All Aboard Amtrak!

There’s no question travel can be tedious. Although I love airports, planes themselves are cramped cages of misery filled knee-to-knee with strangers brought together to hurtle through the air 30,000 feet above the ground. 

In this liminal air and limited space — where degrees of freedom are determined by a dogmatic seatbelt sign and enforced by friendly flight attendants — something as small as dropping your phone or spilling some water becomes a breach of personal space and a public shaming ritual.

Under these conditions reaching a destination can feel like a sisyphean task. 

What if on a plane passengers could get up and move freely, even while it was moving? What if there were separate areas to be explored, including an all-glass viewing room and a snack bar? What if planes only sat two to a row — or better yet, had seats with tables where parties could socialize over a meal?

What if I told you there’s a mode of transportation that offers all this and more? Look no further than Chicago’s Union Station. 

Amtrak is a grossly underused, but growing, mode of domestic travel. Last year, Amtrak hit a ridership record of 32.8 million. This all-time high is reason for celebration, but is still dwarfed by the 2.9 million passengers who fly in and out of U.S. airports every day. 

While flying is faster than riding a train, the time it takes to get through security and deal with airport congestion often makes Amtrak the more efficient option. All a passenger has to do is buy a ticket and hop on board. 

Longer travel times create the opportunity to peruse the train’s cars or gaze out at beautiful scenery passing by. 

This charming element of train travel has even made riding certain Amtrak routes a trend in itself. The New York Times has published a slew of articles detailing which lines are the most scenic, highlighting the Empire Builder — which stretches from Chicago to Seattle — and the California Zephyr — which runs between Chicago and San Francisco. 

Notably, both of these routes start and end in our very own Chicago — so why not spend spring break nestled in a cozy train car, watching the wild world go by? 

Amtrak is also far more affordable than many airlines, making it the ideal travel approach for thrifty college students. 

A round-trip train from Chicago to Grand Rapids, MI costs between $68 and $88 — depending on the day of the week — significantly less than flying, which ranges from $137 to $386 depending on the airline.

While Amtrak is often cheaper, this isn’t the case for every route. Many Midwestern flights are at a similar price point to Amtrak trains, and trips outside of the region grow significantly in price. 

In the Northeast, however — where Amtrak lines are the most popular, boasting 9 million passengers in 2023 — trains are an inexpensive and convenient way to explore historic sites, pristine coastline, major cities and charming New England towns. 

Many routes on the Northeast Corridor also use electric trains, which emit up to 72% less in greenhouse gas emissions than planes and 83% less than cars, according to Amtrak’s website. 

While many of the trains in other regions run on high-polluting diesel fuel, Amtrak is still the more climate-friendly option for the vast majority of trips, according to The New York Times. 

Amtrak trains aren’t only comparatively affordable, accessible and sustainable, but they also offer a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of modernity — a glimpse into more quaint times. 

Train rides can inspire passengers to appreciate the splendor of the countryside, letting modern Americans engage with the magnificence of the Transcontinental Railroad — a pivotal innovation that connected America’s coasts. 

When looking ahead toward future breaks — whether it’s a sensational summer trip or an enthusiastic Easter getaway — consider making the destination part of the journey. 

All aboard with Amtrak!