Taking the Train versus a Plane

[aduidarnenye]

Which is better and why?

Planning a trip this spring to Montreal and thought a train would be nice and romantic. So much security in airports now, it sounds like a lot of trouble.

[Cream Soda]

Plane, unless you like longer trips, then train

[Dantrag]

How long of a train ride is it? What's the cost difference?

[ZarakiKujata]

Depends on the railroads in that area. Speaking from my experience taking the Northeast Regional along the US East Coast from Boston to DC, the train is longer but cheaper and you will have a much more enjoyable view. But if there is no direct line and/or there are stops every 20-30min it will get old very quickly.

Also, potential for more room on the train but you have to walk to the cafe cart to get food/booze so airplanes have that over trains. OTH because you arent flying at high altitude, the food will probably taste better on the train

[Dantrag]

Also how long of a trip are you planning? I've never been on a train for long distance travel so I don't know how long they take to board or how long you have to be there before hand or anything. Sometimes airplanes can add 2+ hours on each side of the trip. So if it's something like a straight 4 hour train ride, time wise the train would probably end up being just as fast as the flight.

[Abandon]

distance being traveled is the biggest factor.

[ZarakiKujata]

No real waiting time on trains, you can buy the ticket 5min before boarding, security is quite laughable as well and they leave fairly reliably, 5-10min from when they say they will.

[aduidarnenye]

We're traveling from Halifax to Quebec City, then a few days later Quebec City to Montreal, then a week later Montreal to Halifax. We're not really time constrained because it's supposed to be a relaxing trip. I don't believe the train stops very much between Halifax and Quebec City, but the total trip is about 20 hours.

The cost difference is phenomenal. The plane is about $1800 while the train is about $950. That's including a cabin for the train as well (which sounds fun!). I've looked at it several times because the cost difference is so extreme that I'm convinced I've gone wrong someplace.

We'd get internet access on the train and we'd bring a laptop to watch movies and books to read and so on.

[Cream Soda]

train

[Ramor]

train sounds good, especially for that price difference, plus it'd be a bit more memorable than sitting on a plane for a few hours just to have your legs cramped up, at least if you're tall like me

[SamanosukeShiva]

i like train too, esp w/ the cabin, you can do whatever u want.

plus there's no motherfuckin' snakes on the motherfuckin' train

[sephir]

train sounds good, especially for that price difference, plus it'd be a bit more memorable than sitting on a plane for a few hours just to have your legs cramped up, at least if you're tall like me

A few hours on a plane? Maybe if the plane was delayed, otherwise it would only be an hour flight. Honestly, I would say the train if it is under one hour of flight time simply because it is much less hassle.

Plane flight = 1 hour
waiting at airport = 2 hours
+ potential of flight cancellation/delay
+ annoying security checks and waiting in line

As long as you have a direct train, it is very relaxing, otherwise it can just be annoying. Your likely to see 7-10 hours of being on the train, but you won't have to show up early, wait in any lines, or deal with super cramped compartments.

[Mayareira]

Train is fun but much slower even if you factor in the delays, etc. Nothing beats a train travel in terms of enjoyment though, especially if the route is scenic. Grab your laptop, beer and enjoy!

[Howard Roark]

Taking the Train versus a Plane

are you insane? go to Maine, can't complain, unless there's rain.

[Cadsuane]

I've travelled that rail line before, it's pretty nice. Trains are super comfy too.

[Azalee]

I vote train, though it seems like you already know what you'd like to do. =P If you've got the time to take the train, I would definitely say to go that route. Airplanes are uncomfortable, tube-shaped breeding grounds for germs.

[Correction]

Bring some Dramamine and take the train. Very very long train rides can be disorienting due to the constant sway of the train.

[oldoldman]

are you insane? go to Maine, can't complain, unless there's rain.

Rain's a pain.

cabin

Train.

[Lyn]

I pick train under your circumstances, otherwise I probably would've said plane.

Come back with pics!

[Ishido]

On train trips: don't plan shit for any time near when you're "supposed" to arrive. It seems any time I ride a train I run into delays.