Between cities you can often take a bus or train instead of flying. They are cheaper than flying for many trips, and you do not need a car.
Amtrak is the national passenger train company. It is busiest on the Northeast Corridor (Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington) and has routes across the country. Some long routes take one or two days and have sleeping rooms.
Book on amtrak.com or the Amtrak app. Prices usually rise as the date gets closer, so book early.
Seats are coach (standard) or business class. On some trains your seat is assigned; on others you sit anywhere in coach.
Amtrak has discounts for children, seniors, students and others. Read the rules for each.
Carry a photo ID. Staff may ask for it.
Many states also run commuter trains to suburbs, separate from Amtrak.
Buses: Greyhound, FlixBus, Megabus and others
Intercity buses go to many small towns that trains do not reach.
Book online or in the company's app. Prices are often lowest early and on weekdays.
Stations may be a building, a curb stop on a street, or a parking lot. Read the exact address on your ticket and look at it on a map before the day.
Arrive at least 30 minutes early. Buses leave on time and may fill up.
Most tickets include one bag under the bus and one small bag with you. Extra bags can cost more.
Many buses have Wi-Fi, outlets and a toilet.
Keep your passport, money and phone on your body, not in the bag under the bus.
Stay awake near your stop, or set an alarm.
Arriving at night? Plan your ride from the station before you leave.
Do not accept help from strangers who want to carry your bags or sell you tickets.
On trains and buses, tell the staff (the conductor or driver) if someone bothers you. Call 911 in an emergency.
Going to the wrong stop. Some cities have several bus stops for different companies.
Not keeping your ticket. Keep the QR code ready on your phone, with the battery charged.
Missing a transfer on a long trip. Leave time between connections.