Navigating public transportation can be daunting, but with the right tips, you can easily get around America’s major cities.
Whether you’re a tourist or a local, understanding how to effectively use public transit can save you time and money.
We’ll explore 30 major American cities with extensive transportation systems, offering detailed insights on their metro areas, fare systems, transfer costs, and how public transit can enhance your travel experience.
1. New York City
Transportation System: MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority)
Metro Area: Five boroughs (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, Staten Island)
Base Fare: $2.75
Transfers: Free within two hours of initial fare
Tourist Attractions: Times Square, Central Park, Statue of Liberty
New York City’s MTA is one of the most extensive transit systems in the world.
The MTA operates subways, buses, and ferries, covering all five boroughs.
The subway system, with its 472 stations, runs 24/7 and connects Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx.
The Staten Island Ferry offers free rides between Staten Island and Lower Manhattan, providing stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline.
An unlimited MetroCard is available for $33 (7 days) or $127 (30 days), making it easier to explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods and iconic landmarks.
Imagine starting your day with a stroll through Central Park, then hopping on the subway to visit the bustling Times Square or taking a ferry to the iconic Statue of Liberty.
The MTA makes it all possible!
2. San Francisco
Transportation System: Muni, BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)
Metro Area: San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley
Base Fare: Muni – $3.00, BART – varies by distance
Transfers: Muni – free within 90 minutes; BART – depends on travel distance
Tourist Attractions: Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf
San Francisco’s transportation system comprises two main networks: Muni and BART.
Muni operates within San Francisco, offering buses, trolleys, and the famous cable cars.
The Muni Metro, a light rail system, runs underground in downtown San Francisco and above ground in other parts of the city.
The Muni system provides comprehensive coverage within the city limits, with a $98 monthly pass available for unlimited rides.
BART, on the other hand, is a rapid transit system that extends beyond San Francisco to the East Bay and northern Peninsula cities, including Oakland and Berkeley.
BART trains run frequently and cover long distances quickly, making it a convenient option for commuting and regional travel.
BART’s Clipper Card facilitates easy transfers between BART and Muni, providing a seamless travel experience.
Imagine hopping on a cable car to Fisherman’s Wharf, enjoying the scenic ride with the sound of the bell ringing, or taking a BART train to explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Oakland’s Jack London Square.
With Muni and BART, the entire Bay Area is at your fingertips.
3. Washington, D.C.
Transportation System: WMATA (Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority)
Metro Area: D.C., Maryland, Virginia
Base Fare: Metro – $2.00-$6.00, Bus – $2.00
Transfers: Free within 2 hours with SmarTrip card
Tourist Attractions: National Mall, Smithsonian Museums, U.S. Capitol
The WMATA operates the Metrorail and Metrobus services, which are efficient ways to explore the D.C. metropolitan area.
The Metrorail system consists of six color-coded lines (Red, Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow, Green) that connect Washington, D.C. with Maryland and Virginia suburbs.
The system includes 91 stations and covers over 117 miles of track.
Metrobus complements the rail system with an extensive network of bus routes that cover areas not accessible by the Metrorail.
The SmarTrip card offers discounted fares and free transfers between bus and rail services.
Picture yourself starting the day with a visit to the National Mall, hopping from one Smithsonian museum to another, and ending with a sunset view at the U.S. Capitol.
The WMATA makes it easy to explore all the historical and cultural treasures D.C. has to offer.
4. Chicago
Transportation System: CTA (Chicago Transit Authority)
Metro Area: Chicago, nearby suburbs
Base Fare: $2.50
Transfers: 25 cents for two additional transfers within 2 hours
Tourist Attractions: Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Art Institute of Chicago
Chicago’s CTA operates an extensive network of buses and trains.
The “L” train system, known for its elevated tracks, includes eight color-coded lines (Red, Blue, Green, Orange, Brown, Purple, Pink, Yellow) that serve the city and several suburbs.
The system has 145 stations and runs 24/7 on certain lines, providing convenient access to key areas of the city.
The bus network complements the train system by covering areas not served by the “L.”
With a $5 day pass or a $105 monthly pass, visitors can easily navigate the city and its suburbs.
Imagine taking the “L” train to the Loop for a day of shopping and sightseeing, visiting Millennium Park to see the famous “Bean,” and ending the day with a stroll along Navy Pier.
The CTA makes exploring Chicago’s rich cultural and architectural landmarks a breeze.
5. Los Angeles
Transportation System: Metro
Metro Area: Greater Los Angeles
Base Fare: $1.75
Transfers: Free within 2 hours with TAP card
Tourist Attractions: Hollywood Walk of Fame, Getty Center, Universal Studios
Los Angeles’ Metro system includes buses and rail lines that cover the sprawling city.
The Metro Rail system consists of six lines (Red, Purple, Blue, Expo, Green, Gold) that connect Downtown L.A. with Hollywood, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Long Beach, and other areas.
The rail system has 93 stations and offers extensive coverage of the metropolitan area.
Metro buses provide an extensive network of routes that serve areas not accessible by rail.
A $7 day pass or a $100 monthly pass on a TAP card provides unlimited travel.
Picture starting your day at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, then taking the Metro Rail to the serene Getty Center, and ending with an adventure at Universal Studios.
The Metro makes it easy to navigate L.A.’s diverse attractions without the infamous traffic.
6. Boston
Transportation System: MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority)
Metro Area: Boston, Cambridge, Quincy
Base Fare: $2.40
Transfers: Free within 2 hours
Tourist Attractions: Freedom Trail, Fenway Park, Museum of Fine Arts
The MBTA, or “The T,” is Boston’s comprehensive public transit system.
The T includes four subway lines (Red, Orange, Blue, Green), along with buses, commuter rail, and ferry services.
The subway lines connect downtown Boston with surrounding neighborhoods and cities like Cambridge and Quincy.
The system includes 145 stations and covers a vast area of the Boston metropolitan region.
The commuter rail network extends further to suburban and regional destinations, providing connections to towns and cities across Massachusetts.
A $22.50 weekly pass or a $90 monthly pass offers unlimited travel.
Imagine starting your day walking the historic Freedom Trail, taking the Red Line to Harvard Square, and catching a game at Fenway Park.
The T makes it easy to dive into Boston’s rich history and vibrant culture.
7. Philadelphia
Transportation System: SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority)
Metro Area: Philadelphia, surrounding suburbs
Base Fare: $2.50
Transfers: $1.00 with SEPTA Key card
Tourist Attractions: Liberty Bell, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Independence Hall
SEPTA’s buses, trolleys, and trains provide extensive coverage of Philadelphia and its suburbs.
The SEPTA Key card offers discounted fares and easy transfers.
The system includes two subway lines (Market-Frankford Line, Broad Street Line) and regional rail lines that connect the city with its suburbs.
SEPTA also operates trolley routes, bus services, and the Norristown High Speed Line.
The regional rail network connects Philadelphia with suburban and regional destinations, making it convenient for commuters and travelers alike.
Picture starting your day at the historic Independence Hall, taking a trolley to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and ending your day exploring the vibrant food scene at Reading Terminal Market.
SEPTA makes exploring Philly’s historic charm and modern attractions effortless.
8. Seattle
Transportation System: King County Metro, Sound Transit
Metro Area: Seattle, Tacoma, Everett
Base Fare: Metro – $2.75, Sound Transit – varies by distance
Transfers: Free within 2 hours with ORCA card
Tourist Attractions: Space Needle, Pike Place Market, Chihuly Garden and Glass
Seattle’s King County Metro and Sound Transit systems provide comprehensive transit options across the region.
The Sound Transit Link light rail runs from the University of Washington, through downtown Seattle, to Angle Lake, with plans for further expansion.
The light rail system provides fast and efficient connections between key areas, including Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
King County Metro operates an extensive bus network that complements the light rail service, covering areas not accessible by rail.
The ORCA card offers convenient transfers and discounts, making it easy to visit the city’s many attractions.
Picture taking the Link light rail from SeaTac Airport to downtown Seattle, enjoying the views from the Space Needle, and ending the day exploring the vibrant Pike Place Market.
The ORCA card offers convenient transfers and discounts, making it easy to visit the city’s many attractions.
9. Atlanta
Transportation System: MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority)
Metro Area: Atlanta, Fulton, DeKalb counties
Base Fare: $2.50
Transfers: Free within 3 hours
Tourist Attractions: Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
MARTA’s trains and buses cover Atlanta and its surrounding areas.
The MARTA rail system includes four lines (Red, Gold, Blue, Green) that connect downtown Atlanta with the airport and suburban areas.
The rail system has 38 stations and provides extensive coverage of the metropolitan area.
MARTA buses complement the rail system, covering areas not accessible by rail.
An unlimited ride pass costs $9 for a day or $95 for a month.
Imagine starting your day with a visit to the Georgia Aquarium, taking a MARTA train to explore the World of Coca-Cola, and ending your day at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park.
MARTA makes exploring Atlanta’s attractions convenient and affordable.
10. Miami
Transportation System: Miami-Dade Transit (MDT)
Metro Area: Miami, Miami Beach, Coral Gables
Base Fare: $2.25
Transfers: 60 cents with EASY Card
Tourist Attractions: South Beach, Miami Seaquarium, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Miami-Dade Transit’s Metrorail, Metromover, and Metrobus systems offer comprehensive coverage of the Miami area.
The Metrorail has two lines (Green, Orange) that connect downtown Miami with the airport and suburban areas.
The rail system has 23 stations and provides extensive coverage of the metropolitan area.
The Metromover is a free automated people mover system that serves downtown Miami and Brickell, making it easy to transfer between Metrorail and Metrobus routes.
The Metrobus network covers areas not served by rail, providing comprehensive coverage of the Miami area.
The EASY Card provides discounted fares and seamless transfers.
Imagine riding the Metromover to downtown Miami’s Bayside Marketplace, then catching a bus to the vibrant art scene in Wynwood.
11. Dallas
Transportation System: DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit)
Metro Area: Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington
Base Fare: $3.00
Transfers: Free with GoPass app
Tourist Attractions: Dallas Museum of Art, Sixth Floor Museum, Dallas Zoo
DART’s buses and light rail services connect Dallas with its neighboring cities.
The DART Rail system consists of four lines (Red, Blue, Green, Orange) that serve Dallas and nearby suburbs, including service to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.
The rail system has 64 stations and covers 93 miles of track.
DART buses provide an extensive network of routes that cover areas not accessible by rail.
The GoPass app offers convenient fare payment and free transfers.
Picture taking the DART light rail to downtown Dallas to explore the Dallas Museum of Art, then heading to the historic West End for dinner.
12. Houston
Transportation System: METRO
Metro Area: Houston, Harris County
Base Fare: $1.25
Transfers: Free within 3 hours
Tourist Attractions: Space Center Houston, Houston Zoo, Museum of Fine Arts
Houston’s METRO system includes buses and light rail that cover the city and its suburbs.
The METRORail system has three lines (Red, Green, Purple) that connect downtown Houston with the Texas Medical Center, Museum District, and other key areas.
The rail system has 39 stations and covers 23 miles of track.
METRO buses provide an extensive network of routes that cover areas not accessible by rail.
A METRO Q Card provides discounted fares and free transfers.
Imagine taking the METRORail to visit the Houston Museum District, then catching a bus to explore the lively Theater District.
13. Denver
Transportation System: RTD (Regional Transportation District)
Metro Area: Denver, Boulder, Longmont
Base Fare: $3.00
Transfers: Free within 3 hours
Tourist Attractions: Denver Art Museum, Denver Zoo, Red Rocks Amphitheatre
The RTD operates buses and light rail services across the Denver metro area.
The RTD rail system consists of eight lines (A, B, C, D, E, F, H, W) that connect downtown Denver with Denver International Airport, Boulder, and other suburbs.
The rail system has 74 stations and covers 113 miles of track.
RTD buses provide an extensive network of routes that cover areas not accessible by rail.
An unlimited ride pass costs $6 for a day or $114 for a month.
Picture taking the light rail to downtown Denver, then catching a bus to the Denver Botanic Gardens.
14. Minneapolis-St. Paul
Transportation System: Metro Transit
Metro Area: Twin Cities
Base Fare: $2.00 (non-rush), $2.50 (rush hour)
Transfers: Free within 2.5 hours
Tourist Attractions: Mall of America, Minneapolis Institute of Art, Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
Metro Transit provides bus and light rail services across the Twin Cities.
The METRO Blue Line and Green Line light rail systems connect downtown Minneapolis and downtown St. Paul with the Mall of America, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, and the University of Minnesota.
The rail system has 37 stations and covers 24 miles of track.
Metro Transit buses provide an extensive network of routes that cover areas not accessible by rail.
A $5 day pass or a $120 monthly pass offers unlimited travel.
Imagine taking the Blue Line to the Mall of America, then catching a bus to explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Minneapolis.
15. Portland
Transportation System: TriMet
Metro Area: Portland, Beaverton, Gresham
Base Fare: $2.50
Transfers: Free within 2.5 hours
Tourist Attractions: Powell’s City of Books, Portland Art Museum, International Rose Test Garden
TriMet’s buses and MAX light rail provide extensive coverage of the Portland metro area.
The MAX system includes five lines (Blue, Red, Green, Yellow, Orange) that connect downtown Portland with the airport, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Gresham, and Clackamas.
The rail system has 97 stations and covers 60 miles of track.
TriMet buses provide an extensive network of routes that cover areas not accessible by rail.
An unlimited ride pass costs $5 for a day or $100 for a month.
Imagine taking the MAX Red Line from Portland International Airport to downtown, then hopping on the Blue Line to visit the famous Powell’s City of Books.
16. San Diego
Transportation System: MTS (Metropolitan Transit System)
Metro Area: San Diego, Chula Vista, El Cajon
Base Fare: $2.50
Transfers: Free within 2 hours with Compass Card
Tourist Attractions: San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, USS Midway Museum
San Diego’s MTS operates buses and trolleys that cover the city and its suburbs.
The San Diego Trolley system includes four lines (Blue, Green, Orange, Silver) that connect downtown San Diego with areas like La Jolla, Old Town, and the Mexican border.
The rail system has 53 stations and covers 54 miles of track.
MTS buses provide an extensive network of routes that cover areas not accessible by rail.
The Compass Card provides discounted fares and easy transfers.
Imagine riding the trolley from downtown San Diego to Old Town for a taste of history and culture.
17. Phoenix
Transportation System: Valley Metro
Metro Area: Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe
Base Fare: $2.00
Transfers: Free within 2 hours
Tourist Attractions: Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix Art Museum, Heard Museum
Valley Metro’s buses and light rail offer comprehensive coverage of the Phoenix area.
The Valley Metro Rail system has one line that runs from Phoenix through Tempe to Mesa, connecting downtown Phoenix with the airport and key suburban areas.
The rail system has 28 stations and covers 26 miles of track.
Valley Metro buses provide an extensive network of routes that cover areas not accessible by rail.
An unlimited ride pass costs $4 for a day or $64 for a month.
Picture taking the light rail to explore downtown Phoenix, then catching a bus to the Desert Botanical Garden.
18. Baltimore
Transportation System: MTA Maryland
Metro Area: Baltimore, surrounding counties
Base Fare: $1.90
Transfers: Free within 90 minutes with CharmCard
Tourist Attractions: National Aquarium, Fort McHenry, Walters Art Museum
MTA Maryland operates buses, light rail, and metro services in the Baltimore area.
The Baltimore Metro SubwayLink has one line that connects downtown Baltimore with Owings Mills.
The rail system has 14 stations and covers 15 miles of track.
The Light RailLink system has three lines that connect downtown with Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Hunt Valley, and Cromwell.
The rail system has 33 stations and covers 30 miles of track.
The CharmCard provides discounted fares and easy transfers.
Imagine taking the light rail to visit the National Aquarium, then catching a bus to explore the vibrant Inner Harbor.
19. San Antonio
Transportation System: VIA Metropolitan Transit
Metro Area: San Antonio, Bexar County
Base Fare: $1.30
Transfers: Free within 2 hours
Tourist Attractions: The Alamo, River Walk, San Antonio Zoo
VIA’s buses cover San Antonio and its suburbs.
The VIA Primo and VIA Express services provide faster connections between key areas, including downtown San Antonio and the Medical Center.
VIA buses cover areas not accessible by rail.
An unlimited ride pass costs $2.75 for a day or $38 for a month.
Imagine taking a VIA bus to the historic Alamo, then catching another bus to explore the beautiful River Walk.
20. Salt Lake City
Transportation System: UTA (Utah Transit Authority)
Metro Area: Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo
Base Fare: $2.50
Transfers: Free within 2 hours
Tourist Attractions: Temple Square, Utah State Capitol, Natural History Museum of Utah
UTA’s buses and light rail provide comprehensive transit options across the Salt Lake City area.
The TRAX light rail system has three lines (Blue, Red, Green) that connect downtown Salt Lake City with the airport, University of Utah, Sandy, and West Valley City.
The rail system has 50 stations and covers 45 miles of track.
The FrontRunner commuter rail extends from Ogden to Provo, connecting with TRAX and bus services.
The rail system has 16 stations and covers 88 miles of track.
An unlimited ride pass costs $6.25 for a day or $83.75 for a month.
Imagine taking the TRAX Blue Line to the Utah State Capitol, then catching a bus to explore the Natural History Museum of Utah.
21. Austin
Transportation System: CapMetro
Metro Area: Austin, Travis County
Base Fare: $1.25
Transfers: Free within 2 hours
Tourist Attractions: Texas State Capitol, Zilker Park, Sixth Street
CapMetro offers bus and rail services throughout Austin.
The MetroRail Red Line connects downtown Austin with Leander, providing an easy commute for suburban residents.
The rail system has 9 stations and covers 32 miles of track.
CapMetro buses provide an extensive network of routes that cover areas not accessible by rail, including the MetroRapid service that offers faster, more frequent connections.
A $2.50 day pass or a $41.25 monthly pass offers unlimited travel.
Imagine taking the MetroRail to downtown Austin to explore the Texas State Capitol, then catching a bus to enjoy a concert on Sixth Street.
22. Cleveland
Transportation System: RTA (Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority)
Metro Area: Cleveland, Cuyahoga County
Base Fare: $2.50
Transfers: Free within 90 minutes with RTA card
Tourist Attractions: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Museum of Art, West Side Market
Cleveland’s RTA operates buses, trolleys, and light rail services.
The RTA Rapid Transit system includes four rail lines (Red, Blue, Green, Waterfront) that connect downtown Cleveland with the airport, University Circle, Shaker Heights, and the waterfront.
The rail system has 52 stations and covers 34 miles of track.
RTA buses provide an extensive network of routes that cover areas not accessible by rail.
An all-day pass costs $5.50, providing unlimited travel.
Imagine taking the Red Line from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport to downtown, then hopping on a bus to visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
23. Pittsburgh
Transportation System: Port Authority of Allegheny County
Metro Area: Pittsburgh, Allegheny County
Base Fare: $2.75
Transfers: Free within 3 hours with ConnectCard
Tourist Attractions: PNC Park, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, The Andy Warhol Museum
Pittsburgh’s Port Authority provides bus, light rail, and incline services.
The light rail system, known as the “T,” has two lines (Red, Blue) that connect downtown Pittsburgh with the South Hills and other suburban areas.
The rail system has 53 stations and covers 26 miles of track.
The historic Monongahela and Duquesne Inclines offer scenic rides up Mount Washington.
Port Authority buses provide an extensive network of routes that cover areas not accessible by rail.
An unlimited ride pass costs $7 for a day or $97.50 for a month.
Imagine taking the T to explore downtown Pittsburgh, then riding the incline for a panoramic view of the city.
24. Charlotte
Transportation System: CATS (Charlotte Area Transit System)
Metro Area: Charlotte, Mecklenburg County
Base Fare: $2.20
Transfers: Free within 90 minutes
Tourist Attractions: NASCAR Hall of Fame, Discovery Place, Carowinds
CATS operates buses and light rail services throughout Charlotte.
The LYNX Blue Line is a light rail system that runs from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC) to the southern suburbs, connecting with numerous bus routes along the way.
The rail system has 26 stations and covers 19 miles of track.
CATS buses provide an extensive network of routes that cover areas not accessible by rail.
An all-day pass costs $6.60, providing unlimited travel.
Imagine taking the LYNX Blue Line to visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame, then catching a bus to explore the interactive exhibits at Discovery Place.
25. Orlando
Transportation System: LYNX
Metro Area: Orlando, Orange County
Base Fare: $2.00
Transfers: Free within 90 minutes
Tourist Attractions: Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld
Orlando’s LYNX buses cover the city and its suburbs.
The LYNX system includes regular bus routes, as well as the LYMMO Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service that provides free rides in downtown Orlando.
LYNX buses provide extensive coverage of the metropolitan area, including routes to key tourist destinations.
An all-day pass costs $4.50, providing unlimited travel.
Imagine taking a LYNX bus to visit Walt Disney World, then catching another bus to explore the vibrant International Drive area.
26. Kansas City
Transportation System: KCATA (Kansas City Area Transportation Authority)
Metro Area: Kansas City, Missouri-Kansas border
Base Fare: $1.50
Transfers: Free within 2 hours with pass
Tourist Attractions: Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City Zoo, Kauffman Stadium
KCATA provides bus services throughout the Kansas City metro area.
The RideKC Streetcar is a free service that runs along a 2-mile route in downtown Kansas City, connecting key destinations such as the Power and Light District and Union Station.
The streetcar system has 16 stations and provides frequent service.
KCATA buses provide an extensive network of routes that cover areas not accessible by the streetcar.
An all-day pass costs $3, offering unlimited travel.
Imagine taking the RideKC Streetcar to visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, then catching a bus to explore the lively Country Club Plaza.
27. Milwaukee
Transportation System: MCTS (Milwaukee County Transit System)
Metro Area: Milwaukee, surrounding suburbs
Base Fare: $2.25
Transfers: Free within 90 minutes with MCTS card
Tourist Attractions: Milwaukee Art Museum, Harley-Davidson Museum, Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory
MCTS operates buses throughout Milwaukee and its suburbs.
The Milwaukee Streetcar, also known as The Hop, provides free service in downtown Milwaukee, connecting key destinations such as the Historic Third Ward and the Milwaukee Public Market.
The streetcar system has 18 stations and provides frequent service.
MCTS buses provide an extensive network of routes that cover areas not accessible by the streetcar.
An all-day pass costs $5, providing unlimited travel.
Imagine taking The Hop to explore downtown Milwaukee, then catching a bus to visit the Milwaukee Art Museum.
28. Las Vegas
Transportation System: RTC (Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada)
Metro Area: Las Vegas, Clark County
Base Fare: $2.00
Transfers: Free within 2 hours
Tourist Attractions: The Strip, Fremont Street Experience, Red Rock Canyon
RTC’s buses cover Las Vegas and its suburbs.
The Deuce on the Strip is a popular bus service that runs 24/7 along the Las Vegas Strip, making it easy to hop on and off at various casinos, hotels, and attractions.
The SDX (Strip & Downtown Express) provides faster service between the Strip and downtown Las Vegas.
RTC buses provide an extensive network of routes that cover areas not accessible by the Deuce and SDX.
An all-day pass costs $5, offering unlimited travel.
Imagine taking the Deuce to visit the Bellagio Fountains, then catching the SDX to explore the vibrant Fremont Street Experience.
29. Cincinnati
Transportation System: Metro (Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority)
Metro Area: Cincinnati, Hamilton County
Base Fare: $1.75
Transfers: 50 cents with transfer ticket
Tourist Attractions: Cincinnati Zoo, Cincinnati Art Museum, Fountain Square
Metro operates buses throughout Cincinnati and its suburbs.
The Cincinnati Bell Connector is a streetcar system that runs a 3.6-mile loop through downtown Cincinnati, connecting key areas such as The Banks, Over-the-Rhine, and Findlay Market.
The streetcar system has 18 stations and provides frequent service.
Metro buses provide an extensive network of routes that cover areas not accessible by the streetcar.
An all-day pass costs $4.50, providing unlimited travel.
Imagine taking the streetcar to explore the historic Over-the-Rhine district, then catching a bus to visit the Cincinnati Zoo.
30. Sacramento
Transportation System: SacRT (Sacramento Regional Transit District)
Metro Area: Sacramento, surrounding suburbs
Base Fare: $2.50
Transfers: Free within 90 minutes with transfer ticket
Tourist Attractions: California State Capitol Museum, Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento Zoo
SacRT operates buses and light rail services throughout Sacramento.
The light rail system includes three lines (Blue, Gold, Green) that connect downtown Sacramento with areas like Folsom, Rancho Cordova, and Cosumnes River College.
The rail system has 54 stations and covers 43 miles of track.
SacRT buses provide an extensive network of routes that cover areas not accessible by rail.
An all-day pass costs $7, providing unlimited travel.
Imagine taking the light rail to visit the California State Capitol Museum, then catching a bus to explore the historic Old Sacramento waterfront.
Discovering the Heart of America’s Cities Through Public Transit
Navigating public transportation in America’s major cities doesn’t have to be complicated.
With a little preparation and the right tips, you can make the most of each city’s transit system, saving time and money while enjoying all the attractions these vibrant metropolises have to offer.
Whether you’re attending a sporting event, visiting a museum, or exploring a new neighborhood, these public transportation systems provide convenient and affordable options for getting around. Happy travels!