This will probably be unexpected, but - having taken Amtrak to New York many, many times, and having just taken the TGV to Brussels (from Paris), I have to say that I prefer Amtrak. Sure, the TGV is faster. In every other way that I care about though, taking Amtrak is nicer:

• Reclining Seats: Amtrak has them, 2nd class on the TGV doesn't
• Power at the seats: Amtrak has that, TGV doesn't
• Seats not set up in groups of four, two facing two: Amtrak is more like a 2x2 airline arangement

Would I like it if Amtrak ran faster on routes like DC to NY? Sure, but I like the simple amenities Amtrak has better than the speed of the TGV.

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