Monday, July 19, 2010

Acela

I have to head to NYC for an afternoon meeting on Friday, which means I'll be hopping on Acela.  I prefer train travel when going between NYC and Boston.  There are far fewer hassles, it is less likely to be delayed and there is so much more space to stretch out.  I do wish they could upgrade the rails to make the journey pass more quickly, but I don't complain because I feel lucky that I have this as an option.  Have you used Amtrak's high-speed railway (otherwise known as Acela)? 

Sadly, I'll only be in NYC for a few hours so there won't be any opportunity to enjoy the city.

7 comments:

Alan Bennett Ilagan said...

The last time I took a train from Boston to NYC was in the 90's - and the ride lasted about eight ridiculous hours thanks to mechanical issues (they did give me a refund). Is this the one that makes a zillion bloody stops along the way?

BosGuy said...

At the risk of jinxing my trip on Friday, Acela very rarely has a delay more than 5-10minutes (that's been my experience anyway).

Acela is the 'high speed' amtrak train. It makes approximately 4-5 stops and goes from Penn Station (NYC) to South Station (BOS) in about 3:30 hours. They are working on increasing the speed so one can get from BOS to NYC in under 3 hours. That would certainly make my life easier.

Gay Guy said...

I love traveling by train. Straight Guy and I take the Acela a couple of times a year for work. Not all that much faster, but cleaner, more modern, more comfortable.

Like you, I find the train more comfy. You can walk around, get something to eat, stretch. I like the feel of being lulled by the motion of the train.

Anonymous said...

LOVE it. It's so smooth, you'd never even think you're in a can with seats. Very, very comfy. If I'm traveling anywhere within the Northeast and all the way to DC that's how I prefer it.

SteveA said...

I didn't know that this train existed - I might consider that on my next trip when I am on business to NYC!

Mike said...

It's the only way to go! Why hassle with getting to the airport, arriving early to go through all that security, and be stuffed into an uncomfortable seat? Whenever I go to NY, i always grab the Acela. I can stretch out, get work done, read, or just relax. And it drops you right in Manhattan -- no worrying about getting an expensive cab from the airport. Am going down in a couple weeks -- looking forward to the ride!

VpO said...

We need to spend way more on high speed rail.