[jrockway]

In my experience, Amtrak is almost always more expensive last-minute than flying. I remember trying to go from Chicago to St. Louis once, and was quoted $600! Needless to say, I took the $130 last-minute flight instead, and saved myself several hours in the process.

I used to always price Amtrak out for my various domestic trips, because I think the train is cool. But it was always way more expensive than flying. (The only people I know now that ride Amtrak are those with irrational fears of flying. And I say this with great regret, because I am a huge railfan.)

[tedunangst]

Something special must have been happening, because right now a train ticket from Chicago to St. Louis leaving in 12 hours is $65. If you can wait until 7:00 pm, it's only $23.

[jrockway]

Once the Chicago-Kansas City trains fill up, you get to St. Louis via a Chicago-New Orleans train. That is much, much more expensive for some reason.