Trains are running more safely, efficiently, elegantly, and reliably than both cars and airplanes, and they have consistently done so with a much longer track record.
No experience myself, but from past comments on HN, I understand the company Amtrak provides pretty good service within the areas it can control. It's just that the US rail network prioritizes freight every time (even though legally it's not supposed to).
I don't love Amtrak on the East Coast. But on the West Coast, it can be really nice. Coach on the West Coast is like Acela on the East Coast. Even the cheapest seats have nice tables with outlets, and the views on the Pacific Surfliner can't be beat!