Car-Free USA
Planning a New Year's trip but don't want to drive? You're in luck! America has a surprisingly robust network of trains and buses that can take you to some incredible destinations. Here’s a practical guide to exploring the US without ever touching a steering wheel. 🛞❌ 🚄 Train Travel: Scenic Rails Across America 1️⃣ Coast Starlight (California) Route: San Francisco Bay Area → Los Angeles 🌊 Journey Time: ~10 hours (from San Jose) The Vibe: This is one of the most scenic train routes in America. The handwritten tickets add a touch of old-school romance. 🎫 Pro-Tip: Sit on the right side (west side) of the train for the best, uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean as you travel south. The coastal vistas are absolutely breathtaking. 2️⃣ Brightline (Florida) Route: Miami → Orlando 🌴 Journey Time: ~5 hours The Vibe: I call this the "Slow Rail." While not as fast as a plane, it's a comfortable and convenient way to connect two of Florida's biggest tourist hubs without dealing with I-95 traffic. The stations are modern and centrally located. 3️⃣ Amtrak Midwest Corridor Route: Chicago → Milwaukee 🏙️ Journey Time: ~1.5 hours The Vibe: Perfect for a day trip! The journey is short and easy, making a same-day return completely feasible. If you have extra time in Chicago, spend a day in Milwaukee visiting the Harley-Davidson Museum 🏍️—it's a must for motorcycle enthusiasts. 4️⃣ Alaska Railroad Route: Fairbanks → Anchorage 🏔️ The Vibe: Alaska never disappoints! This journey takes you through some of the most pristine and dramatic wilderness in North America. For the summer trip from Anchorage to Seward, I opted for the bus instead of the train as it was faster. ⚠️ 5️⃣ Sunset Limited Route: New Orleans → Houston 🌅 Schedule: Departs around 9:00 AM on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays; arrives in Houston around 6:00 PM. Why I Skipped It: The Flixbus can get you to Houston by around 2:00 PM on the same day, making it a much faster option for this particular leg. 🚌 Intercity Buses: Affordable & Extensive 1️⃣ Flixbus / Greyhound First Impressions: My first Greyhound experience was over a decade ago from New York to Boston. Back then, I had no expectations about comfort—I just wanted to arrive. Honestly, that mindset still applies today. 😅 Golden Rule: I only choose daytime departures for safety and comfort. Florida Routes: You can absolutely explore Florida without a car! Routes like Miami → Key West and Orlando → Sarasota → Tampa are perfectly doable by bus. Gulf Coast & Texas: The network is extensive, with great connections like New Orleans → Biloxi and New Orleans → Houston → Austin → San Antonio. There are plenty of schedule options to fit your itinerary. 2️⃣ Groome Route: Phoenix → Sedona 🏜️ Tip: This is a popular shuttle service to the stunning red rocks of Sedona. Just make sure to check the timetable carefully as departures can be limited. 3️⃣ The Park Connection Motorcoach Route: Anchorage → Seward 🚐 The Vibe: If you take the 7:00 AM bus, you'll typically arrive in Seward just in time to catch the 11:30 AM fjord cruise tour 🛥️. It's a well-coordinated connection for tourists. The service is generally reliable and punctual. Traveling without a car in the US is not only possible but can lead to a more relaxed and scenic adventure. All aboard! 🎉🗺️ #US #Florida #Miami
