Summary
- Amtrak is modernizing its overnight train services with new train cars.
- Upgrades will enhance safety, reliability, and customer amenities.
- New Acela trains with modern features are also on the way.
Amtrak is giving its overnight trains an overhaul and making plans to replace its long-distance train cars with newer versions.
The company will reequip its Amtrak Long Distance Network, considering ideas from as many as 10 manufacturers, according to Amtrak. The new train cars will be rolled out on popular routes like the California Zephyr, Coast Starlight, Crescent, Empire Builder, and Southwest Chief.
“Purchasing new long-distance train cars will allow Amtrak to upgrade and modernize the iconic and vital overnight services that link our nation’s major regions,” Amtrak Board Chair Tony Coscia stated. “We are looking for new trains that improve safety, reliability, accessibility, and efficiency while offering the features our customers believe are most important to modernizing overnight train travel for the 21st century.”
Moreover, Amtrak is researching which customer amenities to add to its overnight and long-distance trains. Currently, most of the equipment in the company’s overnight fleet “will approach the end of its service life after the next decade.”
These are not the first train cars Amtrak is upgrading. Recently, the company announced it is introducing new amenities for travelers, including dedicated individual outlets and USB ports, better seats, and large panoramic windows on its brand-new Amtrak Airo trains, expected to roll out in 2026 across various routes.
Furthermore, Amtrak is also developing new Acela trains for the Northeast Corridor, which will feature modern amenities like contactless luggage storage and winged headrests.
Consequently, overnight trains provide an excellent opportunity to see the country and travel great distances, allowing passengers to enjoy views of bustling cities, deserts, oceans, and pine forests all from the comfort of the train.
Amtrak’s private rooms come with several perks, offering different configurations from “roomettes” to family bedrooms. These private rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, complimentary meals, lounge access, and turn-down service for a comfortable night’s rest.
