Amtrak California Zephyr from Martinez to Chicago, Capitol Limited to DC. Total time: 78.5 hours.
About 228, so almost exactly the same as flying, less if you count bag fees, so I see it as a win-win for me: no security or rushing, no fees, comfortable and relaxing, gorgeous view, and I get to be drunk. Not to mention, I love having conversations with people on the train.
Sounds wonderful. I remember checking the Golden Line or whatever the hell Amtrak has to get you from Seattle to Boston and it was at least a hundred dollars more than that. And frequently at least half a day late. Talk about a company dying for bankruptcy. But there's something romantic about the idea -- Jack Kerouac did it -- so I'll probably take one at some point, for fun and adventure.