It really depends what you're looking for. The train in the US isn't for reliable fast transportation, it's for relatively comfy and relaxing transportation. I

It really depends what you're looking for. The train in the US isn't for reliable fast transportation, it's for relatively comfy and relaxing transportation. I did the trip from Montréal, Canada all the way to San José, California on Amtrak and it was fantastic. It allowed me to disconnect by staring out the window for a few days and literally not doing anything but relax without internet connectivity. It was fun to chat with people from all over the US over dinner, and hear a bit about their world. But obviously the direct YUL-SFO is more efficient, it's just a few hours in a cramped and dry metal tube in the sky. That's what I'd pick, 100% of the time, if I need to be at my destination at a specific time with no time to waste traveling. Even though I'd love it if there were more passenger trains, I definitely agree with you that it's doubtful that a lot of trips will be done by train. The US is just so large that flying really is the most sensical option most of the time.