FWIW, I took the train last month (both ways), Cleveland to DC with a connection to Baltimore. Getting on and off the train was incredibly efficient, the seats were roomy and comfortable, there was a snack and meal car that provided food a large percentage of the time and there was an observation car with lots of space and seating. The employees were efficient and pleasant. It was very clean....the stations and the train.
Guess what? All the trains were to capacity. And the passengers were exceptionally groomed and civil.
What's my point? Perhaps the negatives with flying are creating an impossible situation.
But how many hours did that train take you.
I recently had to travel from Baltimore to Providence, RI for business.
Drive was 7 hours each way.
Train was 7 hours each way and about $300 round trip
Plane was about an hour and $175 round trip.
Because I had a lot of gear, I chose to drive but the train was never a consideration.
The nine hour drive from Baltimore to Detroit is posted as 17 hours by train. Nope.