Amtrak Trains vs. Airplanes: Which One Gets You There Better?

With U.S. airline passengers facing mounting frustrations over flight delays, cancellations, and rising ticket prices, many are looking to Amtrak as an alternative for short-haul travel.

More than 236 million American travelers had their flights delayed or canceled last year, according to a study by AirHelp. Meanwhile, Amtrak saw a 15% surge in ridership, carrying 32.8 million passengers, perhaps suggesting more passengers are taking to the rails.

Concerns about air travel also extend beyond just inconvenience this year. Recent commercial plane crashes and mid-air incidents have heightened concerns about aviation safety.

Staff reductions at the FAA, initiated by President Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and led by Elon Musk, are causing flight anxiety among travelers.

The burning question: How does Amtrak actually compare to flying?

With this in mind, I analyzed five of the most popular short-haul routes in the U.S., assessing cost, travel time, comfort, and reliability to determine whether train travel is a viable alternative—despite the fact that the U.S. rail system lags behind the rest of the world.

Cost Comparison: Train Tickets Are Still Cheaper

Airfare prices in the U.S. rose 7.1% in January 2025 compared to the previous year, growing more than twice as fast as the overall inflation rate of 3%, according to NerdWallet.

While Amtrak did raise their prices last summer, it remains the most affordable option for most short-haul routes. Here’s how they compare:

While budget airlines offer cheap flights, passengers often face hidden fees for baggage, seat selection, and last-minute changes, making Amtrak the more transparent and budget-friendly option for many travelers.

Travel Time: Does Flying Actually Save Time?

At first glance, flying seems faster than taking the train. However, the total trip duration is often closer than expected when factoring in TSA checkpoints, boarding times, and travel to and from the airport.

For shorter routes under 300 miles, such as New York City to Washington, D.C. and Boston to Philadelphia, Amtrak travel time is comparable to flying when considering airport procedures, making train travel a solid alternative.

However, on longer routes like San Francisco to Los Angeles, air travel remains the significantly faster option despite airport delays.

Reliability: Airline Delays vs. Amtrak Delays

Both trains and flights face delays, but for different reasons.

• Amtrak delays are often caused by freight train congestion, track maintenance, or weather conditions.

• Flight delays are caused by air traffic congestion, weather, security issues, and overbooked flights.

The FAA reported a 30% increase in airline delays in 2024, with bad weather, staffing shortages, and mechanical issues affecting thousands of flights.

Although there is limited comparative data for Amtrak, it's reported that in the first quarter of 2024, 78% of Amtrak trains were on time, showing a 3% improvement compared to the previous year.

Comfort and Passenger Experience

Many travelers dislike the hassle of flying, from cramped airplane seats to TSA checkpoint lines. Amtrak offers a more relaxed experience with spacious seating, the ability to walk around freely, and no invasive security checks.

Amtrak Advantages:

• More legroom than economy class on flights

• Freedom to move around during the trip

• Dining cars, café options, and WiFi

• No baggage fees for carry-ons

• Fewer security restrictions for liquids and electronics

Air Travel Disadvantages:

• Tight seats with limited legroom

• Long security checkpoint lines

• Extra fees for baggage, seating, and Wi-Fi

• Potential flight delays and cancellations

For many travelers, Amtrak is the better choice for comfort, especially on routes under five hours, where passengers can work, relax, or enjoy scenic views.

Final Verdict: Air Travel vs Train Travel in the U.S.

It's clear that Amtrak offers significant advantages for shorter trips, especially in terms of cost and comfort while flying remains the better choice for speed and long-haul travel.

• Cost: Amtrak is generally cheaper for short-haul routes.

• Travel Time: Flying is faster overall but only marginally for short-haul

• Comfort: Amtrak offers a more spacious and relaxed experience.

• Reliability: Both have delays, but Amtrak sees fewer cancellations.

When to Choose Amtrak:

• Short-haul routes under 500 miles

• A more comfortable, scenic journey is preferred

• Avoiding baggage fees and security lines is a priority

When to Fly Instead:

• The fastest travel time is the top priority

• Long-haul trips where Amtrak is too slow

• A budget airfare deal is cheaper than the train

With Amtrak investing billions in high-speed rail expansion, many experts believe train travel could become a serious competitor to air travel in the future. For now, travelers must decide between speed and comfort—and which matters most.