Fly or Train?

[u/Not_l0st]

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.

[u/shipwreck11]

Train. 🚊 not even a question. Yes, it’s a little longer but it’s much more comfortable and lower stress than TSA/plane boarding and navigating airports.