The routes, Austin to Providence

Providence is about 1600 miles from Austin.  By air it takes about five hours.  By car it takes about 30 hours.  By train it takes about 60 hours.  That’s three days and two nights.

Take a look at the route map. First, notice that there is a gap in the network along the Gulf Coast. That section was taken out by Hurricane Katrina. It is scheduled for restoration this year. Something the map doesn’t show is that on most routes, the train only runs once a day, and not fast, either. It’s a skeletal system.

To fly between Providence and Austin can cost: basic economy under $200; first class about $500.  To ride between Providence and Austin can cost: coach, under $300; business, up from $300.  Here’s the kicker.  You’re going to be on the train for two nights.  You want a room.  A roomette adds about $500 per night, or $1000.

You can compromise by riding coach one night and sleeper one night.  That’s what I did this trip.  Or, you can fly part way and take the train part way.  I’ve done that, riding the Acela to Washington and flying from there.  That’s pretty easy, and comfortable—a one-day trip, no overnight.  

How about one overnight and a shorter flight?

Here’s something I want to try next.  I could fly to Chicago and ride the sleeper from there.  I like the crew on the Texas Eagle, and I’d like to see them again.  But the tracks have some rough patches.  And the dining is decent but not great. 

Amtrak pulled all the full service diners for all the trains during covid, or so I’m told.  Since then, they’ve restored full service dining to some trains, but not the Texas Eagle.

Or, I could ride the sleeper down to Jacksonville and fly from there.  The Silver Star runs from Washington to Florida.  And the Silver Star has full dining.

The Crescent runs from New York to New Orleans.  If I get off in Atlanta, I can get a direct flight to Austin.   Or, I can ride all the way to New Orleans.  Then the Sunset Limited to San Antonio and the Texas Eagle into Austin.  I don’t know how well the connections match up.  I could fly from New Orleans.

So, there are choices to check out.