Tuesday marked the launch of Amtrak’s new Borealis service, giving residents in Chicago and the Twin Cities another daily travel option between the two cities.
That’s a 1-hour flight, plus an hour to get to ORD, plus getting there the recommended 2 hours before the flight time to clear security and board, plus baggage claim at MSP. Flying is still faster, but the train is far more chill. High-speed rail would completely beat a plane.
But also, the train makes intermediate stops. I’ve seen a number of Chicago people on social media excited about taking the Borealis to Wisconsin Dells, and that travel time is pretty comparable.
That’s a 1-hour flight, plus an hour to get to ORD, plus getting there the recommended 2 hours before the flight time to clear security and board, plus baggage claim at MSP. Flying is still faster, but the train is far more chill. High-speed rail would completely beat a plane.
But also, the train makes intermediate stops. I’ve seen a number of Chicago people on social media excited about taking the Borealis to Wisconsin Dells, and that travel time is pretty comparable.
You’re not wrong. Plus, the trip on the train is certainly quite scenic.