We’re driving from Ontario to Detroit. From Detroit we need to get to Dallas. The obvious choice would be to fly. However, it occurred to me that taking a train might be more economical. I have no idea what train travel costs are like in the U.S, what services are offered, etc. (I can only think of AmTrack) Would a train be a good alternative, do you think?
AmTrak is the only passenger train service in the US. Check schedules and prices here…
Why don’t you drive? I make the drive from Kalamazoo, MI to Austin, TX twice a year, and it’s not too bad. I can give you the route I drive (have it memorized after all these years). It’s about 20-24 hours, depending on the amount of construction in Arkansas. And I can tell you where to watch out for cops, what a good hotel stoppping point is, etc. Of course, it’s a nicer drive when you have two people who can switch off every 3 or 4 hours.
From Detroit to Dallas direct American is probably the best choice, but I say the mostly because I do it relatively frequently, usually on route to Mexico. Once, though, due to the wacky scheduling I got stuck changing planes in Chicago. That sucked. In any case, there are usually pretty good rates, Dallas being a hub and all.
Take a look at Amtrak and decide if the money is worth the time. Trains are slow in the United States, since it’s not our principal mode of long distance transportation.
If you want a leisurely trip, then, driving is a wonderful idea, and there are several primary routes that you can take, which is some good variety coming back versus going.
I’d make the Killeen-Detroit-and-back trip several times when I was stationed in Texas, and it goes through Dallas. Just back in Novemember we drove from Detroit through Dallas to Laredo and then over the border to Manzanillo and then Leon. And back. Driving wasn’t bad or uncomfortable at all despite my penchant for wanting to get 12-14 hours in per day, including potty breaks, food, and gas. I think we got to Laredo in two days, so Dallas is definitely doable in that time even if you don’t insist on doing 140k/h the whole way there. Take some time to follow historic 66 for a ways.
Good luck!
Unfortunately driving isn’t really an option. We’re part of a University engineering team attending a competition in Dallas. There are time issues…and insurance issues…with us driving down there as “University Representatives”.
We’ll probably end up flying down.