Arrival and Getting into Town

Long-Distance: Flights and Driving

• Domestic flights: The best option for inter-region travel. Airlines like Southwest, Delta, and United have strong competition, and booking 1–2 months in advance offers better prices. Baggage policies vary, so confirm before purchasing.
• Renting a car: Highly recommended for the West Coast and national parks. A valid driver’s license from your home country + passport + translation document are accepted in most states. Drivers over 25 avoid young driver surcharges. Compare prices on platforms like Enterprise and Hertz.
• Greyhound buses and trains: Greyhound and Megabus are good for short trips. Amtrak long-distance services are slow and expensive, though sightseeing routes like the Coast Starlight are worth trying.

Urban Transit

• New York: Subway runs 24/7. A single ride costs $2.9 using OMNY or a bank card.
• Washington, D.C.: The Metro is clean and punctual, with key attractions located along the Red and Orange lines.
• Los Angeles and San Francisco: Los Angeles is car-oriented, while San Francisco offers both Muni cable cars and BART.
• Taxis: Uber and Lyft are widely available. Airport pickups are often cheaper than traditional taxis.

Tips

• Most states, including California and Washington, allow the short-term use of a valid driver’s license from your home country. Bring a translation document and check the specific rules of your destination state.
• The America the Beautiful national parks pass costs $80 and pays for itself after visiting just two parks.
• Gas is sold by the gallon. Self-service pumps are common—you can pay inside or use a credit card at the pump.
• Use Google Maps for the most accurate route planning and real-time transit schedules.