I'm considering taking the Acela Express to Wash. from NYC. Is it worth the extra cost over the regular train? I'm not going to be getting work done or drinking alcohol--just want some comfort and relative quiet-read my book and maybe doze off. Anyone been there and done that? Thanks

No, IMHO the Express isn't worth the extra $$$. For a reasonable amount of comfort and quiet, take an Acela Regional and spring for the extra $20 to go business class, their seats are nicer, you get a free beverage, and there are fewer kids and students. More cell phones, though, but you'd get those on the Express, too.

I recently took the Acela from DC to Connecticut and it was very nice, but I've never taken the regular train so I can't compare. One of the things I liked was the "quiet car" where people are required to turn off their cell phones and aren't permitted to talk above a whisper. Believe it or not they actually *enforced* this rule. It was wonderful. A little expensive though, IMO. Work paid the bill, but I'm not sure I'd pay the difference for personal travel.

Definitely not worth it. The Acela trip is only about 20 mins shorter--it almost never travels at full speed and is often late. Take the regular, upgrade if you want. I've never had a problem reading or napping in the non-business class seats and I've made the trip a half dozen times or so.

Jess, when you say take the regular, you mean the regular Acela or the Metroliner? I was looking into taking the Acela regional, non-business class, which is what I think you're talking about.

I meant I take the Metroliner. It suits me just fine, and everyone I know laughs at the idea of taking the Acela--not much faster, so much more expensive. Unless your office is paying for it, I can't find a way to justify the price.