Passenger train service in the United States is provided by government-run Amtrak, which serves hundreds of cities in 46 states and Washington D.C. Although the time needed to travel from coast to coast may be days instead of hours, as with commercial airliners, train passengers trade speed for fresh air, comfort and ever-changing scenery. For shorter and medium-length trips, train tickets may be cheaper than commercial air carriers.
Automotive options for business or vacation travelers go beyond simply driving your car. Ride-sharing and carpooling has become popular among travelers seeking to conserve resources and avoid the airport, especially when multiple or heavy luggage items are involved. An Internet search for "rideshare" can be the first step to saving money and making new acquaintances on a cross-country trip.
Another option for international travelers with lots of luggage and flexible schedules is to travel by cargo ship. It may seem bizarre and is certainly unusual, but what could appeal more to that sense of adventure than a sea voyage by freighter. Travel writer Friedel Rother cites low costs, thin crowds and relaxation among the benefits of freighter travel, but warns that travel dates and destinations can change before or during the trip and says proof of good health is commonly required. Travelers interested in sailing by cargo ship can contact freight companies directly, but more commonly use travel agencies specializing in freighter travel.
For travelers seeking terrestrial alternatives to the airport, commercial or charter bus lines may be the best choice. Similar to ride-shares, buses travel over state and federal highways carrying groups of 40 to 50 passengers to and from stations in towns and cities across the country. Two of the largest bus lines operating in the North America are Stagecoach Group and Greyhound Lines, but dozens of carriers provide regional and national service. Bus travel may prove costlier than train travel, but buses may offer more flexible schedules and faster arrivals, depending on the destination.
If your main objection to air travel is being herded like cattle through a crowded airport, but money is no object, consider chartered air travel. Private chartered aircraft and some cargo carriers carry passengers for a higher fee than commercial airlines charge, but without the same scheduling restrictions.
For the traveler who wants to combine an extended vacation with a means of conveyance that requires little or no fossil fuel, the bicycle offers a practical option. Organizations such as Bike Across America provide routes, advice and testimonies from people who have traveled long-distance via bicycle.
