Flying may get you to your destination the fastest, but it is not always the cheapest. This week a friend of mine had me acting as her travel agent (although I am not one by profession). I compared the different modes of transportation that were available for the destination she had picked out, and then gave her the options so that she could choose which route was best for her to take.
First, I looked up flights in the two airports that were closest to us. Of course, when you get a price quote, that is not the final amount that will come out of your pocket. It is ridiculous what the airlines are charging in fees, including the additional charges that you can expect to pay for your bags. I calculated her trip via airplane to equal almost $500.

Next, I searched Amtrak for two price quotes. Amtrak doesn’t charge you anything extra for bags, and is very lenient as to what you can bring on board the train. I got my friend a price of $192 round trip for your regular coach seats. A small roomette without the AAA discount would bring that total up to $592, which is more than the cost of the plane ride.

We can’t forget driving. Since the trip she wanted to take was 14 hours by car, I had to calculate her gas mileage, one night’s stay in a hotel going in each direction, and then a few bucks for snacks that she might not have packed. That comes to about $450 total give or take depending on what the actual hotel she chooses charges her. That is only slightly less than taking the plane, but way more than a coach seat on a train.

My friend still hasn’t made up her mind what she wants to do. She likes the idea of the train without its pat-down security, but it scared if she goes coach she might get stuck sitting next to an old man who snores all night long, or behind a kid who does nothing but scream. Still, it is best to compare the options before making a quick decision that you might regret later.