Semi-long distance date

Let’s say you met someone online whom you seem to get along with. You’re at a point where you want to meet her to see how you get along in real life (because you really can’t tell with e-mail or even phone calls, right?). But she currently lives, oh let’s say 2 hours away if you pay $200 round trip for the fastest train. You don’t mind taking the trip except it may seem intimidating and/or desperate to her, and you also don’t want to get your expectations and stakes up too high. What would you do? Ask to meet halfway? Make up an excuse to be in the same area?