Amtrak, Greyhound & Long-Distance Buses

Trains and long-distance buses are not mass transit in the USA like in Europe, but they are a good option for certain routes.

Amtrak — Trains

Amtrak operates the national rail network. The trains are comfortable but often slower and more expensive than flying. However, they are ideal for certain routes:

Route	Duration	Price (from)	Highlight
NYC → Washington D.C. (Acela)	2:50h	$50–150	Fastest connection, business travelers
NYC → Washington D.C. (Regional)	3:30h	$30–90	Cheaper alternative
NYC → Boston	3:30–4h	$30–100	Gateway to New England
NYC → Philadelphia	1:15h	$20–60	Perfect for a day trip
LA → San Diego (Pacific Surfliner)	2:45h	$25–50	Coastal route by the sea
Emeryville → Reno (California Zephyr)	5:30h	$35–80	Across the Sierra Nevada
Seattle → Vancouver (Amtrak Cascades)	4h	$30–65	Cross-border

Scenic Routes: Those with time should experience the panoramic routes: the California Zephyr (Chicago → San Francisco, 51h, from $150) and the Coast Starlight (Seattle → Los Angeles, 35h, from $100) are among the most beautiful train routes in the world.

Greyhound & FlixBus — Long-Distance Buses

The cheapest way to cover longer distances. Greyhound is the classic, FlixBus has been expanding aggressively since 2018.

Route	Duration	Price (from)
NYC → Washington D.C.	4–5h	$15–35
NYC → Boston	4–4.5h	$10–30
LA → Las Vegas	5h	$15–40
LA → San Francisco	7–8h	$20–50
Miami → Orlando	4–5h	$15–35

Also Recommended: Megabus and OurBus — sometimes bookable from $1 (rare, but possible). WiFi and power outlets on board are standard.

Uber & Lyft — Ride-Hailing

Available in every major city and often cheaper than a taxi. Simply download the app, link a credit card, and go. Tips (15–20%) can be given in the app.

Ride	Price (approx.)
Airport → Downtown (NYC, JFK)	$50–80
Airport → Downtown (LAX)	$30–50
Within a major city (5 km)	$10–18
Uber Pool / Lyft Shared	30–50% cheaper