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20+ Things to Know Before You Travel By Bus in the USA

February 21, 2018 by Karen Turner 10 Comments

I have many talents, but driving is not one of them. I’ve never been given a driver’s license, so I’ve been forced to travel by bus in the USA. Although it’s maybe not “cool” to travel by buses around the United States, taking Greyhound buses and Megabus is often a good cheap way to travel around the USA.

Keep reading for my recommendations for the bus companies in the United States, reviews of different bus companies in the US, what to know about bus travel in the United States, and what to bring on long bus trips in the United States.

• 1 Should you travel by bus in the US?
• 2.1 Greyhound
• 2.2 Megabus
• 2.3 BoltBus
• 2.4.1 Other Bus companies in the United States
• 3.0.1 The bus stations…
• 3.0.2 Finding the bus departure place may be harder than you realize!
• 3.0.3 You might get dropped off in the middle of nowhere
• 3.0.4 Avoid buses that depart or arrive late at night
• 3.0.5 Book in advance to get the best times and prices
• 3.0.6 Not every bus still has wifi… or working plugs
• 3.0.7 You need identification and often your bus ticket printed
• 3.0.8 Your bus ticket is typically non-refundable and for a specific time
• 3.0.9.1 Don’t drink too many liquids
• 3.0.10.1 Set an alarm
• 3.0.10.2 One suitcase and one backpack.  Keep your valuables with you.
• 3.0.11 Be early for the bus!
• 4.0.1 Be sure to bring antibacterial gel
• 4.0.2 Travel Pillow.
• 4.0.3 Backpack that will fit your valuables, including your laptop.
• 4.0.4 Your iPad and a season of shows lined up with some headphones.
• 4.0.5 Snacks.
• 4.0.6 Wear layers and bring a sweatshirt.
• 4.0.7 A good book and a reading light.
• 4.0.8 External Phone Battery Charger

Should you travel by bus in the US?

Yes, and no. If your trip around the United States is focused on city hopping, especially within one region (e.g. East Coast), traveling by bus in the United States is a good choice.. It’s often cheaper and easier not to have a car in big cities in the United States as parking can add up.  However, it depends a lot on the city as some cities have great public transportation system while others have terrible public transportation systems.

If you’re planning on focusing on the beautiful National Parks, you’re going to have difficulty getting around more rural areas of the US without a lot of money spent on taxis.  Some National Parks have better infrastructure in terms of getting there without a car (e.g. Yosemite), but many parks are quite rural and require extra time/money to get there without a car.  It might make sense to take a bus for some legs of your journey and do tours once you’re within a city.  This will be cheaper than all-inclusive options.

Bus travel in the United States is far more sustainable than traveling by car around the United States.  People love to write about road trips, but bus travel is way more eco-friendly!  Similarly, not everyone can afford a car or it doesn’t make sense to drive into another big city.

As a result, I think that travel by bus around the US can be a great option for those on a budget, anyone who’s into sustainable travel, and for those who don’t want to have to bother with driving in big American cities.

Bus travel in the United States is often not as advertised online in terms of wifi and on-board entertainment. Although many bus companies are interested in creating more premium experiences and improving the average bus experience, my experiences traveling by bus in the United States has been gritty and unglamorous. This has been the case for my husband too. ( What did you think you were getting when you paid $25 for a 8 hour bus across the country?)

Photo from Chicago, which was a 14+ hour bus ride

National bus companies in the United States

You’ll encounter a lot of bus companies in the United States although many are regional bus lines that I haven’t personally encountered. Most of the time, unless it’s a major American holiday, bus travel doesn’t require significant planning beyond a day or two in advance.  American buses tend to be cheaper if you book way in advance with a major company (e.g. Greyhound or Megabus) while regional bus rates tend to rise less closer to the dates.

Greyhound is the most ubiquitous bus company in the United States.  Among the bus companies, the opinions about Greyhound buses online  tends to be more favorable although most people I know who regularly take Greyhounds aren’t their biggest cheerleaders.  The coverage of Greyhound buses is good across the country and you can get across the United States on a Greyhound on the drop of a hat.

However, you will probably have numerous stop-offs in various cities, which can add some time.  However, it’s possible to get to Yosemite with a Greyhound, which is why if you’re traveling in the United States without a car.  It’s often best to buy Greyhound tickets at least two weeks in advance and they have special deals if you buy online.

It’s basically very hard to get a $1 fare on Megabus at this point, but you can get some good deals on Megabus if you book ahead.  I started taking Megabus when it got started.  At this point, Megabus tends to be standard and their concept is getting you there.  The demographic for Megabus is considerably younger than Greyhound and you’ll find a lot of students taking Megabus.

Megabus tend to be stricter about bag sizes although they more uniformly have working outlets on their buses.  Coverage for Megabus is best on the East Coast, Midwest, and between college towns in the United States. They also have some coverage on the West Coast.

My husband has sworn off Megabus after the wheels almost caught on fire and the driver told the passengers it wasn’t safe to continue.  He was forced to wait in the middle of nowhere waiting for a new bus to come pick them up.  A couple of other friends have similar stories although I generally take Megabus given the choice as I find people are a bit more considerate.

BoltBus is a “premium” bus company that runs on the East and West coast.  Their buses tend to be much newer and nicer than others that I’ve taken, however the routes are more limited to major cities on the coasts.  Their plugs tend to work much more reliably and recently, they started including movies in the price of the bus.

I’ve generally liked BoltBus and I wish that they would expand to more cities.  It’s my go-to choice for traveling from New York City to Washington DC.

Trailways Transportation System

Trailways is a network of 70+ regional bus companies in the United States that compromises the oldest bus network in the United States.  Their network crosses the United States and I’ve taken Trailways quite a few times.  I find their buses not as uniform as you’re likely to be switching companies as you switch state lines.  Most of my experience taking Trailways meant that I had long layovers in rural Pennsylvania at one particular transfer point.

For smaller cities with less coverage on the big names, I find that Trailways is more reliable in helping you find a route although it might add time to your journey.  It depends on the bus journey, however I find that Trailway buses tend to stop off a lot more although it makes the journey through the United States far more scenic as you’re often taking non-highway routes.

Other Bus companies in the United States

Photo by Denis Rozhnovsky/Bigstockphoto

There’s a ton more bus companies in the United States, including Vonlane (Texas), Fullington Trailways (New York/Pennsylvania), Utah Trailways (Utah), Burlington Trailways (Vermont), Jefferson Lines, Bieber Tours (Pennsylvania/New York), Barons Bus Lines (East Coast),  Adirondack Trailways (Canada/New York), RedCoach (Florida; premium bus), Capital Trailways (South/Alabama), Hoosier Transportation (Midwest/Iowa/Michigan/Kentucky), Indian Trails (Michigan), Peter Pan (East Coast), Orange Belt (California), etc. There’s a ton more.  If you’re not seeing a route to where you’re going, I recommend stopping by the bus station to see if there’s a bus heading that way on a regional line.

On the east coast and the west coast, you’ll also find Chinese bus companies that run between the Chinatowns or downtowns of major cities on the East Coast/West Coast.  The Chinese bus companies are often the cheapest option if you’re traveling to/from New York City or LA to a nearby major city.

Due to price, I often took the Chinese bus companies.  These bus rides went by without incident for me, but my cousin was stranded in the middle of nowhere after a bus broke down and the bus company wasn’t helpful at all.

Things to know about bus travel in the United States

The bus stations….

With the creation of the interstate highway system, buses in the United States stopped being as popular as they were before.  The bus infrastructure has suffered as a result.  Most bus stations tend to be on the dingier side and do not require a ticket to enter the bus station, so it’s best to be aware of your belongings.  Most bus stations in the United States tend to be located in the city center, which aren’t always in the best neighborhoods.

In the case of many of the “newer” bus lines (e.g. Megabus), their business model is about cutting out the bus station to pass on savings to consumers.  This means that their bus station may be a Walmart parking lot or simply a curb on a sidewalk.  As a result, you might be forced to wait outside for the bus and/or there may be no bus station for you to wait inside at.  Bring an umbrella if you think this might be the case.

Finding the bus departure place may be harder than you realize!

Often, bus terminals for Greyhound and other regional bus stations are well-established terminals in the city center.  However, for some of the newer bus companies, they have their buses designated in a large area.  You’re going to need an extra twenty minutes at minimum if you’re taking Megabus to find your bus if it’s departing from most major cities.

In New York, I’ve found that I need the extra time to walk past all the buses waiting to find the correct departure point. Similarly, when I took BoltBus out of DC, I had to spend a while searching for the one departing for NYC as there were more than five buses departing around the same time.

You might get dropped off in the middle of nowhere

Modern-day America has been built for cars.  For most major cities, you’ll be dropped of at the bus terminal, which can be far from the non-downtown parts of a city. I used to often take one route and the bus terminal was over three miles from the main downtown area, which can be tricky if you don’t have a car.

In one case, I was forced to take a taxi as it wasn’t possible to get from the bus terminal to my final destination (the airport) without it.  It’s good to check where the bus stop will be as you don’t want to need to take a taxi to get there.  Google Maps in my go-to source.

Avoid buses that depart or arrive late at night

Trust me on this one. A lot of cities have poor transportation after a certain hour (often eleven at night), and often bus terminals are in the heart of the city center.  Unlike European cities, many American city centers aren’t uniformly safe and I recommend using some caution if you’ll be walking around with all your valuables late at night.  Crime in America is an issue.

Book in advance to get the best times and prices

Many bus companies, especially Boltbus and Megabus, advertise low rates if you book as far in advance as possible.  I often take Megabus and wait to see when the tickets go on sale, so I can get one of the first tickets, which is typically less than $5.  If you wait too long, especially for holiday weekends, the prices will go up considerably.  That said, you’ll find a bus to your destination within a day or two if you simply head to the bus station on short notice.

Not every bus still has wifi… or working plugs

A good playlist is always a good idea. Photo by VadimGuzhva/bigstockphoto

Although many bus companies advertise that buses have wifi, the wifi on the bus is ridiculously slow, throttled for video, and unreliable.  I’ve been on countless buses where the wifi never worked because it didn’t have wifi, the wifi was broken, or there were too many people on it at once.

It’s become trendy to have outlets, but often, the outlets are somewhere really inconvenient or they don’t work.  A lot of people think initially that they’ll work on the bus, but I find that it’s not a conducive environment for working as the seat-tray makes it hard to fit a laptop in many cases.

This becomes especially true when others decide to lean their chair back.  I’ve been on buses where the outlets were above you in the “ceiling”, so unless you spend the whole bus ride holding your plug in the outlet, you will not be charging your electronics.  Some of the newer buses have improved upon this design and have easy-to-access plugs/usb ports.

You need identification and often your bus ticket printed

Typically, any photo identification will do, however the name needs to match the ticket. That means that you typically can’t use your friend’s ticket. If you’re a foreigner, I recommend having your passport on you.

Not all bus companies allow e-tickets, so I always print my ticket ahead as finding a good place to print my ticket isn’t always easy near the bus station.  Some bus companies are better about accepting e-tickets, so check the terms to see if it’s enough to have a ticket on your phone.

The real reason that I always print my ticket?  I need to have my phone charged enough for when I arrive.  As a result, I recommend having it printed, so you don’t need to worry about having your phone charged up for the next transfer or for when I arrive at the destination, particularly if it’s a long bus ride.  I often find myself playing on my phone, which can kill the battery.

Your bus ticket is typically non-refundable and for a specific time

Unless you pay extra for a refundable ticket, you’re often getting one for a specific time. Don’t miss your bus! Some bus companies allow you to change the ticket for the difference in ticket price in addition to a fee, but I’ve actually bought a ticket in most of those cases as it was cheaper than the change fee.

Oh, the people you’ll meet!

Dr. Seuss must have taken buses around the United States. While most of my bus trips have gone by without incidence, both my husband and I have some  memorable  bus travel stories as do most of my friends. Most people sleep, stare out the window, talk to friends on the phone, or chat with friends on the bus. Let’s be clear that most people you’ll encounter on the buses will be non-offensive, but as I have regularly taken regional buses through rural areas, you’re bound to meet some characters.

This following story is from my husband who took a twenty-four hour Greyhound bus from Pennsylvania to Kentucky via Ohio…

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, many students choose to take Greyhound home because it is so cheap.  You’re  not supposed to bring alcohol on the bus, however some people do.  This student had smuggled a bottle of peach flavored vodka on the bus.  He was hell-bent on talking to every girl on the bus and switched seats countless times.  He was drinking the vodka and kept offering it to the girls.  After they all rejected it and him, he sitting up next to me. There was a girl nearby from Hawaii who was heading to a friend’s house in Iowa to celebrate Thanksgiving.  The girl and the guy hit it off and get very drunk on the bus.  They start having a big make-out session, so the whole bus was just eavesdropping while some were openly watching them.   The issue was that it was night-time and they were being loud while everyone else on the bus was trying to sleep. The first leg took us to Columbus, which is a big switching point for buses.  I was heading south from there as was the guy.  The girl was heading further west from there. We get to Columbus and they decide that they’re in love .  The girl invites him to come to Iowa with her to her friend’s house and the guy actually switches his ticket to go to Iowa.  Sure enough, they left for Iowa together to her friend’s parents house. Imagine her friend’s reaction when she shows up hungover with this random guy she met on a Greyhound.

Don’t drink too many liquids

This is a newbie bus mistake.  It’s good to stay hydrated and I typically bring at least one bottle of water for longer journeys, however I generally avoid bus bathrooms.  More importantly: Some buses, especially regional ones for shorter legs, don’t have a bathroom on the bus.  Be sure to use the bathroom at the bus terminal before you leave!

It’s not a guarantee that your bus will stop off at a bus station or rest stop long enough for you to go inside.

For longer trips, keep in mind that the bus will probably stop off at a rest stop as they’re not allowed to drive over a certain number of hours without stopping.  It’s not a guarantee for shorter journeys that the bus will stop off at a rest station long enough for you get something to eat, so bring your own food/drinks ahead.

If it looks like you’ll have fifteen minutes waiting at a station for passengers, be sure to tell the bus driver that you’ll be back to ensure that the bus doesn’t leave without you.  There’s often a line for the restroom at rest stops.

Set an alarm

On long bus rides, you might fall asleep. That’s fine, however if your destination isn’t the final destination, you’ll want to set an alarm on your phone before the time that your bus is supposed to arrive.  There might be traffic, but in general, it’s a safe move.

One suitcase and one backpack.  Keep your valuables with you.

Remember that you’re NOT on a plane. Some bus companies are more lax about luggage, however if it’s a crowded bus or you’re traveling over major holiday, you might need to pay for an extra bag.  I also recommend avoiding having your stuff in bags if possible as I’ve seen people get rejected from boarding onto buses when carrying their belongings in plastic bags.

I tend to keep my valuables in my backpack rather than below the bus, especially if the bus has a lot of stop off points  I recommend labeling your bag clearly as it’s hard to find a black suitcase among 50 other black suitcases .  Weird size luggage might cause issues, so ask beforehand.

Typically at stops, people take their items from the hull, so unless you want your bag taken by mistake, it’s best to keep your valuables in your backpack with you on the bus.  I’ve never had a bag stolen or taken by mistake, but if it’s a long ride with a lot of stops, I recommend labeling your bag clearly and packing your backpack carefully.

Be early for the bus!

Although it hasn’t often happened, buses leave on time.  More often than not, they’ll wait a couple more minutes for passengers who are running a few minutes late, but I’ve seen so many people running after the bus without success.  You need time to get your luggage under the hold.  Certain bus companies, including Megabus, overbook their seats, so if you’re not there early and it’s a full bus, you might get rejected on the bus and need to wait for the next one.

What to bring on long bus trips in the United States

If you’re wondering what to pack for an overnight bus trip, I’m well-experienced in these long miserable journeys that I’ve done to save money.

Be sure to bring antibacterial gel

Some bus bathrooms are best avoided.  Similarly, the soap dispenser may not work. Be sure to have your own antibacterial gel to clean your hands with, especially if you plan on eating.

Travel Pillow.

This is the MOST important item that you’ll want to pack for an overnight bus trip as I struggle to sleep without a good travel pillow. I have this exact travel pillow and I love how small it folds up!

Backpack that will fit your valuables, including your laptop.

I recommend looking for a carry-on friendly sized backpack that can fit your backpack as well as most of your valuables, so that they’re close to you.

Your iPad and a season of shows lined up with some headphones.

This is definitely not a necessity, but if you’re going to have a lot of long bus trips, I recommend bringing an iPad , so you can watch movies on the bus.  Download your shows before you leave wifi!

I recommend not buying your snacks at the bus station if possible as the prices tend to be a lot higher and the selection isn’t as good as going to the supermarket! Avoid peanuts as some people are really allergic.   I really like to carry granola bars with me as they’re hard to smoosh and non-messy.

Wear layers and bring a sweatshirt.

You never know when the bus will be too warm or too cold, so I always try to bring a sweatshirt to put on over my clothes in case I get cold! I recommend dressing comfy and you’ll be sitting for many hours.

A good book and a reading light.

For night buses, the driver typically shuts off the lights after a certain time. Although there’s a reading light from above, I’m often very conscious of it annoying the people around me.  Instead, I usually bring my own reading light as well as a good book.  For a good read, I recommend Night Film (which will take you many hours to finish), the Power , or On the Road for some American travel inspiration.

External Phone Battery Charger

You never know when there won’t be a working charger on the bus and you might need to make a phone call. Don’t let your phone die and carry an external phone battery charger .

Have you traveled by bus in the United States? Anything you’d add?

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About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

Reader Interactions

February 24, 2018 at 12:47 am

Wow, I live in the US and I have never even considered bus travel (excluding taking the Megabus very occasionally from San Francisco to LA). That’s such a cool way to travel the country, and I will definitely have to consider it in the future! Thanks for sharing all these helpful tips.

February 24, 2018 at 3:12 am

The US is so spread out that it’s difficult to see a lot of it without access to a car. Bus is often the only option for many travelers. I’ve never traveled long distance by bus in the US, but I’ve heard they’re pretty unpleasant.

February 24, 2018 at 4:09 am

I haven’t been to the US of A but everyone has always told me that if you want to move around, you need a car. That is the only way to travel unless you consider flights which can get expensive. I was pleasantly surprised to know that the bus routes are usable.

February 24, 2018 at 1:01 pm

Super comprehensive and useful guide! I felt I’ve learned a lot about the buses in U.S just from this post. The reading light is a great suggestion – I’m gonna consider that the next time I fret over bringing a book on trips! Same like you, I feel conscious that the overhead light will be disturbing to my neighbour 😉

February 24, 2018 at 2:03 pm

I went to college in DC so def took the fung wa chinatown bus many times! I did have a greyhound driver once say (at a rest stop) “I dont count heads, I just count time” meaning he was rolling out at the designated time with or without you! I think now at age 40, I’ve graduated from Bus travel.

February 24, 2018 at 2:32 pm

I’ve only ever taken the bus between NY and Baltimore (China Bus). I’m laughing at the Dr. Suess comment and the need for hand santizer!!! LOL

September 17, 2018 at 5:18 pm

thanks so much, gonna do it now in advance! from the Uk to AmericaU here I come !!!

May 12, 2019 at 5:00 am

Don’t use Greyhound bus.. Many of the buses are unsafe, employees for the most part are rude worst of all is the huge amount of lost luggage. Its piled in s warehouse in Dallas I think, and you will never see it again. Mine was lost last summer and none will help me get it back. Travel Greyhound at your own risk.

May 20, 2019 at 2:37 pm

The buses are affordable but the catch is, IF YOU CANCEL YOUR TRIP, ITS ‘ZERO’ REFUND! However, they can reschedule you at no cost. So, think well and be sure before you book!!

July 11, 2023 at 7:01 pm

Tip for sleeping on busses

If you are fortunate enough to have 2 seats to yourself push back your seat to the limit. Then leave the other seat in upright position. You can then test your Head on the other seatback. About as comfortable as it gets on a bus

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The best ways to travel around in the US

Sep 12, 2023 • 9 min read

Train, plane or automobile: our guide to transportation in the US can help you plan your journey © From Hurricane1984 / Getty Images

Hitting the open road is a quintessentially American pursuit, romanticized by the likes of Kerouac, Steinbeck and, well, Barbie.

And with thousands of miles of interstates and backroads linking cities across the continental USA , exploring by car is easy. But driving can also be time-consuming – the US is the world’s fourth largest country by area – and expensive, especially with fuel and car rental costs on the rise.

Fortunately, there are a number of transportation options in the US, including an extensive air travel network, that will suit a variety of travel preferences. Here's what you need to know to plan your travels across the US. 

For convenience and flexibility, travel by car

To reach rural areas – and most national parks – a car is essential. Fuel prices average $4/gallon, and the rate for a car rental ranges from around $45 to $80 daily, or $245 to $500 weekly, depending on the size of the car. Prices typically include unlimited mileage. If you reserve a few weeks ahead and prepay, you can often score a better price. Most major airports have car rental agencies on site, though prices will likely be higher than those at off-site companies. To rent a car, you will need insurance, which is legally required. Larger cities may have rentals available through a car-sharing network like Turo . 

Foreign visitors can legally drive a car in the US for up to 12 months using their home drivers license. However, an International Driving Permit (IDP) will have more credibility with US traffic police, especially if your home license doesn’t have a photo or isn’t in English. For a small fee, your automobile association at home can issue an IDP, valid for one year.

Major car rental companies offer fleets of hybrid or electric rental cars, though you’ll usually have to pay more. Travel by electric vehicles is increasingly popular, and charging stations are popping up nationwide to meet demand. It can still be a challenge to find a charge, however, particularly on longer road trips. Fortunately, with a bit of planning, several iconic American drives can be enjoyed in an EV with minimal stress.

Camper vans, including decked-out Mercedes Sprinters, are an increasingly popular rental option, especially in the West. These vehicles come equipped with beds – some are surprisingly comfy – and may include mini-fridges and other amenities. Mileage may be capped daily, however, and expect daily prices from $120 to $300 depending on make.

Relax and soak up the scenery on a train

Amtrak trains run regularly, and fairly reliably, along the eastern seaboard between Washington, DC and Boston , and they are a popular option for quick trips between the larger urban centers here. But in the rest of the country? Trains are rarely the quickest, cheapest or most reliable option. They can be a pleasant and relaxing way to see the country, however, and the scenery on western routes is often breathtaking, especially from double-decker Superliner trains with big-windowed sightseer lounges.

Amtrak has long-distance routes crossing the nation from east to west and from north to south. These routes connect with all of the USA’s biggest cities and many smaller ones. Amtrak’s Thruway buses provide connections to and from the rail network and smaller cities, as well as some national parks. Some long-distance trains run daily, while others run only three to five times per week. Consider purchasing Amtrak’s USA Rail Pass for countrywide trips.

Regional commuter trains provide faster, more frequent service on shorter routes, especially in the northeast corridor. Amtrak’s high-speed Acela Express trains are the most expensive, and rail passes are not valid on these trains. Other commuter rail lines include those serving the Lake Michigan shoreline near Chicago , Illinois, major cities on the West Coast and Charlotte , North Carolina and the Miami , Florida area in the South. 

A scenic train, often fueled by a historic steam locomotive, can be a relaxing way to see spectacular scenery without a harrowing drive, especially in the mountains.

Take the bus to save money and easily link to big cities 

Traveling by bus can be an economical way to get from city to city. Most middle-class Americans prefer to fly or drive, but buses will let you see the countryside. For the most part, buses are reliable, clean-ish and comfortable, and amenities typically include air-conditioning and a bathroom. Smoking onboard is not allowed.

Greyhound is the major long-distance bus company, with routes throughout the US and Canada. Routes typically follow major highways and stop in larger population centers. To reach smaller towns, you may need to transfer to a local or county bus system. 

About 70 independent bus companies comprise the Trailways Transportation System . These companies operate on an interlining basis, with the Trailways website searching routes and managing ticketing. Note, however, that the Trailways website is not particularly helpful with route planning. Other long-distance bus lines with decent fares and free wi-fi (though it isn’t always the most reliable) include Megabus and FlixBus . The swanky new Jet Bus links Washington, DC and New York City (NYC) while the long-running Hampton Jitney connects NYC with the Hamptons and the North Fork.

Despite the elimination of many tiny destinations, non-express Greyhound buses still stop every 50 to 100 miles to pick up passengers, and long-distance buses still stop for meal breaks and driver changes. Many bus stations are clear and safe, but some are in sketchy areas. If you arrive at night, you may want to take a taxi or arrange a ride-share to your destination. Some towns have just a flag stop, not always in a walkable area.

Get there quickly on a plane

If you're short on time and traveling between two regions, consider booking a flight. Flying is typically more expensive than traveling by bus, car or train, but the US has an extensive domestic air system. With numerous competing airlines, hundreds of airports and thousands of daily flights, you can cross the country pretty quickly. Main “hub” airports in the US include international gateways and many larger cities. Most smaller cities have a local or county airport, but you usually have to travel via a hub to reach them. To save money, consider new low-cost carriers like Avelo and Breeze , which are hoping to lure passengers with extremely low fares. Note that they typically serve smaller, less convenient airports.

Immerse yourself in regional scenery on a bike tour

Bicycle touring can be an invigorating way to soak up regional scenery. On a biking tour, you’ll pedal along winding backroads (because bicycles are not usually permitted on freeways) and calculate progress in miles per day, not miles per hour. Cyclists must follow the same rules of the road as cars, but don’t expect drivers to respect your right of way. For epic cross-country journeys, get the support of a tour operator; it’s about two months of dedicated pedaling coast to coast. 

Some cities are more amenable to cycling than others, but most have at least a few dedicated bike lanes and paths. Bikes can usually be carried on public transportation. Many cities are expanding their greenway networks, and bike-rental locations are often near key access points. E-bikes are increasingly popular for local touring, allowing riders to travel longer distances and even ascend steep mountains.

Hop on a ferry to explore unique islands off the coast

Coastal ferry services, typically run by the state, provide efficient, often photogenic links to major islands. Many larger ferries will transport private cars, motorcycles and bicycles. For spectacular views, it’s hard to beat the ferry running along the southeastern coast of Alaska and through the Inside Passage. Off the Pacific, ferries serve the scenic San Juan Islands in Washington and hiker friendly Catalina Island in California . In the Midwest, there are several islands in the Great Lakes that can be visited by boat, including Mackinac Island, Michigan, and the Apostle Islands off Wisconsin. On the East Coast, ferries whisk passengers to the upscale enclaves of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard off Massachusetts and the rugged, windswept shores of Ocracoke Island in North Carolina.

Travel in large cities is cheap, efficient and reliable 

Subways and light-rail trains can be a cheap, efficient and reliable option within large US cities, but their coverage can be sparse to suburbs and outlying towns. The largest subway systems are in New York City, Chicago, Boston, Washington, DC, the San Francisco Bay Area, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and Atlanta. Other cities have small, one- or two-line rail systems that mainly serve downtown areas. Light-rail systems (trams and trolleys) are also popular. Denver, Seattle, San Diego, Minneapolis, Portland, Phoenix, Tucson and Charlotte are among the many places with light-rail systems, as are most cities with subways.

There's free transportation in many national parks

A few larger national parks, including Acadia , Grand Canyon , Yosemite and Zion , run free shuttles to their major sites. The problem? Getting to the park itself. To avoid renting a car, consider joining a guided tour from a gateway town, or hiring a private shuttle for drop-offs and pick-ups at park trailheads. Many national parks list approved shuttle companies on their websites.

Accessible transportation in the USA

If you have a disability, the USA can be an accommodating place for travelers thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This federal law requires all public buildings, private buildings built after 1993 (including hotels, restaurants, theaters and museums) and public transit to be wheelchair accessible. However, call ahead to confirm what is available.

Some car rental agencies offer hand-controlled vehicles, sometimes with lifts and ramps, at no extra charge, but reserve well in advance. Wheelchair Getaways rents accessible vans throughout the USA. In many cities, public buses are accessible to wheelchair riders and will “kneel” if you are unable to use the steps; notify the driver if you need the ramp or lift.

Most cities have taxi companies with at least one accessible van, though you will have to call ahead. Cities with underground transport have varying levels of facilities, including elevators – there is an elevator at every station in DC, while NYC has elevators in only about a quarter of its stations. 

For tips on travel and thoughtful insights about traveling with a disability, download Lonely Planet’s free Accessible Travel guide .

This article was first published May 2021 and updated September 2023

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NYC Public Transportation

Getting Around New York City: Guide to Public Transportation

Everything you need to know to get around New York City

Wikipedia Commons

The easiest, most affordable way to get around New York City is by public transportation. New York City mass transit generally falls into two categories: buses and subways. The city has 36 subway lines (that go to 472 stations) and 5,725 buses that can take you anywhere you want to go. Once you know how to use them, you'll find them efficient, reliable, and easy. The only problem is you must learn the system.

This guide will tell you everything you need to know about navigating your way around New York City's public transportation. You'll feel like a local in no time, maybe even venturing to far away places you never thought you would.

Watch Now: Riding the Subway in New York City

How to ride the new york city subway.

Most visitors will find themselves wanting to get around the city by subways. Subways serve most of Manhattan and the outer boroughs very well, and they take you directly to many popular tourist destinations.

• Before you ride the New York City subway you need to buy a MetroCard. You will swipe this card every time you enter a subway station at the turnstiles. MetroCards cost $1 to purchase. Once you buy your MetroCard you can add money to it.
• MetroCards may be purchased and refilled at subway station booths, MetroCard vending machines, and at  other vendors . You can use cash, credit, or debit cards to make your purchase.
• New York City subway fares are $2.75 per trip. For visitors staying more than a couple of days you can buy a one week unlimited MetroCard for $33 or an unlimited monthly MetroCard for $127.00. People who are 65 or older or who have qualifying disabilities can get a reduced fare, which is half price. You must see an attendant at a station to purchase one.
• Because New York City has so many subway lines, it's impossible to memorize them all. Even locals have to look up directions on occasion. The best way to plan your trip is to consult Google Maps or the MTA website . There are also a variety of apps that you can download before your trip to easily look up subway directions. You simply type in your point of origin and your destination, and the app will tell you the route.
• New York City has some subways that run express. Your trip planning app will tell you exactly which line to take. If it tells you to take the 1, for example, don't get on the 2 or 3 even though it looks like it's going in the same direction. Those trains are express and won't stop at the station you need.
• The New York City subway operates 24 hours a day, but service is more sporadic between midnight and 6 am and on weekends. If you're traveling on the weekends or late at night, you should be aware of service interruptions that might impact your trip. Taking a few minutes to review the planned service changes can save you a ton of hassle. Trip Planning apps like Google Maps are aware of these disruptions and can help you plan your route.
• In every station there is an information booth where you can press the green button and talk to an attendant. If you are confused or need help it's a great tool to use.
• MTA has a list of accessible subway stations on its website.

Other Transit Options

Subways serve most of Manhattan and the outer boroughs very well, but in those areas where the subway service is not ideal there are buses, trains, bikes, and boats that can take you where you need to go.

New York City Buses

The city has around 5,000 buses, and you'll find they are particularly helpful when you need to travel to the far east or west portions of Manhattan.

New York City bus fare is $2.75 per trip. Be aware that buses only accept MetroCards or exact fare in coins—drivers cannot make change. There are also some buses along major routes in Manhattan & the Bronx that have you pay your fare before you board to speed the process of boarding. It's called "Select Bus Service" and the kiosk for pre-paying your fare is usually very obvious and easy to use.

Google Maps and MTA Trip Planner can tell you the best buses to take (and whether you should take one instead of the subway.) You can also look up New York City Bus schedules.

The NYC Ferry Service

In the past few years New York City has launched new ferry services taking commuters and visitors to Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, & Bronx. Ferries are particularly advisable if you are traveling to places along the water (perhaps you are going from the South Street Seaport to Brooklyn Bridge park.)

The ferries are fun to ride because they offer incredible views and refreshments on board (even local wine and beer!) During warmer seasons you can sit on the outer decks and enjoy the sunshine. They are also relatively inexpensive at $2.75 a ticket. You can look up routes and ticket information on the website.

Railroad Services

If you need to get to the suburbs or areas around New York City you might need to take railroads. Metro North trains take you to Connecticut and Westchester. They leave from Grand Central Station.

Long Island Railroad takes you into Manhattan, and New Jersey Transit takes you to New Jersey. Both train services leave from Penn Station. Google Maps will tell you which service to take.

All train services are reliable and run frequently, but they can get crowded at rush hour. Sometimes it's standing room only during morning and evening commutes. Avoid those times (8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.) if possible.

Taxis and Ride Shares

Many New Yorkers prefer to take taxis or private cars, especially late in the evening when subway service is more sporadic. Yellow taxis are the iconic New York City cars. You can flag them down when you need them. If you are in Brooklyn or another outer borough, the taxis are green.

New York City has a variety of ride-sharing apps. Uber and Lyft allow you to book a private car or share a car with passengers traveling in a similar direction. Both are reliable services and usually arrive very quickly.

One of the best ways to get around New York City is by Citi Bike, New York's bike share system. There are stations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens & Jersey City where you can unlock a bike with your credit card and return it when you get to your destination. Download the Citi Bike app to find the docking stations closest to your location.

While many parts of the city have bike paths, be careful when riding bikes in the city. Lanes can get congested, and sometimes bike paths are close to speeding cars. Accidents happen regularly so vigilance is key.

Rental Cars

While New York City has ample car rental places, it's not advisable. It's difficult to drive in New York City. There is usually heavy traffic, and taxis are used to swirling in and out of lanes. Parking a car can also be difficult especially in Manhattan.

Tips for Getting Around New York City

• If you are traveling around Manhattan during the day, a subway is your best option.
• Between midnight and 6 am and on weekends check trip planning apps to determine how to travel to your destination. Routes and lines get changed during those times.
• Buses are your best option if you are traveling from East to West across the city.
• If it's a pleasant day try to rent a bike or ride a NYC ferry. You will see more of the city and have fun.
• NYC has many ride sharing options. If you are in a hurry choose a private car. If you have time and want to meet new people order a shared car. You never know who you will meet!
• Driving is tough in the city. It's also hard to park. Avoid a rental car if possible.

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THE TRANSPORTATION FUTURE: TRENDS, TRANSPORTATION, AND TRAVEL

The Geography of Transport Systems

The spatial organization of transportation and mobility

B.7 – Tourism and Transport

Author: dr. jean-paul rodrigue.

Tourism, as an economic activity, relies on transportation to bring tourists to destinations, and transportation can be part of the touristic experience.

1. The Emergence of the Tourism Industry

Since the 1970s where tourism became increasingly affordable, the number of international tourists has more than doubled . The expansion of international tourism has a large impact on the discipline of transport geography since it links traffic generation, interactions at different scales (from the local to the global), and the related transportation modes and terminals. As of 2016, 1.2 billion international tourist receipts were accounted for, representing more than 10% of the global population. The industry is also a large employer accounting for 10% of all the global employment; 30 tourist visits are usually associated with one job. 30% of the global trade of services is accounted for by tourism. Tourism dominantly takes place in Europe and North America , but geographical diversification is taking place.

Traveling has always been an important feature, but its function has substantially evolved. Historically, travelers were explorers and merchants looking to learn about regions, potential markets and to find goods and resources. The risks and exoticism associated also attracted the elite that could afford the large expenses and the time required to travel to other remote destinations. Many wrote realistic and even imaginary travel accounts. As time moved on and as transportation became more reliable, traveling became a more mundane activity taking place in an organized environment; tourism. In the modern world, traveling is more centered around annual holidays and can be reasonably well predicted.

As an economic activity, tourism is characterized by a high demand level of elasticity. As transport costs are significant for international transportation, cost fluctuations strongly influence demand. Therefore, transport is a key element in the tourism industry. The demand in international and even national transport infrastructures implies a large number of people to be transported in an efficient, fast, and inexpensive manner. It requires heavy investments and complex organization. Well-organized terminals and planned schedules are essential in promoting adequate transportation facilities for tourists, notably since the industry is growing at a fast rate.

Transport is the cause and the effect of the growth of tourism. First, the improved facilities have incited tourism , and the expansion of tourism has prompted the development of transport infrastructure. Accessibility is the main function behind the basics of tourism transport. In order to access sought-after destinations, tourists have a range of transportation modes that are often used in a sequence. Air transport is the primary mode for international tourism, which usually entails travel over long distances. Growth rates of international air traffic are pegged to growth rates of international tourism.

Transport policies and national regulations can influence destinations available to tourists. One dimension concerns the openness to tourism through travel visa restrictions , which vary substantially depending on the countries of origin of tourists. Unsurprisingly, travelers from developed countries, particularly Europe, face the least restrictions, while travelers from developing countries face a much more stringent array of restrictions. Another dimension concerns the provision of infrastructure. If the public sector does not cope with the demand in terms of transport infrastructures, the tourist industry might be impaired in its development. However, land transport networks in various countries are designed to meet the needs of commercial movements that tourism requires.

Tourism usually contributes enough to the local economy that governments are more than willing to improve road networks or airport facilities, especially in locations with limited economic opportunities other than tourism. There are, however, significant differences in the amount of spending per type of mode, namely between cruise and air transport tourism. Cruise shipping tourism provides much less revenue than a tourist brought by air travel. A significant reason is that cruise lines are capturing as much tourism expenses within their ships as possible (food, beverages, entertainment, shopping) and have short port calls, often less than a day. Tourists arriving by air transport usually stay several days at the same location and use local amenities.

2. Means and Modes

Tourism uses all the standard transportation modes since travelers rely on existing passenger transport systems, from local transit systems to global air transportation.

• Car traveling is usually an independent transport conveyance where the traveler decides the route and the length of the trip. It is usually cheaper since road fees are not directly paid and provided as a public. It is the only transportation mode that does not require transfers, in the sense that the whole journey, from door to door can be achieved. Along major highway corridors, service activities such as restaurants, gas stations, and hotels have agglomerated to service the traffic, many of which touristic. Car transport is the dominant mode in world tourism (77% of all journeys), notably because of advantages such as flexibility, price, and independence. Tourists will often rent cars to journey within their destinations, which has triggered an active clustering of car rental companies adjacent to main transport terminals (airports, train stations) and touristic venues.
• Coach traveling uses the same road network as cars. Coaches are well suited for local mass tourism but can be perceived as a nuisance if in too large numbers since they require a large amount of parking space. They can be used for short duration local tours (hours) but also can be set for multi-days journeys where the coach is the conveyance moving tourists from one resort to another.
• Rail travel was the dominant form of passenger transport before the age of the automobile. The railway network usually reflects more the commercial needs of the national economy then holiday tourist flows which can make it a less preferred choice as a traveling mode. The railway systems of several countries, notably in Europe, have seen massive investments for long-distance routes and high-speed services. Due to the scenery or the amenities provided, rail transportation can also be a tourist destination in itself. Several short rail lines that no longer had commercial potential have been converted for tourism.
• Air transport is by far the most effective transport mode. Notably because of prices, only 12.5% of the tourists travel by plane, but for international travel, this share is around 40%. Air transport has revolutionized the geographical aspect of distances; the most remote areas can now be reached any journey around the world can be measured in terms of hours of traveling. Business travelers are among the biggest users of airline facilities, but low-cost air carriers have attracted a significant market segment mainly used for tourism.
• Cruises are mainly providing short sea journeys of about a week. Cruising has become a significant tourist industry. Cruise ships act as floating resorts where guests can enjoy amenities and entertainment while being transported along a chain of port calls. The international market for cruising was about 22.2 million tourists in 2015, which involves an annual growth rate above 7% since 1990. The main cruise markets are the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, with Alaska and Northern Europe fjords also popular during the summer season. This industry is characterized by a high level of market concentration with a few companies, such as Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean Cruises who account for about 70% of the market. The impacts of cruising on the local economy are mitigated as the strategy of cruising companies is to retain as much income as possible. This implies that tourists spend most of their money on the cruise ship itself (gift shops, entertainment, casinos, bars, etc.) or on-island facilities owned by cruise shipping companies.

3. Mass Tourism and Mass Transportation

Tourism transport can be divided into two categories:

• Independent means of travel ; controlled by individual tourists who book them on their own. This mainly involves the private automobile, but also mass conveyances that are booked to travel on an individual basis such as regularly scheduled flights, rail connections, ferries, and even cruises.
• Mass travel ; where tourists travel in organized groups. The most common form involves chartered buses and flights used for this single purpose.

When tourism was mainly for the elite, independent means of travel prevailed. However, the emergence of mass tourism and the significant revenue it provides for local economies required the setting of mass transportation systems and specialized firms such as travel agencies organizing travel on behalf of their customers. These firms were able to take advantage of their pricing power being able to negotiate large volumes of passengers for carriers and hotels. Some were even able to become air carriers, such as Thomas Cook Airlines and Air Transat, which are major charterers in their respective markets. Paradoxically, the growth of online travel booking services has favored the re-emergence of independent means of travel since an individual is able to book complex travel services, including transport and hotel accommodations. Thus, the segmentation of the travel industry is linked with the segmentation of the supporting transport systems.

The seasonality of tourism has an important impact on the use and allocation of transportation assets.

• Air transport has a notable seasonality where tourism results in variations in demand, summer being the peak season. Because of this seasonality and the high cost of acquiring additional assets to accommodate peak demand, the airline industry has pricing power during peak touristic demand. This also leads the seasonal charter services to pick up the potential unmet demand. During the winter, charterers focus on subtropical destinations (e.g. Caribbean, Mexico), while during the summer there is more a focus on the European market.
• Cruises also have a seasonality where many cruise lines are repositionning their assets according to variations in the destination preferences. During winter months, the Caribbean is an important destination market, while during the summer, destinations like the Mediterranean, Alaska, and Norway are more prevalent.

4. Covid-19 and its Impacts

Related topics.

• Air Transport
• Airport Terminals
• Transportation and Economic Development
• The Cruise Industry

Bibliography

• Graham, A. and F. Dobruszkes (eds) (2019) Air Transport – A Tourism Perspective, Amsterdam: Elsevier.
• World Economic Forum (2017) The travel & tourism competitiveness report 2017, World Economic Forum.

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50 types of transport from around the world

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There are so many weird and wonderful types of transport around the world. From traditional types of transport such as cars, planes and trains through to unusual types of transport such as camels, dune buggies or cable cars, there is plenty of variety to choose from in the world that we live in today. Read on to find out about the top 50 types of transport around the world….

Types of transport around the world

1. bicycles (sustainable type of transport), 5. cable car, 6. skateboard (fun type of transport), 7. aeroplane , 8. dune buggy, 10. narrowboat, 11. rig (unusual type of transport), 13. golf buggy, 15. monorail, 18. gondola, 19. zip-line (unique type of transport), 20. cruise ship, 21. coco taxi, 22. dog sled, 23. train , 24. airboat, 26. felucca, 27. jeepney, 28. suspension railway, 30. hovercraft, 31. helicopter , 32. submarine , 33. reindeer sled (a christmas type of transport), 34. funicular, 35. underground funicular , 37. lorry (a practical type of transport), 38. unicycle , 40. dinghy , 41. parachute , 42. sail boat, 43. mobile home, 48. snowmobile (perfect type of transport for snow), 50. horse drawn tram, types of transport.

When it comes to getting from A to B in different parts of the world, there are always plenty of options to choose from. Some are more practical, like cars and buses, whereas some are a bit more fun – think of a horse and carriage, for example! Below you’ll see fifty different types of transport around the world!

Bicycles, more commonly known as bikes, are prevalent around the world. They are a low-cost form of transport, in that once you have paid for the bike itself it is free to ride. With two wheels and zero emissions, bikes are also eco-friendly and good for your health. When it comes to who uses bikes the most, that award goes to The Netherlands. Numbers are high in Sweden, Norway, China , Denmark and Germany too.

Coaches are used for group travel and inter-city travel. You can hire a coach as a group to travel to a concert, for example, and schools often use them for field trips. They are also often a more affordable way to travel between cities. This is especially true in the UK, where train travel is very expensive.

The actual name is an auto rickshaw. They are motorised rickshaws and are common in hot/tropical countries as they’re not fully enclosed. They are also fairly inexpensive to buy, own and use so can be found in various developing countries. Tuk-tuks are most common in India , but are spreading rapidly for use in tourism, entertainment and general transport.

Camels are used for transportation in sandy desert areas throughout Asia and northern Africa. This is because they can go several days without needing water and can carry large amounts of freight as well as people.

Technically called an aerial tramway, cable cars are for short distances. Small pods travel via two stationary ropes with a third moving rope, and they move fairly slowly. They are rarely used for urban transport or commuting (though in Wroclaw, Poland , you can cross the river using cable car where there is no bridge) but are common in ski resorts. They are most commonly found in the Alpine regions of Europe.

While skateboarding is now an Olympic sport, it is also something that has been practiced for many years. Some people use skateboards as a means of getting from A to B, too! This tends to be younger people heading to school or college, and is more common in America than elsewhere.

Also an airplane or simply plane, this is a fixed-wing aircraft. The most common airplane usage is recreation and military use. Planes are used for inter-country travel across the globe, with commercial aviation being one of the most lucrative businesses worldwide. 

Also known as a beach buggy, these are small motor vehicles with huge whees designed to use on beaches and other sandy locations. Generally they are used for recreation and fun, as well as sightseeing. They are commonly found in countries such as Peru , Dubai and Morocco.

This is a type of canoe commonly used in the Okavango Delta and on the Chobe River, located in Botswana. This is one of the least common types of transport around the world. It is propelled through shallow water by standing in the ‘stern’ area and pushing with a pole.

Found in the UK, this is a particular type of canal boat. They are designed to fit in the narrow locks here, and they are generally just used for tourist purposes now. Some people even live on narrowboats!

Reed boats are among the oldest known types of boats. They are still used in a few places around the world as traditional fishing boats (mainly in South America ) though they have mostly been replaced with planked boats. They are often waterproofed with tar.

A moped is a small motorcycle, popular in Italy , New Zealand and the UK. They are only just faster than a bicycle, although they are engine-powered.

Commonly found wherever golf courses are located, golf buggies are small vehicles (big enough for two) used to transport players and their equipment around a course.

These a type of boat associated with celebrities and the rich, found in well-off parts of the world such as Miami and Cannes, used for holidays and parties.

A monorail is an elevated singular-track railway used within theme parks and airports for the most part, to eliminate the need to walk from A to B.

Ferries are a mode of transport used to transport people and cargo between countries. You can take vehicles on board which makes them great for holidays without the need to fly.

A tram is a type of train that runs on a track on the road. They are common in European cities as a mode of transport – Prague, Vienna and Ghent, for example.

Found in Venice, these small boats (steered by gondoliers) are mostly used for tourist purposes now but were once the main mode of transport in this Italian city.

A zip-line (or zip-wire) is a pulley on a stainless steel cable, generally found on a slope. Not really used for transit, they are more so used for fun and adventure sport. The longest in the world is located in Wales!

Cruise ships are another type of boat used to transport people from country to country. However, they are much more comfortable than ferries and the ship is part of the holiday itself with various amenities included.

With three wheels and the shape of a half-coconut, this is an affordable way to travel in the cities of Havana, Varadero and Trinidad.

This is a sled or sleigh pulled by dogs, and used to travel through snow and ice. You’ll find dogs sleds in countries such as Canada and Greenland, as well as the state of Alaska .

A train is one of the most common types of transport around the world. Trains are track-based modes of transport used for both short and long journeys.

Found in marshy areas like the Everglades, Florida , airboats are used for fishing and also for tourist purposes.

Found across the Indian subcontinent, this is a specific type of horse drawn carriage which uses just one horse. They are so slow that they are not allowed in many cities and towns!

This is a traditional wooden sailing boat with a canvas sail, which comes in various sizes and is mostly used for sightseeing. They can be found mainly in Egypt as well as Malta, Tunisia and Iraq.

These crowded and decorated jeeps are buses in the Philippines, though they are being phased out at the moment.

This is a type of elevated monorail in which the vehicle is suspended from a fixed track built above streets or waterways. There is one Wuppertal, Germany.

A car is another of the most common types of transport in the world. Cars can travel both short and long distances, and can be carried by ferry across countries.

The only hovercraft for commercial use is now the Isle of Wight Hovercraft . These vehicles can travel across most surfaces included land and water!

A helicopter is a rotorcraft which can fly forward, backward and laterally thanks to its propellors. They are mostly used for the emergency services and military as well as sightseeing tours across major US cities.

This is a watercraft which can operate entirely underwater. Submarine usage is almost entirely military, but there are a few in commercial use for sightseeing in Lanzarote, Tenerife and other areas.

Found in snowy countries like Finland, this is a sled pulled by reindeer mostly used for tourism on Christmassy trips to magical Lapland.

This is a cable railway found on steep slopes. They are found in many places around the world, with some famous ones in Cape Town , Hong Kong, Italy, Hungary and Canada.

Located in Istanbul, Turkey, the Tünel is a funicular located underground and the oldest surviving underground urban rail line in Europe!

A truck is a large motor vehicle designed to transport cargo. They tend to have a small cab at the front, and back end shapes vary depending on the cargo.

A lorry is similar to a truck but with less variation at the back – they are generally just rectangular with a flat platform.

With one wheel, a saddle and pedals, this is similar to a bike. They have mostly fallen out of use except for recreational usage, although some commuter unicycles do exist.

These cute furry animals used to be a popular transport type. Nowadays this is a typical seaside pastime in places like Blackpool and Rhodes.

This small rubbery boat is usually used for tender, although there are sailing dinghies too. They are not designed for long journeys.

This is a device used to slow the air as you fall (by creating drag) when jumping out of a plane. They are used for recreation rather than transit.

A sail boat is a type of boat found worldwide, and propelled mostly or entirely by sails. Sailing holidays are very popular in Croatia, Greece, France and the Caribbean.

Mobile homes, including RVs and caravans, are small ‘houses’ on wheels which can be driven from A to B. They are common types of transport around the world, particularly in the US and Canada as well as the UK and Germany.

A canoe is a lightweight and very narrow boat propelled by a single-bladed paddle. These are used for sport/recreation globally.

This is a high speed train, found in Shanghai, which runs by magnets! It is one of the fastest types of transport around the world.

In the Himalayan area and in Inner Mongolia , you can ride a yak. This is more of a tourist pastime these days, but yaks have been used for transit here over the centuries.

This is a taxi bike with three wheels and a double seat at the front for passengers, covered by a canopy. They are still used briefly in Vietnam.

This is a motorised vehicle specifically designed for travelling through snow and ice. You’ll find snowmobiles in places like Alaska, Greenland and Finland.

A segway is a self-balancing mode of personal transport with low emissions used for commuting and sightseeing in major cities.

Located in Victor Harbour, Australia , this is simply a tram drawn by a horse. It is one of the most uniques forms of transport around the world.

There are so many interesting types of transport found all around the world! Of course, there are your common types of transport such as cars, trains and planes. But there are also so many unusual, innovative and fun types of transport too! Is there a type of transport that I have left off this list? Let me know in the comments below!

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The Ultimate Traveler’s Guide: Best Transport Type by Countries

• Japan leads the world in rail usage with 7,095 rail passenger kilometers per capita.
• Over 27% of all trips in the Netherlands are made by bicycle.
• Multimodal transport systems, with public transportation at the core, are the future of urban mobility.
• Different countries excel in different modes of transportation.
• Each mode of transportation offers unique travel experiences and insights into a country's culture and lifestyle.

Navigating the Rails in Japan

Japan takes the crown for the most extensive use of rail transportation, with an impressive 7,095 rail passenger-kilometers per capita according to World Bank data. Train travel in Japan is more than just a means of getting around; it's a cultural experience in itself. The Shinkansen (Bullet Train) and the picturesque local trains offer a window into the perfect blend of Japan's modernity and tradition.

Cycling through the Dutch Landscape

Contrary to the worldwide car-centric transport culture, the Netherlands paints a rather distinct picture. More than a quarter of all trips in this flat, scenic country are made by bicycle. The extensive cycling infrastructure, coupled with the country's eco-conscious mindset, makes cycling the best way to experience the true Dutch lifestyle.

The Future of Urban Mobility

Public transportation lies at the heart of the future of urban mobility. As former Commissioner of the New York City Department of Transportation Janette Sadik-Khan rightly said, "The future of urban mobility is multi-modal, with public transportation at its core. The best transport systems are those that allow people to seamlessly switch between modes of travel, whether it's walking, cycling, or taking public transport".

The American Highway Experience

No conversation about transportation is complete without mentioning the great American road trip. The vast network of Interstates and scenic routes offer the opportunity to explore the rich diversity of landscapes, cultures, and cuisines that the U.S. is famous for. If exploring on your terms is your style, hitting the open road in the U.S. is the way to go.

Exploring Italy by Vaporetto

Imagine drifting through the serene waterways of Venice , gliding past centuries-old buildings, under elegant bridges, and absorbing the city's ageless charm. Italy's vaporettos, or water buses, offer just that experience. While this mode of transport might seem unusual, in Venice , it's the best way to travel and truly experience the city's essence. Plus, it's a great way to avoid the notorious Italian traffic!

Tuk-Tuk Adventures in Thailand

While in Thailand, a tuk-tuk ride is an absolute must. These small, motorized rickshaws are a popular mode of transport in many Asian countries. They can navigate through traffic easily, making them a convenient choice in bustling cities like Bangkok. Although not the most comfortable, a tuk-tuk ride is a thrilling experience that provides a close-up view of the Thai street life.

Dog Sledding in Greenland

If you're seeking an unconventional yet unforgettable journey, then dog sledding in Greenland is for you. This mode of transport, used by the Inuit for centuries, is not only practical in the snowy terrain but also an adventure in itself. The feeling of being pulled by a pack of hard-working huskies through the pristine Arctic wilderness is simply indescribable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to travel around Japan?

Traveling by rail is the best way to get around Japan, thanks to the country's extensive and efficient rail network.

Is cycling a popular mode of transportation in the Netherlands?

Yes, cycling is incredibly popular in the Netherlands, with over 27% of all trips made by bicycle.

What's the future of urban mobility?

The future of urban mobility is multi-modal, emphasizing public transportation, walking, and cycling.

What's the iconic mode of transportation in the U.S.?

Road travel, particularly road trips along the scenic highways, is an iconic American travel experience.

What factors should I consider when choosing a mode of transport in a foreign country?

You should consider the country's transport infrastructure, safety, costs, your comfort, and the unique experiences that the mode of transport can offer.

What's a unique mode of transport in Italy?

In Venice, Italy, vaporettos or water buses are a unique and popular mode of transport.

Is a tuk-tuk ride worth it in Thailand?

Yes, a tuk-tuk ride in Thailand offers a unique, close-up view of Thai street life and is a thrilling experience.

Can you travel by dog sled in Greenland?

Yes, dog sledding is a traditional mode of transport in Greenland, especially during the winter months.

How does the mode of transport enhance the travel experience?

The mode of transport offers insights into a country's culture, history, and lifestyle, and can significantly enhance the overall travel experience.

Transportation is not just about getting from point A to point B. It's an integral part of the travel experience that offers insights into a country's culture, history, and lifestyle. Whether it's the efficiency of Japan's rail system, the bike-friendly Netherlands, the thrilling tuk-tuks of Thailand, or the traditional dog sledding in Greenland-every mode of transport tells a unique story. So, next time you travel, choose your mode of transport wisely. It might just become the highlight of your trip!

Choosing the best transport type by countries is a subjective decision . It depends on the individual traveler's preferences, the country's transport infrastructure, and the unique experiences each mode of transport offers. But remember, every journey begins with a single step-or pedal, or gear shift, depending on your chosen mode of transport!

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• Jun 22, 2023

Transportation Prepositions: In, On, By (Uses, Examples, Practice, and Audio Reading Included)

Updated: Jul 27, 2023

Recommended level: Intermediate

"Is it 'ON the bus' or 'IN the bus'?"

Quick Reference

Use "on" for large vehicles which you can stand and walk around in (a bus, an airplane, a train, a metro/subway car, a cruise ship, a boat).

Use "in" for (usually) smaller vehicles or crafts that you have to enter and sit in (a car, a taxi, a truck, a helicopter, a canoe, a kayak, a small boat, a carriage, a rickshaw).

Use "on" for smaller vehicles which require you to sit on a seat with one leg on each side, and which typically have handlebars (a motorcyle, a scooter, a bicycle, an ATV, a snowmobile, a unicycle).

Use "on" for vehicles which require you to stand to use them (a Segway, a skateboard, a hoverboard, etc.)

Use "by" for almost all forms of transportation to mention how you traveled somewhere (Example: "Is it cheaper to travel there by car or by train?")

In English, choosing between on and in is important, and knowing which one to use when talking about transportation can be tricky--but it doesn't have to be. Today, we'll learn how to use each one, and I'll make it easier for you to express yourself accurately when discussing different ways of getting around. So, let's begin and let's make things clearer.

(By the way, "getting around" means traveling or moving between different places. You can "get around" by bus, by car, by train, etc. Oh, and there will be more on this topic later.)

Okay, so the basic difference between on and in for transportation is this:

On is typically used for larger forms of transportation, such as buses, planes, trains, subways or metros, cruise ships, and big boats . If you can stand up and walk around a form of transportation in order to find a place to sit, you are on that form of transportation. Here are some examples:

"We were on the bus for over 45 minutes."

"You can eat all you want on a cruise ship."

"Have you ever been on a plane before?"

"I've never been on a train."

"Sorry about the connection. I'm on the subway."

In is typically used with smaller vehicles or crafts that you have to enter and sit in, such as cars, taxis, trucks, carriages, rickshaws, canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, or smaller boats in general . If you don't have a lot of room to move and you can't really stand up and comfortably walk around to find a place to sit, you are in that form of transportation. Note these examples:

"I'm in a taxi right now. I'll see you in 15 or 20 minutes."

"How many people can fit in your car?"

"I've never been in a rickshaw."

"Don't stand in the canoe! It's going to tip over!"

"I saw Tom and Dina in a carriage around Central Park."

Basically, for most modes of transportation, on equals more freedom of movement, and in equals less freedom of movement .

But wait! What about motorcycles, skidoos, skateboards, ATVs, and snowmobiles? That's a great question, and this one is easier to understand because it's also more logical than saying "I'm on the bus."

In short, if you can stand on or sit on a (usually) single-person or two-person vehicle or piece of sports equipment, use on . This includes vehicles which require you to place your legs on either side of the seat--and which have handlebars--such as bikes, motorcycles, ATVs, Vespas, and snowmobiles, and vehicles which you stand on and partially control with your body weight, such as skateboards, Segways, hoverboards, and scooters. Once again, you don't have a lot of freedom of movement with these vehicles.

Now is a good time to practice what we have learned so far. Answer these questions:

When was the last time you were on a bus?

Have you ever been on a cruise ship?

What's the longest amount of time that you have ever spent in a car? How about in a taxi?

Have you ever been on a motorcycle?

Just a few more things about "on" and "in"

You can be on an elevator or in an elevator, but you can only be on an escalator. To practice talking about elevators, answer this question:

Have you ever gotten stuck on/in an elevator?

Also, if you say "I'm in the subway" or "I'm in the metro," you mean you are walking underground, but not necessarily that you are traveling on a subway or metro train. However, you can refer to one individual section of a subway train by saying you are "in a subway car."

In addition, people will sometimes say "I'm in the bus" or "I'm in the plane" to emphasize that they are inside the bus, the plane, etc. However, on is still considered the most standard and common form in these cases. So, just to try to stick to using on .

Next, let's talk about entering and exiting modes of transportation.

"Get in," "Get on," "Get off," "Get out of"

The verb get is often used to talk about entering or climbing on to, and exiting or climbing off of these modes of transportation . Depending on the situation, "get on" and "get in" are used for entering something or for sitting on something. For example:

"Get in the car."

"Get on your skateboard and let's go."

"I got on the bus at 7 a.m."

"I'm getting in a taxi right now."

In a similar way, "get off" and "get out of" are used for exiting or climbing off of something. Note the examples:

"We need to get off the subway at the next station."

"Can I get out of the car, please?"

"Why are you getting out of the boat?"

"I would never try to get off a moving train."

With all of that in mind, if someone is encouraging you to enter a bus or train, they might say "Get in!" or "Get on!" with equal confidence. I'm sorry. I didn't make these rules. I'm just doing my best to explain what people actually say in these situations.

To finish, let's answer two more practice questions :

How much does it cost to get on a bus in your area?

Have you ever taken a bus, train, or subway and accidentally gotten off at the wrong stop?

The final stop: A quick word on "by"

The word by is used with almost all forms of transportation. It is used for mentioning how you travel, traveled, will travel, or are traveling somewhere . Here are some examples to help you see it in action:

"Did you travel by bus or metro?"

"Should we go by bike or scooter?"

"We got here by car."

"Can we get there by train?"

"It will take us forever to get there by skateboard."

"Do you want to go to the park by bike or on foot?" ("On foot" is an irregularity when we are talking about transportation. If you travel somewhere on foot, it means you walk there.)

Well, now that's it! Whether you prefer to travel by bus, bike, or rickshaw, I hope you found this page useful.

If you did, and you would like to continue improving your English--while supporting my work at the same time--consider purchasing my book 100 Practical English Phrasal Verbs . It is available in PDF, e-Book, and paperback formats. Thank you, and good luck with your studies!

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Transportation and Consumer Expenditures

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• Table A - Social and Economic Characteristics of the United States
• Table 1-1 - System Mileage Within the United States (statute miles)
• Table 1-2 - Number of Air Carriers, Railroads, Interstate Motor Carriers, Marine Vessel Operators, and Pipeline Operators
• Table 1-3 - Number of U.S. Airports
• Table 1-4 - Public Road and Street Mileage in the United States by Type of Surface
• Table 1-5 - Public Road and Street Mileage in the United States by Functional System
• Table 1-6a - Estimated U.S. Roadway Lane-Miles by Functional System
• Table 1-6b - Number of U.S. Public and Private Alternative Fueling Stations by Fuel Type
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• Table 1-8 - ADA Lift- or Ramp-Equipped Transit Buses
• Table 1-9 - ADA-Accessible Rail Transit Stations by Agency
• Table 1-10 - U.S. Oil and Gas Pipeline Mileage
• Table 1-11 - Number of U.S. Aircraft, Vehicles, Vessels, and Other Conveyances
• Table 1-12 - U.S. Sales or Deliveries of New Aircraft, Vehicles, Vessels, and Other Conveyances
• Table 1-13 - Active U.S. Air Carrier and General Aviation Fleet by Type of Aircraft
• Table 1-14 - U.S. Automobile and Truck Fleets by Use
• Table 1-15 - Annual U.S. Motor Vehicle Production and Domestic Sales
• Table 1-16 - Retail New Passenger Car Sales
• Table 1-17a - New and Used Passenger Car and Light Truck Sales and Leases
• Table 1-17b - New Car and Light Truck Sales by Levels of Driving Automation
• Table 1-18 - Retail Sales of New Cars by Sector
• Table 1-19 - Hybrid-Electric, Plug-in Hybrid-Electric and Electric Vehicle Sales
• Table 1-20 - Productions, Production Shares, and Production-Weighted Fuel Economies of New Domestic and Imported Automobiles
• Table 1-21 - Table has been discontinued
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• Table 1-22b - Number of U.S. Truck Registrations by Type
• Table 1-23 - World Motor Vehicle Production, Selected Countries
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• Table 1-25 - U.S. Airport Runway Pavement Conditions
• Table 1-26 - Average Age of Automobiles and Trucks in Operation in the United States
• Table 1-27 - Condition of U.S. Roadways by Functional System
• Table 1-28 - Condition of U.S. Highway Bridges
• Table 1-29 - Average Age of Urban Transit Vehicles
• Table 1-30 - Condition of Urban Bus and Rail Transit Maintenance Facilities
• Table 1-31 - Condition of Rail Transit Infrastructure
• Table 1-32 - Class I Railroad Locomotive Fleet by Year Built
• Table 1-33 - Age and Availability of Amtrak Locomotive and Car Fleets
• Table 1-34 - U.S. Flag Vessels by Type and Age
• Table 1-35 - U.S. Vehicle-Miles
• Table 1-36 - Roadway Vehicle-Miles Traveled (VMT) and VMT per Lane-Mile by Functional System
• Table 1-37 - U.S. Air Carrier Aircraft Departures, Enplaned Revenue Passengers, and Enplaned Revenue Tons
• Table 1-38 - Average Length of Haul, Domestic Freight and Passenger Modes
• Table 1-39 - Worldwide Commercial Space Launches
• Table 1-40 - U.S. Passenger-Miles
• Table 1-41 - Principal Means of Transportation to Work
• Table 1-42 - Average Annual PMT, VMT Person Trips and Trip Length by Trip Purpose
• Table 1-43 - Summary Statistics on Demographic Characteristics and Total Travel
• Table 1-44 - Passengers Boarded at the Top 50 U.S. Airports
• Table 1-45 - Air Passenger Travel Arrivals in the United States from Selected Foreign Countries
• Table 1-46 - Air Passenger Travel Departures from the United States to Selected Foreign Countries
• Table 1-47 - U.S.-Canadian Border Land-Passenger Gateways: Entering the United States
• Table 1-48 - U.S.-Mexican Border Land-Passenger Gateways: Entering the United States
• Table 1-49 - Table has been discontinued
• Table 1-50 - U.S. Ton-Miles of Freight
• Table 1-51 - Top U.S. Foreign Trade Freight Gateways by Value of Shipments
• Table 1-52 - U.S.-Canadian Border Land-Freight Gateways: Number of Incoming Truck or Rail Container Crossings
• Table 1-53 - U.S.-Canadian Border Land-Freight Gateways: Number of Incoming Truck or Train Crossings
• Table 1-54 - U.S.-Mexican Border Land-Freight Gateways: Number of Incoming Truck or Rail Container Crossings
• Table 1-55 - U.S.-Mexican Border Land-Freight Gateways: Number of Incoming Truck and Train Crossings
• Table 1-56 - U.S. Waterborne Freight
• Table 1-57 - Tonnage of Top 50 U.S. Water Ports, Ranked by Total Tons
• Table 1-58 - Freight Activity in the United States
• Table 1-59 - Value, Tons, and Ton-Miles of Freight Shipments within the United States by Domestic Establishments
• Table 1-60a - Value of U.S. Exports to and Imports from Canada and Mexico by Transportation Mode
• Table 1-60b - Weight of U.S. Exports to and Imports from Canada and Mexico by Transportation Mode
• Table 1-61 - Crude Oil and Petroleum Products Transported in the United States by Mode
• Table 1-62 - U.S. Hazardous Materials Shipments by Transportation Mode
• Table 1-63 - U.S. Hazardous Materials Shipments by Hazard Class
• Table 1-64 - Passengers Boarded and Denied Boarding by the Largest U.S. Air Carriers
• Table 1-65 - Baggage Mishandled by Marketing U.S. Air Carriers
• Table 1-66 - Flight Operations Arriving On Time by the Largest U.S. Air Carriers
• Table 1-67 - FAA-Cited Causes of Departure and En Route Delays (after pushing back from the gate)
• Table 1-68 - Major U.S. Air Carrier Delays, Cancellations, and Diversions
• Table 1-69 - Annual Person-Hours of Highway Traffic Delay per Person
• Table 1-70 - Travel Time Index
• Table 1-71 - Annual Roadway Congestion Index
• Table 1-72 - Annual Highway Congestion Cost
• Table 1-73 - Amtrak On-Time Performance Trends and Hours of Delay by Cause
• Table 2-1 - Transportation Fatalities by Mode
• Table 2-2 - Injured Persons by Transportation Mode
• Table 2-3 - Transportation Accidents by Mode
• Table 2-4 - Distribution of Transportation Fatalities by Mode
• Table 2-5 - Highway-Rail Grade-Crossing Safety
• Table 2-6 - Hazardous Materials Fatalities, Injuries, Accidents, and Property Damage Data
• Table 2-7 - Transportation-Related Occupational Fatalities
• Table 2-8 - Reporting Thresholds for Property Damage by U.S. Department of Transportation Modal Administrations
• Table 2-9 - U.S. Air Carrier Safety Data
• Table 2-10 - U.S. Commuter Air Carrier Safety Data
• Table 2-11 - U.S. Air Carrier Fatal Accidents by Defining Event of Operation
• Table 2-12 - U.S. Commuter Air Carrier Fatal Accidents by Defining Event of Operation
• Table 2-13 - U.S. On-Demand Air Taxi Safety Data
• Table 2-14 - U.S. General Aviation Safety Data
• Table 2-15 - Number of Pilot-Reported Near Midair Collisions (NMAC) by Degree of Hazard
• Table 2-16 - Prohibited Items Intercepted at Airport Screening Checkpoints
• Table 2-17 - Motor Vehicle Safety Data
• Table 2-18 - Motor Vehicle Fatalities, Vehicle-Miles, and Associated Rates by Highway Functional System
• Table 2-19 - Occupant Fatalities by Vehicle Type and Nonoccupant Fatalities
• Table 2-20 - Occupant and Non-Motorist Fatalities in Crashes by Number of Vehicles and Alcohol Involvement
• Table 2-21a - Passenger Car Occupant Safety Data
• Table 2-21b - Work Zone Safety Data
• Table 2-22 - Motorcycle Rider Safety Data
• Table 2-23 - Truck Occupant Safety Data
• Table 2-24 - Bus Occupant Safety Data
• Table 2-25 - State Laws on Distracted Driving - Ban on Hand-Held Devices and Texting While Driving
• Table 2-26 - Fatalities by Highest Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) in Highway Crashes
• Table 2-27 - Number of States with Different Types of Anti-DUI/DWI Legislation in Effect as of January 1 of the Listed Year
• Table 2-28 - Motor Vehicle Fatal Crashes by Day of Week, Time of Day, and Weather and Light Conditions 
• Table 2-29 - Motor Vehicles and Occupants Involved in Fatal Crashes by Posted Speed Limit
• Table 2-30 - Safety Belt and Motorcycle Helmet Use
• Table 2-31 - Estimated Number of Lives Saved by Occupant Protection, Motorcycle Helmets, and Drinking Age Law
• Table 2-32 - Transit Safety and Property Damage Data
• Table 2-33 - Transit Safety Data by Mode for All Reported Accidents
• Table 2-34 - Transit Safety Data by Mode for All Reported Incidents
• Table 2-35 - Transit and Grade-Crossing Fatalities by Rail Transit Mode
• Table 2-36 - Transit and Grade-Crossing Injuries by Rail Transit Mode
• Table 2-37 - Transit and Grade-Crossing Incidents by Rail Transit Mode
• Table 2-38 - Security Events of Crime by Transit Mode
• Table 2-39 - Railroad and Grade-Crossing Fatalities by Victim Class
• Table 2-40 - Railroad and Grade-Crossing Injured Persons by Victim Class
• Table 2-41 - Train Fatalities, Injuries, and Accidents by Type of Accident
• Table 2-42 - Railroad Passenger Safety Data
• Table 2-43 - Railroad System Safety and Property Damage Data
• Table 2-44 - Fatalities and Injuries of On-Duty Railroad Employees
• Table 2-45 - Waterborne Transportation Safety and Property Damage Data Related to Vessel Casualties
• Table 2-46 - Waterborne Transportation Safety Data not Related to Vessel Casualties
• Table 2-47 - Recreational Boating Safety, Alcohol Involvement, and Property Damage Data
• Table 2-48 - Personal Watercraft Safety Data
• Table 2-49 - U.S. Coast Guard Search and Rescue Statistics
• Table 2-50 - Hazardous Liquid and Natural Gas Pipeline Safety and Property Damage Data
• Table 3-1 - U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Attributed to For-Hire Transportation Services (current dollars)
• Table 3-2 - U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Attributed to For-Hire Transportation Services (chained 2012 dollars)
• Table 3-3 - U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Attributed to Transportation Functions (current dollars)
• Table 3-4 - U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Attributed to Transportation Functions (chained 2012 dollars)
• Table 3-5 - Table has been discontinued
• Table 3-6 - Table has been discontinued
• Table 3-7 - Contributions to U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP): Selected Industries (current dollars)
• Table 3-8 - Contributions to U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP): Selected Industries (chained 2012 dollars)
• Table 3-9 - U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by Major Social Function (current dollars)
• Table 3-10 - U.S. Transportation and Economic Trends
• Table 3-11 - Sales Price of Transportation Fuel to End-Users
• Table 3-12 - Price Trends of Gasoline v. Other Consumer Goods and Services  
• Table 3-13 - Producer Price Indices for Transportation Services and Warehousing Services (NAICS)
• Table 3-14 - Producer Price Indices for Transportation Equipment (NAICS)
• Table 3-15 - Personal Expenditures by Category (millions of current dollars)
• Table 3-16 - Personal Consumption Expenditures on Transportation by Subcategory
• Table 3-17 - Average Cost of Owning and Operating an Automobile
• Table 3-18 - Average Passenger Fares (current dollars)
• Table 3-19 - Average Passenger Fares (chained 2012 dollars)
• Table 3-20 - Average Passenger Revenue per Passenger-Mile
• Table 3-21 - Average Freight Revenue per Ton-Mile
• Table 3-22 - Total Operating Revenues
• Table 3-23 - Employment in For-Hire Transportation and Selected Transportation-Related Industries (NAICS)
• Table 3-24 - Employment in Transportation and Transportation-Related Occupations
• Table 3-25 - Average Wage and Salary Accruals per Full-Time Equivalent Employee by Transportation Industry (NAICS)
• Table 3-26 - Median Weekly Earnings of Full-Time Wage and Salary Workers in Transportation by Detailed Occupation (SOC)
• Table 3-27 - Total Wage and Salary Accruals by Transportation Industry (NAICS)
• Table 3-28 - Labor Productivity Indices for Selected Transportation Industries (NAICS)
• Table 3-29 - Federal, State, and Local Government Transportation-Related Revenues and Expenditures, Fiscal Year (current dollars)
• Table 3-30 - Federal, State, and Local Government Transportation-Related Revenues and Expenditures, Fiscal Year (chained 2012 dollars)
• Table 3-31 - Summary of Transportation Revenues and Expenditures from Own Funds and User Coverage, Fiscal Year
• Table 3-32 - Transportation Revenues by Level of Government and Mode, Fiscal Year (current dollars)
• Table 3-33 - Transportation Revenues by Level of Government and Mode, Fiscal Year (chained 2012 dollars)
• Table 3-34 - Cash Balances of the Transportation-Related Federal Trust Funds, Fiscal Year
• Table 3:35 - Transportation Expenditures by Level of Government and Mode From Own Funds, Fiscal Year (current dollars)
• Table 3:36 - Transportation Expenditures by Level of Government and Mode From Own Funds, Fiscal Year (chained 2012 dollars)
• Table 3:37 - Federal Transportation Transfers to State and Local Governments by Mode, Fiscal Year (current dollars)
• Table 3:38 - Federal Transportation Transfers to State and Local Governments by Mode, Fiscal Year (chained 2012 dollars)
• Table 4-1 - Overview of U.S. Petroleum Production, Imports, Exports, and Consumption
• Table 4-2 - U.S. Consumption of Energy from Primary Sources by Sector
• Table 4-3 - Domestic Demand for Refined Petroleum Products by Sector
• Table 4-4 - U.S. Energy Consumption by the Transportation Sector
• Table 4-5 - Fuel Consumption by Mode of Transportation in Physical Units  
• Table 4-6 - Energy Consumption by Mode of Transportation  
• Table 4-7 - Domestic Demand for Gasoline by Mode  
• Table 4-8 - Certificated Air Carrier Fuel Consumption and Travel  
• Table 4-9 - Motor Vehicle Fuel Consumption and Travel
• Table 4-10 - Estimated Consumption of Alternative and Replacement Fuels for Highway Vehicles
• Table 4-11 - Light Duty Vehicle, Short Wheel Base and Motorcycle Fuel Consumption and Travel
• Table 4-12 - Light Duty Vehicle, Long Wheel Base Fuel Consumption and Travel
• Table 4-13 - Single-Unit 2-Axle 6-Tire or More Truck Fuel Consumption and Travel  
• Table 4-14 - Combination Truck Fuel Consumption and Travel 
• Table 4-15 - Bus Fuel Consumption and Travel  
• Table 4-16 - Transit Industry Electric Power and Primary Energy Consumption and Travel   
• Table 4-17 - Class I Rail Freight Fuel Consumption and Travel 
• Table 4-18 - Amtrak Fuel Consumption and Travel  
• Table 4-19 - U.S. Government Energy Consumption by Agency and Source
• Table 4-20 - Energy Intensity of Passenger Modes
• Table 4-21 - Energy Intensity of Certificated Air Carriers, All Services
• Table 4-22 - Energy Intensity of Light Duty Vehicles and Motorcycles
• Table 4-23 - Average Fuel Efficiency of U.S. Light Duty Vehicles
• Table 4-24 - Energy Intensity of Transit Motor Buses
• Table 4-25 - Energy Intensity of Class I Railroad Freight Service
• Table 4-26 - Energy Intensity of Amtrak Services
• Table 4-27 - Energy Intensity of Amtrak Services (loss-adjusted conversion factors)
• Table 4-28 - Annual Wasted Fuel Due to Congestion
• Table 4-29 - Annual Wasted Fuel per Person
• Table 4-30 - Federal Exhaust Emission Certification Standards for Newly Manufactured Gasoline- and Diesel-Powered Light-Duty Vehicles  
• Table 4-31 - Federal Exhaust Emission Certification Standards for Newly Manufactured Gasoline- and Diesel-Powered Light Duty Trucks (category LDT1)
• Table 4-32 - Federal Exhaust Emission Certification Standards for Newly Manufactured Gasoline- and Diesel-Powered Light Duty Trucks (category LDT2)
• Table 4-33 - Federal Exhaust Emission Certification Standards for Newly Manufactured Gasoline- and Diesel-Powered Light Duty Trucks (category LDT3)
• Table 4-34 - Federal Exhaust Emission Certification Standards for Newly Manufactured Gasoline- and Diesel-Powered Light Duty Trucks (category LDT4)
• Table 4-35 - Federal Exhaust Emission Certification Standards for Newly Manufactured Gasoline- and Diesel-Powered Medium-Duty Passenger Vehicles (MDPV)
• Table 4-36 - Federal Exhaust Emissions Certification Standards for Newly Manufactured Gasoline- and Diesel-Powered Light Heavy-Duty Trucks
• Table 4-37 - Federal Exhaust Emissions Certification Standards for Newly Manufactured Gasoline- and Diesel-Powered Heavy Heavy-Duty Trucks
• Table 4-38 - Federal Exhaust Emissions Standards for Newly Manufactured Motorcycles
• Table 4-39 - Federal Exhaust Emissions Standards for Newly Manufactured and In-Use Aircraft Engines
• Table 4-40 - Federal Exhaust Emissions Standards for Locomotives
• Table 4-41 - Federal Exhaust Emissions Standards for Marine Spark-Ignition Engines and Vehicles
• Table 4-42 - Tier 2 Federal Exhaust Emissions Standards for Newly Manufactured Commercial Marine Compression-Ignition Engines
• Table 4-43 - Estimated U.S. Average Vehicle Emissions Rates per Vehicle by Vehicle Type Using Gasoline and Diesel
• Table 4-44 - Transportation-Related Greenhouse Gas Emissions
• Table 4-45 - Estimated U.S. Emissions of Carbon Monoxide
• Table 4-46 - Estimated U.S. Emissions of Nitrogen Oxides
• Table 4-47 - Estimated U.S. Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds
• Table 4-48 - Estimated U.S. Emissions of Particulate Matter (PM-10)
• Table 4-49 - Estimated U.S. Emissions of Particulate Matter (PM-2.5)
• Table 4-50 - Estimated U.S. Emissions of Sulfur Dioxide
• Table 4-51 - Air Pollution Trends in Selected Metropolitan Statistical Areas
• Table 4-52 - Areas in Nonattainment of U.S. Ambient Air Quality Standards for Criteria Pollutants
• Table 4-53 - U.S. Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Energy Use by Sector
• Table 4-54 - Petroleum Oil Spills Impacting Navigable U.S. Waters
• Table 4-55 - Leaking Underground Storage Tank Releases and Cleanups
• Table 4-56 - Highway Noise Barrier Construction
• Table 4-57 - Number of People Residing in Areas of Significant Noise Exposure Around U.S. Airports
• Table 4-58 - Motor Vehicles Scrapped
• Table 1-1M - System Kilometers Within the United States
• Table 1-4M - Public Roads and Streets in the United States by Type of Surface
• Table 1-6M - Estimated U.S. Roadway Lane-Kilometers by Functional System
• Table 1-35M - U.S. Vehicle-Kilometers
• Table 1-36M - Roadway Vehicle-Kilometers Traveled (VKT) and VKT per Lane-Kilometers by Functional Class
• Table 1-38M - Average Length of Haul, Domestic Freight and Passenger Modes
• Table 1-40M - U.S. Passenger-Kilometers
• Table 1-49M - Table has been discontinued
• Table 1-50M - U.S. Tonne-Kilometers of Freight
• Table 1-56M - U.S. Waterborne Freight
• Table 1-61M - Table has been discontinued
• Table 4-2M - U.S. Consumption of Energy from Primary Sources by Sector
• Table 4-3M - Domestic Demand for Refined Petroleum Products by Sector
• Table 4-4M - U.S. Energy Consumption by the Transportation Sector
• Table 4-5M - Fuel Consumption by Mode of Transportation
• Table 4-6M - Energy Consumption by Mode of Transportation
• Table 4-7M - Domestic Demand for Gasoline by Mode
• Table 4-8M - Certificated Air Carrier Fuel Consumption and Travel
• Table 4-9M - Motor Vehicle Fuel Consumption and Travel
• Table 4-11M - Light Duty Vehicle, Short Wheel Base and Motorcycle Fuel Consumption and Travel
• Table 4-12M - Light Duty Vehicle, Long Wheel Base Fuel Consumption and Travel
• Table 4-13M - Single-Unit 2-Axle 6-Tire or More Truck Fuel Consumption and Travel
• Table 4-14M - Combination Truck Fuel Consumption and Travel
• Table 4-15M - Bus Fuel Consumption and Travel
• Table 4-16M - Transit Industry Electric Power and Primary Energy Consumption and Travel
• Table 4-17M - Class I Rail Freight Fuel Consumption and Travel
• Table 4-18M - Amtrak Fuel Consumption and Travel
• Table 4-19M - U.S. Government Energy Consumption by Agency and Source
• Table 4-20M - Energy Intensity of Passenger Modes
• Table 4-21M - Energy Intensity of Certificated Air Carriers, All Services
• Table 4-22M - Energy Intensity of Light Duty Vehicles and Motorcycles
• Table 4-23M - Average Fuel Efficiency of U.S. Light Duty Vehicles  
• Table 4-24M - Energy Intensity of Transit Motor Buses
• Table 4-25M - Energy Intensity of Class I Railroad Freight Service
• Appendix B - Glossary  
• Appendix C - List of Acronyms and Initialisms
• Air Carrier Profile  
• General Aviation Profile
• Highway Profile
• Automobile Profile
• Truck Profile
• Bus Profile
• Transit Profile
• Rail Profile
• Water Transport Profile
• Oil Pipeline Profile
• Natural Gas Pipeline Profile
• Appendix E - Data Source and Accuracy Statements

The Safest Transport Modes, Ranked by Statistics From 10 Years of Data

By turbli , on 10 January 2022

10 years of US transport safety data

The analysis is done for the US only, using the data provided by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) . Since transportation safety changes over time, we selected the most recent 10 years with available data: 2010-2019.

The vehicles analyzed are presented below:

Other means of transport such as freight boats, recreational boats, light rail, etc. are not included due to the lack of data to perform an adequate analysis.

For interested readers, all the assumptions made when data was missing have been places in an Appendix at the end of the article.

The fatalities presented here only include the occupants of the vehicles . Deaths from pedestrians, cyclists, trespassers, etc are not included. To improve the visualization, the figures are shown in logarithmic scale , meaning that the bars change size with by factors of 10 rather linearly.

Looking at the fatalities alone, we can clearly see that land vehicles accumulate the largest share. Train, planes and ferryboat have much lower numbers in comparison. Private planes have a striking difference with commercial or commuter planes, reaching 100 times more fatalities.

The fact that only 16 people have died in commercial aviation already shows how safe this transport is. Between this period, there have been more than 100 million plane departures in the US.

Normalizing the data

The total number of fatalities is not a good measure to determine if one means of transport is safer than another. This is because those used more often can accumulate more fatalities than those used less. By dividing (normalizing) the number of fatalities by different factors, a better comparison can be achieved.

In this article we will show the fatalities data normalized by passenger miles and passenger hours.

Fatalities by passenger miles

A common normalization factor for transport are the vehicle miles. That is, the sum of all miles traveled by all the vehicles of a specific means of transport over a period of time.

Vehicles miles = Sum of all miles traveled by all vehicles

While this factor gives as an idea of how much each transport type is used, it does not take into account that some vehicles carry many more passengers than others . This should be taken into account since, to transport 1000 people from point A to point B, many car trips would be needed, increasing the risk compared to train or planes. This leads to the normalizing factor of passenger miles .

Passenger miles = Vehicle miles x Passengers per vehicle

If you were to travel a given distance from point A to B, the fatalities per passenger miles shows which transport is the safest.

Looking at the data, we can see that motorcycles are by far the most dangerous transport. Bus, train and ferryboats appear much safer. Flying has long been considered as very safe too, but here we can see that not all flight modes are equal. Flights done with private owned planes are 10 times more dangerous than cars!

Despite having only 16 deaths over the past 10 years, commuter flights also show a high fatality rate. This is due to their low passenger miles, meaning that this transport is not as used as the larger commercial flights.

If you don’t take commuter flights and don't own a private plane, then I have good news for you: commercial flights are the safest means of transport! They are 1,700 times safer than car , and 100,000 times safer than motorcycle.

Fatalities by passenger hours

Another useful metric is the passenger hours . That is, the sum of all hours traveled by all vehicles of a transportation means.

Passenger hours = Vehicle hours x Passengers per vehicle

This factor can be used to compare how risky it is to sit a fix number of hours in different transports. For example, 5 hours in a motorcycle vs 5 hours in a plane. Of course, the plane will take you for a longer distance than the motorcycle, but it’s still a useful metric to compare the safety of one situation to another .

The results are similar to those from passenger miles. Motorcycle maintains the position as least safe transport, whereas bus, train and ferryboat continue with low numbers

Are commuter flights as risky as cars?

The fatality rates for commuter planes seem very high. But are these estimates accurate? The problem is that these planes don’t accumulate many passenger miles, meaning that we don’t have much data to get a good estimate.

Cars accumulate the highest value of passenger miles. Combined with the relatively high risk of cars, this leads to a very stable and predictable number fatalities each year. Commuter planes are used much less, resulting in an intermittent number of fatalities per year: 1 death in 2015 and 8 in 2016. This is an increase of 800 %!

Therefore, even if we take the average of 10 years to compute the fatality rate of commuter planes, the result can be affected by an isolated event with high fatalities, not representative of the actual safety. To obtain a more accurate estimate, we would simply need a higher use of this transport.

Despite having a low sample size to determine how risky commuter flights are, the current set suggests that they might be more risky than larger commercial flights . To put it in perspective, we would need 1,500 more deaths per year in commercial flights to reach a fatality rate similar to commuter planes. This is about 40 full plane crashes in a decade, and in 2010-2019 there were zero.

The reason for the higher risk of commuter flights is not clear for us . Since this category includes small cargo flights, it could be that the fatalities are due to handling of the cargo. A larger usage of this transport would be needed to get better conclusions.

The safest transport: commercial flights

The data on commercial flights has similar issues than commuter flights. The probability of a fatality is so low that, despite accumulating such enormous amount of flight hours, many more would be needed to obtain a more acculturate value. An added problem is that a single crash of a plane generates a large spike in the fatalities, whereas a motorcycle crash leads to a small increase of just one or two.

In any case, even if an accurate value is hard to obtain, commercial flights remain as the safest transport .

This can be seen in the data from 2000-2009 , where the fatalities per passenger miles were 0.07. This is higher than the current 0.002 value, but still much lower than cars . The reason for the higher values of the previous decade were two full crashes which occurred in 2001, killing about 500 people. Still, the fact that having these two crashes led to such low fatality rate of 0.07 (100 times lower than car), highlights how safe commercial planes are.

Quick lines on commercial flights safety

Private flights are risky.

Contrary to commuter or commercial flights, the fatality rate on private planes is expected to have a low statistical error due to the observed stability in the number of deaths each year. Therefore, private planes should actually be 10 times more dangerous than cars.

The reason for the higher risk is attributed to the lower preparation and less strict regulations than in commercial flights. Just as a reference, a pilot for a commercial airline needs a training of 3 years, whereas a private pilot license can be obtained in 6 months. On top of that, maintenance of the planes is much more regulated in the commercial airlines.

Recreational boating also showed a very high number of fatalities compared to passenger boats or freight ships. Unfortunately, the fatality rate of these was not added due to the lack of data on the passenger miles.

Conclusions

Commercial flights are the safest transport mode. In the past decade, there hasn’t been a single full plane crash in the US. The fatalities rate during this past decade so low that even if you fly your during your entire life, you only have 1 out of 1,500 chances of dying.

On the other hand, private flights are about 10 times more dangerous than car. Train and bus are similarly safe as commercial flights. As train can cover large distances, it can be an alternative for people who fear flying.

The points below show the assumptions done when data on fatalities, passenger miles or passenger hours wasn’t available.

Land vehicles : There is no data on passenger hours for land vehicles. Therefore, the average speed given in the Journal of Transport Statistics was used in combination with the passenger miles to obtain them: car 34.4 mph, light vehicle 31.8 mph, motorcycle 38.4 mph, heavy truck 33.6 mph, bus 21 mph.

Bus : fatalities data missing from 2019 is carried over from 2018.

Train : There is no data on passenger hours for trains. The average speed of commuter trains is available at BTS, about 32 mph. The average speed of Amtrak is assumed to be 84 mph, based on data from the Northeast Corridor . These two speeds are combined to make an average speed of trains.

Flights : Data on passenger miles is not available. An average number of passengers per plane was assumed for each to obtain it. Commercial flights were taken as 100. Commuter flights 9, which would be the maximum number of people allowed in this category, therefore giving a lower estimate on the fatality rate. For private flights, data on passenger miles available at BTS until 2001 is used to estimate an average number of passengers of 3.5 and an average speed of 135 mph, needed to get the passenger hours. For all flights, data missing in 2011 is taken from 2010.

Ferryboat : The number of fatalities is not taken from BTS since this one aggregates from other transportation such as inclined plane and cableway. Data is aggregated from the Federal Transit Administration . To get the passenger hours, the average speed available at BTS of 8.5 mph is used.

US Bureau of Transportation Statistics. National Transportation Statistics .

US Federal Transit Administration. Annual National Transit Summaries and Trends .

Savage I., 2013. Comparing the fatality risks in United States transportation across modes and over time . Research in Transportation Economics, 43, 9-22.

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Which form of transport has the smallest carbon footprint?

How can individuals reduce their emissions from transport.

This article was first published in 2020. It was updated in 2023 with more recent data.

Transport accounts for around one-quarter of global carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions from energy. 1 In some countries – often richer countries with populations that travel often – transport can be one of the largest segments of an individual’s carbon footprint.

If you need to travel – either locally or abroad – what is the lowest-carbon way to do so?

In the chart here we see the comparison of travel modes by their carbon footprint. These are measured by the amount of greenhouse gases emitted per person to travel one kilometer .

This data comes from the UK Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. It’s the emission factors used by companies to quantify and report their emissions. While the overall rankings of transport modes will probably be the same, there may be some differences across countries based on their own electricity mix, vehicle stock, and public transport network.

Greenhouse gases are measured in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO 2 eq), and they account for non-CO 2 greenhouse gases and the increased warming effects of aviation emissions at high altitudes. 2

Walk, bike or take the train for the lowest footprint

Over short to medium distances, walking or cycling are nearly always the lowest carbon way to travel. While they’re not in the chart, the carbon footprint of cycling one kilometer is usually in the range of 16 to 50 grams CO 2 eq per km depending on how efficiently you cycle and what you eat. 3

Using a bike instead of a car for short trips would reduce your travel emissions by around 75%.

If you can’t walk or cycle, then public transport is usually your best option. Trains are particularly low-carbon ways to travel. Taking a train instead of a car for medium-length distances would cut your emissions by around 80%. 4 Using a train instead of a domestic flight would reduce your emissions by around 86%. 5

In fact, if you If you took the Eurostar in France instead of a short-haul flight, you’d cut your journey’s footprint by around 97%. 6

What if you can’t walk or cycle, and have no public transport links?

If none of the above are options, what can you do?

Driving an electric vehicle (EV) is your best mode of private transport. It emits less than a petrol or diesel car, even in countries where the electricity mix is fairly high-carbon. Of course, powering it from low-carbon grid offers the greatest benefits.

The chart above only considers emissions of EV during its use phase – when you’re driving it. It doesn’t include emissions from the manufacturing of the car. There have been concerns that when we account for the energy needed to produce the battery, an EV is actually worse for the climate than a petrol car. This is not true – while an EV does have higher emissions during its production, it quickly ‘pays back’ once you start driving it. 7

Next best is a plug-in hybrid car.

Then, where you take a petrol car or fly depends on the distance. For journeys less than 1000 kilometers, flying has a higher carbon footprint than a medium-sized car. For longer journeys, flying would actually have a slightly lower carbon footprint per kilometer than driving alone over the same distance.

Let’s say you were to drive from Edinburgh to London, which is a distance of around 500 kilometers. You’d emit close to 85 kilograms CO 2 eq. 8 If you were to fly, this would be 123 kilograms – an increase of almost one-third. 9

Some general takeaways on how you can reduce the carbon footprint of travel:

• Walk, cycle or run when possible – this comes with many other benefits such as lower local air pollution and better health;
• Trains are nearly always the winning option over moderate-to-long distances;
• If travelling internationally, going by train or boat is lower-carbon than flying;
• Electric vehicles are nearly always lower-carbon than petrol or diesel cars. The reductions are greatest for countries with a cleaner electricity mix;
• If travelling domestically, driving – even if it’s alone – is usually better than flying;
• Car-sharing will massively reduce your footprint – it also helps to reduce local air pollution and congestion.

Appendix: Why is the carbon footprint per kilometer higher for domestic flight than long-haul flights?

You will notice that the CO 2 emissions per passenger-kilometer are higher for domestic flights than short-haul international flights; and long-haul flights are slightly lower still. Why is this the case?

In its report on the CO 2 Emissions from Commercial Aviation , the International Council on Clean Transportation provides a nice breakdown of how the carbon intensity (grams CO 2 emitted per passenger kilometer) varies depending on flight distance. 10

This chart is shown here – with carbon intensity given as the red line. It shows that at very short flight distances (less than 1,000 km), the carbon intensity is very high; it falls with distance until around 1,500 to 2,000 km; then levels out and changes very little with  increasing  distance.

This is because take-off requires much more energy input than the ‘cruise’ phase of a flight. So, for very short flights, this extra fuel needed for take-off is large compared to the more efficient cruise phase of the journey. The ICCT also notes that often less fuel-efficient  planes are used for the shortest flights.

The IEA  looks at CO 2  emissions  from energy production alone – in 2018 it reported 33.5 billion tonnes of energy-related CO 2  [hence, transport accounted for 8 billion / 33.5 billion = 24% of energy-related emissions.

Aviation creates a number of complex atmospheric reactions at altitude – such as vapour contrails – which create an enhanced warming effect. In the UK’s Greenhouse gas methodology paper , a ‘multiplier’ of 1.9 is applied to aviation emissions to account for this. This is reflected in the CO 2 eq factors provided in this analysis.

Researchers – David Lee et al. (2020) – estimate that aviation accounts for around 2.5% of global CO 2 emissions, but 3.5% of radiative forcing/warming due to these altitude effects.

Lee, D. S., Fahey, D. W., Skowron, A., Allen, M. R., Burkhardt, U., Chen, Q., ... & Gettelman, A. (2020). The contribution of global aviation to anthropogenic climate forcing for 2000 to 2018 .  Atmospheric Environment , 117834.

Finding a figure for the carbon footprint of cycling seems like it should be straightforward, but it can vary quite a lot. It depends on a number of factors: what size you are (bigger people tend to burn more energy cycling); how fit you are (fitter people are more efficient); the type of bike you’re pedalling; and what you eat (if you eat a primarily plant-based diet, the emissions are likely to be lower than if you get most of your calories from cheeseburgers and milk). People often also raise the question of whether you actually eat more if you cycle to work rather than driving i.e. whether those calories are actually ‘additional’ to your normal diet.

Estimates on the footprint of cycling therefore vary. Some estimates put this figure at around 16 grams CO 2 e per kilometer based on the average European diet. In his book ‘ How bad are bananas: the carbon footprint of everything ’, Mike Berners-Lee estimates the footprint based on specific food types. He estimates 25 grams CO 2 e when powered by bananas; 43 grams CO 2 e from cereal and cow’s milk; 190 grams CO 2 e from bacon; or as high as 310 grams CO 2 e if powered exclusively by cheeseburgers.

National rail emits around 35 grams per kilometer. The average petrol car emits 170 grams. So the footprint of taking the train is around 20% of taking a car: [ 35 / 170 * 100 = 20%].

National rail emits around 35 grams per kilometer. A domestic flight emits 246 grams. So the footprint of taking the train is around 14% of a flight: [ 35 / 246 * 100 = 14%].

Taking the Eurostar emits around 4 grams of CO 2 per passenger kilometer, compared to 154 grams from a short-haul flight. So the footprint of  Eurostar is around 4% of a  flight: [ 4 / 154 * 100 = 3%].

The ‘carbon payback time’ for an average driver is around 2 years.

An average petrol car emits 170 grams per kilometer. Multiply this by 500, and we get 85,000 grams (which is 85 kilograms).

A domestic flight emits 246 grams per kilometer. Multiply this by 500, and we get 123,000 grams (which is 123 kilograms).

Graver, B., Zhang, K. & Rutherford, D. (2018). CO2 emissions from commercial aviation, 2018 . International Council on Clean Transportation.

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Has remote work changed how people travel in the US?

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The prevalence of remote work since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic has significantly changed urban transportation patterns in the U.S., according to new study led by MIT researchers.

The research finds significant variation between the effects of remote work on vehicle miles driven and on mass-transit ridership across the U.S.

“A 1 percent decrease in onsite workers leads to a roughly 1 percent reduction in [automobile] vehicle miles driven, but a 2.3 percent reduction in mass transit ridership,” says Yunhan Zheng SM ’21, PhD ’24, an MIT postdoc who is co-author of a the study.

“This is one of the first studies that identifies the causal effect of remote work on vehicle miles traveled and transit ridership across the U.S.,” adds Jinhua Zhao, an MIT professor and another co-author of the paper.

By accounting for many of the nuances of the issue, across the lower 48 states and the District of Columbia as well as 217 metropolitan areas, the scholars believe they have arrived at a robust conclusion demonstrating the effects of working from home on larger mobility patterns.

The paper, “ Impacts of remote work on vehicle miles traveled and transit ridership in the USA ,” appears today in the journal Nature Cities . The authors are Zheng, a doctoral graduate of MIT’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and a postdoc at the Singapore–MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART); Shenhao Wang PhD ’20, an assistant professor at the University of Florida; Lun Liu, an assistant professor at Peking University; Jim Aloisi, a lecturer in MIT’s Department of Urban Studies and Planning (DUSP); and Zhao, the Professor of Cities and Transportation, founder of the MIT Mobility Initiative, and director of MIT’s JTL Urban Mobility Lab and Transit Lab.

The researchers gathered data on the prevalence of remote work from multiple sources, including Google location data, travel data from the U.S. Federal Highway Administration and the National Transit Database, and the monthly U.S. Survey of Working Arrangements and Attitudes (run jointly by Stanford University, the University of Chicago, ITAM, and MIT).

The study reveals significant variation among U.S. states when it comes to how much the rise of remote work has affected mileage driven.

“The impact of a 1 percent change in remote work on the reduction of vehicle miles traveled in New York state is only about one-quarter of that in Texas,” Zheng observes. “There is real variation there.”

At the same time, remote work has had the biggest effect on mass-transit revenues in places with widely used systems, with New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Boston, and Philadelphia making up the top five hardest-hit metro areas.

The overall effect is surprisingly consistent over time, from early 2020 through late 2022.

“In terms of the temporal variation, we found that the effect is quite consistent across our whole study period,” Zheng says. “It’s not just significant in the early stage of the pandemic, when remote work was a necessity for many. The magnitude remains consistent into the later period, when many people have the flexibility to choose where they want to work. We think this may have long-term implications.”

Additionally, the study estimates the impact that still larger numbers of remote workers could have on the environment and mass transit.

“On a national basis, we estimate that a 10 percent decrease in the number of onsite workers compared to prepandemic levels will reduce the annual total vehicle-related CO2 emissions by 191.8 million metric tons,” Wang says.

The study also projects that across the 217 metropolitan areas in the study, a 10 percent decrease in the number of onsite workers, compared to prepandemic levels, would lead to an annual loss of 2.4 billion transit trips and $3.7 billion in fare revenue — equal to roughly 27 percent of the annual transit ridership and fare revenue in 2019.

“The substantial influence of remote work on transit ridership highlights the need for transit agencies to adapt their services accordingly, investing in services tailored to noncommuting trips and implementing more flexible schedules to better accommodate the new demand patterns,” Zhao says.

The research received support from the MIT Energy Initiative; the Barr Foundation; the National Research Foundation, Prime Minister’s Office, Singapore under its Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise program; the Research Opportunity Seed Fund 2023 from the University of Florida; and the Beijing Social Science Foundation.

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Travel time map generator & isochrones, i know i can get from a to b by public transport within my selected time, but it's not showing up.

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Road Trips: How to Plan an Accessible Getaway

By Syren Nagakyrie

Planning an accessible road trip is getting a little easier for people with disabilities. There are more resources created by and for the disability community, and the tourism industry is starting to recognize the value of accessible travel. As a disabled, chronically ill, neurodivergent person, I take road trips every year and have learned some tips and tricks along the way.

Renting a vehicle

Most major car companies offer adaptive driving devices for their vehicles at no additional cost. Enterprise , for example, offers hand controls, left foot accelerators, pedal extenders and spinner knobs to facilitate steering. Budget can provide hand controls, spinner knobs, a panoramic mirror, swivel seats and transfer boards. Be prepared to request adaptive devices at least three business days in advance.

For a wheelchair-accessible van with a ramp or a lift, rent from a mobility company like BraunAbility , one of the largest builders of wheelchair-accessible vans in the country, with rentals at many locations. MobilityWorks , an accessible-vehicle and adaptive-equipment dealer, has rental locations in 34 states. AccessibleGO , which offers a one-stop shop for adapted rental cars and wheelchair-accessible vans, has agreements with 100 wheelchair van rental locations nationwide; request a quote on their website. For accessibleGO’s rental cars, you can request hand controls and a spinner knob at checkout.

Route planning

You can use Google Maps, Waze and MapQuest for initial accessibility research using photos and street view. Google Maps provides directions for some wheelchair-accessible pedestrian and transit routes.

Sites such as Roadtrippers and Furkot can plot an entire itinerary. While these websites are not disability specific, they are invaluable tools. (Roadtrippers does have a wheelchair-accessible check box in the search function.) You can filter by types of destinations such as national parks or museums, and search for hotels and campgrounds. Furkot allows you to input how long you want to drive each day, whether you want to travel on Interstate highways or take more scenic roads. The app will determine the best route and length of time between stops, and suggest where to stay overnight.

Finding lodging

While hotels and other accommodations are required to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act, many hotels do not meet all accessibility needs. Most of the booking sites list hotels with accessible rooms for those with mobility, hearing and vision needs, but this information is not always verified. Do additional research on review sites and look for photos. Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton and Fairmont hotels offer allergy-friendly and scent-free rooms in some locations. Call the hotel to verify accessibility and to make sure a specific room is reserved for you.

Vacation rentals are typically not required to be A.D.A. compliant, but some do provide accessibility information. Airbnb recently rolled out an adapted category with accessibility search features and homes that have been scanned for accessibility. Review photos and contact the host for more information. Some hosts will make accommodations, such as changing the cleaning supplies or shifting furniture, but document your request using the in-app messaging system so that customer service can help if you run into issues.

Wheel the World is an accessible travel agency offering bookings at over 3,000 verified accessible hotels in the United States. The hotels have been reviewed in person by trained assessors; only those that meet the criteria are listed. Sign up as a disabled traveler or a companion and complete a personal profile that includes options for a variety of disabilities and accessibility needs. The site will provide listings that match your profile with partial, adequate and outstanding match options.

Food and medication

There are a variety of options to keep food or medication cold while traveling. Electric coolers can plug into your vehicle’s 12-volt outlet, but pay attention to the type of cooling mechanism — the less expensive versions are usually thermoelectric and will cool only to about 30 degrees below ambient temperature (if it is 70 degrees in the car, it will cool to 40 degrees). Compressor coolers are more expensive but maintain normal refrigerated temperatures.

Many hotels provide mini-refrigerators. When you know you will be stopping somewhere with a fridge almost every night, layer large ice packs and supplies in a cooler, then top them with another insulating layer like a cooling bag. This keeps everything cold for a couple of days at a time.

It’s also a good idea to travel with a single-burner cooktop — electric to use inside, or propane to use at rest areas and campgrounds — and a camp mess kit so that you can safely cook meals.

Some of the best apps to find food, restaurants and grocery stores that accommodate dietary needs are Fig for allergy-specific options, Happy Cow for vegan-friendly options and Find Me Gluten Free for celiac-safe spots. Add your favorite options to the route-planning app so that you know where to stop.

Finding activities

In addition to the apps mentioned in the route-planning section, state and local tourism organizations are good sources for accessible destinations.

National parks and monuments, which are required to meet federal accessibility guidelines, typically have visitor centers and recreation sites with accessible features. Each park website has information, as well as programs and services within the park. While accessibility varies, you can usually find information on wheelchair-accessible trails and campsites, tactile and audio features, assistive listening devices, and American Sign Language interpreters.

At state parks, accessibility features may not be consistent, but you can usually find some information on each park’s website.

Apps like AllTrails list wheelchair-friendly trails across the country, but the information may not be verified, so contact the park or land manager for verification. Among the parks with notable accessible trails are Redwood National and State Parks, North Cascades National Park, Badlands National Park, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park .

Syren Nagakyrie, the founder of the nonprofit Disabled Hikers and the author of “The Disabled Hiker’s Guide to Western Washington and Oregon” and “The Disabled Hiker’s Guide to Northern California,” among other guidebooks, leads group hikes and conducts assessments throughout the United States.

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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Services partially resume on the South Coast Line as roads and public transport recovery continues

Drivers and passengers are urged to spend some time planning their journeys tomorrow, or consider working from home, with major impacts still being experienced across the state’s road and public transport network following this weekend’s severe weather event.

Passengers are advised to plan ahead with trains to Port Kembla and Kiama resuming on a reduced weekend timetable tomorrow after extreme weather and floods damaged infrastructure and caused land slips in a number of locations.

Trains will resume Tuesday morning between Kiama and the city in both directions however they will run to a reduced weekend timetable whilst repairs continue to be made to some sections of the track.

Buses will continue to replace trains between Bomaderry and Kiama. This is expected to continue for a number of days.

Buses will be stationed at Wollongong and Waterfall to supplement trains.

Currently, Sydney Trains has 250 workers on the ground carrying out repairs following the weekend’s severe weather event.

Passengers should allow for extra travel time, check indicator boards, listen to station announcements, and plan their trip ahead of time.

Sydney Trains thanks passengers for their patience while we work to recover the network.

Other public transport services will run to altered timetables as recovery from the rain event continues and passengers are advised to check the Trip Planner , travel alerts or travel apps and if possible consider an alternative transport mode if your usual route is impacted and allow plenty of extra travel time.

Drivers should take extreme care on the roads and avoid all non-essential travel in affected areas, with the impact of heavy rain and flooding likely to be felt across the coming days. Please exercise caution as some road surfaces may have deteriorated and have potholes. Council and Transport crews will work as quickly as possible to repair the damage.

Motorists are also reminded to never drive through floodwater, follow the directions of emergency services and take extreme care as conditions are changing quickly.

For the latest traffic information, download the Live Traffic NSW app , visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.