I just checked for a friend on train ticket prices from the Detroit Area to Chicago. $70 each way, $140 round trip. That does not compute. If he were to drive, I'm going to estimate it would cost $80 in gas - and he'd have the convenience of having a car once he's here. The airlines give me $160 with taxes and fees included, at a quarter of the trip time.

I love taking the train, but in this case it seems that it just doesn't make economical sense. Especially for more than one person. I wonder why...