Amtrak

Pros

• Exceptional scenery on long-distance routes like the California Zephyr and Appalachian stretches
• City-center to city-center arrivals avoid the hassle of airport transfers
• More legroom and generally more comfortable seating than economy flights
• Relaxing, 'old-school' travel atmosphere that many find less stressful than flying
• Convenient baggage service and accessibility for major Northeast cities

Cons

• Frequent and extreme delays, sometimes exceeding 24 hours on Western routes
• High ticket prices, particularly with last-minute airline-style dynamic pricing
• Inconsistent cleanliness, specifically regarding onboard bathrooms
• Lackluster efficiency and speed when compared to European rail networks
• Unreliability in specific regions like California and areas outside the Northeast Corridor

Caveats

• Freight railroad priority is a primary cause of endless delays on many routes
• Multi-day journeys in coach can be physically challenging despite the larger seats
• On-time performance is notably worse south of Washington D.C. and on Western long-distance lines

Best for

• Leisure travelers prioritizing scenery and the 'journey' over speed
• Travelers moving between major Northeast hubs like NYC, DC, and Boston
• Those who want to see the US landscape without the stress of driving

Avoid if

• You are on a strict schedule with no room for multi-hour delays
• You are looking for the cheapest possible transit (flying is often cheaper)
• You expect the high-speed efficiency of international rail systems