Here in the US, a shorter trip of NYC to Boston (~364km/226mi) is about 4.5 hours to drive or a little faster by train (faster train "acela" is 3h45m, regular is 4h20m). I'm assuming a "walk-up fare" is just day of, when you arrive at the station. That's generally not something we can do here as trains sell out, but for tomorrow tickets are $170 for the longer train, and between $140-$220 for the faster train (depending on departure time). Prices are one-way. Flying is often cheaper even at these distances, which is infuriating to me.
I'd love to have that $85 full walk-up fare you're getting. I really wish we cared about rail travel here, it's far preferable for me to flying or driving on trips at this distance.
One aspect of train travel that is particularly interesting in Germany is that ticket prices do NOT include seating.
That is to say, the fact that you bought a ticket does not imply that you can expect to sit during your ride. You have to buy a numbered seating reservation if you want to have a guaranteed seat, which is not necessarily offered for all lines.
A trip of 364km should not take 3h45 or 4.5 hrs. 2 hours should be expected on a route like that. The train would go at 185 km/h average speed. That is not even Japan or Chinese style high speed - just a well maintained railway infrastructure. With a 2 hour trip time you could get many people to switch...
I'd love to have that $85 full walk-up fare you're getting. I really wish we cared about rail travel here, it's far preferable for me to flying or driving on trips at this distance.