Getting Around Major US Cities

New York City has the most extensive public transit system in the US, with 472 subway stations operating 24/7. Buy a MetroCard or use OMNY tap-to-pay with a contactless credit card or phone. The subway costs USD 2.90 per ride with free transfers to buses within two hours. Chicago’s CTA is also excellent, with the L train covering the city and its elevated Loop downtown. Los Angeles is car-centric, but the Metro system has expanded significantly and now connects LAX to downtown and Hollywood. In all three cities, Uber and Lyft are the most convenient option when public transit does not reach your destination.

Intercity Travel

Amtrak is the national passenger rail service, but service quality varies by route. The Northeast Corridor (Boston-New York-Philadelphia-Washington DC) is the strongest route with frequent, relatively fast service. The Acela express takes 3 hours from NYC to DC. For cross-country travel, flying is almost always faster and often cheaper than rail. Budget carriers like Southwest, Frontier, and Spirit offer low fares if you are flexible on luggage. For medium distances (under 5 hours), FlixBus and Greyhound offer very cheap bus tickets, especially when booked in advance. Car rentals are essential for exploring areas outside major cities, national parks, and for classic American road trips.

Practical Tips

• Tipping is deeply embedded in US culture: 18-22% at sit-down restaurants, USD 1-2 per drink at bars, 15-20% for rideshares and taxis
• Sales tax is not included in displayed prices and varies by state (0% in Oregon, up to 10% in parts of Tennessee and Louisiana)
• Healthcare is extremely expensive for uninsured visitors; buy comprehensive travel insurance before arriving
• Most establishments accept credit and debit cards, and many places in major cities are going cashless, but carry some cash for tips and small vendors
• Free public WiFi is widely available at coffee shops, libraries, and many restaurants, but speeds vary