Traveling in America

Travel in and around the USA can be expensive or inexpensive depending on the mode of transport. The distances involved mean that it may be more economical to fly than to travel overland.

Travel by Car

Hiring a car can be an economical option for travelling, even the smallest "economy car" is large by European standards. Moreover, the price of gas/ petrol is far cheaper than in Europe and used to be 1/4 of the price in Britain, however the prices at the fuel pumps have been steadily increasing.

It is worth shopping around for quotes from different hire car companies as prices do vary. The prices vary by location also - for example the prices are lower at Newark Airport than in Manhattan.

For those with plenty of time to spare there are a number of car relocation firms where you can drive across the USA in someone's car and only pay the price of fuel. Do a Google search to learn more.

Travel by Train

Greyhound Bus

Though romanticised in film and television, travelling by Greyhound can be a traumatic experience. The seats are small and because owning a car is such a large part of American culture the clientele of Greyhound can sometimes leave a bit to be desired.

There is no seat allocation on Greyhound buses so it is first come first served. On busy days, long lines form at the gates hours before boarding. Saying that I made all the connections I wanted and the price was reasonable for an unlimited travel ticket.

Flying

Arguably the simplest and most comfortable way of getting from A to B. Flying is useful if you are short of time and/ or money. I flew from Oakland to JFK for $100 - far more economical than travelling across country.

By: Jess