[tomlagier]

"Cheaper" isn't a huge component of Amtrak's value proposition. It's usually slightly cheaper than flying, but not much.

The reason to take the train (for me) is that it tends to be much more comfortable and lower-stress than flying or driving. Sometimes it's faster than flying (over short distances).

There are many factors that can spoil this value prop - delays, crowded cars, lack of connectors requiring bus transfers, all of which happen with regularity. Even so, I'll always prefer taking a train over flying and driving as long as it's convenient to do so.