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Plan Your Trip
Before You Go
Getting Around
Driving
Where to Stay
Budget
Connected
Family & Accessibility
Transport
Getting Around the USA
The best transport choice depends on distance, city size and how much of your trip is urban versus rural.
Simple rule:Use public transport in dense cities; consider a car for national parks, scenic regions and multi-stop road trips.
Between cities
For long distances, compare flights with the real door-to-door time of trains or driving.
Inside cities
Subways, buses, walking and ride-hailing are often easier than parking in major downtown areas.
Rural areas & parks
A rental car is often the most practical option when public transport is limited or nonexistent.
When a car makes sense
- National parks and scenic drives
- Small towns and countryside
- Multi-state road trips
- Trips with several hotel changes
When you can skip the car
- New York City
- Central Boston
- Central Washington, DC
- Short urban breaks with strong transit
