Yeah looks like I was just looking at the first leg of the journey. 22 hours roughly the whole way. Still though, might be worth it. I've never taken a train cross-country (Chicago doesn't count) and I think it would be a unique experience.
I enjoy Amtrak a lot. There are stretches (Seattle to Vancouver) that are more economical than driving. There are stretches (Seattle to Portland) that are more expensive and take a little longer, but occasionally worth it. And there are stretches (Seattle to Los Angeles) that are completely out of the running, because they cost 4x what a first-class ticket on an airline costs and take four days. The trick to Amtrak is they run on the same track as BNSF. BNSF is not required to inform Amtrak of its schedule, nor accommodate non-commuter rail travel. Which means Amtrak will occasionally sit on a pass rail, waiting for a freight train. It also means there's a good chance that your train will miraculously transform into a charter bus with all the glamour that entails. The last time I took Amtrak to Vancouver it ended up being a bus that got lost on the way to the station. We all ended up voting on which turns to take because none of us wanted to take on the ruinous data charges you get in Canada. Just be aware of what you're getting into. I'd be tempted, too, but that whole "bus" thing looms like a specter.
My cousin (the son of the retired Amtrak uncle) also works for Amtrak. He manages some of the "commuter buses" that take passengers "between train stations" or in other words... on 4-8 hour bus rides from hell.there's a good chance that your train will miraculously transform into a charter bus with all the glamour that entails.
hey - I'm all for rail travel. It can be relaxing, beautiful, and comfortable. As long as you don't kill a guy like lil did with her train. I just didn't want you to plan for 4 hours, and experience what will surely turn in to 30. I am convinced that the only semi-reliable rail travel in the US is in the north east corridor (a funny comment considering today's woes in DC). But seriously - need a train from Philly to Boston? no problem, and mostly on time. Need to get from DC to NYC - no problem. Want to get from San Francisco to Chicago? See you in 4+ days. Amtrak is GREAT if you don't care about time.