I like this. Though it seems to be showing one-way fares for trains, with round trip tickets for flights. Having used Amtrak, this tends to be how they show things, which is a bit annoying. I was hoping Google would bridge that gap, even if it meant fuzzing the price a little based on timing. Maybe this will come in time.
Looking at a route done many times by plane, train, and car. It shows the plane is 1.5 hours, while the train is 5.5 hours. It probably ends up being a wash after factoring in all the logistics around getting to the airport vs the train station. I’m one of those crazy people who will show up 3+ hours early, even for a domestic flight. I’d rather be 3 hours early than 3 minutes late. No point sitting and home waiting to leave when I can sit in the airport and not stress. With the train I don’t worry so much. I can walk there, so traffic is less of a factor, TSA isn’t a factor, etc.
> 3+ hours early
As you admitted, that is very much a "you" problem. As noble prize winner George Stigler said, "If you never miss the plane, you're spending too much time in airports".
FYI if you miss the plane you can just go to the counter and get a ticket for the next one. It doesn't cost extra at any normal carrier in the US. I usually arrive ~30min early, walk through the CLEAR or precheck line, have some free snacks and beer at the amex/airline lounge, and then walk to the gate after boarding starts. ~60min for international
I don't want the stress of all that. Worrying about hitting traffic on the way to the airpot (or having car trouble), rushing to the gate, especially since my gate always tends to be the one at the end of the corridor... dealing with having my flight rebooked if I miss it, when is the next flight, is it full, what does that mean for my arrival time or additional layovers, will I end up in the middle seat... yuck.
There are enough potential stressors around travel, I don't need to add to it.
My way would drive you crazy, and your way would drive me crazy. I don't mind waiting in airports; I find it relaxing. I never said the 3+ hours was a problem.
> I don't mind waiting in airports; I find it relaxing.
My thoughts exactly. I've spent so much time waiting at bus stops in 115° weather, that an air-conditioned airport terminal is a piece of cake! I love just strolling through the concourse, checking out gift shops and art on the walls; there's even a gallery if I have time, and models of vintage aircraft hanging around. There's a nice interfaith chapel where I've found good Bibles and a copy of the Liturgy of the Hours, if I feel like investing 20+ minutes in quiet prayer.
Then I scope out security and see what the line's like, and I get through it with plenty of time to find a restaurant on the other side, then just chill out awhile with a book or my phone. I mean, I prefer third spaces to being home all the time. So many distractions, so much housework. Fantastic to leave it behind. Also, people-watching is a cool pastime!
There were a lotta posts about this feature on twitter 6 months ago back when it was being A/B tested. Usually along the lines of "Would you like this 2 hour flight or this 45 hour train? Hmmm..."
When there are many possible transportation options, I sometimes use...