Getting ThereMost foreign cities have daily flights to a number of American cities. Flights from Europe usually enter the United States via cities on the east coast or Chicago, and flights from Asia and Australia usually enter on the west coast. Transportation from international airports to the nearest cities is well provided by taxis, rental cars and public transport.

More than a dozen major airlines also have extensive domestic service. They tend to work on a “hub-and-spoke” system, where long-distance flights converge on large regional airports (Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Dallas) from which shorter flights connect to smaller destinations. There are also several domestic airlines that offer inexpensive flights to smaller destinations, with “no frills” service (Southwest Airlines, Jet Blue).

Getting Around
Railroad
The use of railroads has been declining for many years, so the system is not comprehensive. Except for the northeast corridor (Washington to Boston), service is marked by delays, limited routes, infrequent service, and inconvenient schedules. It’s essential to get your ticket in advance.

Amtrak operates the railroads. Its carriages are spacious and comfortable. For longer trips, they offer dining and lounge cars, as well as observation cars with large windows.

Bus
Buses are usually clean, modern and offer reclining seats, and lavatories. There is no meal service, but the driver will stop at restaurants along the way. Greyhound Lines is the main long-distance company; another one is Trailways. Although service is sparse in rural areas, these long distance carriers link the major cities.

Driving
Americans have a love affair with cars. Many cities are very spread out. Driving in large cities is often fraught with gridlock and traffic jams, but driving elsewhere can be an enjoyable experience. The US is crisscrossed with an excellent network of highways, the most important of which are the Interstates, high-speed and limited-access roads that are the fastest roads for long-distance travel. In rural areas, the main routes are the federal roads that, along with the state and county roads, are among America’s most scenic routes. Driving along the highways is very convenient. Petrol stations are everywhere, usually open all night in big cities and on major routes, and there are places to eat at regular intervals, although these tend to be fast food.

Most car rental companies have outlets at the major airports. Reservations are handled centrally, so you can shop online or call their toll-free numbers. The prices are competitive, but they vary tremendously, based on the kind of car you order, where you pick it up and drop it off, the length of rental period, whether you are eligible for a frequent-flyer or other discount, whether you take insurance, and other factors.