Overview: This article will go over transportation in different parts of the US.
Regional Map of the US
Areas of the US Americans Generally Refer to
The South
The Northeast
East Coast
West Coast
Midwest
Pacific Northwest
Rockies
Appalachia
Southwest (not as common)
New England (not as common)
Public Transportation that Traverses the US
Greyhound Bus
Affordable bus travel with nearly 2,300 destinations across the U.S., Canada and Mexico
Amtrak Trains
Trains that travel frequently up and down the East Coast; it goes across the US including to the South and the Pacific Northwest but these routes are more expensive and less frequent. One route does go to Montreal, Canada.
Buy Amtrak tickets in advance! The price increases closer to the travel date. For example, train prices from Philadelphia to New York can be $18 in advance or $150-$300 the day of.
If you are taking the Amtrak train to New York, please note that there is a stop called Newark right before it (if you’re headed north) and the names sound very alike.
See train routes
Local Transit Options
The East Coast has better train systems that are older and more established; they have better routes, more stops and more frequent trains. On the East Coast, it’s normal to wait 20 minutes for a train. Towards the West, trains usually arrive every hour.
Train Systems & Light Rails
See this section for transit options by state and city
Subways & Metro Systems
See this section for transit options by state and city
Trolleys, Trams & Street Cars
Trolleys only exist in some cities.
Seattle, WA
Portland, OR
San Francisco, CA
West Philadelphia, PA
Salt Lake City, UT
Buses
Most state transit companies offer buses in addition to trains but trains are recommended over buses. Buses will likely be the least expensive option.
Bike & Scooter Rentals
Many cities offer bike and scooter rentals that usually only require a smartphone and an app to use. The app depends on the service provided in that city.
Car Services
Outside of some major cities, most of the US will require a car to travel.
Car Share
Ride share apps
Lyft
Uber
Turo/Zipcar (may have to be US citizen)
Car Rentals
Recommended companies:
Enterprise
Great insurance
Able to drive a car across the US and drop off in a different location
Avis
Able to drive a car across the US and drop off in a different location
The Most Bike and Scooter Friendly Cities
San Francisco |
Minneapolis |
Portland |
Seattle |
Washington, D.C. |
Chicago |
New York |
Fort Collins |
Boston |
Boulder |
Philadelphia |
Austin |
Tucson |
Denver |
Madison |
Eugene |
Sacramento |
Cities with the Most Walkability
San Francisco |
Washington, D.C. |
Seattle |
Chicago |
Boston |
Philadelphia |
Miami |
Long Beach |
Public Transportation in Major Cities
Most transit companies offer buses in addition to trains but trains are recommended over buses. Please note, the East Coast has better train systems that are older and more established; they have better routes, more stops and more frequent trains. On the East Coast, it’s normal to wait 20 minutes for a train. Towards the West, trains usually arrive every hour.