Amtrak

[charlotte49er]

On the East Caost you won't get the double decker cars, (small tunnels) and the train stops at ever city along their route. But the train doesn't stop long, just long enough to unload and load. Engines are geared to 70 MPH, but probably won't do that because you are sharing the rails with freight engines. You will see sights that you are too busy to see when you're driving or you just can't see from your car.

It's kind of a shame that people don't dress up to take the train, or fly for that matter like they did up until the 70's. If you have the time, it's 100% better than flying.

[Hotsauce]

I took a train from NC to south Florida and back.

It was cheap, took almost a full day. I took an iPod, drank alot of beer, and took a Valium (for "anxiety" ;) I would say it was a great time, but I kinda passed out a couple of hours in, and had to be shaken to wake up by the attendant.

Also, it is def worth it to upgrade to business class. It was only like $20 more. The difference was in our cart there were only 5-10 people there. In the coach class, there it was close to full. So it was nice to be able to sit anywhere, stretch out and relax.

I want to do it again sometime with my family, across country sounds really cool!

[Davidson Deac II]

I have never been on Amtrak, but we might take it up to Boston and New York for a spring break vacation, just to be different. The prices are reasonable, and we will not be pressed for time, so it might be interesting. I have heard mixed reviews on Amtrak, but the business class cars might be well worth it. Might even get a sleeper car if we go to Boston.

I have taken the train in Europe, and it was definitely a mixed bag. Great in England, but in Italy, we had to stop for an hour at a goat crossing. :)

[mj4life]

i've rode amtrak alot over the years & have enjoyed it for the most part but you have to be patient because travel times can vary based on many factors outside the control of amtrak.

[Hotsauce]

Just priced a trip from SC to NYC, for 2 people in a sleeper cabin is $1000.....that is expensive!

[cookinwithgas]

Only real train ride I've taken in the US was a short ride from Western Mass to NYC, but my sister who rode with me still talks about how much more fun it was than driving.

Been on many trains in Europe, it's the best way to get around because theres so many more trains and places with good infrastructure for them.

[Doc Holiday]

I have flown all my business life to various cities but NEVER on a train. I have some extra time before a conference and looked in to AMTRAK (Raleigh to Orlando). A bit over 12 hours one way. I think it may be neat to give this a try.

Anyone had much exp. with the rails? Any tips?

it takes longer but you have more space and you can get up and move around easier, I like trains but never rode one longer then 9-10 hours

[Doc Holiday]

Only real train ride I've taken in the US was a short ride from Western Mass to NYC, but my sister who rode with me still talks about how much more fun it was than driving.

Been on many trains in Europe, it's the best way to get around because theres so many more trains and places with good infrastructure for them.

The US really has lousy infrastructure compared to the rest of the world, I remember my time in Australia I never needed a car to do anything, with my bike and the trains you could go anywhere, may take a little longer, but you saved a lot of money by using the trains.

[Boltergeist]

With a broken down car just before Christmas, I took Amtrak from St. Louis to Chicago. It was only $48 round trip, much cheaper than gas to drive there and roughly the same time spent. I only wished they had wifi on the train, but a few of their trains do.

[Hotsauce]

Lol, damn, now I want to take the train somewhere!

[Chimera]

The US really has lousy infrastructure compared to the rest of the world, I remember my time in Australia I never needed a car to do anything, with my bike and the trains you could go anywhere, may take a little longer, but you saved a lot of money by using the trains.

Yeah. Really lousy infrastructure.

To put things in perspective, the distance between Australia's two largest cities is less than 550 miles. The distance between the US's two largest cities is 2777 miles.

Illinois alone has 1/3rd the total mileage of Australia railroads.

[Gazi]

In Europe, taking a train from country to country is something you should put on your bucket list. In America, it's something you should avoid like a plague.

[Davidson Deac II]

Europe has a much greater concentration of people in certain areas than most of the US. Thats why there mass transit/rail works better. Although the US transit system along the Boston/NY/DC corridor is pretty efficient as well (once again, high population concentration).

[Chimera]

In Europe, taking a train from country to country is something you should put on your bucket list. In America, it's something you should avoid like a plague.

If it weren't for lack of parking in major cities, I'd change that to "driving from country to country" in Europe.