Another option to flying (or driving) is the train. While it’s old technology, there are some benefits, especially for short trips. For my example I’ll use Portland to Seattle.

Flight time is 45 minutes (ish) but by the time you show up at the airport early enough to go through self-check and the long, slow security lines, get to your destination and potentially rent a car, you could have already been there on the train.

Driving works too, but if you go by yourself it’s boring and unproductive. On the train they have food, bathrooms, and you can use your cell phone in most cars (not sleepers or “quiet” cars). They have power outlets too. Most trains have a lounge area also.

If you have a cell phone modem for your laptop you can also potentially get internet access. Amtrak was testing something on the East Coast a while back, but I haven’t heard anything about that for a while.

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