Last time I checked a few train trips in the US that did have direct routes, they a) cost the same as flying and b) took the same time as driving (possibly because so many routes involve A FRIGGING BUS). It's like a lose-lose, unless you're phobic! I do want to take the Coast Starlight for kicks up to Seattle someday, but ... eugh.

And yeah, those darned freight trains get priority on the tracks, so even a route that doesn't involve buses will run late and slow ...