Whether you’re traveling to a single U.S. city or touring the country, you’ll need to know how to get around. Public transportation in the United States is not always the most reliable option. Understanding the different modes of transportation available at your destination is the best way to avoid getting lost or stranded.
Use this article as an introductory guide to the different kinds of transportation you might come across while traveling in the United States. From public transit to hiring a car, discover which options are the cheapest, most accessible, and most reliable.
Public transportation is rarely the most convenient way to get around in the United States. Although every city offers some form of public transport, only a few major cities have extensive public transit networks, including buses, trains, and rapid transit. Some well-connected cities include New York City, Washington, D.C., Chicago, and San Francisco.
That said, American public transportation is expanding. U.S. cities are increasingly incorporating more accessible, economical, and environmentally friendly transportation options every year.
Some of the public transportation options you might come across in the U.S. include:
While public transportation continues to grow across America, cars remain the most reliable way to travel within and between cities.
There are two types of bus transport in the United States: city buses and interstate buses.
As the name suggests, city buses are part of a city’s public transportation network. These buses make frequent stops within city limits and may offer limited service to surrounding areas.
The quality and reliability of city buses differs from city to city. Some of the cities with the best bus systems are Seattle, San Francisco, Honolulu, and Pittsburgh.
Interstate buses, on the other hand, are run by private companies and take passengers between cities across the country. These buses serve a vast selection of cities in every state and offer direct routes between most major cities. Travel to a smaller town, however, may require one or more transfers.
Interstate buses are a relatively comfortable mode of transportation. They tend to be clean, air-conditioned, and have on-board bathrooms. Many bus companies even offer free Wi-Fi.
The downside of traveling between cities by interstate bus is the length of the journey. The United States is large, and buses make stops every few hours to allow passengers to buy snacks, stretch their legs, and use the restroom. As a result, it usually takes longer to travel by bus than it would by private car.
Here are the average trip lengths of a few popular interstate bus routes:
Navigating city buses can be confusing the first time around. Before you take a bus, get to know the city’s various bus routes and identify the stops of departure and arrival.
The leading bus company with the most routes and stations in the U.S. is Greyhound. Other interstate bus companies include Megabus, Trailways, and Boltbus. We recommend reserving your seat on an interstate bus in advance. You can do so online, by phone, or at the station.
On the day of departure, plan to arrive at the station about an hour early to check in and check your items. Interstate buses leave on time.
You can usually purchase single-ride bus tickets directly from the bus driver. Simply board the bus and pay in cash. Otherwise, go to a public transit office to pay by card or to purchase a bus pass. Some cities may also allow riders to buy bus passes by card online.
Standard one-way bus fare ranges from $1.25 to $2.75. Most U.S. cities also offer discounted tickets of up to 50% for youth, senior passengers, students, military service members, and individuals with disabilities.
Here are standard bus fares in a few U.S. cities with highly rated bus systems:
Purchase an interstate bus ticket directly from the bus company online, by phone, or at the bus station. You may be able to purchase bus tickets from independent agents as well, such as convenience stores or gas stations. Greyhound allows cash-paying passengers to reserve their seats in advance and pay at the station on the day of departure.
Bus travel may not be the most convenient, but it is the cheapest mode of transportation for long-distance travel in the U.S.
Examples of standard fares for popular Greyhound routes:
Like most public transportation systems, bus companies offer discounts for various passengers. For example, Greyhound offers discounts for children, students, active and retired military service members, and seniors. They also offer lower rates on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
While the U.S. rail system played an essential part in the initial growth of the country, it represents only a marginal role in modern American transportation. Various public and private rail systems exist across the country, but not all Americans use them regularly.
The United States has two types of train transportation: commuter trains and intercity trains.
Commuter trains are part of a city’s public transit system and serve to connect suburbs with downtown areas. They offer quick and affordable transportation across metropolitan regions. Only a few cities in the U.S. have a commuter rail system.
Here are a few of the country’s largest commuter rail networks:
Intercity trains are a mode of long-distance train travel, that connects cities across the country. Amtrak runs all American intercity train routes. With 35 lines across the country, these trains are mostly used for leisure travel, offering scenic views of both small-town America and big cities. Long-distance trains feature sleeping cars and on-board dining options. Most trains also offer free Wi-Fi.
Intercity train travel is neither fast nor cheap. Still, it is a fun and unique way to travel if your goal is to sightsee and you have ample time.
Some of the most popular intercity train routes include:
Research which commuter rail lines you need to take to travel to your destination. Depending on the volume of traffic, trains may leave more or less frequently. Look up the train schedule and plan to arrive a few minutes in advance so you can purchase your ticket at the ticket counter or vending machine. Most commuter trains do not have reserved seats, so you can sit or stand where you please.
Arrive at the train station at least 30 minutes in advance. Arrive even earlier if you need to check a bag or bike or if you need help with your ticket. Amtrak trains sometimes arrive later than scheduled and may not rest at the station for as long as planned. Be prepared to board as soon as the train arrives.
Commuter trains are an affordable way to travel around metropolitan areas. Tickets may be slightly more expensive than a bus or subway fare and increase with distance. Unlike bus or subway fares, which are flat-rated and permit riders to get on and off where they please, commuter train fares are distance-based.
When purchasing your ticket, you will need to specify where you will get off the train. There are also discounted options available for people who plan on using the train more frequently. Some commuter trains offer discounts for round-trips, 10-trips, and monthly passes.
Purchase commuter train tickets at the train station. Reduced fares may be available for minors, seniors, people with disabilities, students, and military service members.
Here are some examples of commuter train fares:
Long-distance trains tend to be more expensive than other quicker forms of transportation. However, the comfortable experience and stunning views may be worth the cost.
There are four categories of tickets, from least to most expensive: Unreserved Coach, Reserved Coach, Business Class, and First Class. You can purchase tickets online, via the Amtrak mobile app, over the phone, at an Amtrak station, or through a certified travel agent.
Examples of Unreserved Coach fares on popular Amtrak routes:
Rapid transit is a kind of high-speed public transportation available in urban areas. Some examples of rapid transit include subways, metros, and other urban high-speed rail lines. These forms of public transit have a high passenger capacity and a high-frequency schedule.
Rapid transit systems are a quick, cheap, and reliable way to navigate urban areas in the United States. Unfortunately, you will only find them in a handful of highly populated U.S. cities.
The most-used rapid transit systems in the country include:
Cities without a rapid transit system may have other similar forms of public transportation, such as light rails, monorails, tramways, and trolleys. These are also examples of high-capacity, high-frequency urban rail systems. However, unlike subways and metros, they move at the average speed of traffic, typically cover a shorter distance, and are less likely to travel underground.
In general, subways and metros are an affordable way to travel in American cities. Some rapid transit systems charge a flat fee, while others may charge by distance or time of day.
Here are some examples of standard fares for rapid transit in the United States:
To purchase single ride tickets for a subway or metro, you’ll need to buy from a vending machine or, in some cases, at a ticket counter. As with other forms of public transport, some passengers may be eligible for a reduced fare.
In big cities, taxis are a convenient alternative to public transportation, especially if you are heading to or coming from somewhere far from a rail station or bus stop.
In New York City, yellow “Medallion” cabs are plentiful and dominate Manhattan. Other cities where taxi transport is standard include Chicago; Washington, D.C.; Los Angeles; Houston; and San Francisco. In the downtown areas of these cities, finding a taxi shouldn’t be too much of a challenge. In most other cities, however, it may be easier to call a taxi service and order a driver to your location.
To identify an available taxi, look at the lights on the top of the car. If the lights are on, the cab is available for hire. If the lights are off, the taxi is occupied or off duty.
In cities with a high concentration of taxis, the best way to take a taxi is to hail one by raising your hand and making eye contact with a driver. You can also wait at a taxi stand. Once a taxi arrives, get in the backseat and give the driver the address—not the name—of your destination.
Taxis are metered and have a starting rate of around $3. Every mile traveled costs an additional $2 to $3. You should always tip your driver a few dollars, even for short rides. For longer journeys, be prepared to give your driver a tip of 10% to 15%.
In the last decade, ridesharing has become a principal sector of transportation across the developed world. In the United States, Uber and Lyft dominate the market.
To use these services, you must have a smartphone with data service. In the ridesharing app, input the address of your destination, choose your trip preferences, and request a ride from a nearby driver. Once a driver accepts your ride request, you will get a confirmation notification. You will be able to track your driver as they arrive.
When you create an account with a ridesharing service, you must provide your credit card and billing information. In general, this is how you pay for any use of a ridesharing service.
NOTE: Uber recently rolled out a payment option called Uber Cash, but it does not actually allow you to pay drivers in physical money. Rather, it allows riders to create a "cash budget" to prevent overspending on the app. It works essentially like a gift card.
Uber and Lyft use dynamic pricing that factors in a base fare, a cost per minute, a cost per mile, and other fees, such as “surge pricing.” Surge pricing occurs when drivers are in high demand, typically due to large events or holidays, causing an increase in fares. Surge pricing is unpredictable and may be twice as much—or more—than your standard fare.
Like taxi drivers, Uber and Lyft drivers in the United States expect a tip of 10%-15%. Forgetting to tip might result in a lousy passenger review.
Although convenient, ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft do have their downsides. Because they are less regulated than traditional taxi companies, it is easier to be duped or scammed by a driver or someone posing as a driver. When using ridesharing apps, practice the following safety precautions, just in case.
According to the U.S. Department of State, 95% of Americans own a car. Driving is a big part of American culture and the preferred method of traveling in and between cities.
So, for a truly American experience, why not rent one? It may not be the most economical or eco-friendly form of transportation, but it is the most flexible. Driving will grant you access to places you might have trouble getting to otherwise. Keep in mind, the United States is expansive, and distances between attractions may be vast and poorly served by public transportation.
Reserving a car in advance is recommended, but not necessary. Doing so will help you budget for your trip and may save you some money on fees.
Travelers who plan on renting a car in the United States should research the driving laws at their destination before departing their home country. Each U.S. state has its own rules and regulations for renting a car and the types of accepted documentation. Rental companies also have rules and regulations that may differ from state laws.
Generally, travelers who are at least 25 years old and have a valid driver's license written in English should not have trouble renting a car. However, you may run into trouble if your license is not originally in English and does not include English translations. These travelers may need to acquire an International Driving Permit (IDP) before traveling abroad.
Depending on the state and the car rental company, some travelers under the age of 25 may still be able to rent a car for an added fee.
NOTE: The United States does not issue International Driving Permits to foreign nationals. To get an IDP, you should contact the department of Motor Vehicles in the country that issued your driver's license.
Drivers must have auto insurance to operate a vehicle in the United States. Make sure you have auto insurance coverage before signing a rental agreement.
Over the last couple of decades, biking has become more prevalent in cities and among those trying to lower their carbon footprint. Now that most cities have bike lanes, biking is more accessible as a form of everyday transport than ever before.
Avid cyclists or travelers who want to hold on to their bikes as they move around might want to buy bikes for the duration of their trip. Bikes are usually available for low prices on sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. At the end of your trip, you can sell your bicycle back on the same platform.
Long-term bike rentals are relatively easy to find, as well. It typically costs about $100 per week, and you may be required to provide a security deposit.
Bike lovers should consider traveling to these bike-friendly U.S. cities:
In recent years, bike-sharing services have exploded across the United States. Between private bike-sharing companies (like Uber’s Jump and Lyft’s Motivate) and bike shares run by public transportation systems, bicycles are now easy to borrow in most American cities.
Some bike-sharing systems rely on docks scattered around a city. To borrow a bike, simply input your payment information, and a bike will be unlocked for you to use for a short amount of time. Other bike-sharing programs are app-based. Use the app to locate a bike near you and leave it at your destination.
The cost of borrowing a bike is about $2.50 per hour, depending on the service you use, making it a cheap—not to mention healthy—way to navigate a city. Some bike shares also offer 24-hour passes or multi-day passes. For example, Capital Bikeshare in Washington, D.C. only charges $8 for a one-day pass and $17 for a 3-day pass.
The United States offers many modes of transportation to suit your travel needs and preferences, but remember each city is different. Do further research on each of your destinations to learn which forms of transport will be available to you and determine which is best for your trip.