A new high-speed Amtrak train has officially made its first tracks along the Northeast Corridor.

The NextGen Acela had its inaugural ride from Washington, D.C., to New York City's Penn Station on Wednesday morning.

The new high-speed train hits a top speed of 160 mph and can carry more people, which Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who helped announce the launch, said will lead to better pricing and an overall "better traveling experience for the American public."

Twenty-eight of the new trains will enter service through 2027, according to Amtrak, with added service set to expand both weekday and weekend schedules.

Although the high-speed trains are advertised as 10 mph faster than their predecessors, the schedules show the new train actually runs slower on the route by three to seven minutes per trip between Washington and New York City.

An Amtrak spokesperson said Wednesday that "trip time improvements will continue to be determined based on infrastructure improvements we will also make along the Corridor."

Where does the new NextGen Acela travel?

The NextGen Acela runs between major city centers, from Washington to New York City to Boston and destinations in between.

How much are tickets aboard new NextGen Acela?

Fares on the new NextGen Acela trains vary based on date and route.

A one-way ticket on the New York to D.C. route, for example, can range from around $100 to around $500, depending on the date, according to the Amtrak website.

A one-way business class ticket from Washington to New York on Aug. 29 costs $498 per passenger, according to the Amtrak website, while a similar one-way business class ticket from Washington to Philadelphia that day costs between $232 and $361 per passenger. A one-way business class ticket from Washington to Boston's South Station, meanwhile, runs around $526 that same day.

How to book NextGen Acela trains

NextGen Acela trains are marked with a "NextGen" banner tag online and in the the Amtrak app, to easily identify the new trains when booking.

The following train numbers also indicate a NextGen Acela, but are subject to change, so be sure to confirm with the schedules online:

Weekdays: Trains 2153, 2154, 2170 and 2173.

Saturdays: Trains 2250 and 2251.

Sundays: Trains 2248, 2258, 2259 and 2271.

What are the new features aboard NextGen Acela trains?

The premium onboard features include amenities like wide, ergonomic seats with ample leg room and a winged privacy headrest; free, high-speed 5G-enabled Wi-Fi; individual power outlets at each seat; and reading lights.

There are also enhanced food and beverage options, with a selection of breakfast, lunch and dinner options available in the new Cafe Acela, plus cart service in Business Class. Click here to see the full menu.

The new trains also have upgraded interiors in Coaches, Dining Cars, Sleepers, and Sightseer Lounges, with new seat cushions, upholstery, lighting and finishes.