High Speed Rail 101

It’s not just faster-it’s a better way to travel. High-speed rail blends comfort, speed, and convenience into one seamless experience.

What Makes High-Speed Rail Different?

Speed: 180-220+ mph

Get there in half the time of driving — faster than flying for many trips.

Dedicated Tracks

No freight delays. Trains run on time, every time.

Frequent, All-Day Service

Trains run all day — not just at rush hour. Go when it works for you.

All-Electric Power

Clean, quiet, and sustainable — powered by overhead electric lines.

Smart Connections

Travel city center to city center — no remote airports, no long transfers.

Why It Matters

High-speed rail isn’t just faster trains — it’s smarter, cleaner, and more connected travel.

A woman is on the platform in Seville, Spain with a large rolling suitcase looking for her friend before boarding.

A Great Way to Travel

Choose what to do with your time – work, eat, nap, socialize, or just enjoy the view

Prosperous Communities

Trains support healthy, walkable, and thriving city centers.

Artist rendering of tunnels and viaducts in California with windmills in background.

Carbon Reduction

Reducing gridlock and pollution while linking more communities to the national economy.

What It’s Like On Board

Want to know what it’s like to take high-speed rail? Take a sneak peak.

Comfort and Convenience

Modern high-speed trains are built for more than just speed—they’re designed to support the way people actually travel, whether you’re working, exploring, or traveling with family.

Flexible Seating Options
Many cars include seats that face a shared table, perfect for working on a laptop, having a conversation, or enjoying a meal together. Some trains even offer private compartments or quiet zones for added focus and comfort.
Specialty Cars and Lounges
On select routes, you’ll find cars with conference rooms for business travelers, dedicated family areas for kids, or premium lounges with upgraded amenities and extra space to relax.
Smart Storage for Every Traveler
Overhead shelves keep smaller bags within easy reach, while large luggage racks near the doors are ideal for suitcases and strollers, or even a bicycle. You’ll never need to fight for bin space or worry about carry-on limits.

Accessible for Everyone

High-speed rail is one of the most inclusive forms of transportation. It’s built to accommodate people of all ages and abilities—without extra hassle or special arrangements.

Level Boarding
Most stations and trains offer platform-level entry, so there are no steps or gaps to navigate. Whether you’re using a wheelchair, cane, or rolling luggage, boarding is smooth and straightforward.
Wheelchair-Friendly Design
Trains include designated wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and wide aisles for easy movement throughout the train. There’s no need to call ahead or request special assistance—accessibility is built in.
Spacious, Step-Free Interiors
Once onboard, the open layout makes it easy to move between cars, access restrooms, and store bags—without tight spaces or barriers.

Less Stress at Every Step

High-speed rail takes the hassle out of travel. There are no long TSA lines, surprise fees, or faraway airports—just a smooth, simple experience from start to finish.

Arrive 15–30 Minutes Before Departure
Skip the security lines and walk straight onto the train—no need to arrive hours early.
No Surprise Fees
Bring full-size luggage, snacks, and even drinks. Seat selection and bags are included—no nickel-and-diming.
No Remote Airports
Trains arrive in the heart of the city, not miles away—saving time and cab fare.

A Smoother, More Reliable Ride

Once you’re onboard, the difference is clear.

On-Time Departures
Trains leave from clearly marked platforms—no gate changes, tarmac delays, or last-minute surprises.
Traffic-Free Travel
Electric trains glide on dedicated tracks, unaffected by traffic jams, road work, or bad weather.
A Calmer Experience
It’s quiet, spacious, and smooth—so you can work, read, or just relax the entire way.

Food and Drinks

High-speed trains make the journey part of the experience. If you’re looking to relax with a snack or meal, you have options.

Café or Bar Cars
Step into a dedicated car for a freshly brewed coffee, cold drink, or hot meal. Many high-speed trains feature a café or bistro-style bar with counter seating where you can unwind, stretch your legs, and enjoy the ride.
Locally Sourced Menus
Some high-speed trains offer rotating menus with regional ingredients, including vegetarian and gluten-free choices. From artisanal sandwiches to full plated meals, dining on the train often reflects the culinary identity of the regions you’re passing through.
Seat Service
Prefer to stay put? Many routes offer at-seat food and beverage service so you can relax, read, or work while you snack.

Built for Modern Life

High-speed trains are designed with today’s travelers in mind—whether you’re commuting, working on the go, or just kicking back.

Free Wi-Fi on Most Lines
Stay connected the entire trip. Stream music, answer emails, or hop on a Zoom call—all without burning through your phone data.
Outlets at Every Seat
No more fighting for the one outlet in the corner. Every seat is equipped with power, so your devices stay charged and ready.
Work Tables and Quiet Zones
Need to focus? Many high-speed trains offer fold-down tables, laptop-friendly workspaces, and designated quiet cars for uninterrupted productivity—or a nap without background noise.

Family-Friendly by Design

Traveling with kids? High-speed rail takes the chaos out of family trips and turns them into an adventure everyone can enjoy.

No Security Meltdowns or Boarding Chaos
Skip the TSA line and stroller disassembly. Families can arrive closer to departure time, bring everything they need, and board with ease.
Room to Move Around
Children can stretch their legs, explore the train, and switch seats with a parent — without disturbing other travelers or needing to stay buckled in.
Changing Tables and Family Restrooms
Clean, accessible bathrooms with baby-changing stations are available onboard, making diaper changes more manageable than in an airplane.
Family Zones on Some Routes
Some high-speed trains offer designated family seating areas — complete with larger tables, extra space, and other traveling families nearby.
Children’s Play Areas (on select routes abroad)
On some European and Asian trains, kids can enjoy onboard play spaces with books, toys, and even small climbing areas — turning travel time into playtime.

Success Stories: What’s Working Now

See real-life examples what trains are doing around the country and the world

Florida Brightline

Brightline is a new train service in Florida connecting major cities like Miami and Orlando. It’s fast, comfortable, and popular with riders who are tired of traffic and airport hassles.

An AVE train is passing under a bridge near Ciudad Real Spain.

Acela is Amtrak’s faster train in the Northeast, connecting Boston, New York, Washington, D.C., and cities in between. It’s the quickest way to travel between major East Coast hubs—no traffic, no airport lines.

Examples Abroad

Train lines like France’s TGV and Japan’s bullet trains are world-famous for being fast, smooth, and incredibly reliable—they’ve set the standard for what high-speed rail can be.

Building a National Network: The Integrated Approach

What will it take to create successful high-speed rail across the country?

A composite map of three regional rail plans plus the NE Corridor.

To bring high-speed rail to the U.S. at scale, we need an Integrated Network Approach—combining the transformative speed of dedicated high-speed lines with the broad reach of upgraded shared-use corridors.

> A national plan
It’s time for Congress to empower the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to create a bold, unified vision — connecting the country through fast, frequent, and reliable service. We can’t rely on disconnected regional efforts to deliver a system that works coast to coast.

> Dedicated high-speed lines
These purpose-built lines are exclusively for fast passenger trains, with no freight or slower services. They’re essential for top speeds (186+ mph), reliable, all-day service, and frequent departures.

> Regional Connections
Regional lines link mid-sized cities, suburbs, and rural areas to high-speed corridors. With upgrades to existing tracks, they enable frequent, all-day service, equitable access to fast travel, and economic boosts for smaller communities

Together, this integrated system delivers seamless travel between major metro areas and smaller cities—making high-speed rail a practical, national mode of transportation.

How You Can Help

Bring high-speed rail to your region

Artist rendering of a potential Brightline railroad station at Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Transform Your Region