When it comes to comparing train travel across different countries, the gap can feel astonishing—and not in a good way. Take my recent journey from New York City to Washington D.C., where I opted for Amtrak’s flagship service, the Acela. This high-speed train line covers the 225 miles between America’s largest city and its capital in a leisurely three hours. While that might seem efficient, it’s a far cry from the streamlined, punctual experience I’ve come to admire elsewhere, especially in Japan.
Now, I’ll admit, I’ve only spent a year living in Tokyo, but that experience has left a lasting impression on how I see urban transit. Japanese trains aren’t just transportation—they’re a way of life. Living in a city designed around trains brings a particular kind of joy, one that’s difficult to find in many American cities.
In Tokyo’s metropolitan area alone, there are over 280 subway stations and more than 600 train stations scattered throughout the city (https://www.gotokyo.org/en/plan/getting-around/subways/index.html, https://japanstartshere.com/2022/12/06/train-stations-in-tokyo/). In the heart of Tokyo, it’s almost impossible to be more than a few minutes’ walk from a train or subway line. During rush hours, trains arrive roughly every 2.5 to 3 minutes—an impressive feat of efficiency and coordination.
And this is where the conversation about American trains becomes even more intriguing—if not downright frustrating—especially when you compare it to what’s available abroad. The stark contrast highlights just how much ground the U.S. still needs to cover if it wants to match the level of convenience, punctuality, and frequency that places like Tokyo have perfected. So, what do you think—are American trains just inherently inferior, or is it a matter of priorities and investment? Drop your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from settled.