As domestic travel rebounds from pandemic lows and prices soar, an increasing number of travelers are opting for trains over planes. The straightforward tradeoffs are evident: trains are often more economical, offer more legroom, and are considered more environmentally friendly than air travel. These advantages are fueling a shift towards Amtrak, the U.S. government-backed rail service, in its pursuit to restore pre-Covid ridership and streamline operations.
The surge in travel demand has led to soaring airline ticket prices and heightened uncertainty in the airline industry, partly due to high-profile incidents. While train routes may have longer travel times compared to flights, the overall journey tends to balance out when factoring in airport traffic, security lines, and boarding wait times, according to Clint Henderson, a managing editor at travel site The Points Guy.
While trains may not replace air travel entirely, there is a noticeable increase in people choosing Amtrak trains over flights, particularly in the Northeast corridor. This shift is evident in travelers like Leonor Grave, who prefers the convenience of train stations in city centers and appreciates the ability to move around, stretch legs, and enjoy amenities during the journey.
Despite the current disparity with high-speed rail networks in Europe and Japan, some travelers find the option increasingly attractive, citing benefits such as cost savings, greater flexibility to work during the journey, and the environmental advantages of reduced carbon emissions associated with train travel.
Although Amtrak has reported a 24% increase in total ridership in 2023 compared to the previous year, it still lags behind pre-pandemic levels. The on-time performance of trains has faced challenges since the pandemic, with disruptions largely attributed to issues with host railroads. Amtrak is committed to addressing these challenges and has secured funding to upgrade trains and infrastructure, aiming to double ridership by 2040. Despite the anticipated improvements, observers like Henderson emphasize the need for patience, acknowledging that the transformation of train travel will take time.
