You nailed it, Chris. I have not taken a train other than metropolitan transit (subway, etc.) since I was about 15. On Tuesday I am taking Amtrak from DC to NYC for business. I can't wait!
taylor
· 10 months ago
Love this post. Wish I could take public transportation to wrk every morning instead of driving.. for these reasons!! My favorite is number 4. Good thought Chris.
jacque
· 10 months ago
dude. i love the acela from NYC to DC. was my first time on a regional train. take the train to work every day and unfortunately those trains are not like the amtrak trains. oh and are you sure you were writing this post on a plane? for real? ;-)
Marko Saric
· 10 months ago
I definitely agree... also in London with the Eurostar trains (to Paris etc) it is now much more convenient to travel by train instead of planes.
Also don't forget the environment... I believe that research shows that a passenger traveling by train will be some 5-10 times greener than someone traveling by plane.
Graham English
· 10 months ago
I love the train but haven't taken it from Boston to NY yet. It's hard to beat the $15 chinatown bus. But you've convinced me to try it next time. Have fun in NY. Boston's always a little colder when you're not here. ;)
Jared Goralnick
· 10 months ago
I love the train and took it for years from DC - Hartford and DC-NY, even DC-Boston. But I tend to take the Bolt Bus now DC-NY and fly DC-Boston (that's a no brainer). The Bolt Bus has power by the seats and is a third of the price. I would prefer the comfort of Amtrak, but for the price and location (it's in a pretty good spot in both cities), it's pretty nice. I never would've thought I'd take a bus as often as I do, but I do get work done the whole way (they have internet but I use EVDO since it's faster), but hey, it works! Even with delays, it just means more stuff done.
One tidbit: all this stuff is unique to the northeast. Trains in the rest of the country are far less often but also far less expensive. I loved going from Sacramento to San Francisco on Amtrak--it was like $12 one way ( a couple years ago) and beautiful. But in the northeast, the only place Amtrak makes money, they charge a heck of a lot.
Eyebee
· 10 months ago
In the UK when comparing air and train travel from London to Scotland, the rail companies always reckoned that if they could keep the journey time between the two capitals to around four hours, it would compete well with air, considering all the check in/out, and travel to/from the city centers and back at each end.
Train travel (outside of the crush-loaded commuter period) can be so much more comfortable. As I'm just over 6ft tall, there's never enough leg-room for my liking on a plane, and I hate having to sit still without moving about for much of the journey. Of course, it's not possible to travel by train to Europe, but if it was, I think I'd give it a try!
Perry McDowell
· 10 months ago
I think that anyone who has traveled by train in Europe knows how much better it is than flying for "short" trips. I'm not sure when the break even point is between the two, but I would guess for anything greater than 3 hours by air, air would win out. It's a shame that trucking companies and teamsters won out over railroad companies and the rail unions after WWII, so we invested heavily into roads and allowed the rail system to go to hell.
Also, you miss one point, perhaps the heaviest in favor of trains: you get on/off the train in the city, probably within just a few minutes of your destination, rather than somewhere out in the boonies, requiring a 45 min. taxi/train ride into the city.
Eadwacer
· 10 months ago
If I recall correctly, DHS/TSA recently complained that the security lines weren't long enough at train and bus stations.
Karen Masullo (OPCGal)
· 10 months ago
I love trains. Am traveling from SC to upstate NY to bring my lovely 85 yr young Aunt to SC, and would much rather travel by train than car (she will not fly). I love being able to work, read, snack, watch the scenery. Originally from NY, and really miss them. Enjoy the day! http://www.twitter.com/opcgal
CrystalsQuest
· 10 months ago
Chiming in from Australia here. I'm a rail commuter, catch the train every morning, usually around 6.30am. Where I live along the coast the train goes up over an escarpment as you watch the sun rise over the ocean to your right, then turns and goes through some fantastic Australian bush scenery, before arriving in Sydney.
We don't have electricity at all on the trains, let alone dining cars and tables (not on the regular commuter lines anyway), and mobile phone coverage cuts out for most of the journey so no internet either, but the view is so special I photoblogged it - and I occasionally throw a photo up on my blog too.
I'm convinced I've got the prettiest commute in the world!
Adam Singer
· 10 months ago
12. There is the possibility that the guy sitting next to you is thinking - hey, is that Chris Brogan?
BenSpark
· 10 months ago
Hey Chris, How about a group of us from Boston all taking the Train to NYC for ASE?
Joanna Young
· 10 months ago
Oh that's great Chris - much better for the environment, and much better for your sanity too. Plus we get an extra post from you!
Chris Noble
· 10 months ago
Heh. I'm reading this post on the train from LA to San Luis Obispo, CA. Couldn't agree with you more, but you left out electricity! It's a 4.5 hour ride for me, and having a seat with a wall socket is key. Travel safely Chris.
Stephanie Valentine
· 10 months ago
Chris -- I'm so with you! We took the train from Grand Junction, CO (the west side of CO) to Denver to catch a plane from DIA. Wow, it was great. We met some great people and had a nice chance to relax (vacation started as soon as we hit the train). Normally during the winter we have to worry about driving across the passes in snow and white-outs. Amtrak took care of all that for us. Loved it and sounds like you did too! We're taking the train from now on as much as possible. Cheap, convenient, fun, relaxing, and nostalgic. Right on!
Kyle James
· 10 months ago
I'm sure you could have found some eco/green friendly reasons to list also. Can't beat the price and as you mentioned it really isn't any longer when you factor in all the time. ALSO how about luggage... I bet you can carry as much as you want?
DUDE YOUR ON A FRICKIN' TRAIN! That's the real reason right?!
Sarah Cooley
· 10 months ago
Dude...it's a train! I take the train down to DC all the time there is nothing better. Sure taking a bus would be cheaper but it wouldn't be as fast or as reliable. Can't wait to see you this week in NYC
p.s. I'm sure you already know about the typo ;)
Jeff Korhan
· 10 months ago
You always have great info. In this post, I'll be honest, my major take-away was STFU. LOL!
aefpix
· 10 months ago
Chris - It's the only way to travel. Comfort. Space for conversation or contemplation. Work.Sleep! Daydream. Walk without inconveniencing anyone. Heck, I met my husband on a train and my life has never been the same since.
Nikos Anagnostou
· 10 months ago
Chris, I love trains. I still have my childhood train toys. So when I was in US, last summer, I opted to make two train trips: NY to Washington DC and NY to Boston and back. I did only the fist. I found trains unreasonably expensive. A Greyhound/PeterPan bus from New York to Boston cost 46$ while the train was in the range of 100-200 (I don't remember exactly). So I took the bus. Less convenient, but did the same time. It is a pity such a big country with such a big railways history to let trains slowly die. Hope your post can instigate the interest to change a few things.
Dee-Ann
· 10 months ago
Trains really are convenient. The last time I took one that wasn't a subway was in Japan of all places, on the island of Hokkaido, from the airport to Sapporo for their awesome snow festival. Every seat had power for laptops, just like your trip, and I seriously wished that we had more train options in North America.
Unfortunately i didn't get a chance to try out a bullet train while I was in Japan. I'd love to be able to take a high-speed train down the west coast instead of having to fly.
David H.
· 10 months ago
I've taken the train between DC and NYC many times, and it's SOOOOO civilized. It was a little more relaxing in the days before everyone had a cell phone. Being on the train reminds me of the trainhopping I did in Europe after college.
Penny
· 10 months ago
The one other transport you should try it the Limoliner. Between the Hilton in the Back Bay to the Hilton in NYC. I really love it and will take that over the train when I go to NYC now.
It's like a Jr. first class in an airline service and often a better door-to-door trip for me when I'm going to the museums or shopping.
Chris, I couldn't agree with you more. Now that I live in Eastern Canada (Halifax), there isn't much opportunity for rail travel, and I miss it. Your post brought back memories of backpacking across Europe by rail - great times. One bonus I love - they take you right into the heart of the city (unlike most airports).
I took the train to/from Chicago/St. Louis last summer to attend a training class in the Windy City. I agree completely, the train is a much nicer experience than a plane. The time penalty isn't even that bad due to the ridiculous amount of time it takes to get in and out of the airport. But it is not necessarily a bed of roses.
They were working on the rails the week I went. So we took a bus from St. Louis to Bloomington-Normal. Not so fun. On the way back they were still working on the tracks, but this time we got to stay on the train. But we had to go around Springfield on a spur line. That added over an hour to the trip.
Even with all that, it was still more pleasant than flying. ~jon p.s. You might want to fix the typo in #5.
Ken Montville
· 10 months ago
I'm with ya, Chris. For short jumps that you have some time for, the train is the way to go. I hat the long lines, the baggage hassles, feeling like a sardine and all the other hassled or air travel. Plus, with the train, you end up in the heart of the city. No long shuttle rides, cab rides, rental cars or the rest of the mess with airports 30 miles outside the city. yay, trains.
lionelane
· 10 months ago
Like Graham said, the buses are pretty good. The Bolt Bus from NY to DC is nice. Free wi-fi and electrical outlets. If you're the first to book online, your fare is $1 one way. I went to DC in November and paid $24 one way and laptopped it the whole time. The GoTo Bus to Philly is cool as well.
Jens Kouros
· 10 months ago
Hey Chris,
Kyle James and Marco Saric already mentioned it. The No. 1 reason to take the train is the environment. I really admire you and how you can pound out so much great stuff on a dayly basis. And because of that it seemed very odd to me that you wouldn't even mention the environment...
Jens
Teena in Toronto
· 10 months ago
We love love love the train!
Mike Proulx
· 10 months ago
You nailed it. I will never fly to NYC (from Boston) again. I took the Amtrack for the first time a few months ago and I actually felt human (unlike a piece of cattle being herded when I fly). The customer experience and "freedom" was incredible in comparison.
C.C. Chapman
· 10 months ago
I take the train all the time to NYC and for all the reasons you outlined. In fact I'll do it later this week.
I also love being able to get up and walk around to stretch the legs. Sure, you can do it on a plane, but it is MUCH easier on the train. Plus there is something great about watching the world go by out the windows. You see some great little towns on the train.
Last year I took the train from Boston to Baltimore or a conference. It was the Acela so only a 6 hour trip and it was the best decision I made.
Life long train ride fan right here for sure.
Andrew Weaver
· 10 months ago
Enjoyed this very much. Two summers ago I took Amtrak for the first time (St. Louis to Chicago) and it was great. My only gripe was the time it took (6 hours) to get there due to all of the stops in between, but if you have the time to kill, why not? I would do it again for sure.
Keith Burtis
· 10 months ago
Chris, I agree the train is very cool to take and it's relaxing. However, the AmTrack Website is terrible! Not customer friendly at all and it is difficult to find out how to get somewhere without knowing exactly what station location etc. My chats with customer service haven't been great either. They just want you to take care of it on the website. Michele and I are looking to take a train from Las Vegas to Sonoma and Napa for our honeymoon. I hope we can figure out the logistics. It's really what we want to do. I'd love if someone contacted me. So far customer service has been stinky. @keithburtis
Terra Andersen
· 10 months ago
I actually have never been on a train... what planet am I from? lol Perhaps it's because it's not as common in Southern California to take trains (besides the Metro Link.. which I've also never been on). I've always thought it'd be fun to take a trip on a train, but have never known anyone who has said good things about it. (although your post has sold me on trying it)
Another thing... I never knew it was so much cheaper than flying. I bet a lot more people will (or should) be taking the trains these days.
Wesley
· 10 months ago
Gah, I hate it when you're right about things, but at least it's for the wrong reasons.
I still hate you though.
Tina Mammoser
· 10 months ago
Well, I'm in the UK so we have lots more trains anyway. :) Trains rock! I even prefer a train to go up north (Scotland) than riding in a car because of the peace, being able to work, food, etc. At a pre-booked price of under £20 roundtrip you can't beat it. That wouldn't even buy the petrol one-way for a car.
Over here (I don't know about the US) you can take bikes on most mainline trains for free too (you might have to book a bike spot). So I even go on all my cycling coast journeys on the train. How great is that? I can live in London but a few hours on a train and then I get to cycle in the most amazing countryside.
randulo
· 10 months ago
Couldn't agree more! When I can, I'll prefer train over planes, but then that choice is easy here in Europe. My most frequent trip is three hours of TGV between Paris and Bordeaux. I can finally catch up on my reading (Google Reader + Gears for offline), makes notes of ideas using any tool on my laptop, listen to books from Audible (is yours gonna be there when it comes out?) or podcasts, study PDF reference docs, watch movies or TV from iTunes or Hulu.com, edit audio and now even deal with Gmail.
Nigel walsh
· 10 months ago
amen - and its not restricted to the US. Last year we sold one of the cars as we just dont drive anymore... I get the train everywhere - its so much more effective and effecient. You think you spend an hour to the airport, an hour at the airport beforehand, and hour getting to your meeting - thats 3-4 hours you could have been sitting down, working, with a cofee, laptop and phone... Its perfect!
randulo
· 10 months ago
@Terra Andersen As a long time California resident and frequent visitor, yeah, unfortunately although there are some trains, they are very, very often late or canceled and let's face it, one track for trains in both directions is not going to make that get better anytime soon. It's sad considering the true beauty of the state. The long-range bus works better than the train in California and maybe has a few of the advantages Chris mentions.
Jimmy - Work From Home Informa
· 10 months ago
Good information.Taking the train is the most convenient way to travel, it´s fast and reasonable cheap.Best option for those who think about the environment.
Shel Horowitz--Ethical Marketi
· 10 months ago
Great post, Chris, I've been a train fan my whole life. One of my pleasure-reading before-bed books at the moment is a guide to rapid transit system maps around the world (ok, so call me a geek).
I wish trains were more price-competitive with buses, or that we in the US had some of the bus improvements they have elsewhere. We were in Mexico two years ago and were amazed at how improved the first-classes buses are: tons of legroom, multiply adjusting tray tables, footrests, modern fleet, low prices including a snack and beverage (worked out to something like $2 per hour of travel).
I find the break-even for air vs. land is around 5 hours of ground travel, by the time you count extra time to and from the airport, security lines, and general hassles. I would even stretch it to 8 under the right circumstances. Because that 45 minute flight is going to consume at least 5 hours, total, especially since it takes at least an hour to get to the airport, leave our car there, and catch a shuttle van.
I have some nice articles on train travel, not so much on the practicality but on the romance, at my FrugalFun.com site.
Rick Simmons
· 10 months ago
Very encouraging to see how many others agree. I will only take the train when I go from the Philadelphia area up to either New York or Boston (yes I know how long that ride is) still worth the time and the ride is far better. I find it allows me to get things done that I may have just been too distracted to do in the office. Much more relaxing than the plane and don't have to worry about waking up in the Hudson regardless of how tremendous the pilot is.
Rhi Bowman
· 10 months ago
My husband and I love the train. You have so much more room on trains, plus you can plug in-- and use!-- your laptop and cell phone. The dining car and bar rock. The staff is great. And, like you said, no lines. No crazy waits.
The bad news is they don't go everywhere we'd like to go and, for some routes (what's up with the lack of trains in Tennessee-- mountains?) you have to go around the world, it seems, to get to your destination. (We're in Charlotte, NC.) But, whenever possible, we take the train, even if it's just to Raleigh or Atlanta.
Thanks for spreading the word, Chris. Trains offer a great alternative and, if you're being environmentally friendly, their CO2 footprint is better than the competition. I hope more people take advantage of them; I wouldn't even mind waiting in line. :)
~ Rhi B.
KJ Rodgers
· 10 months ago
When I moved to MD from FL, I took the Auto-Train. It took my GF, car, and myself for 400 bucks. Lots of leg room, good food and a bar. I really loved it.
Allen Taylor - Taylor's Intern
· 10 months ago
When I vacationed in Europe I was very impressed with their rail system. Travel by train is the way to go. I wish we had something akin to the European public transportation system. I'd travel by train as often as I could.
Roland Hesz
· 10 months ago
Trains are really good and usually they are comfortable and convenient. Just careful with the no-security stuff, someone from TSA will google you and realize there is an untapped market segment. :)
Alfredo Nasti Jr
· 10 months ago
Hey Chris, You nailed it !! I take the Acela every year to the Boston Seafood Show which happens to be coming up in March. By the time you park your car, go thru security,check your bags it takes a good 2 hours. I love checking out the small towns in Conneticut and the convenience of roaming around at my leisure.
Mark Wallace
· 10 months ago
Chris - I could not agree with you more. Love the Acela in particular from Boston to NYC. No hassles at the airport, no waiting on the runway for an hr. that night to get home - just pull into the parking lot and get on the train. I get more work done on the ride than I do in two days at the office. Not to mention, it is a pretty scenic ride.
Joe Nassise
· 10 months ago
Couldn't agree more, Chris. I grew up in Boston and went to college in New York and the train was my preferred mode of transport back and forth. For me, riding the train was always so much more relaxing than taking the plane (and at that time you could get a shuttle flight for $50 on a couple of different airlines.) Being able to work without having your laptop crunched into your lap because the guy in front of you has dropped his seat back into your lap is well worth it to me.
Bill
· 10 months ago
Ugh, have fun taking the train back from New York to Boston. I've made this trip several times on Amtrak (getting off at Bridgeport, CT really, but same line and close enough to NYC) and going down it's never a problem, but for some reason coming back the train is delayed around 3/5 of the time. Unfortunately Amtrak is really the only convenient way to get to Bridgeport and it it way cheaper than flying. The unfortunate thing is that Amtrak is the only game in town as far as interstate train service so they don't have to improve their service standards.
Don't get me wrong, I do like having the option available to get directly to where I need to be, but it would be nice if I didn't expect to arrive back in Boston 1-2 hours later than my ticket says...
LisaNewton
· 10 months ago
I have a trip planned later this month from LA to Boise. Now, I know Boise isn't the hub of activity, but from LA it's a 14 hour drive, 1.5 hours by plane, and 30 hours by train. Plus, the cost of the plane was about $220 round trip, and the train was $130 one way.
I would have loved to take the train, but between smaller cities, it wasn't practical for me.
Now, between LA and San Diego, I will take the train....................:)
emster
· 10 months ago
Bang on the mark, Chris; it's got to be the train every time. I'm a Brit, but I spent some time in the US from 1993 to 1997, and I always took the metroliner if I was travelling along the East Coast. The view of the sidings along the East Coast routes aren't always pretty, but you do get a real sense of place that you don't from either flying or taking the Interstates. People tended to be friendlier, the guards were always helpful, you got to breathe real air, and I always used to love those out-of-copyright books that were left on each seat, and which were presumably distributed by foundations who were trying to promote literacy. I got the same from train-riding that I did from riding the Parkways and from eating at independent diners. They all gave me a real sense of a rootsy, "local" America that we outsiders just don't see in mainstream Hollywood movies or TV programs.
Joe Alban
· 10 months ago
As a New Yorker I agree, I love the train, and have no car. Bolt bus isn't bad either. I do have a question, what train is only $62? Last time I did it it was $200 round trip.
melissa
· 10 months ago
I love taking the train. Living in Baltimore, it makes it easy to go to Ny and also to get to DC easily. For trips to NYC, I found that google searching "Chinese bus to NYC" results in finding where the Chinese bus is in your area. Here in Baltimore, it is $20 when you get on the bus, it drops you off in either Chinatown or Manhattan. When you are ready to go home, you just show up at the store you were dropped off (typically a laundrymat) and pay your $20 to go home. I am sure that from Boston it would be cheaper. It isn't as comfortable as the train, but it is easy, no security lines or anything, no ticket either, you don't have to book a return ticket in advance and it is really cheap. I use it mainly for when I just want to go visit the city and keep my options open.
Brandon Zeman
· 10 months ago
Riding the train into Chicago is pretty popular, despite the cars being somewhat old and having no features like power outlets. But you'll see many folks on their laptops anyways, and I use my iPhone to check email, twitter and even write blog posts. It's also economical considering gas prices and parking downtown and I enjoy the eco-friendliness of taking thousands of cars off the roads.
Joe Soricelli
· 10 months ago
Agree 1000%!! All 11 reasons are why I always take the train from DC anywhere to NJ or to NYC. Sometimes, it's the most productive time of my day! ;-)
Tim Wilkinson
· 10 months ago
I completely agree, I love the train. I take an Amtrak regularly from upstate New York to DC. It's amazing. The dining car, the space, the view, its just amazing. And I have also found that the people are much nicer than when on an airplane.
Cat Girl
· 10 months ago
I LOVE trains. I really wish they'd go more places in the US. It was wonderful when I was in Europe, just hopped on a train and went anywhere! Hopefully the president will get that bill passed for the rail systems here.
Rachael Hampton
· 10 months ago
I couldn't agrees more. I move from Paris to a town that 2 hours away ( Nantes France ). I take the train (TGV ) once a week to Paris. Also I 'm not sure but dosen't a train use less c02 than planes ?
Rob Gokee
· 10 months ago
I've been preaching this since last summer, when I sent my teen by train to visit his mom instead of the plane. LA to Portland, 24 hours of travel, but the convenience of the station, no lines, no post 9/11 security crap, it's so much better than flying.
Tim Wilkinson
· 10 months ago
I agree with Cat Girl, and not only do they need to make them go more places, they need to fix up the stations that are already in business. It's so sad to go to the train station in my city because it's becoming run down. The station itself is an unmanned station and it doesn't even have a quicktrak ticketstation!
Vivian, VIA's virtual tour gui
· 10 months ago
It has always seemed to me that people are generally also less keyed-up on the train. I think those security line-ups and baggage hassles make travellers cranky and less sociable on the plane.
On the train, however, I've seen more spontaneous conversations - and even friendships - develop over the course of a journey. The relaxed environment making people more apt to chat and share.
Ashley
· 10 months ago
Additional reasons: 12. Fewer weather-related delays. The train goes pretty regularly in the wind/snow/rain, unlike flights. And you're less likely to get sick traveling in that weather on a train than plane.
13. Arrive 10 min before departure and you're early instead of booted off your reservation
14-100. No traffic! The Bolt Bus and LimoLiner may have similar amenities or comfort, but you're still stuck on congested highways for the majority of the ride. The trip can take 4-6 (or more!) hrs. The train may leave late from NYC back to Boston, but once it's in motion, it's an almost guaranteed time to arrival.
Boston.com often runs articles doing end-to-end timing of flights vs trains from BostonNYC. When you include traffic, security and getting to the airport early, trains are usually the same if not shorter time to arrival. And much less stressful, imo.
Nathan Martin
· 10 months ago
Right on Chris! Also, you can get up and walk around if your butt gets tired.
I take the train from Harrisburg, PA to NYC several times a year. Love it.
LeMelon
· 10 months ago
I must agree - I love taking the train for journeys longer than 90 minutes. So much cheaper, more convenient and nicer!
MLDina
· 10 months ago
I wish we had more train stops here in Orlando! I hate driving, I'd love to get some work done while on my way to work instead of wasting time in the car. I can't wait for the days when the cars do all the driving, instead of the driver.
AHennessy
· 10 months ago
Chris, Great article...I myself think that taking the train is a great alternative for flying. However the reason I could see many people not wanting to take the train is because of time. As a whole, Americans are very time oriented and worried about being late and making good time etc... Many other cultures are not this way. Take Spain for an example: in the afternoon its normal for everyone to sleep for a few hours. I dont think you will find that anywhere in the US(except for college campuses). Its just the way we are as a society; everyone is worried about making good time and wants the 45 minute flight instead of the 4 hour train ride...but hey if you aren't in a rush, the train is a great mode of transportation.
J McC
· 10 months ago
I'm all for the train on short trips but I'd think twice before taking a 24 hour train ride (versus a 1.5 hour plane ride) again. It was a little too confined for me without many chances to disembark. Still, for a less-than-half-a-day trip I'm all for it. Or if you're in Europe. In either of those cases I'm all for it. In closing, great article!
Matthew Snodgrass
· 10 months ago
Amen to that. And let's not forget the smaller carbon footprint you're leaving by taking the train. Look at these CO2 figures from Europe: http://www.seat61.com/CO2flights.htm
AuXnorm
· 10 months ago
The price and being easy to get on and get off make it worth it and not being something you do everyday not bad for a change.
Mike P
· 10 months ago
I could not agree with you more. I take that same ride about 5-7 times per year, love it. After you pass RI and get into Conn., the views are outstanding. $62 one way though, how did you work that one? Must have been off-hours I would imagine. It drops you off in Penn Station, and you can get anywhere in the city. Mike P / @nhscooch
snapdragonjane
· 10 months ago
£208 cheaper to take the plane than the train from Glasgow to London last month. I was very sad. Also fewer time choices by train - would have meant an extra night in London - which would have been nice in other ways perhaps. I don't like flying. I can't afford to take the financial hit.
monkeyleader
· 10 months ago
you clearly don't travel in the uk ...
trains are overpriced, rarely run on time and mostly over-crowed ... give me flying at 500mph in a metal tube a few miles above the ground any day :)
Nige
Eyebee
· 10 months ago
There's a LOT wrong with the rail system in the UK, mostly caused by the never-ending interference by successive Labour & Tory Administrations, but it does deliver most of the time. Yes, it's overpriced, but most everything is in the UK.
Yes traveling in the rush hour isn't particularly grand, but nor is sitting on most major motorways wasting fuel in a traffic jam.
When I lived in Kent, I would NEVER drive into London, but always take the train. The train took 45 mins; driving took anything up to 2 hours, and then, as in most major cities, around the world the parking fees are horrendous. If you want to travel around London while you are there, you've either got to try driving from place to place and finding a parking place again, or use the buses or Underground. A One-Day Travelcard always made sense, worked out cheaper, and less hassle.
Many rail journeys too offer great scenery that you cannot enjoy when driving.
Robert Ross
· 10 months ago
Agree with all that Chris. I really enjoyed my train trip from NYC to Boston a couple of years ago. One additional benefit, I boarded at Penn Station in midtown Manhattan -- no cab trip or fare, making the trip even shorter and cheaper. One beef I have with the train is that to continue north through Boston you have to get from South Station to North Station. You can make that connection by subway but not by train, or you can take the bus. Still a great trip and I didn't have to take off my shoes.
Tamara Gruber
· 10 months ago
Chris, I take the Acela from Providence to NYC at least once a month and it beats flying or driving by far. However, I have to beg to differ with you about the "dining car" because the Cafe Car doesn't have much to offer for your "dining" pleasure. Here's a hint for you, when you are leaving NYC, don't wait under the big board and get stuck in the queue at the escalator when they call the train. Go down a level to wait with the commuters. You'll get a much better seat that way (close enough to hog the plug!) Tweet me next time you are on the Acela @tgruber.
Nicolas Roberge
· 10 months ago
I agree a lot with your article. I always take Via Rail for business trips here in Canada. But, their wifi internet service isn't very convicing. I tried it once and many contacts were dissapointed with the service.
Ian lurie
· 10 months ago
One of my favorite parts of heading to the east coast is the great train system. Getting from NYC to Washington DC or Boston for under $100 is fantastic. Plus trains are just... cool.
LEland
· 10 months ago
I'm from california, i friggin love the train. i've taken it as far as Oakland, and all the way down to san deigo. it's great. the people stuck in traffic on the freeway don't know what they are missing.. :) go public transit ftw!
Dan K
· 10 months ago
Scenario: I need to be in NYC today for a dinner meeting this evening and back in Baltimore tomorrow mid afternoon.
Train: $128.00USD Round. Time on train 5h 57m, add another 1h for travel to and from station so figure roughly 7h total travel time.
Plane: $410.00USD Round. Airtime 3h, add 3h for travel and clearing security, figure 6h total. Add another $60.00USD for taxi into the city.
Bottom Line: While it will take an hour more of travel time, by taking the train I save $342.00!!
Train Bonus: I can be productive for up to 6h or if not... zone out, nap, yap on the phone etc... I never have to turn my MP3 player off. I will be waaay less stressed for my meeting! Double Train Bonus: No worry of an "unscheduled" Hudson River landing ;)
Dan K
· 10 months ago
Addendum to my earlier post:
Train Bonus: I am never out of reach of my CUSTOMERS!
Robert Payne
· 10 months ago
We need more of them.
Iggy
· 10 months ago
"# Space - sit where you want. Plenty of seats." In many cases when I have ridden Amtrak. Seating actually is somewhat assigned. Of course on some of their trains you can get up and head for the snack or viewing car.
Shirley
· 10 months ago
I agree. I had to make the BostonNew York trip several times a year during high school and college, and never once did I fly. For such a short trip, trains really are more convenient. And they are faster. For example, the Logan airport is out of the way. But Amtrak takes off right out of South Station (center of Boston) and delivers you to Penn Station (the heart of New York). You can't lose AND you also save on shorter distance cab fare when getting to your final destination.
Nice Amtrak plug... ;-)
Maria
· 10 months ago
You can't beat downtown to Midtown. Usually, I can find an outlet on the Regional trains, as well. Also, I've never had any problems with my Verizon coverage from DC to Boston, even in the tunnels approaching Penn Station! To me, there is no other way to travel to NYC.
RG
· 10 months ago
I have always loved train travel the most, I agree fully. Some countries' transportation system is not as 'tilted' towards train travel as it should be but in my opinion it's the best option whenever and wherever possible.
Patrick
· 10 months ago
I sometimes travel by train between Washington, DC and Durham NC. When the train is on time it is definitely the way to go -- as you said, no security, no 4 oz. bottles of shampoo, no two hours to get from car to air. OTOH, when the train is a little bit late, the 6 hour trip takes 10 to 12 hours (because priority is given to freights). So it is really chancier than flying. If I want to be sure to arrive within 5 or 6 hours of leaving my home or office, I drive a car.
Georgia Stath
· 10 months ago
You know how you tell yourself you are studying because you have your certification books opened in front of you? But you are really clicking on Stumble Upon to find interesting posts to read?
Yeah well, I came across yours and had to write to tell you I enjoyed it very much. I gave it the thumbs up, so more people can come across it and enjoy it also.
Klaus
· 10 months ago
yay, nice post. also going by train is surely much better for the environment than flying (hey, I'm european, I actually care about such stuff).
BTW: you just got another Thumb-Up on stumble ^^
scamps
· 10 months ago
Where are you looking for BOS-NYC airfares? JetBlue starts at $58 each way.
Guffin Mopes
· 10 months ago
I'm going to need a twelfth reason. I'm only mostly convinced.
Flirt
· 10 months ago
I think it's great to listen to audio books on the train. if it's an informative podcast or something then that can be cool too. sometimes it can be a little embarrassing if you laugh out loud though!
one nice thing about trains - they don't fall out of the sky when there is too much ice build-up.
Jonathan | EnlightenYourDay.co
· 10 months ago
I love traveling on trains! I have seen such beautiful landscape and met so many amazing people traveling accross Europe by train. Pura Vida
Bill Bolmeier
· 9 months ago
I like #10. Took the train a few times as a kid from Omaha to Fargo as well as through the mountains of Colorado. I would do it any day. I know it would be more relaxing. Healthier.
I Don't Need a Job
· 8 months ago
I would love to take the train. Its too expensive here in the UK though and since I don't have a job its not worth the expense.
Eyebee
· 8 months ago
In the UK it does depend where you're going and at what time. For example going into London for a day trip is easier and cheaper by train - no parking fees or traffic jams, and a one-day travelcard is still good value, at £17 for example from north Kent to London including an all-zone travelcard off peak.
All Comments
oh and are you sure you were writing this post on a plane? for real? ;-)
Also don't forget the environment... I believe that research shows that a passenger traveling by train will be some 5-10 times greener than someone traveling by plane.
One tidbit: all this stuff is unique to the northeast. Trains in the rest of the country are far less often but also far less expensive. I loved going from Sacramento to San Francisco on Amtrak--it was like $12 one way ( a couple years ago) and beautiful. But in the northeast, the only place Amtrak makes money, they charge a heck of a lot.
Train travel (outside of the crush-loaded commuter period) can be so much more comfortable. As I'm just over 6ft tall, there's never enough leg-room for my liking on a plane, and I hate having to sit still without moving about for much of the journey. Of course, it's not possible to travel by train to Europe, but if it was, I think I'd give it a try!
Also, you miss one point, perhaps the heaviest in favor of trains: you get on/off the train in the city, probably within just a few minutes of your destination, rather than somewhere out in the boonies, requiring a 45 min. taxi/train ride into the city.
http://www.twitter.com/opcgal
We don't have electricity at all on the trains, let alone dining cars and tables (not on the regular commuter lines anyway), and mobile phone coverage cuts out for most of the journey so no internet either, but the view is so special I photoblogged it - and I occasionally throw a photo up on my blog too.
I'm convinced I've got the prettiest commute in the world!
How about a group of us from Boston all taking the Train to NYC for ASE?
DUDE YOUR ON A FRICKIN' TRAIN! That's the real reason right?!
I take the train down to DC all the time there is nothing better. Sure taking a bus would be cheaper but it wouldn't be as fast or as reliable.
Can't wait to see you this week in NYC
p.s. I'm sure you already know about the typo ;)
Unfortunately i didn't get a chance to try out a bullet train while I was in Japan. I'd love to be able to take a high-speed train down the west coast instead of having to fly.
It's like a Jr. first class in an airline service and often a better door-to-door trip for me when I'm going to the museums or shopping.
http://www.limoliner.com/
By the way, this is an awesome article from Conde Nast Traveler on Rail Travel. It asks whether America may be waking up to its potential.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jim-robbins/will-...
They were working on the rails the week I went. So we took a bus from St. Louis to Bloomington-Normal. Not so fun. On the way back they were still working on the tracks, but this time we got to stay on the train. But we had to go around Springfield on a spur line. That added over an hour to the trip.
Even with all that, it was still more pleasant than flying.
~jon
p.s. You might want to fix the typo in #5.
Kyle James and Marco Saric already mentioned it. The No. 1 reason to take the train is the environment. I really admire you and how you can pound out so much great stuff on a dayly basis. And because of that it seemed very odd to me that you wouldn't even mention the environment...
Jens
I also love being able to get up and walk around to stretch the legs. Sure, you can do it on a plane, but it is MUCH easier on the train. Plus there is something great about watching the world go by out the windows. You see some great little towns on the train.
Last year I took the train from Boston to Baltimore or a conference. It was the Acela so only a 6 hour trip and it was the best decision I made.
Life long train ride fan right here for sure.
@keithburtis
Another thing... I never knew it was so much cheaper than flying. I bet a lot more people will (or should) be taking the trains these days.
I still hate you though.
Over here (I don't know about the US) you can take bikes on most mainline trains for free too (you might have to book a bike spot). So I even go on all my cycling coast journeys on the train. How great is that? I can live in London but a few hours on a train and then I get to cycle in the most amazing countryside.
I wish trains were more price-competitive with buses, or that we in the US had some of the bus improvements they have elsewhere. We were in Mexico two years ago and were amazed at how improved the first-classes buses are: tons of legroom, multiply adjusting tray tables, footrests, modern fleet, low prices including a snack and beverage (worked out to something like $2 per hour of travel).
I find the break-even for air vs. land is around 5 hours of ground travel, by the time you count extra time to and from the airport, security lines, and general hassles. I would even stretch it to 8 under the right circumstances. Because that 45 minute flight is going to consume at least 5 hours, total, especially since it takes at least an hour to get to the airport, leave our car there, and catch a shuttle van.
I have some nice articles on train travel, not so much on the practicality but on the romance, at my FrugalFun.com site.
The bad news is they don't go everywhere we'd like to go and, for some routes (what's up with the lack of trains in Tennessee-- mountains?) you have to go around the world, it seems, to get to your destination. (We're in Charlotte, NC.) But, whenever possible, we take the train, even if it's just to Raleigh or Atlanta.
Thanks for spreading the word, Chris. Trains offer a great alternative and, if you're being environmentally friendly, their CO2 footprint is better than the competition. I hope more people take advantage of them; I wouldn't even mind waiting in line. :)
~ Rhi B.
Just careful with the no-security stuff, someone from TSA will google you and realize there is an untapped market segment. :)
You nailed it !! I take the Acela every year to the Boston Seafood Show which happens to be coming up in March. By the time you park your car, go thru security,check your bags it takes a good 2 hours. I love checking out the small towns in Conneticut and the convenience of roaming around at my leisure.
Don't get me wrong, I do like having the option available to get directly to where I need to be, but it would be nice if I didn't expect to arrive back in Boston 1-2 hours later than my ticket says...
I would have loved to take the train, but between smaller cities, it wasn't practical for me.
Now, between LA and San Diego, I will take the train....................:)
On the train, however, I've seen more spontaneous conversations - and even friendships - develop over the course of a journey. The relaxed environment making people more apt to chat and share.
12. Fewer weather-related delays. The train goes pretty regularly in the wind/snow/rain, unlike flights. And you're less likely to get sick traveling in that weather on a train than plane.
13. Arrive 10 min before departure and you're early instead of booted off your reservation
14-100. No traffic! The Bolt Bus and LimoLiner may have similar amenities or comfort, but you're still stuck on congested highways for the majority of the ride. The trip can take 4-6 (or more!) hrs. The train may leave late from NYC back to Boston, but once it's in motion, it's an almost guaranteed time to arrival.
Boston.com often runs articles doing end-to-end timing of flights vs trains from BostonNYC. When you include traffic, security and getting to the airport early, trains are usually the same if not shorter time to arrival. And much less stressful, imo.
I take the train from Harrisburg, PA to NYC several times a year. Love it.
Great article...I myself think that taking the train is a great alternative for flying. However the reason I could see many people not wanting to take the train is because of time. As a whole, Americans are very time oriented and worried about being late and making good time etc... Many other cultures are not this way. Take Spain for an example: in the afternoon its normal for everyone to sleep for a few hours. I dont think you will find that anywhere in the US(except for college campuses). Its just the way we are as a society; everyone is worried about making good time and wants the 45 minute flight instead of the 4 hour train ride...but hey if you aren't in a rush, the train is a great mode of transportation.
http://www.seat61.com/CO2flights.htm
Mike P / @nhscooch
I don't like flying. I can't afford to take the financial hit.
trains are overpriced, rarely run on time and mostly over-crowed ... give me flying at 500mph in a metal tube a few miles above the ground any day :)
Nige
Yes traveling in the rush hour isn't particularly grand, but nor is sitting on most major motorways wasting fuel in a traffic jam.
When I lived in Kent, I would NEVER drive into London, but always take the train. The train took 45 mins; driving took anything up to 2 hours, and then, as in most major cities, around the world the parking fees are horrendous. If you want to travel around London while you are there, you've either got to try driving from place to place and finding a parking place again, or use the buses or Underground. A One-Day Travelcard always made sense, worked out cheaper, and less hassle.
Many rail journeys too offer great scenery that you cannot enjoy when driving.
Train: $128.00USD Round. Time on train 5h 57m, add another 1h for travel to and from station so figure roughly 7h total travel time.
Plane: $410.00USD Round. Airtime 3h, add 3h for travel and clearing security, figure 6h total. Add another $60.00USD for taxi into the city.
Bottom Line: While it will take an hour more of travel time, by taking the train I save $342.00!!
Train Bonus: I can be productive for up to 6h or if not... zone out, nap, yap on the phone etc...
I never have to turn my MP3 player off.
I will be waaay less stressed for my meeting!
Double Train Bonus: No worry of an "unscheduled" Hudson River landing ;)
Train Bonus: I am never out of reach of my CUSTOMERS!
In many cases when I have ridden Amtrak. Seating actually is somewhat assigned. Of course on some of their trains you can get up and head for the snack or viewing car.
Nice Amtrak plug... ;-)
Yeah well, I came across yours and had to write to tell you I enjoyed it very much. I gave it the thumbs up, so more people can come across it and enjoy it also.
BTW: you just got another Thumb-Up on stumble ^^
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