The Japan Railway (JR) Shinkansen N700S excels in speed, punctuality, and frequency, making it ideal for efficient long-distance travel within Japan. Brightline, while slower and with less route coverage, offers a comfortable and modern travel experience within Florida, with tiered service options and a focus on accessibility. The best choice depends on the traveler's needs and location.
| Attribute | Japan Railway (JR) Shinkansen N700S | Brightline |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Speed | 362 km/h (225 mph) during operation, 363 km/h (226 mph) during trials. Maximum operating speed is 285 km/h. | 125 mph (200 km/h), during testing reached 130 mph |
| Average Delay Time | About 1.6 minutes per train, including delays caused by natural disasters. | Not available |
| Seat Comfort | Legroom: Green Car seats have up to 15% more space than older models. Ordinary car seating is spacious. Recline: Improved reclining mechanism designed to maintain lower back support. | Smart Class: Legroom comparable to a first-class airline seat. Premium Class: Reclining, plush seats, additional legroom, wider seating (21 inches wide), and adjustable footrests. Seats recline in place. Seats are made of hand-stitched leather. |
| Onboard Amenities (Wi-Fi, Power Outlets) | Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi available in every car. Power Outlets: All seats equipped with power outlets. | Free, high-speed Wi-Fi. Multiple power outlets (Type-A and Type-C USB) at each seat. |
| Ticket Pricing | Not available | One-way ticket prices range from $30 to $99. Round trip fares between West Palm and Miami start at $41 (Smart class) and $84 (Premium class). Fares between Miami and Orlando can range from $48 to $79 per ride. Premium fares are generally twice as much as standard Smart tickets. |
| Route Coverage | Tokaido Shinkansen Line (Tokyo to Shin-Osaka), Sanyo Shinkansen Line (Shin-Osaka to Hakata), Kyushu Shinkansen line. | Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and Orlando. Future extensions to Tampa and Jacksonville are planned. |
| Frequency of Service | Approximately 372 Shinkansen services per day. A Shinkansen train departs Tokyo Station every 3.5 minutes. 8 Shinkansen each hour from 6:00 to 21:20 each day, going from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka via Nagoya and Kyoto. | 32 trains daily between Orlando and Miami, with 16 departures from each city. Trains run approximately once or twice an hour from 7 a.m. to midnight. |
| Luggage Capacity | Overhead baggage racks are approximately 42 cm deep. For oversized luggage (total dimension of 160-250 cm), a prior reservation is required. | Two carry-on bags and one personal item (all must be medium-sized or smaller). Luggage storage and bicycle storage available. Overhead racks for carry-ons, space under the seat for small personal items, and luggage racks at the end of the train car. Checked bags are available for a fee, with size and weight restrictions. |
| Accessibility for Passengers with Disabilities | Designed to be accessible, though specific details were not found. | ADA-compliant with level boarding for wheelchairs, strollers, and wheeled bags. Stations equipped with elevators and escalators. Trains have accessible restrooms and wide aisles. Designed to easily welcome all guests using wheelchairs, walkers, and other assistive devices. |
| Food and Beverage Options | Food and drink services for ordinary class passengers were discontinued in October 2023 on the Tokaido Shinkansen. Green Car passengers can order food and drinks via a mobile website. Passengers are allowed to bring their own food and drinks. | Smart class: Food and beverages available for purchase from the onboard market. Premium class: Complimentary snacks and beverages served at your seat. Premium lounges offer complimentary refreshments. |
| Cleanliness and Maintenance | Not available | Trains are known to be clean and well-maintained. Restrooms are spacious and provide a hands-free experience. |
| On-time Performance | Known for its punctuality. The average delay time is about 1.6 minutes per train, including delays caused by natural disasters. | Not available |