Flying vs. Amtrak: Atlanta to DC (busiest, airlines, airport, price)

[grindin]

Hi folks,

During the Thanksgiving Holiday, I usually travel up to DC from Atlanta with my family by driving. With gas prices the way they are and I just don't really don't want to be in the car for 10 hours either...

What do ya'll recommend? I see the Amtrak trip will take roughly 12 hours overnight, which is longer than driving, BUT I can sit back and relax and have a nice meal. OTOH, I know that Amtrak is commonly delay-plagued.

With flying, I run the risk of traveling during the busiest travel time from the nation's busiest airport, so I know that runs a lot of risks as well. However, I can get up there in about 2 hours or so, and have more time to spend with my family.

What are your recommendations? Who in here has traveled either way and can give me advice?

Thanks!

[tremontpa]

The train is more fun. There are less security hassles and on the train coaches there is more leg room. All you have to do while on the train is to sit back, relax, and watch our beautiful country pass you by.

[KSmooth]

I would recommend flying. With our economy in such a gray area, plane tickets are actually relatively cheap due to competing companies. Train rides are the most relaxing, but they also eat up a hefty chunk of time. Just look around for some cheap tickets and you should be fine.

- Karren S.

[mullman]

It's 6xx miles, I'd drive it.
Flying during the holidays is a huge pain and I avoid it unless absolutely necessary.

BUT, we are a family of four who several times a year drive NC-MA, and NC-ME.

[socrates]

no matter how many pains, flying will still be quicker than the others. if it was one person it would be a no brainer to fly but with 4 it will be much cheaper to drive.

[Wilkester]

I would vote you fly. You'll have more time to spend to spend with your family and isn't that the whole point of you going there. Plus, Amtrak's timeliness leaves something to be desired. I know the airlines aren't that great in that area either at times but, they'll still get you there a lot sooner than Amtrak will. As far as driving, I don't think it makes money sense when it's one person travelling. It would as Socrates point out make sense if you have 4 though it'll still be a major hassle to do it. Save yourself the hassle and time and fly.

[samlchi]

The last time I checked out the fares, I didn't see any appreciable difference between the train & plane. I really don't think Amtrak is any bargain. Between major hubs the airlines are usually highly competitive. Just get a ticket to Reagan natl, you'll be a lot closer to downtown vs Dulles.