The new Acela Avelia Liberty trains, which are slated to enter service in the spring of 2025, will be able to travel at a top speed of 160 mph. While the design speed of the train is 186 mph, the current infrastructure on the Northeast Corridor is not fully equipped to support that speed in the United States.

How fast will the new Acela trains go?

• Design Speed: The Acela Avelia Liberty trains are designed with a top speed of 186 mph. 
• Service Speed: Initially, they will operate at 160 mph, which is a step up from the current Acela Express’s 150 mph in North America. 
• Infrastructure Location Limitations: While the trains can handle higher speeds, the Northeast Corridor (NEC) is not fully upgraded to support the full design speed of 186 mph. Some sections of the track have limitations, such as the B&P tunnel in Baltimore which currently restricts speeds to 30 mph. 
• Future Improvements: Amtrak plans to upgrade the infrastructure on the NEC, including projects like the new Susquehanna River Bridge, Bush River Bridge, and Gunpowder River Bridge, which will eventually allow for speeds of up to 160 mph in those areas. 
• Active Tilt Technology: The new trains also feature active tilt technology, which allows them to negotiate curves at higher speeds, potentially reducing travel time. 

Amtrak