Hiya, Me and a friend are planning a 6 months stint in USA from NYC to LA, and lots in between. Would appreciate any advice about, travel - cars/ buses/ trains... whats the cheapest and best wey to see the country. Wondering how much its gonna cost... was thinking of about £5000 each which works out at £200 a week each.... and if we can get casual jobs etc.

Cheers Simon.

Trains are expensive and are off-schedule 95% of the time. Buses can be a bit dodgy and uncomfortable on long trips, but they're pretty cheap. Travelling by car is by far the best way to travel across the country. It'll offer you the freedom and mobility that the experience really requires. Renting a car can be really expensive though - especially in NY where the rates are jacked up tremendously. You might be able to get a better deal in smaller town or cities along the way. Look online for special deals (just don't try to get a car in NY).

I would recommend the Greyhound for the cheapest way to travel. It's not the most comfortable (beware of major stomach aches, cramped legs, and occasionally "eccentric" passangers), but they usually stay on scedule, are cheap and are probably as close to a car as your going to get (for getting as many places as possible). All you need is a good sense of humor, the smarts to get out and stretch when everyone else smokes, a walkman, a journal, and anti-acid of choice and you'll be more than fine.

If you were to buy a greyhound discovery pass it would cost you $500 for 60 day pass. You could go anywhere in 60 days for just $500. (I'm buying a 21 day pass this summer when I go out west). Hope this helps.

http://www.greyhound.com

(p.s. if you do use the greyhound- you will want to study routes, times (so you don't end up stranded in ames,iowa for 24 hours) and find out terminals so you don't end up one place and your bags end up in another (because some towns are just stops (they don't collect your luggage or get it out- but that's just w/ small towns)))

I Have drove across country in a car three time and it is the only way to go . If you see something you want to go in you can where on a bus or a train you can't.Go on Route 66 that was a realy nice ride.

Hi Tangleray,

It's a no-brainer. Forget the buses and trains, and try driveaway (ie delivering cars across the States). It's the perfect solution for somebody planning to travel for many months in the States, as you and your friend propose.

To find out how driveaway works, scroll down to my reply to Paul Quelch's posting (December 14) or visit www.autodriveaway.com

Have a great trip!

Pete

The Amtrak trains are a great way to cross the States at ground level and see, it, in comfort, in a short space of time.

See www.amtrak.com or www.seat61.com/Trans-Atlantic.htm for times, fares etc.

The Man in Seat Sixty-One...