[jyl]

I've taken two reasonably long Amtrak rides.

One was from LA to Albuquerque (sp?), an overnight trip. Another was from SF Bay to Seattle, about 24 hours.

Both were in the sleeping car, and that really is the key. You get a private cabin, there are various sizes from one person to two to family. The attendant treats you to the best service Amtrak has - snacks, preferred reservations in the dining car, etc. It is really a nice way to travel. Bring books, magazines, iPod. Hang out in the observation car, eat a decent meal with a great view, have a restful snooze in your cabin.

Kind of expensive, slow, and sometimes delayed - but a neat experience, one that I would gladly do again.

Interestingly, a number of your fellow travelers in the sleeping car will be people who have to travel cross-country for work but have a flight phobia.