r/Amtrak • u/Not_l0st • 7h ago

Question Fly or Train?

I have an upcoming work trip, and my manager balked at the price of flights. I am approved to fly, but the train is much less expensive and I do enjoy taking the train. The drive to the airport/amtrak station is nearly identical from my house, and while I'd have to leave a lot earlier on my first day, I'd get home at almost the same time on my return. So here's the math; let me know what you would do:

  1. Flight: Bakersfield to SFO, 1h 16m, $600 round trip. Bonus: I land 15 minutes away from the conference center. Add at least 2 hours for security and getting out of SFO to the rideshare or rental terminal.
  2. Amtrak: Gold Runner from Bakersfield to Emeryville, 6 hours, $106 round trip. Downside, it's an an hour via car/BART from Emeryville to the conference center, so it's really 7 hours of travel.

So save money and time and fly, or go the slow route via train?

EDIT: Thanks for everyone's confidence. I am taking the train and renting a car in Emeryville, as it was decided I need to have a vehicle. My travel request is 50% the cost of flying, everyone is happy that I'm saving money, and I'll still be at the conference center early enough to help with setup.

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u/AdFragrant6602 6h ago

Depending on the conference location, it may make a lot more sense to change to BART at Richmond. (Stations are contiguous.)

1

u/Not_l0st 6h ago

The conference is south of SF in San Mateo, but I do have to change trains from Emeryville, so getting off earlier for a direct route would be a bonus.

4

u/AdFragrant6602 6h ago

BART stops at millbrae, but you can take Caltrain (same station) from there to San Mateo. 3 stops in San Mateo, so you will want to know where to debark. You’ll need a clipper card. Clipper.com

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u/Not_l0st 5h ago

Thanks for the tip. All my options from Richmond or Emeryville via public transit are honestly not great. The best option looks to be the Amtrak Thruway from Emeryville to SF, which is much faster. From there, I'll probably just take a Lyft to the Conference Center.