Why is it so much cheaper...

[TinklednPants]

We can always get fights for $150 or less if you know the right times to buy or use Priceline. How long is the train trip? If you want to see the countryside, sitting on the train is fine but I would rather fly and get to my destination quickly.

Ok, I just looked it up, that is 15 hours on the train YIKES.

I'm with you. The plane is the only option for me.

 

[Geoff_M]

It also has to do with economies of scale... compare the number of annual "passenger miles" for customers of Amtrack to that of a major airline. Even though trains are probably a lot cheaper to operate per mile than a jet airliner, you have a heck of a lot more air passengers to spread the operating costs over to the point that it costs less, on average, per passenger to take someone from point A to point B on a plane.

 

[MrsPete]

We've used the train (for a trip to DC, not to Disney) and have found it very affordable -- for ordinary seats, sleeping rooms are outrageous. Oddly enough, though, from my area it's easy to go NORTH but the schedules to go SOUTH are exceedingly inconvenient.

Notes about train fare: The earlier you book, the cheaper it is. Also, kids under 16 travel for 1/2 price, so that helps a great deal.

On the other hand, we live in the land of expensive plane flights. We never seem to catch a break on air fare. I've never used Priceline for air (love it for hotels) because I'm afraid of giving up control of time.

I thought I'd do a comparison -- I chose a random June date:

Amtrak -- NC to Washington DC -- $108/adult, $54/child (with AAA discount) round trip -- 9 hours, 11 minutes each way
US Air (the biggest airline in my area -- I didn't compare other carriers, but I did ignore time and chose the lowest possible ticket price) -- NC to Washington DC -- $370 round trip -- 1 hour, 21 minutes

Amtrak -- NC to Orlando -- $133/adult, $66.50/child (with AAA discount) round trip -- 21 hours, 20 minutes
US Air -- NC to Orlando -- $250 round trip -- oops, I closed the window before I looked at the time, but I'm guessing it's just over an hour

So from my area -- and your mileage may vary, literally -- the train is cheaper by far, but the plane is faster (especially going south -- I would never choose that 21 hour option). If you're really doing this comparison (and not messing around like I am), be sure to include ALL your costs/time. You'll need to be at the airport 1-2 hours early, while 30 minutes is sufficient for the train, so compare your total time not just your air time. You'll likely pay to park at the airport, but it'll be free at the Amtrak station. And with either option you'll need ground transportation; I'm assuming that'd be equal.

And, of course, driving your own car will almost always beat both options. I can drive my Honda round-trip to either of these destinations for $200 in gas + 2 meals on the road, and that'll transport all four of us. Everyone, of course, doesn't live close enough to do this, and everyone doesn't drive a car that gets 40 MPG.

Off-topic: Last month we cruised out of Miami, and I did my dead-level best to find a way to avoid the 14-hour drive. Even considering that we rented a big, comfortable van because we had six people, I couldn't even come close to the cost of driving, so we did it . . . and it wasn't horrible at all. Next time, I'd prefer to sail out of Port Canaveral (as we have in the past, and it's only a 9 hour drive), but if I could get those same low ticket prices out of Miami again, we'd make that drive again.

 

[Liberty Belle]

I'm with you. The plane is the only option for me.

Budget has to be considered. Plus, my kids would like the train ride so much more. Someday I'll be able to choose for myself, but right now I tend to do things for the kids.

 

[Robinrs]

My uncle refuses to fly so for an upcoming trip I considered Amtrak to Virginia Beach.

To go for a weekend I'd have to go and LEAVE BEFORE I get there! AND it's a fortune!

I actually like Amtrak but HATE to have to stop in Wash DC for every trip. Even from Ga to Florida you have to go thru Wash DC!!! It's CRAZY!!

 

[Christine]

My DD to Amtrack from Washington DC to some little town in New Jersey that was not well serviced by air. I didn't want her driving so the train was the only option. It took approximately 3 hours. It probably would have taken her 4 hours to drive it with DC-Baltimore traffic. The round trip was $143.00. It was nice to have the option but she wasn't thrilled about it.

On the trip home, they had to rescue another train so, of course, a delay.