Train Trips: Cheaper Than Flying

Filed in archive Cheap Ride on July 18, 2008

Photo Courtesy of FreeFoto.com

Kudos, hosanas and other superlatives to Christine Gilbert for her marvelous article on Travelers Notebook.

Christine researched the price differences between flying and taking Amtrak.

Here's what she found:

1. Boston, MA to Portland, ME
Amtrak: $48.
Cheapest Flight: $353.
Total Savings: 86%

2. Montreal, QB to Albany NY
Amtrak: $90.
Cheapest Flight: $447.
Total Savings: 80%

3. New York, NY to Philadelphia, PA
Amtrak: $86.
Cheapest Flight: $362
Total Savings: 76%

4. Seattle, WA to Vancouver, BC
Amtrak: $60.
Cheapest Flight: $248
Total Savings: 76%

5. New York, NY to Albany, NY
Amtrak: $74.
Cheapest Flight: $268
Total Savings: 72%

6. Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA
Amtrak: $68.
Cheapest Flight: $245
Total Savings: 72%

7. Vancouver, BC to Portland, OR
Amtrak: $88.
Cheapest Flight: $298
Total Savings: 70%

8. Seattle, WA to Portland, OR
Amtrak: $56.
Cheapest Flight: $165
Total Savings: 66%

9. Philadelphia, PA to Washington, D.C.
Amtrak: $84.
Cheapest Flight: $182
Total Savings: 54%

10. Chicago, IL to Memphis, TN
Amtrak: $182.
Cheapest Flight: $328
Total Savings: 45%

11. Boston, MA to Philadelphia, PA
Amtrak: $152.
Cheapest Flight: $265
Total Savings: 43%

12. Baltimore, MD to New York, NY
Amtrak: $122.
Cheapest Flight: $193
Total Savings: 37%

13. New York, NY to Boston, MA
Amtrak: $118.
Cheapest Flight: $155
Total Savings: 24%

14. Washington, D.C. to New York, NY
Amtrak: $138.
Cheapest Flight: $155
Total Savings: 11%
Cheap Trains, Long Rides

(These fares are cheaper, but will take longer than flying)

1. New Orleans, LA to Memphis, TN
Amtrak: $100.
Cheapest Flight: $411
Total Savings: 76%

2. New York, NY to Montreal, QB
Amtrak: $122
Cheapest Flight: $427
Total Savings: 71%

3. Toronto, ON to New York, NY
Amtrak: $184.
Cheapest Flight: $398
Total Savings: 54%

4. Cinnicinati, OH to New York, NY
Amtrak: $283.
Cheapest Flight: $554
Total Savings: 49%

5. San Francisco, CA to Los Angeles, CA
Amtrak: $96.
Cheapest Flight: $165
Total Savings: 42%

6. Charlotte, NC to New York, NY
Amtrak: $188.
Cheapest Flight: $274
Total Savings: 31%

7. Washington, D.C. to Chicago, IL
Amtrak: $174.
Cheapest Flight: $229
Total Savings: 24%

Thanks Christine! The budget travel community appreciates you!