When people talk about a bullet train New York California, a high-speed rail link connecting two of America’s biggest cities. Also known as high-speed rail USA, it’s a concept that sounds exciting — but right now, it doesn’t exist. You won’t find a train that zips from Manhattan to Los Angeles at 200+ mph like Japan’s Shinkansen or France’s TGV. The idea gets shared online, often mixed with videos of foreign trains or sci-fi proposals. But the truth? The U.S. doesn’t have any true bullet train routes between major cities — not yet, and not in this form.
What you do have is Amtrak, the national passenger rail service that connects dozens of U.S. cities, including New York and California. It’s not fast, and it’s not sleek — but it’s real. The Coast Starlight runs from Seattle to Los Angeles, and the California Zephyr crosses the Rockies from Chicago to San Francisco. To get from New York to California by train, you’ll need multiple transfers, over 70 hours of travel time, and a lot of patience. It’s scenic, yes — but it’s not a bullet train. If you’re looking for speed, flying is still your best bet. If you’re looking for adventure, comfort, and a slow-motion view of America’s heartland, Amtrak delivers something no plane can: space, silence, and the rhythm of the rails.
People often confuse luxury train experiences with high-speed rail. The Pride of Africa, a multi-day luxury rail journey across southern Africa. Also known as luxury train journeys, it costs over $12,500 per person and offers private suites, gourmet meals, and guided excursions — but it travels at 40 mph. That’s not speed. That’s experience. The same goes for the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a restored 1920s train that runs through Europe. It’s elegant, historic, and unforgettable — but again, it’s not designed to go fast. It’s designed to make you feel like you’ve stepped into a movie. These trains are about the journey, not the destination. And that’s okay. But if you’re hoping for a New York to California bullet train, you’re looking for something that simply isn’t built yet.
The U.S. has tried — and mostly failed — to build high-speed rail. California’s project between Los Angeles and San Francisco has been stuck in delays, lawsuits, and budget overruns for over a decade. Other states have explored routes, but none have moved past planning. Meanwhile, countries like Japan, China, and Spain have turned bullet trains into everyday transportation. Why? Because they invested early, planned long-term, and prioritized efficiency over politics. The U.S. hasn’t.
So what’s the takeaway? If you want to ride a fast train in America, you’ll need to adjust your expectations. There’s no bullet train from New York to California. But there are real train journeys across this country — long, slow, and full of hidden beauty. You’ll find them in the Rockies, along the Pacific coast, and through the Great Plains. And if you’re curious about what luxury rail looks like, or how train travel works in other parts of the world, you’ll find real stories here — from the most expensive train ride on Earth to how to actually plan a cross-country Amtrak trip without losing your mind.
