Amtrak operates the Northeast Regional, an intercity train service in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. It had formerly been called the Northeast Direct, Acela Regional, or Regional. Amtrak’s busiest route will transport 9,163,082 passengers in fiscal year (FY) 2023. In fiscal year 2023, the Northeast Regional service generated more than $787.7 million in gross ticket sales.
The Northeast Regional provides daily all-reserved service, generally at least once an hour. Trains normally travel along the Northeast Corridor from Boston in the north to Washington, D.C. in the south, making frequent stops in New York City, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. Extensions and branches serve Newport News, Norfolk, and Roanoke, Virginia, as well as Springfield, Massachusetts, with intermediate stations.
Trains travel the most common route from New York Penn Station to Washington Union Station in around 3.5 hours. The journey between New York and Philadelphia takes 1.5 hours, but the journey from Philadelphia to Washington takes two hours.
Boston is four hours north of New York, while Springfield is 3.5 hours south. Trains south of Washington take 4.5 hours to reach Newport News, 4.5 hours to Norfolk, and five hours to Roanoke respectively.
How to purchase Amtrak Northeast Regional Train tickets?
There are three convenient ways to purchase tickets for your Northeast Regional train journey:
1. Online Booking
This method offers the most flexibility and allows you to compare prices and choose the set you like. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Visit the Amtrak website (https://www.amtrak.com/home).
- Enter your desired departure and arrival stations in the search bar.
- Select your travel date and choose between one-way or round-trip options.
- Click “Search” to view available train times and fares.
- Compare prices for different departure times and seating classes (Coach or Business).
- Choose your preferred train and click “Select” or “Book Now”.
- Follow the prompts to enter passenger information, select your seat (if available), and select your preferred payment method (credit card, Amtrak Guest Rewards points, Amtrak gift card, or eVoucher).
- Review your trip details and confirm your purchase.
- You will receive a confirmation email with your e-ticket attached.
2. Mobile App
Download the free Amtrak app for iOS or Android. The buying process on the app is very similar to online booking:
- Open the Amtrak app and log in to your account (if you have one).
- Enter your desired departure and arrival stations.
- Select your travel date and choose between one-way or round-trip options.
- Search for available trains and fares.
- Choose your preferred train, seating class, and seat (if available).
- Enter passenger information and select your payment method.
- Review your trip details and confirm your purchase.
- Your eTicket will be stored within the app for easy access.
3. Phone or Station Purchase
If you prefer phone assistance or don’t have access to online options, you can purchase tickets through these methods:
Phone: Call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245). A customer service representative can help you find a fare, choose a train, and process your payment over the phone.
Station Purchase: Go to an Amtrak station and find a ticket office or kiosk. You can chat with a station agent to help you find fares and buy tickets in person.
Note: Regardless of the chosen method, ensure you have a valid form of identification and your preferred payment method ready for purchase.
Ticket Price
Ticket rates vary according to the distance traveled and how far in advance you purchase your tickets. Purchase at least three weeks ahead of time to get the best pricing. Coach travel between Boston and New York City, as well as Washington, D.C. and New York City, may cost as little as $30. Tickets from Philadelphia to New York City may be as little as $20.
Business class tickets are also available, but they will cost at least twice as much as the coach price.
Major Stops and Stations
Popular Stops
- Boston
- Providence
- New Haven
- New York City
- Philadelphia
- Wilmington, DE
- Baltimore
- Washington D.C.
- Richmond
- Williamsburg
- Norfolk
Stations
Train Stations Served by the Northeast Regional
- Boston, MA – South Station (BOS)
- Boston, MA – Back Bay Station (BBY)
- Route 128, MA (RTE)
- Providence, RI – Amtrak/MBTA Station (PVD)
- Kingston, RI (KIN)
- Westerly, RI (WLY)
- Mystic, CT (MYS)
- New London, CT – Union Station (NLC)
- Old Saybrook, CT (OSB)
- Springfield, MA (SPG)
- Windsor Locks, CT (WNL)
- Windsor, CT (WND)
- Hartford, CT (HFD)
- Berlin, CT (BER)
- Meriden, CT (MDN)
- Wallingford, CT (WFD)
- New Haven, CT – State Street Station (STS)
- New Haven, CT – Union Station (NHV)
- Bridgeport, CT (BRP)
- Stamford, CT (STM)
- New Rochelle, NY (NRO)
- New York, NY – Moynihan Train Hall (NYP)
- Newark, NJ – Penn Station (NWK)
- Newark, NJ – Liberty International Airport (EWR)
- Metropark, NJ (MET)
- New Brunswick, NJ (NBK)
- Princeton Junction, NJ (PJC)
- Trenton, NJ (TRE)
- Cornwells Heights, PA (CWH)
- North Philadelphia, PA (PHN)
- Philadelphia, PA – William H. Gray III 30th St. Station (PHL)
- Wilmington, DE (WIL)
- Newark, DE (NRK)
- Aberdeen, MD (ABE)
- Baltimore, MD – Penn Station (BAL)
- Baltimore, MD – BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
- New Carrollton, MD (NCR)
- Washington, DC – Union Station (WAS)
- Alexandria, VA (ALX)
- Burke Centre, VA (BCV)
- Manassas, VA (MSS)
- Culpeper, VA (CLP)
- Charlottesville, VA (CVS)
- Lynchburg, VA (LYH)
- Roanoke, VA (RNK)
- Woodbridge, VA (WDB)
- Quantico, VA (QAN)
- Fredericksburg, VA (FBG)
- Ashland, VA (ASD)
- Richmond, VA – Staples Mill Road Station (RVR)
- Petersburg, VA (PTB)
- Norfolk, VA (NFK)
- Richmond, VA – Main Street Station (RVM)
- Williamsburg, VA (WBG)
- Newport News, VA (NPN)
Most popular Amtrak Northeast Regional routes
The New Haven to Boston train is Amtrak’s most popular Northeast Regional route. Boston to New York and New York to Washington trips are also very popular.
TOP AMTRAK NORTHEAST REGIONAL ROUTES
| Route | Price | Duration | Daily Trips |
| New Haven to Boston | $22 | 3h 58m | 30 |
| Boston to New York | $28 | 4h 13m | 20 |
| New York to Washington | $28 | 4h 27m | 21 |
| Philadelphia to Washington | $17 | 2h 2m | 17 |
| Washington to Baltimore | $11 | 1h 41m | 45 |
| Boston to Providence | $11 | 0h 37m | 20 |
| New York to Baltimore | $22 | 3h 40m | 40 |
| New York to Philadelphia | $17 | 2h 8m | 22 |
| New York to Providence | $22 | 6h 6m | 18 |
Before You Board
- Download the Amtrak app for real-time tracking and station information.
- Check baggage limitations (checked and carry-on allowances).
- Pack essentials for the trip (snacks, drinks, entertainment).
- Familiarize yourself with Amtrak policies (prohibited items, smoking areas).
The Train Experience
Onboard amenities:
The Northeast Regional offers a comfortable and convenient travel experience with a range of amenities to enhance your journey. Let’s explore some key onboard features:
1. Cafe Car (Food and Beverage Options):
Most Amtrak routes, including the Northeast Regional, include Cafe service, with a range of meals, snacks, and drinks for sale. Customers of all service levels are welcome to visit the Cafe, which is open from early morning to late night.
Here’s the menu:
Tip: Prices on the cafe car can be higher than what you might find elsewhere. Consider bringing snacks and a refillable water bottle to save money.
2. Quiet Car (Etiquette and Expectations):
Are you seeking a peaceful travel environment? Many Northeast Regional trains offer a designated Quiet Car. Here’s what to know about using it:
- Focus on relaxation: The Quiet Car is intended for passengers who wish to work, read, or simply unwind in a calm atmosphere.
- Etiquette: Keep conversations to a whisper, avoid using cell phones loudly, and refrain from playing music or videos without headphones.
- First come, first served: Seating in the Quiet Car is not reservable. Board early if you prioritize a quiet space.
3. Restrooms and Accessibility:
All NorthEastern Regional trains have disabled accessible toilets. Restrooms are usually located at the end of each car.
4. Wi-Fi Availability and Usage:
To keep travelers connected while traveling, Amtrak provides basic Wi-Fi connectivity in select stations and trains around the nation. Stay working or just relax and enjoy the journey to your destination. During your travels, you may meet two kinds of Wi-Fi services:
- Amtrak Wi-Fi
- Other Wireless Networks
Tip: Download podcasts, audiobooks, or movies to your device before your trip for offline entertainment in case the Wi-Fi is unavailable or slow.
Tips for a Smooth Ride
- Arrive early for boarding (especially during peak hours).
- Dress comfortably for the journey.
- Be prepared for potential delays (pack extra snacks and entertainment).
- Download podcasts or audiobooks for offline entertainment.
- Consider packing a refillable water bottle.
- Take advantage of the scenery and relax during the trip.
Contact information for Amtrak customer service
- Phone: Advise readers to contact Amtrak customer service by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).
- Email: Amtrak also offers email support. You can find a contact form on their website https://www.amtrak.com/contact-us) to submit your questions or concerns.
For passengers who require accessible communication options, you can mention:
- TTY: Indicate that Amtrak offers a TTY line for the deaf or hard of hearing at 1-800-523-6590.
Resources for planning your trip itinerary in various cities
Here are some resources for planning your trip itinerary in various cities along the Northeast Regional train route:
City-Specific Resources:
Boston, MA:
Providence, RI:
New Haven, CT:
New York City, NY:
Philadelphia, PA:
Baltimore, MD:
Washington D.C.:
Richmond, VA:
Norfolk, VA:
Virginia Beach, VA:
Additional Resources:
Trip Planning Apps: Several mobile apps can help you plan your itinerary and manage your trip, including:
- TripIt
- Google Trips
- Citymapper
By using a combination of these resources, you can create a customized itinerary that fits your interests and timeframe for each city you visit along the Northeast Regional train route.
FAQs
Yes, Amtrak Northeast Regional offers Wi-Fi on its trains. While most Amtrak Northeast Regional excursions will have Wi-Fi as stated, some trains may not, and onboard Wi-Fi may lose connectivity in rural areas. We recommend that you bring a book or download a movie to be safe. Amtrak Northeast Regional Wi-Fi is typically best used for browsing the web, reading emails, and chatting with friends. Don’t expect to see your favorite program.
Yes, there are electrical outlets aboard Amtrak Northeast Regional trains. You can usually find one or two outlets for each row of seats, so be a nice traveler and ask your seatmate if they want to charge their electronics as well. With the onboard power outlets, you can charge a computer as well as USB gadgets with a USB power adapter, which most phones and tablets come with.
Because Amtrak Northeast Regional sometimes uses replacement train units, not all journeys are guaranteed to include power ports. We suggest bringing a power bank to charge your phone for any travel lasting more than 2 hours.
On a typical day, the Amtrak Northeast Regional schedule 7015 train runs. However, actual departure and arrival times vary by day and route.
No, Amtrak Northeast Regional does not provide will-call tickets. Purchase your tickets online and ensure that you have everything you need to board before arriving at the station.
Yes, Amtrak Northeast Regional asks you to show your ID to a representative before boarding the train. Make sure you have identification from a government agency that matches the carrier’s standards. Alternative forms of identification, such as a college ID, will not work.
Yes, there are restrooms aboard Amtrak Northeast Regional trains. The restrooms are rather basic, with a toilet, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer. Most restrooms do not have running water. Please exercise care and hang on to a rail when using a restroom on a moving vehicle.
Amtrak Northeast Regional offers food to keep you satisfied throughout your journey. Make sure to have a credit card and some cash in case you get hungry.
Amtrak Northeast Regional does not need a paper ticket to board the train. Instead, when you make your reservation, you will get an eTicket via email. You may show the ticketing agent this eTicket on your smartphone as you board.
Amtrak Northeast Regional goes above and above to provide its passengers with high-quality amenities.
Do you find yourself squashed on a standard seat, or do you like having more space to spread out? You’re in fortunate since Amtrak Northeast Regional has extra legroom seats. Because there is no standard for what additional legroom is, the extra space you get may differ across train lines, although having more is usually beneficial.