The Northeast Regional, operated by Amtrak, serves as a vital intercity rail connection across the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. Formerly known under names such as Northeast Direct, Acela Regional, and Regional, it stands as Amtrak’s busiest service. In fiscal year 2023, it accommodated 9,163,082 passengers and generated over $787.7 million in ticket revenue.
This service offers daily, reservation-required trains, typically running at least hourly. The primary route follows the Northeast Corridor, connecting Boston in the north to Washington, D.C., in the south. Key cities along this corridor include New York City, Philadelphia, and Baltimore, all of which are served with frequent stops. Branch lines and extensions broaden the reach to Newport News, Norfolk, and Roanoke in Virginia, as well as Springfield, Massachusetts, and various intermediate points.
A typical journey from New York Penn Station to Washington Union Station takes approximately 3.5 hours. Travel time between New York and Philadelphia is around 1.5 hours, while the segment from Philadelphia to Washington is closer to two hours.
Heading north from New York, Boston is about a four-hour trip, and Springfield is roughly 3.5 hours to the south. South of Washington, trains require approximately 4.5 hours to reach both Newport News and Norfolk, and about five hours to reach Roanoke.
Acquiring Tickets for the Amtrak Northeast Regional Train
There are three main avenues for purchasing tickets for the Northeast Regional:
Online Ticket Purchase
This method provides the greatest convenience and allows for fare comparison and seat selection.
- Navigate to the Amtrak website.
- Input your origin and destination points.
- Specify your travel dates and choose between a single journey or a return trip.
- Click “Search” to display available train schedules and prices.
- Compare fares for different departure times and class options (Coach or Business).
- Select your preferred train and click “Select” or “Book Now.”
- Complete the prompts to input passenger details, choose your seat (if possible), and select a payment method (credit card, Amtrak Guest Rewards points, Amtrak gift card, or eVoucher).
- Review your itinerary and finalize the transaction.
- A confirmation email containing your electronic ticket will be sent to you.
Mobile Application Purchase
The Amtrak mobile app, available for both iOS and Android, replicates the online booking process.
- Launch the Amtrak app and log into your account (if applicable).
- Enter your starting and ending stations.
- Indicate your travel date and whether you need a one-way or round-trip ticket.
- Search for available trains and ticket costs.
- Choose your desired train, seating class, and seat (if available).
- Enter passenger information and select your payment method.
- Review your travel plan and confirm the purchase.
- Your eTicket will be accessible within the application.
Telephone or Station Ticket Acquisition
For those who prefer direct interaction or lack online access:
- Telephone: Contact Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) to speak with a customer service agent.
- Station Ticket Offices: Visit an Amtrak station and locate the ticket counter or self-service kiosk for in-person purchases.
Ensure you have valid identification and your chosen payment method ready, irrespective of the purchase method.
Ticket Costs
Fares are subject to change based on the trip distance and the time of booking relative to the travel date. For optimal pricing, it is advisable to book tickets at least three weeks in advance. Coach fares between major city pairs such as Boston and New York City, or Washington, D.C., and New York City, can start at approximately $30. Travel from Philadelphia to New York City may be available from around $20.
Business Class tickets are offered at prices generally double or more than the cost of Coach.
Primary Stops and Stations
Well-Known Stops
- Boston, MA
- Providence, RI
- New Haven, CT
- New York City, NY
- Philadelphia, PA
- Wilmington, DE
- Baltimore, MD
- Washington D.C.
- Richmond, VA
- Williamsburg, VA
- Norfolk, VA
List of Stations Served by the Northeast Regional
| City/Community | State | Station Name | Station Code |
| Boston | MA | South Station | BOS |
| Boston | MA | Back Bay Station | BBY |
| Route 128 | MA | Route 128 Station | RTE |
| Providence | RI | Amtrak/MBTA Station | PVD |
| Kingston | RI | Kingston Station | KIN |
| Westerly | RI | Westerly Station | WLY |
| Mystic | CT | Mystic Station | MYS |
| New London | CT | Union Station | NLC |
| Old Saybrook | CT | Old Saybrook Station | OSB |
| Springfield | MA | Springfield Station | SPG |
| Windsor Locks | CT | Windsor Locks Station | WNL |
| Windsor | CT | Windsor Station | WND |
| Hartford | CT | Hartford Station | HFD |
| Berlin | CT | Berlin Station | BER |
| Meriden | CT | Meriden Station | MDN |
| Wallingford | CT | Wallingford Station | WFD |
| New Haven | CT | State Street Station | STS |
| New Haven | CT | Union Station | NHV |
| Bridgeport | CT | Bridgeport Station | BRP |
| Stamford | CT | Stamford Station | STM |
| New Rochelle | NY | New Rochelle Station | NRO |
| New York | NY | Moynihan Train Hall | NYP |
| Newark | NJ | Penn Station | NWK |
| Newark | NJ | Liberty International Airport | EWR |
| Metropark | NJ | Metropark Station | MET |
| New Brunswick | NJ | New Brunswick Station | NBK |
| Princeton Jct. | NJ | Princeton Junction Station | PJC |
| Trenton | NJ | Trenton Station | TRE |
| Cornwells Hghts | PA | Cornwells Heights Station | CWH |
| N. Philadelphia | PA | North Philadelphia Station | PHN |
| Philadelphia | PA | William H. Gray III 30th St. Station | PHL |
| Wilmington | DE | Wilmington Station | WIL |
| Newark | DE | Newark Station | NRK |
| Aberdeen | MD | Aberdeen Station | ABE |
| Baltimore | MD | Penn Station | BAL |
| Baltimore | MD | BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport | BWI |
| New Carrollton | MD | New Carrollton Station | NCR |
| Washington, DC | DC | Union Station | WAS |
| Alexandria | VA | Alexandria Station | ALX |
| Burke Centre | VA | Burke Centre Station | BCV |
| Manassas | VA | Manassas Station | MSS |
| Culpeper | VA | Culpeper Station | CLP |
| Charlottesville | VA | Charlottesville Station | CVS |
| Lynchburg | VA | Lynchburg Station | LYH |
| Roanoke | VA | Roanoke Station | RNK |
| Woodbridge | VA | Woodbridge Station | WDB |
| Quantico | VA | Quantico Station | QAN |
| Fredericksburg | VA | Fredericksburg Station | FBG |
| Ashland | VA | Ashland Station | ASD |
| Richmond | VA | Staples Mill Road Station | RVR |
| Petersburg | VA | Petersburg Station | PTB |
| Norfolk | VA | Norfolk Station | NFK |
| Richmond | VA | Main Street Station | RVM |
| Williamsburg | VA | Williamsburg Station | WBG |
| Newport News | VA | Newport News Station | NPN |
Most Frequently Traveled Amtrak Northeast Regional Routes
| Route | Price | Trip Time | Daily Departures |
| 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 |
Pre-Boarding Preparations
- Download the Amtrak application for up-to-date tracking and station details.
- Review baggage policies concerning checked and carry-on items.
- Prepare essential travel items such as refreshments and entertainment.
- Become familiar with Amtrak regulations, including restricted items and designated smoking zones.
Onboard Amenities
Train Features
- Café Car (Dining and Beverage Options): Most Northeast Regional trains feature a Café car that offers a selection of food, snacks, and drinks for purchase throughout the day and evening. All passengers are welcome to use the Café Car. Northeast Regional Menu prices may be elevated compared to typical retail outlets. Passengers may wish to bring their own food and beverages.
- Quiet Carriage (Courtesy and Expectations): For passengers desiring a tranquil atmosphere, many Northeast Regional trains include a designated Quiet Car. This area is intended for those who wish to work, read, or simply relax in silence. In the Quiet Car, conversations should be minimal, mobile phone use should be discreet, and audio should be enjoyed only with headphones. Seating is on a first-come basis.
- Lavatories and Accessibility: All Northeast Regional trains are equipped with restrooms that are accessible to passengers with disabilities. Restrooms are generally located at the ends of each carriage.
- Wi-Fi Access and Usage: Amtrak provides complimentary basic Wi-Fi on Northeast Regional trains and at certain stations. Wi-Fi service can be inconsistent, particularly in less populated regions. It is suitable for basic internet Browse, email, and messaging. For uninterrupted entertainment, it is recommended to download content in advance.
Suggestions for a Comfortable Journey
- Arrive at the station well in advance of your departure time, particularly during busy travel periods.
- Choose comfortable attire for your trip.
- Anticipate potential delays by packing extra refreshments and entertainment.
- Download media for offline use in case of Wi-Fi interruptions.
- Bring a reusable water container.
- Appreciate the scenery and relax during your travels.
Amtrak Customer Service Contact Information
- Phone: 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245)
- Email: A contact form is available on the Amtrak website: Amtrak Contact Us
- TTY (for hearing impaired): 1-800-523-6590
Resources for Planning City Itineraries
- City-Specific Travel Resources:
- Boston, MA: Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Providence, RI: Providence Convention & Visitors Bureau
- New Haven, CT: Greater New Haven Convention & Visitors Bureau
- New York City, NY: NYC & Company
- Philadelphia, PA: Visit Philadelphia
- Baltimore, MD: Baltimore Area Convention & Visitors Association
- Washington D.C.: Destination DC
- Richmond, VA: Richmond Region Tourism
- Norfolk, VA: Norfolk Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Virginia Beach, VA: Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Trip Planning Applications:
- TripIt
- Google Trips
- Citymapper
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wi-Fi provided on Amtrak Northeast Regional trains?
Yes, Wi-Fi is offered on the majority of Northeast Regional trains, although service reliability may vary, especially in rural areas. Downloading entertainment for offline use is a prudent measure.
Are there electrical outlets or USB ports on the train?
Yes, power outlets are available, generally with one or two per seating row. Bringing a portable power bank is advisable as a backup, as outlet availability cannot be guaranteed for every trip.
What is the typical schedule for the Amtrak Northeast Regional?
The Northeast Regional operates with frequent daily services; however, precise departure and arrival times differ depending on the specific route and day. Consult the Amtrak website for detailed and personalized schedules.
Is it possible to collect will-call tickets at the station?
Will-call ticket services are not available for Amtrak Northeast Regional. Purchase tickets online and ensure all necessary boarding documents are ready before station arrival.
Is identification required to board the train?
Yes, Amtrak mandates that passengers present government-issued photo ID for boarding verification. Student identification or similar forms are not acceptable.
Are restrooms available on Amtrak Northeast Regional trains?
Yes, each carriage is equipped with restrooms, which include basic amenities.
Are food and beverages sold onboard?
Yes, the Café Car provides a range of food and drink items for purchase. Payment can be made via credit card or cash.
Is it necessary to print Amtrak Northeast Regional tickets?
Printed tickets are not required. Electronic tickets received by email can be displayed on a smartphone for boarding purposes.
Does the Amtrak Northeast Regional offer premium amenities such as enhanced legroom or in-train entertainment?
Northeast Regional offers Business Class seating which includes upgraded features, such as increased legroom. Specific amenities may vary.