It is great riding it cross-country, I just finished up my second trip from Los Angeles to New York City in August (Southwest Chief + Lake Shore Limited). I enjoy being able to finish books and get some coding work in, and the amazing views like riding through the midwest at night and having a far off lightning storm in the background. All the people I've met on the trains are really nice, and interesting. When I tell my friends here that it is actually quite a nice trip they think it is ridiculous to take a train for 72 hours, but it really isn't about the destination for me -- just the trip. I also prefer it to airplane travel.