Taking Acela tomorrow - any advice or tips

[radsmom]

Hello,

My family and I are taking the Acela tomorrow from NYP to BOS. We are going first class and I am super excited because this is a bucket list item for me on my 50th birthday. We've ridden a lot but never on the East Coast. Any advice or info I should know ahead of time? I tried to read up - I want to make the most of the day!

 

[Acela150]

Use the clubacela lounge in NY. Trust me makes a big difference all around.

 

[Lonestar648]

If you are returning BOS -NYP there is also a lounge in the Boston station that is quite nice.

 

[Bob Dylan]

Happy 50th!! Nice present!

Have a Redcap take you to board the train from the Club Acela so you can have first pick on seats and sit together! Just tell the attendant when y'all check in to the CA that you want a Red Cap to board!

Also remember you will have a meal and drinks served (including unlimited alcoholic drinks for those over 21).

You didn't indicate which Acela y'all are riding, but there is usually a big turnover @ NYP so you want to avoid the rush for seats which aren't assigned even in FC!!

 

[afigg]

If you have a smartphone with GPS, but don't have a speed measurement or GPS tracking app installed (or have a GPS device with you), think about installing one, so you can see how close to 150 mph the Acela gets on the high speed sections in RI and MA. Don't need to be in FC for this, of course, but in FC you can have a free drink while riding the only 150 mph stretch of passenger track in the US.

 

[amamba]

Enjoy the trip! Definitely get a red cap to bring you down to the train from the Club Acela in NYP.

 

[radsmom]

Thanks for the tips everyone! We are getting ready to head out soon.