Traveling Across the United States: Alternative Transportation Options to the Amtrak

Amtrak, the national rail operator in the United States, transports commuters across the country via intercity passenger rail. Generally, its cost is a little higher than taking a bus, but cheaper than riding a plane. Travel time when riding the Amtrak is also in between the slower bus and the faster plane. Although it is an ideal mode of transport to also enjoy the scenery, while traveling from state to state, there are times that forces some travelers to look for other means to get to their destinations according to their intended schedules -- especially during peak season.

Those who need alternative ways to travel can try other land or air transportation options such as the Greyhound bus, local and regional trains and buses, and the airplane. Commuters traveling in between nearby states and regions may find other local train options outside Amtrak's monopolized coast-to-coast service. Having a road trip using a private or rented vehicle or RV is something to consider as well.

Greyhound Buses

Greyhound, the long-range bus service catering to passengers traveling across the United States, is known as the cheapest option to travel by land. It offers round-the-clock departures around the country. It runs about 13,000 trips each day in about 2,300 destination around America. For travelers' convenience, it also links its many routes to local and regional companies that serve smaller town as well.

Local Trains and Buses

There are many bus lines offering regional and interstate bus transport services to cater to those traveling between nearby states' key cities and towns. Several transit agencies also make it possible to conveniently roam around large states like the Caltrain in California and the PATH (Port Authority Trans-Hudson) network in New York and New Jersey. Megabus, another popular alternative to the Amtrak, serves the Northeast and Midwest America.

Air Travel Options

Air travel offers the fastest time to travel between states. Those who prioritize travel time over the benefits of land transport will find this option most convenient. It also provides the opportunity to see places from another perspective -- high above the ground. There is a large selection of available airlines for interstate travel including the popular ones like Delta Airlines, United Airlines, and U.S. Airways. Other popular local airlines servicing various cities from coast-to coast include Virgin America, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways and Airtran Airways.

Road Trip

Those who prefer freedom and control over travel time and stops can bring their own car or rent any preferred vehicle or RV for their out of town trips. As an alternative to traveling with the Amtrak, packing, planning the route, and heading off at one's own pace and time allow the traveler more versatility to enjoy varying sites from state to state. This also makes it easy to take detours to destinations outside the initially planned itinerary. With the convenience given by GPS units and maps these days, taking a classic American road trip has already become a more convenient choice for adventurers traveling around the country.

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Travel Guide: Sports and Recreation Options in Southern California
List of Regional Buses Operating at the Chicago O'Hare International Airport
Natural Attractions and Sightseeing Trips Near the Las Vegas Strip

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