I traveled in coach on an Amtrak train from Vancouver to Seattle for $50. It was cheaper and less stressful than flying.

Joey Hadden, a Business Insider reporter, recently took the Amtrak Cascades train from Vancouver to Seattle and found it to be a much more enjoyable and cost-effective alternative to flying. The train ride cost just $50 in coach, a fraction of the price of basic economy airfare, which was around $150 for the same trip at the time.

The train journey was four hours long, compared to roughly one hour for a flight, but Hadden enjoyed the experience more. He appreciated the larger and more comfortable seats, which had more legroom than typical economy flights. The seats also reclined and had power outlets, overhead reading lights, and tray tables.

There were no middle seats in the coach cars, ensuring passengers had a comfortable spot throughout the journey. Unlike airports, there were no security checkpoints on the train, making the boarding process much smoother. Additionally, passengers could check up to four suitcases for free, compared to the limited baggage allowance on flights.

Amtrak trains offer a variety of amenities, including a café car with snacks, salads, and microwaved meals. Hadden found the meals to be surprisingly tasty and satisfying, especially for a short flight. He also appreciated the larger restrooms with ample space to move around, larger power outlets, and a more comfortable bathroom experience compared to airplane restrooms.

The train route passed through varied landscapes, from Canadian farmlands to coastal areas, providing passengers with a unique and constantly changing view. Hadden found this to be a more enjoyable experience than the static view offered by airplane windows during takeoff and landing. Overall, Hadden enjoyed his Amtrak train ride and would prefer it over flying for short distances like Vancouver to Seattle.