Amtrak is launching the Acela Nonstop service between Washington and New York

Amtrak is launching the Acela Nonstop, a new direct “high-speed” service between Washington Union Station (WAS) and New York Penn Station (NYP), Monday, Sept. 23.

The new line servicing Amtrak’s two busiest destinations will initially be a weekday service only. It will bring one southbound (NYP-WAS) and one northbound train (WAS-NYP) per day and an approximate trip time of two hours and 35 minutes.

The southbound train will depart NYP at 6:35 a.m. and is scheduled to arrive at WAS around 9:10 a.m. The northbound train will depart WAS at 4:30 p.m., and arrive at NYP around 7:05 p.m. The new nonstop service uses the same train as Amtrak’s current Acela fleet/ Top speed between New York City and Washington is expected to be 135 mph.

Amtrak is finalizing details on new amenities, which will be announced closer to the launch date. In addition, the standard Quiet Car, Café Car and First Class services will be offered on Acela Nonstop so customers will not miss any of the popular features available on current Acela service.