The Cheapest Way to Travel Across the Country
Bus, rail pass, car or a sale fare: which one wins depends on how many of you are going and how much time you have.
Get Free Trip QuotesThe cheapest way to travel across the country depends on two things: how many people are going and how much time you have. A student with a backpack and three weeks has different options from a family of five with ten days. Here is how the four main choices compare, without the prices that change daily.
The Four Ways Across, Compared
| Option | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Intercity bus | Solo travelers and pairs on a tight budget; city-to-city routes | Long journey times, overnight rides, limited stops in rural areas |
| Rail pass or train tickets | Travelers with time who want scenery and the chance to stop along the way | Coach seats only on a pass; reservations needed; some routes run once a day |
| Driving your own car | Families and groups; national parks and small towns that buses and trains miss | Fuel, wear, tolls, parking in cities, and the time it takes |
| Budget flights | Covering long distances fast when you book early and pack light | Bag fees and seat fees that can erase the low headline fare |
Intercity Buses
Several companies run long-distance coaches between American cities, among them Greyhound, FlixBus and Megabus. Buses are often the lowest-cost way for one person to cross the country, especially when booked ahead. The trade-off is time: a coast-to-coast trip takes days, and smaller towns may have one stop a day or none. Use a bus for the long city-to-city legs and something else for the parks.
The Amtrak USA Rail Pass
Amtrak, the national passenger railroad, sells a USA Rail Pass that bundles 10 one-way segments in coach. Amtrak says the pass is valid for 120 days from purchase and that once you take your first segment you have 30 days to complete your travel. Every segment counts, so a trip with one change of train uses two. Each ride must be reserved, seats on each train are limited, and the pass does not cover Acela, the Auto Train or certain Thruway bus connections.
For a slow, scenic crossing with a few stops along the way, a pass can be good value. For a single coast-to-coast ride, compare it with an ordinary ticket. Amtrak runs occasional promotions on the pass, so it pays to check the current price before you commit.
Driving and Flying
If there are three or more of you, driving your own car is usually the cheapest way to travel across the country, and it is the only practical way to reach many national parks and small towns. Our road trip page covers keeping fuel, food and lodging costs down.
Flying is the fastest option and can be inexpensive on sale, but read the fare rules: on many low fares, carry-on bags, checked bags and seat choice cost extra. Searching a range of dates on Airfares for Less makes it easier to spot the cheaper days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Amtrak USA Rail Pass work?
According to Amtrak, the pass gives 10 one-way segments in coach. It is valid for 120 days from purchase, and once you ride the first segment you have 30 days to finish. Each segment must be reserved, and a few services such as Acela and the Auto Train are excluded. Check Amtrak for the current terms before you buy.
Is driving cheaper than flying?
For one person on a long trip, a sale fare can beat fuel, wear and motels. For a family or a group sharing one car, driving usually wins, because the cost of the car barely changes with more passengers.
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