Use Public Transit to Travel Like a Local

Ask almost any experienced traveler, and she'll tell you that one of the best ways to get around a city is the same way the locals do — via public transportation. Subways, commuter trains, buses, ferries, and other means of transportation provide quick and cheap service to tourist areas and beyond. In addition to being a way to stretch your travel budget, taking public transit offers other benefits: it is environmentally friendly; it provides ample opportunities for people watching; and it often takes you the scenic route, past attractions you may not have thought to put on your itinerary.

To assist travelers who wish to reap the benefits of using public transit, the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) recently released public transportation guides for six U.S. cities: Boston, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, DC. Each city has its own challenges and quirks (e.g., San Francisco and its cable cars), so knowing how to use public transit in one city differs greatly from using it in another.

Follow the links to view and print APTA's helpful public transit tips or click below for additional information.

Use Public Transit to Travel Like a Local in Boston

Things to Know About Public Transportation in Boston
The following are some top tips about Boston public transit from the American Public Transportation Association. Check out APTA's insider tips for traveling like a local in Boston.

1. Boston's subway is called the "T".
2. T tickets are called Charlie Cards.
3. Kids 11 years and younger can ride the T for free.

Related Links:

Schedules, Maps, and Fares for Boston's "T"

Transportation articles from About's Guide to Boston

Use Public Transit to Travel Like a Local in Chicago

Things to Know About Public Transportation in Chicago
The following are some top tips about Chicago public transit from the American Public Transportation Association. Check out APTA's insider tips for traveling like a local in Chicago.

1. Chicagoans ride the "L," which stands for The Loop. The CTA is the Chicago Transit Authority.
2. Purchase a Chicago Card Plus online prior to your trip.
3. Be polite to your fellow passengers and transit drivers. It's the Midwest way.

Related Links:

Schedules, Maps, and Fares for the CTA

Transportation articles from About's Guide to Chicago Travel

Use Public Transit to Travel Like a Local in New York City

Things to Know About Public Transportation in New York City
The following are some top tips about New York City public transit from the American Public Transportation Association. Check out APTA's insider tips for traveling like a local in New York City.

1. Purchase — and hang on to — your MetroCard; it's useful for travel on the subway and on buses.
2. Express trains and buses will get you there more quickly. (Pay attention to whether your choice is a "local" or an "express."

1. Subway platforms are not air-conditioned. So be prepared to endure the heat in summer months with water, loose clothing, etc.

Related Links:

Schedules, Maps, and Fares for the MTA

Transportation articles from About's Guide to New York City Travel

Use Public Transit to Travel Like a Local in San Francisco

Things to Know About Public Transportation in San Francisco
The following are some top tips about San Francisco public transit from the American Public Transportation Association. Check out APTA's insider tips for traveling like a local in San Francisco.

1. San Francisco has many different names for its public transit. Muni is light rail. BART, which stands for Bay Area Rapid Transit, is the train system. There are also cable cars.

1. Use a Clipper Card for quicker access and discounts on full fares.
2. If instead you use as BART card, don't store it in your wallet, as it may demagnetize.

Related Links:

Schedules, Maps, and Fares for the SFMTA

Transportation articles from About's Guide to San Francisco Travel

Things to Know About Public Transportation in Seattle
The following are some top tips about Seattle public transit from the American Public Transportation Association. Check out APTA's insider tips for traveling like a local in Seattle.

1. Seattle's subway only has five stations, located in downtown Seattle. But, it does have many other public transit options, including light rail, a monorail, buses, and ferries.

1. The Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel runs the length of downtown Seattle and accommodates trains and buses — the only transit tunnel of its kind in the world.
2. Get an ORCA Card for use on trains and buses.

Related Links:

Schedules, Maps, and Fares for Seattle Metro Transit

Transportation articles from About's Guide to Seattle

Things to Know About Public Transportation in Washington, DC
The following are some top tips about Washington, DC, public transit from the American Public Transportation Association. Check out APTA's insider tips for traveling like a local in Washington, DC.

1. The subway in Washington, DC, is known as the Metro.
2. When riding on a Metro escalator, stand to the right and walk to the left.
3. Purchase a SmarTrip Card.

Related Links:

Schedules, Maps, and Fares for WMATA

Transportation articles from About's Guide to DC Travel