Rocky Mountaineer is ideal for travelers seeking immersive, scenic rail journeys with premium service, while Amtrak Acela (Next Generation) is better suited for those needing fast, convenient transportation between major cities along the Northeast Corridor.
| Attribute | Rocky Mountaineer | Amtrak Acela (Next Generation) |
|---|---|---|
| Route Options | Vancouver to Banff or Lake Louise, Vancouver to Jasper, Vancouver to Jasper via Whistler and Quesnel, Moab, Utah to Denver, Colorado, Circle routes | Northeast Corridor (NEC) between Boston, MA, and Washington, D.C. |
| Class/Service Levels | SilverLeaf Service, GoldLeaf Service, SilverLeaf Plus Service (USA), Premier Service (USA - 2026) | Business Class, First Class |
| Onboard Amenities (Dining) | Regionally-inspired meals, hot entrees, snacks, complimentary beverages. GoldLeaf: a la carte meals in a dining car. | Business Class: Cafe Acela. First Class: Complimentary at-seat meal and beverage service. |
| Onboard Amenities (Wi-Fi) | No Wi-Fi available | Free, high-speed, 5G-enabled Wi-Fi |
| Seating Comfort and Space | Spacious, reclining seats with ample legroom. GoldLeaf seats may have adjustable lumbar support, footrests, and heat options. | Wide, ergonomic seats with ample legroom and winged privacy headrests. Business Class: Blue seats. First Class: Red seats with more space. |
| Scenery and Views | Daylight travel to maximize views. Glass-dome coaches provide panoramic views. | Brighter lighting and larger windows for better views of cityscapes. |
| Ticket Pricing and Packages | Varies depending on route, service level, and time of year. Higher during peak season (June to September). Multi-day tour packages available. | Acela tickets more expensive than Northeast Regional. First class: $240-$475. Business class: $70-$280. |
| On-time Performance | Subject to unforeseen delays. Recommended to book accommodations in the arrival destination and avoid making connecting transportation arrangements on the same day. | Amtrak aims for reliable schedules. |
| Luggage Allowance | Two pieces of checked luggage per person allowed. Total weight must not exceed 30 kg (66 lbs) per person. No single piece of luggage can weigh more than 23 kg (50 lbs). | Streamlined overhead luggage compartments. Contactless storage options. |
| Accessibility Features | Wheelchair accessible. Hydraulic lifts or ramps available. ADA-compliant washrooms. Full-time wheelchair users can be accommodated in SilverLeaf Service only. | Spacious restrooms with 60-inch diameter turning radius, changing tables, touchless features, and automatic door access. Wide aisles, retractable bridge plates, accessible space in all cars, grab bars in aisles. |
| Station Locations and Accessibility | Transfers between train stations and hotels need to be pre-booked. Staff can assist with wheelchairs at stations. | Conveniently-located stations in city centers. Aiming for 100% ADA compliance by 2029. |
| Environmental Impact | Reusable tableware. Newer rail cars have energy-efficient enhancements. Tree planting for team member anniversaries. Locomotives use biodiesel fuel. | Designed to reduce energy consumption by at least 20%. Sustainable components, including seating made out of recycled leather. |
| Customer Service Quality | Onboard hosts are available to share stories, provide information, and attend to guests' needs. | Committed to enhancing the travel experience and responsive to customer feedback. |
| Price | SilverLeaf tickets start at CAD $2,245 (As of April 2025). Denver to Moab train is USD $1725 per person (As of 2025). | Not available |