I rode on the only 2 high-speed trains in the US, Brightline and Amtrak's Acela. Here's how they compare and which is more convenient.

Taylor RainsJan 14, 2024, 18:32 IST

Selfies of the author on Amtrak and Brightline.Taylor Rains/Insider

The US has two high-speed trains, including the 125-mph Brightline and the 150-mph Amtrak Acela.
Brightline rides along Florida's East Coast while the Acela runs along the US' Northeast Corridor.

Brightline opened in September as only the second high-speed rail network in the US, cruising along 235 miles of track between Orlando and Miami at 125 mph.

Amtrak's Acela train is faster at up to 150 mph, bolting along the 457-mile Northeast Corridor between Washington, DC, and Boston.

I recently rode on both to see how they compare.

While I'm happy Brightline has opened to give locals and tourists more options along Florida's East Coast, I think Acela actually meets the expectations of a high-speed train.

My two recent high-speed rail trips were from Orlando to Miami on Brightline and Philadelphia to Stamford, Connecticut, on Amtrak.

A selfie of the author boarding the Brightline in Orlando.Taylor Rains/Insider

The one-way Brightline ticket was more expensive at $79. Amtrak only cost $40, but the ride was half the distance of the one in Florida.

Boarding the Acela train in Philadelphia.Taylor Rains/Insider

Boarding both trains was seamless, though I did have to clear a basic security check for Brightline.

Security at the Brightline station.Taylor Rains/Insider

Onboard, I found a few distinct differences. But both were overall perfectly comfortable, with plenty of legroom and big tray tables.

The legroom onboard Brightline's "smart" car.Taylor Rains/Insider

I particularly loved Acela for its big, plush seats and the included footrest.

Onboard the Amtrak Acela.Taylor Rains/Insider

Brightline lacked a footrest, and the seats were slimmer.

Acela's business class (left) and Brightline's "smart" car (right).Taylor Rains/Insider

However, I did appreciate the power port being easily accessible to every seat on Brightline.

The power outlets and USB ports located in the Brightline seat.Taylor Rains/Insider

Amtrak's power ports are located under the window, so they are harder to reach from the aisle seat.

The power outlets and footrest on Acela.Taylor Rains/Insider

train is considered high-speed when it travels at 124 mph or more.

Onboard the Amtrak Acela.Taylor Rains/Insider

Not only was the Acela more comfortable, but it actually felt "high-speed."

Amtrak.Amtrak

A train is considered high-speed by most organizations when it travels at around 125 mph or more.

There are world-famous bullet trains in places like Japan and China. Getty Images

This means Brightline's 125-mph train barely makes the cut.

Travelers boarding Brightline.Jeff Greenberg / Contributor/Universal Images Group Editorial

And the travel time doesn't shave off that much time compared to driving.

Coach number four on the Brightline.Taylor Rains/Insider

Granted, the train may be more convenient when rush hour traffic clogs Florida's I-95.

Heavy traffic along I-95 in Miami, Florida.Joe Raedle/Getty Images

However, I don't think the $79 is worth taking the Brightline on a regular basis.

The ticket kiosks at the Brightline station in Orlando.Taylor Rains/Insider

Brightline does serve cities like West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale for a lot cheaper, though.

Onboard the Brightline train in Florida.Taylor Rains/Insider

But those routes also don't cut out time like the Acela does.

Amtrak Acela.Michael715/Shutterstock.com

Amtrak's ultra-speedy Acela got me from Philadelphia to Stamford in about two hours.

A selfie of the author on Amtrak.Taylor Rains/Insider

This was significantly faster than if I drove, especially through New York's congested streets and highways.

The Empire State Building and Tourist District are seen while Traffic jam is reported along the route to New York City on August 17, 2022, in Jersey City, New Jersey.Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images

Not only would traffic add up to one and a half hours of extra driving, I don't even want to drive in NYC if I can avoid it.

Apartment blocks in Manhattan.Thomas Trutschel/Getty Images

Because of this, I think Acela better fits the bill of a time-saving high-speed train. And the ride was only $40.

Riding on the Amtrak Acela from Philadelphia to Stamford.Taylor Rains/Insider

Granted, I know the ride can cost over $200 one-way and even more on the longest route between DC and Boston.

Inside the Amtrak station in Philadelphia.Taylor Rains/Insider

But the time-savings make the sometimes hefty price tag of Amtrak more reasonable.

Amtrak's newest Acela cars on a test run.Amtrak

Overall, I felt Acela better represented what I envision of high-speed rail, though it's still leagues behind countries in Europe and Asia.

First class seats on a 186-mph Thalys train in Europe.Taylor Rains/Insider

It's more realistic to opt for the Acela over driving if I'm in the Northeast. If I still lived in Florida, I'd nearly always choose my car.

Brightline.Courtesy of Brightline

Norwegian Cruise Line ex-CEO is selling his Florida mansion for $15.9 million — and it looks strikingly similar to a ship. See inside.

Cookies on the Business Insider India website