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Amtrak Trains That are Cheaper Than Flying!

by: Lighter on the Pocket | last updated: August 21, 2009
Category: Budget Travel | Tags: Amtrak, US Amtrak, Trains, Save on Air fare, budget travel, saving money

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Amtrak Trains That are Cheaper Than Flying! When planning your next trip on a budget seriously consider taking a Train instead of flying. While Amtrak does not have trains to every city in the US, the ones it does have a worth a look at before buying those Air tickets. Trains, if youâ€™re hopping across a few states, can be less expensive and sometimes faster than taking a flight! While your flying time may be just 2 hrs to a destination,if you add the time spent arriving early to the airport plus waiting in baggage claim you can easily spend close to 5 hours in transit. Here's a few more reasons to consider Trains:

- No long lines at security
- More spacious cabins or leg room
- Many even have power outlets for Laptops and phones
- Add most stations are in the heart of the city
- You can get an additional 10-15% off train fare if you are a student, AAA member, or military
- Traveling by Trains Save Money!

So why spend more for flights that continue to raise prices, add fees for luggage, and remove basic services when there is a cheap and comfortable alternative?

Here's a list of Train Routes that are Cheaper than Flying-

TRAINS that are not only CHEAPER but FASTER Than Flying!

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%

TRAINS that are a Longer Ride But Cheaper 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%

Other Tips

If you’re booking a flight in under 14 days, you might want to compare the corresponding Amtrak fare, as airlines prices tend to increase sharply as you approach the departure day, while train tickets stay stable.

You can book online with Amtrak.

Be sure to check out the Amtrak Weekly Hot Deals

For 10 – 15% off the standard fare, see if you qualify for a Student and AAA Member Discounts.