Transcontinental Train Route in the U.S. Could Potentially Link Prominent Cities in Just Three Days
The United States is set to witness a significant evolution in rail travel with the proposed launch of the Transcontinental Chief by May 10, 2026. This privately funded coast-to-coast train service, spearheaded by rail company AmeriStarRail, aims to connect New York City and Los Angeles in under 72 hours, replacing Amtrak’s Southwest Chief route.
The Transcontinental Chief will begin its journey at the Hoboken Terminal in New Jersey, traversing existing lines that serve the Southwest Chief and Pennsylvanian, connecting major hubs like Chicago or Harrisburg en route from New York to Los Angeles. This ambitious project is timed to coincide with America’s 250th birthday celebrations in 2026 and significant events like the FIFA World Cup and National Train Day.
The Transcontinental Chief promises impactful benefits for U.S. train travel. It offers much faster coast-to-coast travel than current services, serving as a "rolling rest stop" for truckers, thereby alleviating truck parking shortages. The service also combines passenger comfort with freight logistics, potentially creating profitable operations that could complement or supplement Amtrak’s existing long-distance routes.
However, the future of the Transcontinental Chief remains uncertain due to Amtrak's skepticism, as they claim the plan lacks a fundamental business case. Amanda Morgan, a subject in the news, 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.
Currently, a ticket for the Amtrak train journey from New York City to Los Angeles in coach would cost about $600 round trip, while a private room would cost about $1,000 each way. If successful, the Transcontinental Chief could provide a more affordable and eco-friendly alternative, as taking the train in the U.S. is a way to reduce carbon footprint during travel.
A 2022 poll by the Rail Passengers Association found that 78% of Americans surveyed supported a better passenger rail system. The Transcontinental Chief will service major cities including Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Toledo, Chicago, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Albuquerque, and Grand Canyon National Park. The Transcontinental Chief is expected to open in spring 2026, on National Train Day, subject to cooperation from Amtrak, as it will utilize existing railroads and Amtrak’s Superliner trains.
As the Transcontinental Chief progresses from proposal to reality, it is poised to revolutionise U.S. rail travel, integrating passenger and freight services on a high-speed corridor linking the East and West coasts.
- In 2026, the Transcontinental Chief, a coast-to-coast train service, is set to integrate passenger comfort with freight logistics, potentially contributing to profitable operations in both the transportation and finance industries.
- The Transcontinental Chief, scheduled to begin operations on National Train Day in 2026, could provide an eco-friendly, affordable travel option for lifestyle and travel enthusiasts, reducing carbon footprint and fostering a new golden age for rail travel in the United States.
