Destination, convenience, and budget will be important factors in helping you determine how you're going to get around the US. Most of the USA's largest cities have good public transportation systems but in midsize cities and rural areas access to bus and rail networks can be very variable. In recent years more and more cities have been investing in new transit systems but that doesn't change the fact that America is definitely a country designed for drivers. In terms of long distance travel and trips across state lines, long-distance bus, train, and air travel are all widely used, though train routes are limited compared to networks in other countries.
Public transportation in the US
The quality of public transportation in the US depends highly on where you live. Many cities have upgraded transit systems with electric buses, lines, and expanded metro coverage. Major cities such as NYC, San Francisco, Boston, Chicago, Washington DC, Newark, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Phoenix, and Seattle boast the country's most extensive public transport networks, which are relied upon by a significant portion of the population for their daily commutes.
Taxis are common in cities but are generally considered one of the more expensive ways to travel short distances, making them less practical for daily commuting. However, the emergence of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft has transformed the landscape, making paid car-transport services more accessible and popular. It's important to note that in the US, tipping drivers is customary, with at least a 10% tip of the total fare being considered appropriate. Apps like Uber and Lyft will automatically prompt you to select a tip amount after the ride is concluded.
Transit systems often come with apps that you can download to buy tickets and track your route in real-time. Contactless payments are also common and many cities will have a swipe or tap card that you can use to get on and off services.
For longer distances between cities, shuttles and buses provide intercity travel options. One of the most prominent intercity bus services is Greyhound, which serves most of the country at relatively low prices. Other options include Peter Pan, Megabus, and Flixbus.
Train travel in the US
The United States has a comprehensive railway network, encompassing more than 220,000 kilometers of tracks that cater to both freight and passenger transportation needs. While rail travel is not as popular as road travel, the nation's railways are common for local commuting and long-distance journeys.
In the northeast region in metropolitan areas such as New York City, Washington, DC, and Boston, commuter trains are a vital mode of transportation. These trains are woven into the daily routines of many residents, providing a convenient and reliable means for short or intercity travel. However, when considering longer journeys that span across states and regions, train travel's popularity diminished somewhat due to the nation's sprawling geography and the prevalence of other transportation options like air travel. Taking the train in the US may be very time-consuming or costly, depending on the route you are planning. Amtrak, the national passenger rail service, takes the lead in offering long-distance train travel experiences. While long-distance train routes can lack the speed and efficiency of air travel, they definitely provide a romantic, scenic perspective of the strikingly diverse American landscapes.
For those embarking on overnight trips, Amtrak's sleeping cars provide comfortable accommodation, and there are dining cars and other amenities available. It's important to note that due to the longer durations and limited availability, advanced booking is typically required for these long-distance journeys.
Air travel in the US
The truly vast expanse of the United States, spanning thousands of miles from coast to coast, makes air travel the most efficient means of covering long distances. When considering cost, time, and convenience, flights often emerge as the preferred option for many travelers.
Compared to the cost of gas when traveling long distances, airfares are a competitive alternative in the US. And though long-distance train fares are usually cheaper than airline fares, air travel means you'll be there much sooner.
In the US, budget airlines play a significant role in providing cost-effective options for travelers. One notable example is , recognized for its low-cost model that allows passengers to choose from a menu of optional services, tailoring their travel experience to their needs and budget. Ticket prices with budget airlines and traditional carriers alike can vary significantly depending on the destination, time of travel, and the class of service chosen. Flying during peak travel seasons or booking last-minute tickets may result in higher prices. Conversely, planning trips during off-peak periods or taking advantage of advance purchase options can yield more budget-friendly fares.
Renting a car in the US
For those who have recently arrived in the United States, considering a short-term car rental could be a practical choice unless you reside in cities like New York City, Boston, San Francisco, and others where public transportation offers a more sensible option. Across nearly every city in the US, various rental agencies provide rental services. Rental prices can differ based on factors such as the vehicle type (larger vehicles like SUVs tend to be pricier than compact cars) and the package (like opting for unlimited mileage). Most agencies typically require a valid credit card, a driver's license, and sometimes an international driving license to rent a car. It's essential to note that car insurance is mandatory in the US. If not covered by your credit card company, you'll likely need to secure an insurance package through the rental agency.
Most of the big rental agencies now offer online and app-based booking, keyless entry, and flexible pick-up/drop-off options, making the rental process very smooth and convenient. However, those with international driver's licenses may need to have their documents verified in person.
Buying a car in the US
When buying a car in the United States, you have the option of selecting a new car or a second-hand vehicle, often referred to as a 鈥�used car.鈥� Both new and used cars are available at dealerships, and purchasing a used car from an individual seller is also a common practice using websites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Regardless of the source, test-driving the vehicle before finalizing a decision is strongly advised, and you can take it to a garage to have it thoroughly checked out by a mechanic first.
Whether dealing with a new or used car, negotiating the price with the seller is expected. Many car dealerships offer their own in-house financing solutions if you require a loan to buy your car. Remember, having car insurance is essential in the US, so make sure to include this in your budget.
Electric vehicles are growing in popularity, and you may be eligible for a rebate when purchasing one, depending on which state you live in.
Car sharing in the US
Expats should also consider car-share services like Zipcar, Enterprise, Getaround, and Turo, which are convenient alternatives to buying a car or using a traditional rental agency. These services allow individuals to rent vehicles for short periods, providing flexibility and ease of travel without the long-term commitment of car ownership. This can be particularly beneficial during the initial settling-in phase when purchasing a car might not be the most immediate priority. Car share options are available in numerous cities.
Cycling in the US
The viability of cycling in the US varies hugely based on location and local infrastructure. Many parts of America are industrial and have large highways, making cycling downright dangerous. In urban centers like New York City, San Francisco, and Portland, cycling is embraced as an eco-friendly and efficient option. These cities offer dedicated bike lanes, bike-sharing programs, and a growing cycling culture. In contrast, suburban or less bike-friendly areas might pose challenges due to limited cycling infrastructure. However, the popularity of cycling is steadily increasing across the nation, and more cities are looking to improve their bike infrastructure. If you don't want to buy your own bike, look out for bike and scooter-sharing programs, which can be great for short journeys. Services like Lime, Bird, and Citi Bike have spread across the US and can often be booked using your city's public transportation app.
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