This weekend I took the train to New Haven, both ways total: $115.

It cost about twice as a Greyhound bus ($65 round-trip), but took 1 1/2 hours less each way. And it was much more comfortable than sitting on a bus.

I also considered taking a Zipcar, which probably would have ended up being more after adding miles driven. Plus, I was taking public transportation and could relax rather than be really stressed out about driving to a place I've never driven to.

So, I guess this is about trade-offs, and how much my comfort is worth. For me, even though it cost so much money, taking the train was a good decision and I'll continue to take it.