A new £9 billion high-speed rail line called Brightline West is set to connect Las Vegas to Southern California.

While construction is just beginning, the 218-mile rail route will, when completed, provide a faster and more eco-friendly travel option between the two iconic regions.

The line will connect Las Vegas to Rancho Cucamonga in California, and trains will reach speeds of up to 200 miles per hour. 

This means the journey could be completed in about two hours, cutting typical drive time in half. 

Brightline is already operating high-speed rail in Florida and is leading the project, which is backed by a mix of federal funding and private investment.

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According to the company, nearly 50 million trips are made each year between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, over 85% of which are by car. 

It is, therefore, no surprise that the route often sees heavy congestion and major delays. 

Brightline West aims to address these issues by serving over 9 million one-way passengers annually.

The trains will run primarily along the I-15 highway and are expected to be operational by 2028, in time for the Los Angeles Olympics. 

Passengers can choose between ‘smart’ and ‘premium’ seating.

The smart option will give travellers spacious, airline-style legroom and food and beverages for purchase, while the premium will offer added amenities.

Brightline promises a guest-first experience, with VIP-style services like hotel check-in onboard and luggage transport directly to hotels. 

The stations will also be placed in convenient locations in Las Vegas and throughout Southern California, including Apple Valley, Hesperia and Rancho Cucamonga stops.

The trains are also set to be all-electric and emit zero emissions.