Elon Musk, the visionary entrepreneur behind Tesla, SpaceX, and The Boring Company, has never been one to shy away from big ideas. His latest proposal? A revolutionary tunnel system that could transport people from New York City to London in just 54 minutes. Musk claims he can build this high-speed underground tunnel for around $20 billion—a fraction of what traditional infrastructure projects would cost. While the concept may seem far-fetched, Musk’s track record of bringing ambitious ideas to life has many intrigued by the possibility of this bold innovation.
The Concept: A Tunnel Under the Ocean
Musk’s new tunnel idea is based on his vision of a high-speed, underground transportation system that would use his existing Boring Company technology. This system would not be a traditional subway or hyperloop, but rather an ultra-fast tunnel designed to span the Atlantic Ocean, connecting two of the world’s busiest cities: New York and London.
The concept involves building a tunnel beneath the ocean floor that would house autonomous, electric vehicles capable of traveling at extremely high speeds. These vehicles, similar to the ones Musk has proposed for other transportation systems, would carry passengers in specially designed capsules that can reach unprecedented speeds. Musk suggests that with this technology, the journey from NYC to London, a distance of approximately 3,460 miles, could be completed in just under an hour, revolutionizing long-distance travel in the process.
High-Speed Travel in a Vacuum
One of the most exciting aspects of Musk’s concept is the idea of reducing friction and air resistance to achieve incredibly high speeds. The tunnel would be built in such a way that it could achieve vacuum-like conditions, similar to the technology behind the proposed Hyperloop. By creating a near-vacuum inside the tunnel, the air resistance would be minimized, allowing the vehicles to travel at speeds of over 4,000 miles per hour. This would cut travel time dramatically compared to current commercial air travel, which takes around 7 to 8 hours to fly from New York to London.
Reuters was paid millions of dollars by the US government for “large scale social deception”.
That is literally what it says on the purchase order! They’re a total scam.
Just wow. https://t.co/GGxoVQSwN8
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 13, 2025
The technology behind this system would likely involve a combination of magnetic levitation (maglev) and vacuum tubes, concepts that Musk has explored with his Hyperloop proposal. By levitating the vehicles within the tunnel, the system could avoid friction with the ground, further increasing speed and energy efficiency. The use of electric propulsion would ensure that the system is both sustainable and environmentally friendly, aligning with Musk’s broader vision for green transportation.
Cost and Feasibility
Musk claims that building the tunnel would cost around $20 billion—a bold estimate given the scale of the project. For comparison, the construction of major infrastructure projects like the Channel Tunnel, which connects the UK and France, cost nearly $22 billion in today’s currency, and it’s just a small portion of the distance Musk envisions.
While $20 billion might seem like a steep price tag, Musk argues that the costs could be offset over time through revenue generated by ticket sales, potential cargo shipments, and the economic boost that the project could bring to both cities. Additionally, Musk suggests that the tunnel could be built relatively quickly using the Boring Company’s existing tunneling technology, which is designed to reduce construction time and costs compared to traditional methods.
However, many experts are skeptical about the feasibility of such a project. Building a tunnel beneath the ocean floor, especially one that spans the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, presents significant engineering and logistical challenges. Issues like pressure, seismic activity, and the need to maintain a safe environment for passengers over long distances would all need to be addressed before such a project could become a reality.
The Potential Impact on Transportation
If Musk’s tunnel concept were to succeed, it could revolutionize global transportation. The ability to travel from New York to London in under an hour would drastically change the way people think about long-distance travel, making the world feel smaller and more connected. This system could potentially replace air travel for certain routes, reducing the need for airplanes and the environmental impact they generate.
Reuters was paid millions of dollars by the US government for “large scale social deception”.
That is literally what it says on the purchase order! They’re a total scam.
Just wow. https://t.co/GGxoVQSwN8
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 13, 2025
Moreover, the introduction of such high-speed travel could also have significant economic benefits. Faster and more efficient transportation would open up new opportunities for business, tourism, and trade, enhancing connectivity between major global cities. It could also pave the way for similar tunnel systems connecting other cities across the world, further expanding the possibilities of rapid international travel.
A Vision for the Future
Elon Musk’s tunnel project is far from a simple concept—it’s a glimpse into the future of transportation. While many people are skeptical about the feasibility of such an ambitious plan, Musk has a history of transforming what seemed impossible into reality. His ventures with SpaceX, Tesla, and The Boring Company have proven that, with the right technology and determination, he is capable of reshaping industries.
If Musk can deliver on his promise to build a $20 billion tunnel capable of transporting people from New York to London in just 54 minutes, it would mark one of the most revolutionary advancements in transportation history. However, the path from concept to reality will undoubtedly be filled with technical, financial, and regulatory challenges. Still, Musk’s ability to think outside the box and tackle massive problems has earned him the trust of many who believe that, with time, he could once again defy the odds and make his bold vision a reality.
