Why the overnight train from Chicago to Pittsburgh may beat flying

Don’t sleep on the overnight train between Pittsburgh and Chicago.

Why it matters: When factoring in security wait times, travel to and from airports and general comfort, taking the train isn’t as crazy as you might think, especially if you ride in style.

🚆 Context: I recently rode in a roomette with my girlfriend on the Amtrak Floridian from Chicago to Pittsburgh.

  • The train leaves Chicago at 6:40pm and arrives in Pittsburgh just before 5am.
  • My journey was just over nine hours, which is two hours longer than driving if you don’t stop.
  • I flew from Pittsburgh. My door-to-door trip — which included a bus ride from the East End, flight and subway ride to the Loop in Chicago — took about six hours.

🛜 Internet service was surprisingly good on the train. It rarely went out and allowed me to stream an entire Steelers game…

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