If your calendar is as packed as your inbox, Amtrak’s NextGen Acela train is about to become your favorite coworking space on wheels. Traveling across the Northeast at up to 160 mph, these sleek state-of-the-art trains combine speed, comfort and connectivity, so you can knock out presentations, join video calls or even grab a coffee while zipping past city skylines.
With robust onboard Wi-Fi, the trains also open the door to new AI-powered productivity tools (real-time translation, automated note-taking or on-the-go video editing) helping professionals stay ahead even at 160 mph. Designed with today’s hybrid workplace in mind, the NextGen fleet makes it easier than ever for remote workers to travel across the United States and remain seamlessly connected.
Plug in, power up and make every minute count on Amtrak’s fastest new train
Inside the NextGen Acela, the upgrades are immediately noticeable. Seats are 27% more spacious, with individual power outlets, USB ports and reading lights designed to keep travelers productive and comfortable. Large windows flood the cabin with natural light, while a quiet tilt system smooths the ride along curves at speeds up to 160 mph—an improvement over the 150 mph maximum of the older fleet.
For dining, the revamped Café Acela will serve fresh, grab-and-go options, while first-class passengers can enjoy at-seat meals crafted by James Beard award-winning restaurateur Stephen Starr, inspired by regional dishes across the Northeast—from charred bobo chicken to coconut and poblano crab enchiladas. Business class travelers will also enjoy newly designed cart service. Sleek finishes, ergonomic seating and airy interiors give the NextGen Acela a modern, sophisticated look, setting the standard for the next era of train travel.
More seats, modern interiors and first-class dining designed for busy professionals
Serving as the spine of Northeast transit, the Acela links the major cities of Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Thousands of professionals rely on it every day for its speed, convenience and reliability, making it the go-to choice for those who need to move efficiently between the region’s major business hubs. And with 28 of these new trains rolling out through 2027, passengers can expect more capacity, upgraded amenities and even smoother rides across one of the busiest travel corridors in the country.
Ahead of the first NextGen Acela departure, Amtrak is positioning the service as a leap forward in professional-friendly travel. President Roger Harris insists it is “more than a new train—it’s an evolution of travel.” Along the Northeast Corridor, where thousands of professionals commute daily, these trains are designed to maximize comfort while providing a steady, reliable place to work. And Amtrak’s plans for additional high-speed, modern trains suggest this is only the beginning.
From Portland to Vancouver, Amtrak’s Airo fleet will transform work on the go
Next year, the company will introduce its Airo fleet—a complementary series of modern trains designed for longer routes and a new level of passenger convenience. The Airo trains feature extra legroom, larger tray tables, movable headrests and upgraded seating layouts, making it easy for professionals to work, read or hold meetings while traveling. The trains will include digital information systems, touchless restrooms and superfast onboard Wi-Fi—powerful enough to support video calls, cloud-based apps and AI-driven workflows. They also feature more efficient, lower-emission engines designed to cut particulate pollution by 90%.
The Acela will focus on speed and efficiency between the busiest East Coast cities, while the Airo is set to enhance longer journeys with the same blend of comfort and connectivity. Whether it’s D.C. to Boston or Seattle to Vancouver, the redesigned fleet network promises commuters won’t lose a second—or a signal.
Travel on your terms: Amtrak’s flexible booking for professionals
For those looking to integrate this experience into their schedule, Amtrak offers flexible booking options through its website and mobile app, allowing travelers to reserve seats in first class or business class and select specific departure times that align with meetings or deadlines. Frequent travelers can also enroll in Amtrak Guest Rewards to streamline reservations and enjoy priority boarding. With the NextGen Acela officially entering service on August 28, 2025, and the first Airo trains slated to debut in 2026, Amtrak is giving passengers a more reliable place for their mobile office needs. Together, these fleets combine speed, comfort and productivity, transforming transit corridors into mobile workspaces where business travelers can arrive prepared and make every mile count.
Photo from media.amtrak.com