How fast does an AmTrak train go?

Question

I have had the absolute worst experience flying on Wednesday (we were at O'Hare and fortunately we weren't one of the 900 flights canceled) and I was wondering how fast a normal AmTrak train will go. Other reasons I want to travel by train:

-There are less carbon emissions per mile than in a car (no matter how the train is fueled)

-There are almost no weather hassles since you're on a track

-You get a view out the window

-You are permitted to use virtually all types of civilian technology

-Security is not as big of a hassle

-You normally don't get off of a train to get on another train

Answer 1

I also put this in the other question someone posted but in regards to carbon emissions the below calculator from Class I railroad CSX Transportation gives one great idea of just how efficient rail actually is.

Anyway, to answer your question, the Northeast Corridor (NEC) between roughly Baltimore and Boston is the only true high-speed passenger rail service available in the country (although Michigan, I believe, either has or soon will, a small stretch of high-speed rail).  

Most Amtrak trains outside of the NEC usually operate at speeds of 79 mph, or "Class  IV" track as mandated by the FRA.

In any event just be aware that the timetable you are given when researching your trip or boarding your train is probably a little generous.  It's not uncommon for Amtrak trains to be delayed, up to several hours (although that's usually uncommon), due to track work/maintenance programs, or other factors (like waiting on freight trains) since they operate on the private freight railroads' lines outside of the NEC.

And yes, as the above poster stated, you do change trains at least once on a good percentage of routes unless you are riding non-stop trains like the Empire Builder or Sunset Limited.

All in all, enjoy your trip!  While it takes longer it sure beats flying and is much more relaxing and enjoyable.

Answer 2

The fastest AmTrak trains top out at 70-80MPH. When going through mountains or cornering it is somewhat less. It is a good way to travel and as you pointed out stay green.

Answer 3

Amtraks cruise at 79 mph nationwide, 90 mph on the Santa Fe,  110 mph in a few corridors (Porter to Kalamazoo, Albany-NYC) and 125-150 in the northeast corridor.

Do remember though that America is simply huge.  It takes a long time to cross the country. If speed is your priority... well, it's a lot more fun if it isn't :)   Long-haul Amtraks often run late because the national railroad system is very overloaded right now.   My most delayed trip was 6 hours, Dulles to OAK... oh wait, that was JetBlue!

Security is not a hassle at all  There are AC power plugs.  The view is amazing.  The seats are big.  The meals are very nice.

Yes, you do sometimes change trains, but there's a place to check your carry-ons in the terminal so you're footloose and fancy free in some of the nicest downtowns in America.

Answer 4

the fastest train is the acela that runs on the eastern side of things between boston and d.c it get speedss to 120 when on good track and in between cities

Answer 5

It depends upon the grade of track.  Grade 1 requires slowest passage and reserved for freight only.  

International Standard of fastest grade for Am Trak

in USA does not exist.

Answer 6

100 MPH

Answer 7

Top speed on most tracks in the U.S. is 79 MPH but certain areas that are maintained to a higher standard are allowed to go considerably faster although I cannot say which lines.

You are discovering what many modern travelers, especially in Europe and the eastern U.S. are discovering, for short and even intermediate trips, RR travel is getting more and more attrractive every day for a wide variety of reasons.

By the time you eliminate the airport hassles train travel is not as slow as you would think.

Answer 8

Ave. 75 Superliner were designed for faster speeds of 100 but the rail are not up to that condition for the train to go that fast. The Northeast corridor from DC to Boston has high speed trains that will do over 120 to 150 on Acela Trains