The US May Soon Have A 3-Day Transcontinental Train Route Connecting These Major Cities

The United States may be one of the world's economic and military powerhouses, but when it comes to public transportation, the country is falling behind. Despite being a global leader in technology, the transportation options available to people traveling around the United States are outdated. Taking the train is a wonderful way to reduce your carbon footprint when traveling, but the railway network in the U.S. is lacking. Other nations have sustainable high-speed railways, but Americans are stuck with congested highways and chaotic airports.

For years, travelers have been hoping for more options when it comes to train travel. A new coast-to-coast route connecting the massive cities of New York and Los Angeles would be a dream come true for many tourists. Although you can currently fly between the two cities in just over six hours, you'd end up missing out on all of the epic cities and small towns in between. Driving is an option, but it will take about a week if you stop at regular intervals for food and rest. 

Well, that dream may come true, because by spring 2026, there may be a new option for travelers. In July 2025, a rail company called AmeriStarRail announced its plan to create a coast-to-coast route called the Transcontinental Chief. The proposed train route would take travelers, and even their personal vehicles, from New York to Los Angeles in just 72 hours, with the option to stop at some of the coolest cities in the nation along the way. The company's goal is to open the route on National Train Day in May 2026. It would also open in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

On July 4, 2026, the United States will celebrate its 250th birthday. A new train route connecting two of the country's most iconic cities would be a way for tourists to celebrate the semiquincentennial. "This will tie our nation together for its 250th birthday, and this route is double-tracked all the way. It could serve as a model for other routes," Scott Spencer, AmeriStarRail's COO, told Railway Age.

Train travel played a crucial role in America's growth, but it's not as popular as it used to be. The first transcontinental train route opened for passenger service on May 15, 1869. For the first time, people had a safe and reliable way to get from California to New York City. It was no longer necessary to take the risky sea route, or travel for many weeks over land. The coasts were connected and the journey between San Francisco and New York City could be completed in about a week. People, ideas, and commercial goods were able to reach people all over the country faster than ever before. America's economy thrived as a result, but in the 1920s, automobiles slowly began to replace trains as a primary mode of transportation.

These days, the United States is extremely car-centric. Many cities and their suburbs were designed around the idea that cars were the main form of transportation. However, many Americans believe that more budget and eco-friendly methods of transportation are needed. A 2022 poll by the Rail Passengers Association found that 78% of Americans surveyed supported a better passenger rail system. According to Time Out, Spencer believes that the Transcontinental Chief route from Los Angeles to New York could usher in a "new golden age" for train travel in the United States.

The Transcontinental Chief would begin its journey across the United States in New Jersey at the Hoboken Terminal, which is just across the Hudson River from Manhattan. It would service major cities, including Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Toledo, Chicago, Kansas City, Las Vegas, and Albuquerque. It would also stop at the iconic Grand Canyon National Park, allowing travelers to visit the famous landmark without the need of a car. The proposed new route depends on cooperation from Amtrak, because it would utilize existing railroads and Amtrak's Superliner trains. It aims to replace Amtrak's Southwest Chief route.

It's already possible to travel by Amtrak train between New York City and Los Angeles in 72 hours or less, if you take the Lake Shore Limited train from Penn Station to Chicago, and then change to the Southwest Chief for the remainder of the journey. A ticket in coach would cost about $600 round trip, while a private room would cost about $1,000 each way, which may not be more affordable than flying. The main difference is that the new route would allow passengers to bring their vehicle with them, which could make taking the train more appealing to some travelers. Even truck drivers could roll up onto flatcars on the trains during their required rest periods and wake up 200 to 500 miles further along their route.

AmeriStarRail officials believe that the Transcontinental Chief will be a profitable venture and will help ensure that train travel remains a viable option for travelers. Amtrak, however, seems suspicious, and since the plan will heavily rely on its existing assets, Amtrak's cooperation is critical. In a recent statement (via USA Today), Amtrak officials claimed the plan was, "lacking a fundamental business case to support its lofty proposal," so the future remains uncertain.