Direct train from LA to NYC to 'open next year' ahead of FIFA World Cup and will make journey faster than ever

Daily Mail​

3 days ago

A proposed high-speed rail line could soon connect Los Angeles to New York City in under 72 hours, with operations potentially launching in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup - and America's 250th anniversary.
The proposal comes from AmeriStarRail, a Delaware-based transportation company, which submitted a detailed plan to Amtrak outlining the 'Transcontinental Chief' - a long-distance rail service that would repurpose existing Amtrak routes and infrastructure.
The train would travel through major cities including Kansas City, Chicago, and Philadelphia, while also offering views of the Grand Canyon.
Unlike traditional high-speed rail initiatives that require extensive new infrastructure, AmeriStarRail's groundbreaking proposal would utilize Amtrak's current fleet of coaches, sleepers, and dining cars, along with host railroads like BNSF, Norfolk Southern and New Jersey Transit.
The high-speed rail line is not only designed to carry passengers, but also vehicles, buses, and even long-haul trucks.
The proposed service plans to blend elements of Europe's truck transport trains with U.S. passenger rail operations, offering vehicle-boarding for truckers and travelers along with Amtrak-style accommodations and amenities.
Different than other recently proposed plans to upgrade U.S. transit, the AmeriStarRail's proposal emphasizes that the 'Transcontinental Chief' project would be privately funded, requiring no new federal appropriations or legislation.
'The Transcontinental Chief will be a great opportunity for Amtrak to team up with the private sector to confront the challenges of its money-losing long-distance trains and create opportunities to usher in a profitable Golden Age of rail travel for passengers and truckers, with the ingenuity of free enterprise, as we celebrate our great nation's 250th birthday next year,' AmeriStarRail COO Scott Spencer said in the proposal submitted to Amtrak.
A proposed high-speed rail line could soon connect Los Angeles to New York City in under 72 hours, with operations potentially launching in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup - and America's 250th anniversary. Pictured: Modern intercity passenger train
Proposed route of the Transcontinental Chief train to Los Angeles to New York City in just in 72 hours
File photo above of passengers on a sleep train
AmeriStarRail COO Scott Spencer
The company has also presented the proposal to President Donald Trump, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and members of Congress, Newsweek reported.
'AmeriStarRail's proposal to turn Amtrak's money-losing long-distance trains into profit makers has also been shared with President Trump, DOGE, USDOT Secretary Sean Duffy, the FRA and Members of Congress,' a spokesperson for AmeriStarRail said.
According to the company, the service could begin by May 10, 2026 - just weeks before the U.S. co-hosts the World Cup and marks its semiquincentennial.
'Subject to operating agreements with the host railroads (BNSF, Norfolk Southern and New Jersey Transit) the Transcontinental Chief can start operations on National Train Day, Sunday, May 10, 2026 to begin serving tourists for America 250 celebrations and the 2026 FIFA World Cup,' the private rail company spokesperson added.
AmeriStarRail argues the plan offers a path toward expanding high-speed rail in the U.S. without the delays and costs associated with entirely new infrastructure.
However, the project hinges on Amtrak's cooperation and requires agreements with multiple host railroads.
There are also operational challenges, including right-of-way access, scheduling, and safety protocols.
Amtrak has yet to respond to the proposal.
File photo of passengers waiting to board an Amtrak train
According to the company, the service could begin by May 10, 2026 - just weeks before the U.S. co-hosts the World Cup and marks its semiquincentennial. Pictured: Donald Trump speaks with Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, during a meeting at the White House ahead of the 2026 World Cup
The new route would link Los Angeles (pictured) to New York in under 72 hours
Getting from LA to NYC (pictured) is set to be quicker than ever if you don't want to fly
If approved, the Transcontinental Chief would effectively replace Amtrak's existing Southwest Chief and Pennsylvanian services.
While the proposal is still in early stages, it adds to growing momentum for enhanced passenger rail in the U.S., including Brightline's West Coast expansion and ongoing developments in California's high-speed rail system.
With the clock ticking toward 2026, AmeriStarRail hopes its transcontinental train can move from concept to track - delivering a new era of cross-country travel just in time for a historic year.