey, I can dream, can't I?

[@thebmwfanboy10]

Great video, I would definetly go on the floatplane. Thanks a lot!

[@1227silver]

Amazing job

[@MegaVector2011]

Nice to know Crocker opened his own boatyard in New Haven after he left Kojak, good man.

[@madcrowmaxwell]

The train is the best way to travel between Boston and New York. Once you factor in how far New York's airports are from anywhere you'd want to be in New York and how much time you have to spend waiting in lines at the airport, Acela is the fastest way to get between those two cities. It's also way more comfortable than a comparably priced plane ticket.

[@indyracingnut]

I always take the train if I'm not in a rush for time...Unlike flying which has airports way out of the cities, I go from city center to city center on the train. Can't beat the relaxation I get by doing it this way.

[@doublecontralto818]

Hey, I'm just north of Boston! Taken that Acela many times...

[@jamesallen2985]

You’ve been to Connecticut at least twice and you still haven’t stopped and said hi 😅

[@syrax101]

Oh wow… I need to check out Boston. Nice vid!

[@annettewalter2273]

I think train travel is the best way to see a country or a city.

[@vivekvarghesej]

Love your videos. Keep them coming. Hope to see you in kerala India someday

[@svenmorgenstern9506]

Well, thank you Noel! One of my "I'll do it eventually" items is to visit the WTC. Being Californian, I instinctively think "car" to go anywhere. Your Tradewinds video was interesting...until I looked at prices. 😱 Just did a quick lookup for Acela; even first class would be relatively cheap. Figure I can visit a longtime friend in Boston, take Acela to Penn Station, then either take the subway or just walk. Again, thanks for the option! 👍

[@dragon32210]

Be mindful in order to get cheap acela, it must be bought well in advance. There's so many fare buckets that will bump up the price as it gets more full

[@aslobos]

Hi, Noel🙋‍❤🤍💙. Come back to LA and take the Amtrak from LA to Seattle, WA. 33 hours. Gorgeous route! Stay safe. 🙏🚆🚆

[@matmooNZ]

1:47 You: Hello Her: reservation number Talk about that high customer service standard!

[@linden6352]

You should absolutely come visit us in Rhode Island! It is beautiful in the summer, and TF Green is an incredibly nice airport. They just renovated and have, I would wager, the best airport bathrooms anywhere in the world. Breeze just started routes to LAX on their A220s which should be interesting.

[@goodleo2010]

De ja vu of sorts to see meal menu back. Keep going.

[@larrypicard8802]

That was Moynihan Hall. Penn Station is across the street. Nice video.

[@teazerfemi]

Another fantastic video from Great Noel, I always make sure I am home alone before watching your videos, I don't want anyone to distract me

[@noelphilips]

Thanks, I am so glad you enjoyed it!

[@eddonbordeaux3192]

If you can take more American train travel, the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner between San Luis Obispo and San Diego is one of the most beautiful routes on the entire system. At some points you're running right along the ocean, and you get to see Vandenberg Space Force Base's launch complex for SpaceX. Used to ride that route regularly, it's about 8 hours but not a dull moment.

[@philipf2705]

i never knew that there was an amtrak from Boston to New York. Thanks for opening my eyes on what would be an awesome way to commute between cities in the NorthEast USA

[@benthwaites381]

I do the reverse journey New York to Boston 6 years ago and I do remembering how nice the views were, but unfortunately was not in first class

[@SweatLaserXP]

When you said you were pulling into New Haven, you meant to say New London, as you were travelling beneath the Gold Star Bridge. And, Crocker's Boatyard is in New London.

[@garykee1]

would be nice to know the price per mile..plane vs train...which is more economical and more functional in terms of where the starting point is and where the final destination is..cheers Noel! thank you for another great video!

[@garyjeffries1041]

looks like train V's plane looks like train on time is winning and you have more comfort knowing you are not cancelled flights

[@michaelscott5155]

Thanks!

[@noelphilips]

Thanks for your support!

[@terencesaunders1357]

The last time I was in New York I arrived by greyhound from Boston. Interesting coming into New York that way.

[@samamzadgafar7364]

I love your video, please no more background music!!!

[@bertusduiverman4743]

Great video, Noel. Great music, too.

[@noelphilips]

I am glad you enjoyed it.

[@Flyctory]

If you are around Florida, you have to take a look at Brightline trains. They currently connect Miami to West Palm Beach, but will serve Orlando Airport (MCO) soon. Great service. Loved them when I reviewed them with my website :)

[@robmason5]

Brightline FL will actually be America's fastest passenger train in terms of mph on the entire route, when it opens the Orlando station this year.