Heh. I am considering a vacation to Chicago that would take a train at least one way and probably both ways, and while I wish there was an option for high speed rail (so it would take 10-12 hours rather than 45-55 hours), the thing that is making me hesitate is a) the price (because I am NOT sitting in a chair for 46 hours, I'm getting a roomette!) and b) the fact that I would reliably need to be back to work on time, and if it's 12 hours delayed (which it can be!) that would screw me and I couldn't take it.

But even with the cost, I looked at it and went "yikes!" and then I looked at the cost of a hotel room or airbnb for the number of nights I would be on the train, and meals, and went "okay, yeah, that's actually not as bad as I thought it would be."

The low speed is a hassle. The price is high but not unreasonable for what you're getting.

Reliability? That's the killer.

hey @amtrak-official I have celiac disease, is it even remotely posssible for me to take a train trip like this or do I have to bring all my food. (no. gluten. ever. not a fad. it will tear up my innards.)

just wondered after seeing this! staying in a little room on a train while going somewhere sounds fun but not if I can't eat the food.