Should You Spend The Extra Money To Ride The Acela?

You are an East Coast person who wonders if taking the Acela is worth the money. I have a few things I can tell you about the journey.

I took the Acela back in 2008. We decided to go to Washington, DC via the Acela and then go back to NYC via the Northeast Regional.

There is a difference in time, but I believe it is the lack of stops for the Acela that cause that to happen. The train itself can't go faster than the track is rated, so if you think the train is going to go over 150 mph (which is what the train is rated to go) you will find out that this is incorrect. Here is what I found online, which matched my experience.
"The top speed of Amtrak's current Acela trains is 150 miles per hour (on stretches of track in New England) but they're often bound to travel slower due to the congested and outdated nature of the tracks along the Northeast Corridor." You can read more, HERE.

It is more expensive, but not overly so. The seating is a bit more comfortable and you can book business class on the Acela and a room on the Northeast Regional.

Prices on 9/8/21.

Northeast Regional (3 Hours 40 Minutes)

$28 (non refundable)
$69 (no change fee and refundability options)
$196 (flexable)
Business Class is $124
Room is $257

Acela Business Class Only (3 Hours 1 Minute)

$60 (non refundable)
$119 (no change fee and refundability options)
$321 (flexable)

It is your choice, is it worth 39 minutes (at best) to get where you are going.

Though the WOW factor might make it worth it. :-)