--Josh Goodman
Conventional Rail
With upgrades and improvements to existing tracks, the trip from downtown L.A. to Las Vegas would take 5 hours and 30 minutes.
Top speed: 90 mph
Cost per mile: $3.4-$10.8 million
Desert Xpress
High-speed trains like those in Europe and Asia could make the trip on a dedicated right-of-way in 84 minutes. One downside: The drive to the station in Victorville--80 miles northeast of Los Angeles.
Cost per mile: $19.5 million
California-Nevada Super Speed Train
Hovering "Maglev" trains propelled by powerful magnets would take just 80 minutes from convenient Anaheim. But speed is costly.
Top speed: 300 mph
Cost per mile: $44.9 million