Amtrak’s Empire Builder: The Train That Deserves Better
> the Twin Cities-Chicago market is definitely a route that deserves better service<p>For reference, the distance between Minneapolis and Chicago is about 400 miles.<p>If the Amtrak schedule [0] is strictly adhered to, the travel time is ~7.75 hours. Current prices are ~$116 roundtrip.<p>Google Maps says the estimated time by car (assuming no traffic) is ~6.25 hours. At ~30 miles/gallon at $2/gallon, the cost of a roundtrip for just gas would be ~$53.<p>A roundtrip, non-stop flight lasting ~1.5 hours each way can be had for ~$80~$175 with the passenger's choice of at least 10 distinct flights/3 separate airlines.<p>I like rail. But it's clear that there's not a market fit for rail between Minneapolis and Chicago without massive subsidies. A car is faster and cheaper. A plane is much faster and about the same price. Both car and planes are strictly more convenient.<p>[0]: <a href="https://www.amtrak.com/content/dam/projects/dotcom/english/public/documents/temporary-timetables/Empire-Builder-Schedule-031620.pdf" rel="nofollow">https://www.amtrak.com/content/dam/projects/dotcom/english/p...</a>