leekohler said:
You should some time! Aren't there good trains in the UK/Europe? I always heard there were.
I think it's fair to say that the rail network is more extensive in the UK/Europe. I couldnt believe how small some of the US stations are in comparison to those in the UK/Europe. Intercity trains leave every 30 minutes/hour from mainline stations more or less through the day/evening.
In terms of comfort, the Amtrak is well up there though. Many UK trains these days are local services that don't have catering facilities, don't have toilet facilities that anyone sane would want to use (if they're available at all) and are pretty filthy.
The intercities are better - the dining car is only 10 tables these days and an additional charge so most people queue at the counter and carry microwaved food back to their seats and the only lounge I've ever seen on a UK train was on the London/Scotland sleeper which had a bar. They are improving though - they've got wifi and powersockets on some trains now so that you can work on them.
Trains tend to be pretty crowded with less legroom than a plane (all those sets of 4 with a table and not much room) unless you travel first class.
I got an Amtrak once from St Louis to Chicago which was more like our first class service despite being cheaper than the equivalent London to Edinburgh standard fare here. $120 including lunch and lounge compared to $140 for just a seat.
The German ICE and trains around Barcelona are lovely though... clean, spacious, air-conditioned... and on time!
I love the idea of travelling by train in a leisurely fashion but unless the journey's pleasant (which yours sounds like it was), it just makes me miserable. I'm in London - it takes me about 30 minutes less to get to the station than it does to the airport plus 30 minutes check in- but then the flight time is an hour compared to 4 on the train... And like Lau says, it's cheaper to fly. £70 plays £95 for a more comfortable, quicker experience.