[Scipio_Afri]

Acela isn't exactly great comparatively as it's not an economically viable daily commute option. I don't know what it is for Boston to Providence, but DC to Baltimore is $40 one way in 25-30mins. Compared to 15-20 mins more for the commuter train at $7 one way, it hardly seems worth it.

[cbr]

    I don't know what it is for Boston to Providence

$29, one way, 33min. Northeast Regional is $12 for 40min, MBTA is $11.50 for 63min.

[ghaff]

Acela is really priced for expense accounts. Given that the entire Boston-NYC route was electrified for Acela anyway, it rarely makes sense for me as an individual to pay for Acela vs. the Regional. It saves maybe an hour and gives you a slightly more comfortable car but it's 2x the price.

I rarely take it but MBTA commuter rail has really gotten pricey. There are passes but I'm almost $30/day to commute into Boston by train between parking, the ticket, and the subway on the other end.

[CrystalLangUser]

$7 one way?! I guess Chicago's spoiled me at $2.25.

[killbrad]

I have a feeling that Chicago will switch to a distance based tap on/off system at some point. It just makes more sense to understand where people are actually using the system, and also prevents train dwellers riding nonstop all day.

[monksy]

The Metra is based on the distance that you go (well the zones).

[brianwawok]

Metra won't cost that past clyborn

[killbrad]

Clybourn

[brianwawok]

Autocorrect failed me.

[krallja]

$2.25 on Metra or the L?

[killbrad]

The El, not the Metra. Chicago is lucky with transit options. On Amtrak you could get from Chicago to Grand Rapids, MI in 4 hours.

[yoshamano]

I don't know if anyone will care, but I saw Grand Rapids, MI mentioned so I thought I'd throw my 2 cents in. I like taking Amtrak to Chicago from Battle Creek, MI. Usually about 3 hours, and that's my preferred way to go to Chicago for the weekend or longer.

Day trips are more interesting because of the South Shore Line.

http://www.mysouthshoreline.com/tickets/maps-stations

It's a electric rail that runs from South Bend, IN to Millennium Station in Chicago. Take something like a Cubs game. I drive 2 hours to the Dune Park station

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Marshall,+Michigan+49068/Dun...

From there I park for free and ride the train to Chicago and then hop the Red Line to Wrigley. Even if it's a night game I can still make it back to Millennium Station for the last train out at 12:45AM.

The South Shore Line is also great for conventions on the weekend because it stops right at McCormick Place.