Local Transport in USA
1. 🚆 Trains & Intercity Travel (Amtrak & Regional Rail)
Nationwide:
- Amtrak – Intercity Passenger Rail (Major routes: Northeast Corridor, California Zephyr, Empire Builder, etc.)
Regional Rail Services:
- NJ Transit (New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia)
- Metra (Chicago)
- SEPTA (Philadelphia)
- Caltrain (San Francisco Bay Area)
- MBTA – Commuter Rail (Boston)
Tips:
- Look for student discounts via university ID
- Book in advance on Amtrak for lower fares
2. 🚇 City Metros, Subways, Light Rail & Trams
Major U.S. City Systems:
- NYC Subway (MTA)
- Washington Metro (WMATA)
- Chicago ‘L’ (CTA)
- San Francisco BART
- LA Metro Rail
- Boston T – Subway
Pass Options:
- Monthly/weekly passes for frequent riders
- Student transit cards (varies by university/city)
3. 🚌 Buses & Intercity Coaches (City + Long Distance)
City Buses:
- Included in most metro systems above (MTA, CTA, WMATA, etc.)
- Use Google Maps or local transit app for routes/timing
Intercity Coaches:
- Greyhound (Nationwide)
- Megabus (Budget intercity)
- FlixBus USA
Budget Tip: Book early on FlixBus or Megabus for $1–$10 tickets!
4. 🚖 Taxis, Ride-Hailing & Airport Transfers
Ride-Hailing Apps:
Student-Friendly Shuttle Services:
- SuperShuttle – Airport transfers
- Go Airport Shuttle
Local Cabs:
- Usually called via Google, or available at stations/airports
- Higher fare than app-based rides
5. 🗺️ Maps, Traffic & Real-Time Transit Apps
Transit Navigation Apps:
- Google Maps – Transit Mode
- Moovit – Transit App
- Transit App – Real-time city transit
- Citymapper (select cities)
Travel Planning:
6. 🚲 Bonus: Cycling, Scooters & Student Travel Cards
Bike Sharing & Scooters:
- CitiBike NYC
- Divvy Bikes – Chicago
- Bay Wheels – San Francisco
- Bird Scooters
- Lime – E-bikes & scooters
Student Transit Passes & Cards:
- Check with your university’s transit page:
- Example: UCLA BruinCard & Metro UPass
- Example: USC Student Transit Pass (LA Metro)
✨ Some universities include transit passes in your tuition or student services fee.