With rising fuel costs and concerns about my carbon footprint, I decided to take the train on a recent business trip. Although I've often used high speed trains in Europe and Japan, riding the rails in America outside the Northeast corridor promised a new adventure.
When visiting the East Coast I often use Amtrak to traverse the Northeast corridor between Boston and Washington, D.C., instead of flying the air shuttles or driving the toll roads of I-95. The Acela Express and even the regional trains on those routes are often quicker than flying or driving, particularly if your origin and destination are within the city centers.

Train travel also bypasses the hassles and rigors of airport security and traffic-clogged highways. There are no middle seats, no seat belts, no forbidden electronic devices, no fuel surcharges, no fees for seat selection, no liquids ban, and train seats offer far greater comfort and personal space than any economy seat in the sky. Snacks and full course meals are available for purchase and the relative serenity of the railroad car provides an uninterrupted environment for working, sleeping, reading, iPod listening or DVD viewing on the entire length of the journey.

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/columnist/grossman/2008-08-22-amtrak-business-travelers_N.htm