What is it Like to Ride?

Father holding baby, son facing them from other side of table on TGV train.

Trains are a great way to travel

Imagine it:  A breakfast meeting in Chicago, a business lunch in Cleveland, and you’re back home in time for dinner. No security lines. No cramped seats. No traffic jams. Just a quick, comfortable ride that saves you time and money.

Trains are Reliable and Stress Free

On a fast train, you can get where you’re going while working, eating, socializing, having a drink, taking a nap—whatever. Your time is yours.

With high-speed rail, train travel is always faster than driving. In many cases, it’s even faster than flying, once you factor in the whole air travel song-and-dance. And if you do need to catch a plane, trains make it easier to get to the airport.

couple sharing headphones on a train
Chicago to Minneapolis train, fly, drive comparison chart

Trains are the Smart, Fast Way to Travel

Here’s just one example of a trip begging for high-speed rail: Chicago to Minneapolis.

A high-speed train would be three times faster than driving—2.5 hours vs. 7.5 hours.

Sure, you could fly, but once you factor in traveling to the airport, going through security, and sitting on a taxiway, the high-speed train is still faster.

It would also be cheaper. A lot cheaper. That high-speed train ticket would cost about $75, compared to more than $200 to fly or drive.

Ready to ride? Join us now!

Trains Give You Time, Space and Options

The best-kept secret about trains is that they’re fun. Your time is your time.

Modern trains make travel better than ever, offering spaces that are tailored to different needs and different types of trips. Coach and first-class cars include several seats that face a table, making it easier to get work done or have a meeting. Power outlets and Wi-Fi are available throughout, and some train designs include private lounges or conference rooms, as well as special play areas for kids.

Overhead shelves let you keep your bags nearby, while racks near the doors are a better place to leave larger items. Bicycles roll right on and are secured in special holders, so you can take them on and off without any special attention. Cafe cars offer a place to grab a quick bite or a drink, while a more formal dining car serves full-service meals.

Learn more about the comfort, flexibility and safety of modern train designs

Brightline Interior
Cafe Car
Brightline Bike Rack

Trains Make it Easier to Get to Planes

Sometimes, you have to fly. And when you do, getting to the airport is often a struggle. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Around the world, major airports have train stations right next to the terminals, creating direct connections to regional destinations via fast trains.

Next time, instead of a long, expensive car ride to the airport—or cramming into a regional jet to reach your long-haul flight—imagine taking a fast, comfortable train instead.

Learn more about our ideas to connect high-speed trains to O’Hare International

Dusseldorf Airport Rail Station

The Latest from HSRA

Our Latest Blog Posts

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

Major Federal Investment in Passenger Rail Expected Soon

Major Federal Investment in Passenger Rail Expected Soon

Within weeks, we expect decisions from the U.S. Department of Transportation on where to invest billions in passenger-rail funding from the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. You can learn on our site about three of the contenders: Brightline West, which would launch...

Major Federal Investment in Passenger Rail Expected Soon

Illinois Rep. Buckner Letter to Metra and NICTD

Illinois Assistant Majority Leader Kam Buckner has laid out a vision for using publicly-owned electrified railroad tracks in two states as the core asset for modern passenger rail expansion. But first, the two agencies that own and operate commuter trains need to...

The Central Valley: Where High Speed Rail Begins

The Central Valley: Where High Speed Rail Begins

The Central Valley: Where High Speed Rail Begins America’s first true high-speed line is under construction in California’s Central Valley.Backbone of a Statewide Network California is building a 220-mph high-speed line to link Los Angeles to San Francisco in under 3...

Bill Porter’s Trip to Italy

Bill Porter’s Trip to Italy

Guest Post by William Porter, High Speed Rail Alliance Board Member I joined the Alliance not only because I like to ride trains, but also because I believe high-speed rail travel can contribute to the solution of a myriad of societal issues facing our country. While...