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The Rail Services page provides detail on the features and destinations served by each of the intercity and regional rail services in the Northeast U.S.

Note that many itineraries (e.g., Washington, D.C. to Philadelphia, PA) may be impossible to make entirely using regional rail.

The Rail Services page provides links for purchasing tickets on Amtrak and regional rail services in the Northeast U.S. Tickets can also be purchased at stations.

No, with one small exception.

The various rail services in the Northeast U.S. have separate ticketing systems and apps. Between New Haven and Springfield in Connecticut, Amtrak tickets can be used to board CTrail trains and vice versa.

See the Rail Services page for information on how to book tickets on the various services.

The Summer of 2026 is expected to be one of the busiest travel periods ever experienced in the Northeast U.S. Booking or purchasing several weeks (or months) in advance is strongly recommended, especially on Amtrak. Many Amtrak trains are likely to sell out, and regional rail services will be operating at capacity, especially on event days.

Please note that for Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road, one-way and day pass tickets cannot be purchased until the day of travel - unused tickets will expire at 4am the day after purchase.

The Summer of 2026 is expected to be one of the busiest travel periods ever experienced in the Northeast U.S. Many Amtrak trains are likely to sell out, and regional rail services may be operating at capacity on event days. Booking/Purchasing in advance is strongly recommended. On regional and local services, allow extra time in case of full trains.

Amtrak’s Acela service is the fastest in the Americas, reaching speeds of up to 160 miles per hour.

For intercity travel, regional rail services are usually significantly less expensive than Amtrak. However, regional rail services generally make more frequent stops and offer fewer amenities. Longer trips on regional rail services may require taking multiple trains from different regional rail operators.

Note that many itineraries (e.g., Washington, D.C. to Philadelphia, PA) may be impossible to make entirely using regional rail.

Amtrak services in the Northeast U.S. feature assigned seating for First Class and Business Class (which includes all Amtrak Acela service). Amtrak Coach Class and all regional rail services have open (first-come, first-served) seating.

Amtrak ticket refunds depend on which type of ticket was booked. Flex fares are fully refundable or can be changed without any fees. Value fares cannot be changed and have a 25% cancellation fee. Sale fares cannot be changed and have a 50% cancellation fee.

Each regional rail operator has its own ticket refund policy. Single-ride tickets on regional rail are generally not refundable. Check with your operator to see the options they may have available to you.

Luggage storage is available at Boston South Station, Providence, New York Penn Station, Newark Penn Station, Philadelphia 30th Street Station, Wilmington, Baltimore Penn Station, and Washington Union Station. There may be a fee for this service.

Note that Amtrak may not permit the storage of computers.

For Amtrak and many regional rail services, train platforms are often announced just a few minutes before the train departs. Platforms will be displayed on a departure board and usually announced over a loudspeaker, and you may also opt to receive app notifications or text messages from Amtrak when booking your ticket.

On Amtrak and regional rail services, conductors will walk through the train and ask to view tickets. A few stations require scanning tickets at a fare gate before accessing the platform.

Regional rail tickets purchased through a mobile app may need to be activated within the app prior to boarding.

Amtrak trains have restrooms in every car, offer food and drinks for purchase, and provide free Wi-Fi. Regional rail services do not offer food or beverages. With the exception of SEPTA, all regional rail services in the Northeast offer restrooms on board.