Train vs. Car for Taking a Trip from Portland to Seattle
Having lived in Maine for about seven months, I ended up taking the train down to Boston twice and found the Downeaster a much more enjoyable experience than trying to drive down to visit friends and explore the area. There is just something about seeing the country fly by without having to pay the least attention to the road and being able to talk with a person face to face. Not only that, it was usually uncrowded so I was able to relax and watch TV/movies on my iPhone with ease, making the trip fly by. I always suspected it was more economical and environmentally friendly than driving too.
Now, Christian has taken the time to find out just how much cheaper taking the Downeaster train to Boston is compared to driving there. Pretty compelling numbers. As Kathryn lives up in Seattle, I have taken a couple train rides up there to visit her, and I was wondering about the economics of that train ride compared to driving. So, here are the numbers…
Gasoline costs (175 miles each way at $4.15 a gallon):
$48.42 for a 30 MPG vehicle; $96.84 for a 15 MPG vehicleMaintenance costs (source: AAA):
$13.93 for a small vehicle; $17.75 for a large vehicleTotal costs of gas and maintenance:
$62.35 for a fuel-efficient car; $114.59 for a large, less efficient vehicle
The trips between Portland and Seattle range from $28 to $44, typically, depending on which route (there are two) and the time of day, so the roundtrip cost is anywhere between $56 and $88. My last two trips cost exactly $60 roundtrip. The I-5 route has no tolls and I am ignoring Christian’s suggestion about lost wages as I am not working (nor was I likely to be working any time I took the train down to Boston either).
Still, right now even with a fuel efficient car, it is cheaper to take the train up to Seattle and back than drive by oneself. If you are carpooling with a friend though, it is not cheaper unless you are using a car that gets less than 15 mpg.