Agree with Doug about the process.

While I think Red Caps are money well-spent in NYC, South Station is the first station and you know which platform it is, so I think showing up a bit early should ensure you get a seat. Even getting on at Back Bay, there are usually plenty of seats. Things start getting dicey only after Back Bay.

FWIW, I would readily spend the extra money on the Acela. No, it isn't much faster, but it is more comfortable IMO.

<i>Also would it be best to catch a taxi from our apartment to the station, there all be 4 of us with suitcases after a 6 week USA trip. Maybe 2 taxis or a maxi cab? (Do they have them in Boston)</i>

If you are staying at an apartment, your best bet is to download Uber or Lyft to your smartphone. They are cheaper than taxis and work better when you need to call for the car. If you don't mind squeezing a bit in the backseat (3 across) one UberXL car should work.

In general, taxis in Boston suck and they are notoriously dishonest. I'd stick with Uber and Lyft for everything except leaving the airport.

Are the Acela different trains?

Uber is new here in Australia. I don't really know a lot about it. Its a good service?

The Acela is a FASTER service between Boston and New York than the regionals. But the Acela costs considerably more. You can easily compare prices by using the amtrak.com website.

Acela is the "faster" train, still part of Amtrak, and rarely much faster. Not worth the large price difference to me, but you can decide yourself--they are on the list when you look for trains on the Amtrak site.

Acela trains have more spacious seating and are a bit faster than regular Amtrak NE Regional trains, and of course they are more expensive. Otherwise, there's no difference. You still don't have a seat assignment. Ironically, because Acela trains have fewer seats, I've often found it harder to find seating together than on regular trains. But in general, Boston is easier than DC in boarding since about half the people get on at South Station and half at Back Bay.

<i>Are the Acela different trains?</i>

Yes. The closest the US comes to high-speed rail, but nowhere near Japanese standards. The big benefit to me is that the seats are more comfortable and have more legroom.

<i>Uber is new here in Australia. I don't really know a lot about it. Its a good service?</i>

Yes. It is very good. Very convenient. Much better than a Boston taxi. Especially useful when you are staying in an apartment as their is no taxi line outside your door.

Oh yes, all my friends in Boston use only Uber now. Otherwise, they don't take taxis anymore.

The difference in price is $52 compared to $191 on the Acela (no cheap fares for our date).
That is some shopping money for New York City!

I will investigate Uber.

<i>The difference in price is $52 compared to $191 on the Acela (no cheap fares for our date).
That is some shopping money for New York City!</i>

At that difference, I wouldn't spend extra on the Acela. It is normally more like $30-$50 when I buy tickets.

Acela is essentially worthless - since although the train can go a lot faster for much of the trips the tracks don;t allow for that speed. Hardly worth it to save 20 minutes.

<i>Acela is essentially worthless - since although the train can go a lot faster for much of the trips the tracks don;t allow for that speed. Hardly worth it to save 20 minutes.</i>

I don't use Acela for the time savings, but because it is more comfortable.

Well we have now booked 4 tickets on the train, Boston to New York City.

On the regular train $52 per ticket. We will probably try and use the red cap service.

Thank you to everyone for all your help and suggestions. We are very happy and looking forward to our train trip.