What Is High Speed Rail?

Combining high-speed trains with high-speed lines to slash travel times in half.

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Little boy and his father are boarding a high-speed train.

High-speed rail is fast, frequent, and affordable

It is a proven technology, with over 28,000 miles of high-speed line in over 20 countries.

It is a transformative way to travel, combining speed, efficiency, and sustainability to revolutionize how we connect.

At its core, high-speed rail has two components:

  1. High-speed trains: The fastest trains cruise at 220 mph.
  2. Dedicated high-speed lines: All other railroads, roads, and walkways go over or under the tracks to create a sealed corridor.

But, It Is Much More Than That

High-speed rail should be a part of an integrated network of trains, buses, and planes that all work together.

With easy and reliable travel connections, more people are drawn to the network. More demand makes the case for more frequent service, which further drives demand.

So high-speed rail is really the heart of a rich and complex system linking together hundreds of cities and towns with seamless and nearly effortless mobility.

California is the first state to do an integrated network plan. The new high-speed line will turbo-charge California’s already extensive network of trains and buses.

High speed rail is more than transportation — it’s a catalyst for economic prosperity and urban revitalization, across entire states and regions.

Ca State Rail Plan Final Map 2018
A shot of a family of four sitting around a table on a train during a journey from Newcastle to Edinburgh. They are all laughing together, dressed in casual clothing and it is summertime. On the table there are various plastic containers of food, a mobile phone, and the two adults have paper coffee cups.

High-speed rail changes the way people think about travel.

Same-day, round-trip travel becomes possible to many more destinations, making being there in person easier.

From the moment you step on board to the moment you arrive, trains give you the freedom to walk around, use the restroom, or visit the café car. There are no restrictions on using your phone, tablet or laptop.

High-speed rail isn’t just a better way to travel — it’s a bold step toward a connected, greener, and more vibrant tomorrow.

Learn more about what they are like to ride.

Young business woman on train station holding tablet and having a coffee while waiting for transport

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Members of the High Speed Rail Alliance are working together to make fast, frequent, and affordable trains a part of everyday life.

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The Two Core Components

ICE high-speed train southbound near Lindburg Germany.

High-Speed Trains

High-tech, energy-efficient machines

High-speed trains are lightweight and aero-dynamic, able to accelerate quickly. Inside, the ride is quiet and smooth.

The smallest trains have twice the seats as the largest planes, but offer greater comfort and legroom.

In many countries, high-speed trains operate on both high-speed and conventional track in a single journey.

More on high-speed trains.

A picture of a high-speed train on a high-speed line with the following labels: Separate freight track, no highway crossings, electrification, tracks optimized for speed.

High-Speed Lines

Built like interstate highways

High-speed lines are like interstate highways with gentle curves and easy hills. All other railroads, roads, and walkways go over or under the tracks to create a sealed corridor.

Typically, the lines are newly built, but sometimes existing lines are upgraded. Design speeds range from 125 mph to 250 mph.

The newest lines in Europe operate at 200 mph.  Several lines in China operate at 220 mph.

More on high-speed lines.

TGV Freight train

How Does the Rest of the World Build High-Speed Rail?

Most countries add new segments of high-speed line to their existing network while upgrading connecting “shared-use” lines (which can be used by intercity, commuter, and freight trains) and local transit systems.

In some cases, high-speed trains run in “unified service” using both high-speed and shared-use tracks in a single trip. In other cases, passengers can buy a single ticket and switch easily between high-speed and conventional trains.

The French TGV offers one model

We Need a Demonstration Project

When the Pennsylvania Turnpike opened in 1940, it proved the case for a national network of all-weather, “high-speed” highways. We need an initial high-speed line to launch an American high-speed rail network.

And there’s good news:

Two segments of high-speed line are under construction

A section of high-speed line under construction in the Central Valley.

California High-Speed Rail

California is constructing a new high-speed line that will connect the San Francisco, the Silicon Valley and Los Angeles in three hours or less.

Learn More

A conceptual rendering of the proposed Brightline West station in Rancho Cucamonga, Ca.

Brightline West

Brightline West is building a high-speed line linking Las Vegas and the Los Angeles.  They will have the first American trains to exceed 186mph.

Learn More

 Join the High Speed Rail Alliance to help make high-speed rail to North America.

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A group of friends is talking at a table on a moving train.

It takes an Alliance to make great trains!

Join thousands of members working to transform travel across the U.S.

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The Latest from HSRA

Our Latest Blog Posts

Check out the latest news, updates, and high speed rail insights from our blog!

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