Look inside the planned Brightline West trains, featuring an upscale lounge car
Construction is well underway on Brightline West’s high-speed rail line that’s expected to link Las Vegas with Southern California by 2028. Now, the private intercity rail operator is offering a glimpse inside the cars of its future trainsets.
The sneak peek of sorts includes an upscale lounge car that passengers will surely be eager to visit on treks to and from Sin City.
In recent weeks, Brightline firmed up a deal with manufacturer Siemens Mobility, which is set to build 220 trainsets for the rail operator’s western network at a brand-new facility in New York.
As part of the deal, the two companies unveiled renderings of the interior of the Brightline West American Pioneer 220 trains; they will be at the heart of the company’s plans to offer America’s first truly high-speed rail service.
The images offer plenty of similarities to the Brightline trains currently operating in Florida, from leather ergonomic seats with winged headrests to carpeted floors and overhead bins.
Brightline West trains will offer a slightly warmer color palette than those in Florida. The interior befits the desert terrain in which the trains will operate. As they run down the middle of Interstate 15 through Nevada and California, they'll reach speeds topping 200 mph.
Related: The best credit cards for Amtrak and train travel
The trains' premium cabin, offered to higher-paying travelers, features white seats with pastel peach headrests.
Seats in the standard “Smart” cars feature white leather seats with green headrests.
It seems a sure bet that Brightline West trains will also have many of the same onboard amenities as their Sunshine State counterparts. This includes Wi-Fi and power outlets as well as the “soft product” service — though we’ll eagerly await that news as the system’s opening draws nearer. The Florida trains feature snack service, multiple power and USB outlets, and leather seats. There are large motion-activated bathrooms, wide aisles and seats that recline.
The soft pinks and greens are a sharp departure from the bright yellow of the Brightline Florida trains.
The most memorable renderings Brightline has shared for its western line offer a glimpse inside the planned lounge car. The car will offer travelers a place to relax and grab refreshments during the more than two hour ride between Las Vegas and suburban Los Angeles.
The car features tan, pastel and green touches in addition to a large walk-up bar accented by desert imagery.
This car also appears to have lounge seating options, such as a wraparound booth to softer chairs situated next to small tables.
One of the renderings includes glasses of wine and a bottle of Champagne on ice — an ode to the Las Vegas-bound travelers who will likely be a cornerstone of the Brightline West clientele. They can sip beverages while watching the desert landscape whizz by through the windows.
Brightline and Siemens note the trainsets will exceed accessibility requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act. They will allow passengers who use wheelchairs to seamlessly move from one car to another.
On the exterior, the trains will sport an aerodynamic shape meant to boost their efficiency as they reach the highest speeds of any train in the U.S.
Last month, lawmakers — including U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York — gathered around a 30-foot scaled model of the future trainset. Siemens plans to start building it in 2026 at its future 300,000-square-foot facility in Horseheads, New York.
Read more: Helped by federal funds and private investment, a major push for passenger rail
Brightline West officials hope to begin revenue service on the new rail line by the time the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics kick off. The $12 billion project received a sizable taxpayer-funded lift via the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. At the western end, plans call for stops in Victor Valley and Rancho Cucamonga, California, where passengers will be able to connect to regional mass transit.
While the system isn't expected to provide passengers direct service to Los Angeles Union Station, proposals from local leaders in Southern California have called for a future link to the city, and to California's so-called "bullet train" that's also under construction.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.