In 1990, I took the Amtrak from Milwaukee (I live in Racine -just south of Milw) to Williston, ND, to visit friends along the ND-MT border. In early Feb.... and everything you said is pretty true. But since my trip was in winter, and the tracks do go along the highways a good bit, I clearly recall thinking, “God, I’m glad I’m not driving in this weather”. It was very windy and snowy. Now the cost was about equal to that of flying to Bismark, and asking my friends to drive a long way to pick me up. But, I had the time, both ways, and I thoroughly enjoyed the trip .... cuz the cost to me was about the same as a single passenger. Now if we were going as a family, we’d have difinitely driven out there, cuz then the cost of 5 tickets would have far exceeded the cost of driving.
Having said all that.... I did enjoy the train trip both ways.
Now if we were going as a family, we’d have difinitely driven out there, cuz then the cost of 5 tickets would have far exceeded the cost of driving.
Well that's an individual judgment call.
As you thoughtfully pointed out, traveling by train IS much safer in hazardous winter conditions. So for some people the extra cost for the entire family would be worth it. (Don't forget... unlike the airlines, Amtrak offers a 50% discount for children ages 2~15, and infants younger than 2 ride for free!)