Though the United States is certainly lacking in its rail system service, especially when comparing to places like Europe, conversations surrounding a new sleeper car train system that would connect the Midwest to New England are being had. The project is dubbed Lunatrain, and it would connect some of the biggest U.S. cities via “express, nonstop service” sleeper trains.
Here’s everything you need to know:
What is Lunatrain?
Philadelphia-based Lunatrain describes itself as a “private, early-stage company with a mission to bring more comfortable, more convenient, and safer long-distance travel to Americans at competitive prices.”
Lunatrain Service:
According to a press release from Lunatrain U.S., the passenger rail service would establish a network of night trains extending across the East Coast and Midwest, connecting cities that are too far for daytime trains to serve effectively and focusing on trips that can be completed in a single night.
Lunatrain will “offer a variety of sleeping cabins that can accommodate a wide range of traveler needs. This includes cabins designed specifically with solo travelers, couples, and families/groups in mind.” Moreover, Lunatrain cabins are sized to meet different types of traveler needs, offer ample power outlets, have improved soundproofing for optimal sleeping conditions, and include a host of onboard amenities; a significant improvement compared to existing sleeper train options in the U.S.
Both economy and premium cabin options will be available, which Lunatrain USA says will be priced competitively with an airline seat of the same service class and route.
What cities will Lunatrain connect?
According to a map, Lunatrain would would connect the following cities:
- Boston
- Philadelphia
- Washington, D.C.
- Jacksonville
- Miami
- Orlando
- Tampa
- Charlotte
- Atlanta
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- Minneapolis
- Chicago
- Denver
- Dallas
- Montréal
- Toronto
Why night service?
By shifting the majority of travel to nighttime, passengers would be able to minimize the number of waking hours spent traveling.
Why is Lunatrain important?
When created, the Lunatrain sleeper train project would be one of the most expansive in U.S. history.
When will Lunatrain be in service?
Though the exact date of service is unknown, a demonstration train will be released by the second half of 2026. Early customer feedback on cabin designs will then be collected before moving forward with building a fleet of sleeping cars for full service.