Travel in USA

Question

Hi,

I am an American citizen and am planning on traveling all through the USA for my gap year.

I was looking to go from New Orleans (Louisiana) to Durham (North Carolina); it is a 5hr car journey, so I was going to take the train (as I have a rail pass), but when I looked it was a 26hr train journey.

I cannot drive, and am on a budget but dont want to spend my whole time travelling and not exploring, anyone know any ways to get to Durham faster without breaking the bank? Even if its stop in Georgia (as an example) then get a new train to Durham (I would be happy to do that as long as it is quicker.

Thank you

Answer

It sounds like you have an exciting gap year planned, and traveling across the USA by train is a great way to see the country! However, as you discovered, the train journey from New Orleans to Durham is quite long, much longer than the direct car trip. Here are some tips to help you get to Durham faster without breaking the bank:

Consider Greyhound or Megabus: While not as scenic as a train ride, buses like Greyhound and Megabus are often faster and more affordable. The journey may take around 13-15 hours from New Orleans to Durham, and the cost is typically much cheaper than the Amtrak route. There are various routes and stops you can choose from, including connections in major cities like Atlanta, which would allow you to break up the journey into shorter legs. Be sure to book in advance for the best deals.
Flying with Budget Airlines: Given that you are on a budget but want to minimize travel time, flying might be the most practical option. Budget airlines such as Spirit, Frontier, or Southwest often have affordable fares. You could find a direct flight from New Orleans (MSY) to Raleigh-Durham (RDU) or a connecting flight with a layover in a major hub like Atlanta. Flight prices fluctuate, so booking in advance and being flexible with your travel dates can help you save money.
Split the Train Journey: If you're set on traveling by train and want to break up the long journey, consider taking the train to a major city like Atlanta (which is around 8 hours away by train) and then taking a second, shorter train ride from there to Durham. This will reduce the total travel time, though you'll need to check train schedules carefully to ensure a smooth connection. You might also find that splitting the journey in this way provides more flexibility in terms of travel dates and times.
Carpool or Rideshare: Another option is to look into carpooling or ridesharing services like BlaBlaCar (if available in your area) or simply connecting with fellow travelers on social media or dedicated travel platforms. While you're not able to drive, you could find someone else heading in the same direction and split the cost of a rental or ride. Just be sure to vet any potential rideshare opportunities for safety and reliability.
Consider Overnight Buses or Trains: If you're okay with traveling overnight, some bus or train services might offer overnight options that could make the trip feel shorter. You could also use this time to sleep and wake up closer to your destination, potentially saving you both time and accommodation costs.

Ultimately, if you're looking for the fastest option, flying will probably save you the most time, but taking a bus or splitting your train journey can be viable, budget-friendly alternatives. Make sure to compare the different options based on travel times and prices to find the best fit for your gap year adventure!

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