Getting Around

Trains, roads, taxis and how to move around United States.

Amtrak Coverage — Amtrak operates long-distance trains across the country with major routes like the Northeast Regional, Coast Starlight, and Empire Builder. Book tickets on amtrak.com or at stations; advance bookings offer better prices.
Regional Rail Networks — Northeast Corridor has frequent commuter options via NJ Transit and SEPTA alongside Amtrak. West Coast has Caltrain (Bay Area) and Metrolink (Los Angeles area) for shorter regional trips.
Amtrak trains frequently run 30 minutes to several hours late; don't book tight connections. Check status before traveling and allow buffer time if making onward flights or appointments.
Sleeper Cars — Long-distance Amtrak routes offer roomettes and bedrooms with meals included; these are pricier but convenient for overnight journeys between coasts.

Major Systems — NYC MTA, Washington WMATA, Chicago CTA, San Francisco BART, Los Angeles Metro, and Boston MBTA are the largest networks. Each has its own fare structure and apps; download the local transit app for your destination.
Payment Methods — Most cities now accept contactless credit cards and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) directly on card readers. Some still require transit cards (MTA MetroCard, WMATA SmarTrip) though many are phasing these out.
Service disruptions and strikes occur regularly, especially in NYC and San Francisco; check alerts before planning tight schedules. Weekend maintenance often reduces service on specific lines.
Day Passes — Most cities offer unlimited day or weekly passes (NYC 7-Day Flex Pass, DC Day Pass) which pay for themselves after 4-5 rides. Calculate your trip count to determine if a pass saves money.
Safety Tips — Ride in middle cars where conductors are stationed; avoid empty cars and stay aware of surroundings late at night. Keep bags close and watch for pickpockets in crowded stations.

Apps Dominance — Uber and Lyft operate nationwide; download both to compare prices. Prices surge during peak hours, so rideshare is cheapest in off-peak times or for short distances.
Surge pricing can triple or quadruple fares during events, holidays, or bad weather. Set your maximum before ordering or use public transit alternatives if available.
Yellow Cabs — Traditional taxis exist in major cities and don't surge price; hail on the street or call dispatch. Prices are metered but may be higher than rideshare during normal times.
Rideshare drivers may demand cash or add fees; use the app payment to avoid disputes. Confirm the driver and vehicle details match before entering.
Airport Rides — Use dedicated rideshare pickup zones (usually separate from taxi stands). Pre-arrange airport shuttles or hotel pickups when possible, as airport surcharges apply in app-based rides.

Rental Agencies — Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, and National dominate the market. Book directly or through Kayak/Autoslash; always decline dealer insurance if your credit card or personal policy covers rentals.
Parking fines range from $25 to $250+ in major cities; check signs carefully and use parking apps (SpotHero, ParkWhiz). Street parking in cities like NYC and San Francisco requires understanding alternate-side rules.
Interstate Routes — US highways are extensive and well-maintained; use Google Maps or Waze for navigation. Gas stations and rest areas are frequent on interstates; fill up before remote stretches.
Speed limit enforcement is strict in some states; speeding fines can reach $500+. Traffic cameras in cities issue photo tickets that arrive weeks later; follow posted limits.
Winter driving in northern states requires chains or winter tires; mountains may have mandatory requirements. Check weather and road conditions before winter travel in Colorado, California, and Pacific Northwest.
Gas & EV Charging — Gas is widely available; use GasBuddy app to find cheapest prices. Tesla Superchargers and ChargePoint networks charge EVs; plan longer trips around charging stations.

Major Airports — Atlanta (ATL), Dallas (DFW), Denver (DEN), and Los Angeles (LAX) are busiest hubs. Regional airports often have shorter lines and are cheaper alternatives for nearby cities.
TSA PreCheck ($78-85 for 5 years) saves significant time at security; Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck. Standard security lines can exceed 1-2 hours during peak travel periods.
Booking & Fares — Book 1-3 months in advance for best prices on major routes. Tuesday-Thursday departures are typically cheaper than weekend flights.
Baggage fees ($25-35 per bag) are standard; budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier charge for carry-ons. Review airline baggage policies before purchasing tickets.
Airport Transportation — Use public transit where available (BART to SF, MARC to DC, AirTrain to NYC). Rideshare costs $20-50 depending on distance and demand; airport shuttles are cheapest for groups.
Arrive Early — Arrive 2 hours for domestic flights, 3+ hours for international. Flight times are often delayed due to weather or air traffic; download airline apps for real-time updates.

Urban Ferries — NYC has ferry services via Hornblower and Seastreak (Statue of Liberty, Staten Island, Connecticut commutes). San Francisco Bay Ferry and Washington State Ferries provide scenic alternatives to driving.
Scenic Routes — Puget Sound ferries (Washington) are iconic day trips; book in advance during summer. NYC-to-Bermuda and Caribbean ferries exist seasonally but are primarily tourist experiences.
Payment — Most ferries accept credit cards and contactless payments; some require tickets purchased in advance. Day passes or round-trip tickets offer savings over single fares.

Regional Passes — Northeast Regional Rail Pass covers multiple states; California Rail Pass offers Amtrak discounts. Check Visit USA passes for non-US citizens planning multiple flights.
Multi-Day Passes — Most cities sell 1-day, 7-day, or 30-day passes for unlimited transit. Calculate rides needed to justify the pass; short visitors benefit from day passes while residents save with monthly.
Tourist scams sell fake passes; always buy from official ticket booths, station kiosks, or verified apps. Avoid street vendors offering 'deals' on transit passes.
Online Booking — Amtrak, airlines, and most transit systems allow mobile ticketing; download tickets to your phone. Paper tickets cost extra and can be lost or damaged.

Network Coverage — Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile dominate; all have nationwide coverage but speeds vary. 5G exists in major cities; rural areas may have 4G LTE only.
Prepaid Options — Buy prepaid SIM cards at airports, Best Buy, or Walmart ($20-50 with airtime). Providers like Google Fi, Mint Mobile, and Cricket offer month-to-month plans cheaper than major carriers.
International Travelers — Get a US SIM card at the airport if your phone is unlocked. International roaming rates are expensive; local SIM cards cost $20-40 and include substantial data allowances.
WiFi Availability — Free WiFi is standard in hotels, cafes, and libraries. Transit hubs like airports and train stations offer free or paid WiFi; Amtrak WiFi is often unreliable.
Public WiFi is unsecured; avoid banking or sensitive tasks without a VPN. Use cellular data or trusted networks for financial transactions.