Is Train (Amtrak) travel more expensive than AirTravel in the US ?? any examples ,fares,etc ? thanks...?

Question

Is Train (Amtrak) travel more expensive than AirTravel in the US ?? any examples ,fares,etc ? thanks...?

Answer 1

On average travel by train is almost always more expensive than air travel in the U.S.  Having said, I think that it's very safe to say (and many folks who have traveled by train will vouch for this), especially in regards to today's air service, travel by train is far superior to air, the ride is much more relaxing, comfortable, and just plain enjoyable.

Below is Amtrak's website if you are interested in checking a particular destination's cost.  They have a station and train list directly from the main page.

Answer 2

dc - nyc

acela

Answer 3

Amtrak's prices are all over the map.  They use the same "yield management" techniques as the airlines, so it can be one price today and a totally different one tomorrow.  You might luck onto some sort of loss-leader deal on an airline, or you might not.  Or you might get some crazy good deal on Amtrak or you might not.   The sooner you book, the more likely you are to get a good deal.

Answer 4

It depends on how you travel. If you compare a coach seat on the plane to a coach seat on the train, the train will almost always be cheaper. However, if you book a sleeper car on the train, it is about the same as adding in the cost for a hotel room. It is hard to compare the two, because they are not the same. On the train, you will be there for much longer, requiring meals, possibly sleeping overnight. But you have the luxury of being able to walk around, watch movies, play games and generally relax. Whereas, travel by plane is normally cramped and uncomfortable. I have traveled by train for the last 10 years, and I never intend to fly again.

Answer 5

some times they equal each other out

if you fly a lots of time the airport is nowhere near downtown

LA  (take Washington DC Dulles  airport its almost a hour drive

from DC it self - with Amtrak Union station is right smack in

the middle of DC..

then with the airport you have go thought security, metal

detectors,  etc,

with Rail none of that hassle..

the seats on the plane can be cramped -Rail well the seats

are a little better etc

Answer 6

It's not just the cost of the ticket. You will need to have food on the train for longer trips. Your staying time at the location you vacation to will be shortened by the added time it takes to travel by train.

But the train can be a relaxing experience and, especially if you travel with someone, a good chance to really get to know another person. You can read or do puzzles, whatever suits you.

Only real trouble with trains nowadays is that they have limited service. However, if you are going to a place that has good train service, it generally leaves you downtown so you don't need a cab or secondary transportation - provided you are just going to see that city.

Too many variables.