Debuting in 2026, the fast train from New York to Los Angeles will make eight stops in key urban centers, detailing its route for passengers.
New York to Los Angeles: AmeriStarRail's Transcontinental Chief Set to Revolutionize Rail Travel
AmeriStarRail, a new player in the rail industry, has announced plans for a groundbreaking train service that will connect New York and Los Angeles. Known as the Transcontinental Chief, this service will utilise Amtrak's existing infrastructure, including cars, ties, and dining cars, to transport passengers, automobiles, and tractor-trailers.
The Transcontinental Chief is scheduled to debut on May 10, 2026, and will follow the route of Amtrak's Southwest Chief and Pennsylvanian lines. The journey will span through major cities such as Hoboken (for New York), Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Chicago, Kansas City, Albuquerque, and Las Vegas, covering approximately 54 cities in total.
One of the key features of the Transcontinental Chief is its aim to complete the coast-to-coast trip in under 72 hours, making it one of the fastest trains in the country. The train will primarily operate on existing freight rail lines, using Amtrak’s coaches, sleepers, and dining cars.
Passengers can board the Transcontinental Chief at Union Station in Los Angeles and Hoboken Terminal in New York, with easy access from Manhattan. The train will not use Amtrak's Superliner bi-level cars in Manhattan due to space constraints at Penn Station.
The realisation of the Transcontinental Chief project is expected to be funded by private funds and federal government assistance. The project is also anticipated to be one of the most beautiful routes in the United States, especially in the fall, offering passengers a scenic journey across the country.
In addition to the Transcontinental Chief, AmeriStarRail is also planning another service. This faster train is set to commence service between New York, Boston, and Washington D.C. starting August 28. The company aims to usher in a new Golden Age of rail travel, making rail travel profitable and appealing once again.
Sources: [1] AmeriStarRail Press Release, 2021 [2] Amtrak Route Information, 2021 [3] Rail Technology Magazine, 2021 [4] USA Today, 2021
The announcement by AmeriStarRail, a new player in the rail industry, includes plans for a Transcontinental Chief service that will revolutionize rail travel, providing financing for this project through private funds and federal government assistance. As the Transcontinental Chief travels from New York to Los Angeles, it will offer passengers a scenic journey across the country, utilizing Amtrak's infrastructure in transportation, while simultaneously aiming to compete with the speed of the finance industry by completing the journey in under 72 hours.
