Transport and Driving in the USA

There are many ways of getting around in the US, from driving your own vehicle to using various forms of public transport. Your choice of transport will depend not only on where you’re based but also on your budget, how much time you’re willing to spend commuting and how much you value comfort.

Driving in the USA

Driving in the USA is a way of life for most Americans, although you may not need a car if you’re living in one of the larger metropolitan areas, such as San Francisco or New York City. Highly urbanised areas usually have extensive local and regional transit networks. Moving to a smaller city or town means you’ll likely need a car to do almost anything that isn’t within easy walking distance.

The system of roads and highways is relatively easy to navigate, although there can be severe traffic congestion in major cities. Driving also means finding a parking space.

While fuel costs in the US are reasonable, the cost of driving a vehicle can become expensive depending on location, distance travelled and how frequently a person drives. The great majority of Americans still choose to drive for reasons of convenience, safety and freedom to travel as they wish.

Driver’s licences

Expats who already have a driver’s licence from their home country are permitted to drive in the US until they become a resident of their state, usually after a period of a year, but this varies from state to state. It is generally not necessary to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) unless one’s licence is in a language other than English.

Once you become a resident of the state you’re living in, you should visit the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to obtain a US driver’s licence. You may need to take a test to get a local licence, although nationals of some countries are exempt from this, depending on your state’s reciprocity agreements.

Driving in Los Angeles 
Driving in Houston
Driving in Atlanta

Public transport in the USA

Intercity trains

Intercity trains in the USA are operated by Amtrak, which provides railway services linking more than 500 destinations across 46 states. You can purchase tickets online, at station kiosks, over the phone, at staffed stations and onboard trains.

Local railways and subways

More than half of American states have passenger railway services in some form, although the extent of the services available varies. While underground train services are usually described as subways, some railway routes have both underground and ground-level train stops.

Railway travel in the US is inexpensive and convenient, offering discounts similar to those of other forms of public transport. Some cities also have trains connecting to major airports, saving commuters time and money and reducing the hassle of dealing with traffic and parking.

Buses

While some large cities and towns have their own rail or subway service, smaller towns or suburbs may not have this convenience. In these cases, there should at least be some type of public bus service available. Fares are reasonable in many cases, with discounts often available to students, senior citizens and other individuals on specific tickets.

Several bus companies, such as Greyhound, offer economical intercity services compared to trains, air travel, and even driving. While lacking the conveniences of other types of transport, intercity bus services are a low-cost alternative for travelling between cities.

Public Transport in New York City  
Public Transport in Boston
Public Transport in Washington, DC

Useful links

• Amtrak
• FlixBus and Greyhound

Taxis in the USA

Taxis in the USA can be found in inner-city and outlying suburban areas, or even within smaller towns. You can hail them in the street, at special taxi ranks or cab stands, reserve them over the phone or book online. While traditional taxis offer quick point-to-point travel, they tend to be pricier than other transport options.

Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft are widely available in most US cities and have largely overtaken traditional taxis in popularity. These apps let you request a ride, track your driver in real-time, and pay automatically through the app.

Taxis in San Francisco 
Taxis in Miami

Useful links

• Uber
• Lyft

Air travel in the USA

Air travel in the USA is dominated by several large domestic airlines, such as Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines. Smaller regional carriers provide services on more specialised routes but often partner with larger carriers for greater coverage.

Most travellers purchase their tickets online to take advantage of special discounts and check in ahead of their flight. Tickets can still be purchased through travel agents and at airports, although online booking has become the standard method.

Domestic Flights in Dallas 
Domestic Flights in Philadelphia

Useful links

• Southwest Airlines
• United Airlines
• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines