Amtrak Summer 2025 Developments
I’m a longtime fan of Amtrak, but I haven’t recently taken the train. That’s not for my lack of interest; it’s just not fitting into our existing plans and schedules right now. And, hey, for many, Amtrak won’t ever fit into those! Regardless, I still follow what’s going on from a distance, and there are a few Amtrak summer 2025 developments I’ve found intriguing. Let’s take a look!
NextGen Acela Update
Last week, Amtrak announced that its much-anticipated (and -delayed) NextGen Acela, the latest edition of the nation’s sole high speed train, starts 28 August. Customers can travel the new product along the Northeast Corridor, which begins in Washington, DC and ends in Boston, serving many other major areas between. Amtrak is calling this launch “historic,” and we’ll see if they can deliver. Amtrak is promoting that 28 new trains will be introduced through 2027, 27% additional seats for each departure, and expanded schedules. However, only five new trains are being introduced near-term; additional trains will gradually come into service through 2027.
As part of this announcement, Amtrak reminds individuals that NextGen Acela is a significant part of its modernization project. Airo trains will be debuting on selected routes, including the Cascades and Northeast Regional. Amtrak is also upgrading the interiors for coach, dining car, sleepers, and lounges.
My Take
With this latest Acela product, like anything Amtrak-related, I’ve been taking an “I’ll believe it when I see it” approach. But Amtrak passengers should finally receive this considerable upgrade at the end of this month. That said, not all Acela passengers will, as Amtrak will only operate five updated Acela trains initially. And, at this point, actual and prospective travelers have no apparent way of knowing what they’re getting. Amtrak has simply, unhelpfully stated that “as the official launch date approaches, customers should look for more information from Amtrak” about booking these new trains. I found no way of discerning old from new Acela trains during my cursory booking attempts, and we’re just over two weeks from the announced launch date. I’ll continue crossing my fingers on Amtrak’s ability to deliver this info sooner rather than later.
I appreciated the reminder that changes are coming to the train experience on the Northeast Regional route, as well. I live in an overall region served by this route, and updates are clearly overdue – something that’s unfortunately the case with many Amtrak routes.
Expanded Metropolitan Lounge Access
Also this month, Amtrak announced wider access to its portfolio of Metropolitan Lounges. All locations now sell a new single visit pass, available for coach travelers to purchase. Amtrak states that this $35 pass is an option at the “majority” of Metropolitan Lounges, which include the following:
- Boston South Station
- Chicago Union Station
- Los Angeles Union Station
- Philadelphia 30th Street Station
- Portland Union Station
- Washington Union Station
Travelers can also buy a pass at Amtrak’s Metropolitan Lounge in New York Penn Station’s Moynihan Train Hall for $50. Amtrak Guest Rewards members can redeem 1,500 points for a single-visit pass, as well.
My Take
Again, I haven’t traveled Amtrak lately, so I can’t speak to any recent lounge crowding issues. Historically, my family and I have had no problem finding space in Amtrak lounges while traveling on premium products, such as sleeper cars and Acela First. But I’m not a huge fan of Amtrak casting a wider access net here with cash entry. This clearly seems like a money grab, and I can only imagine crowding will become more of an issue than it already is. On the flip side, if the cash influx enables lounges to stay afloat/prevent closures or, gasp – improve – I’m all for it. But unfortunately, I’m not betting on that.
And a Credit Card Reminder….
The elevated welcome offer on the Amtrak Guest Rewards Preferred Mastercard expires today! New cardholders can pick up 40k bonus points by spending only $2k within the first three billing cycles. These points can be quite valuable for Amtrak fans. And, yet another reminder, the no-fee version can be work holding long-term, too.
Amtrak Summer 2025 Developments – Conclusion
I’ve been ready for Amtrak to deliver on all this talk, particularly on the Acela and Northeast Regional routes. I’m happy it’s maintaining, and hopefully improving, their premium products on sleeper car routes, as well. Sadly, Amtrak is a relatively niche mode of transportation within the States, and I don’t see that changing in any substantial way based on these moves. But for those with an open mind and schedule, Amtrak’s potentially a huge win. Regardless, I’ll be hopping on again soon. See you on the rails!
