Cheap Ways to travel in the US (2025)

These cheap ways to travel in the US will help you explore the country on a budget, from getting around to where to stay and free things to do.

The USA is an incredible country with so many attractions, cities, landscapes, national parks, boutique cafes, eccentric towns and the list goes on – many attractions make it onto a USA Bucket list.B

But the only way you can travel to America without spending everything you have is by giving yourself a budget and finding out ways to save money traveling America.

Looking to earn a bit extra for your travels? We share these ways to make money whilst traveling for those looking for a side hustle to support their travel costs!

Cheap Ways to travel in the US

1. Use budget chains

Across America, you will find the same budget chain hotels in most cities and towns. Econolodge, Super 8, Motel 6, Days Inn – We have stayed in at least one hotel of each of these chains and have never had an issue in the slightest.

The rooms are basic and can be small depending on your location but they are perfect for saving money and getting a good night’s sleep. Average rooms after-tax cost around $60 but can obviously cost more if you are in a city like New York or Los Angeles.

When you visit places like Orlando, you will find great hotels on International Drive, further away from the WDW parks themselves. So always look at hotels slightly further away from the city center but with good connections to the city.

2. Get a Wyndham Rewards Card

If you decide to stick with chains for the majority of your trip, then look into getting yourself a Wyndham Rewards Card. These reward cards include a load of different companies across America.

Every time you stay at a hotel included in the scheme, you gain points and can use these points for free stays in other locations. You can also exchange points for gift cards for restaurants and stores.

3. Head to Walmart

When road-tripping or renting a car, take advantage of the transportation and head to a Walmart for cheap ways to travel in the US.

Whilst in Orlando, we rented a condo with a small cooking area and saved a lot of money by heading to Walmart to stock up on food, snacks, and drinks rather than eat out all day, every day.

Plus, it meant we could take a drink or two to the theme parks and didn’t have to pay the hefty price of a bottle of cola in the parks.

4. Couchsurfing

You can save money worldwide by using the CouchSurfing website to find a sofa or spare room to stay in for free! This is a really popular concept in The States, with many listings available throughout the year. You can read about the different hosts, living situations, locations, and reviews on the website.

5. Use Airbnb

You save a small fortune in some areas of America, by renting apartments, rooms, and even houses from Airbnb. Some locations don’t offer good deals but shop around early to bag yourself a comfortable living space.

Plus, if you rent an apartment it means you can save a load of money by cooking for yourself rather than eating out once in a while.

For example, if you are looking to visit Pigeon Forge on a budget, you can find some great Airbnb choices in the area.

6. Hotel Points

It isn’t just budget chains that offer rewards or point cards; these can really help when looking for cheap ways to travel in the US.

More luxurious hotels offer point systems and often work with credit card companies – when you get a credit card, often it will come with lots of points already that you can use on hotels and flights but you can also gain more points every time you use the card.

Use this for big travel bookings like flights and car rental but just make sure you pay it off asap to avoid interest.

7. YELP!

Similar to TripAdvisor, Yelp is a restaurant-based review website that shares the menu and prices online. Use Yelp! to find the cheap eats in your chosen destination or research online to see if your favorite blogger has written about the cheap eats in the area.

8. Eat the local cuisine

If you are in Texas, head to a BBQ joint, if you’re in Chicago; grab yourself a Deep Dish Pizza. Eating the staple food of that city is not only a must anyway but more often than not, the food tastes amazing and can be relatively inexpensive because of the competitive restaurants in the area; another one of the cheap ways to travel in the US.

9. Rent a car

Getting around America can be difficult without a car. You can fly (see the next point) but to really experience the States, I recommend renting a car that you can drop off at a different location and driving your route. Use rentalcars.com to get the best quote and book a rental car in advance to save money – just make sure you get the insurance with the car!

10. National Park Pass

If you are intending to visit a few National Parks, and I am not just referring to the Canyons and Yosemite but any national monument or historic place of interest, then get yourself a National Park Pass. These cost $80 a year and give you entrance to so many attractions across America including the Statue of Liberty, Alcatraz and the Washington Monument.

11. Fly on a budget

If you choose to fly, compare prices on Skyscanner, Kayak and Momondo and book your flights in advance. Flights around America are often full so don’t expect to get last minute cheap flights.

one of the cheap ways to travel in the US is by using budget airlines like Southwest Airlines, Virgin America, JetBlue and Frontier Airlines. You will be surprised to find some amazingly cheap flights, even cheap flights to New York.

12. Plan your parking

If you do decide to rent a car, check your hotel’s parking charges. Parking at hotels in busy cities can be expensive but research around for parking availability nearby. Head to parkopedia.com to find the best value parking spots near your hotel or attraction.

13. Avoid Hostels

Hostels in America can be far too overpriced. It is likely to be cheaper for you to go with Airbnb or a budget hotel and only go for a hostel when you want to meet other travelers. There are some unique hotels in the US that you can choose from but these can be expensive depending on location.

14. GROUPON

Before heading to America, I signed up to the American Groupon site and was able to get some great deals on Las Vegas Show tickets and half-price hotel offers. They even send you discount vouchers for food and stores that we then printed off at the hotel to make the most out of the deals. This can be a great, cheap ways to travel in the US, especially when visiting those touristy spots.

15. No need for Toiletries

Another one of the cheap ways to travel in the US is to think about what you are brining to the country. Don’t worry about stocking up on shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, etc until you get to the US. Toiletries are inexpensive, meaning you can fit more clothes in your luggage and purchase your bits and bobs on arrival.

16. Order Appetizers before anything else

During our first trip to America, we ordered two starters and two main meals at the same time – I believe we were at a Hooters. The starters came and were delicious but we had no room for the mains!! We ended up bagging it up to take home and have as a midnight snack after an evening walk.

On our second trip, we stuck to ordering one or two starters first, enjoyed them thoroughly then often carried on drinking but didn’t order any more food because we were just too full! Our restaurant bills were a lot lower than our first trip and so were the weighing scales when we returned home! This can be a great cheap ways to travel in the US but also gives you a chance to sample a few different types of dishes.

17. Hop-on, Hop-off buses

If you’re short on time in a city, jump on a sightseeing bus. Book a ticket in advance from a reputable company like Big Bus Tours to avoid getting charged extra by commission-driven advertisers hoovering around the streets.

These are much cheaper than taxis and give you a chance to see the landmarks and buildings of a busy city without tired legs, meaning you have lots of energy to explore when you do hop off.

18. Get camping

America is full of beautiful national parks that often have inexpensive campsites nearby. Pitch up a tent and stay in nature for around $20 a night for another one of the cheap ways to travel in the US.

19. ESTA

Many passport holders from outside of North America, have to apply to travel to the USA using the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA). Use the official site: ESTA – the fee should be $14, although this may increase over the coming months (2025).

There are a handful of websites that have set up a similar-looking website and system to scam visitors and/or offer assistance in applying for a service fee and then charging $35 and upwards. Head straight to the website and fill out the questions, it isn’t difficult, and whilst working at Gatwick Airport in London, I met families who forgot about it and were filling it in 2 hours before their flight.

20. Minimal visits to Wholefoods

Eating healthy on the road is always a good idea to keep your energy up and your mind fresh and ready for a day of exploring. It can be tempting to buy a load of snacks at Whole Foods but your wallet will regret it.

Healthy meals can be found in all cities across America at a cheaper price than Whole Foods.

21. Enjoy the free museums

Most museums in America offer a free or discounted admission day throughout the month. Check online or ask the staff at your hotel for free museums in the area or discounted day events.

22. Regional buses

When moving around a region of the United States, take a regional bus with Mega Bus or Bolt Bus. Fares are as low as $1! One of the cheap ways to travel in the US is by booking buses in advance to get the cheapest rates and sticking to this method to getting around.

23. Avoid Pizza Chains

Pizza across America is generally pretty darn good. However, chains like Papa John’s, Pizza Hut, and Dominos still massively overcharge. one of the cheap ways to travel in the US is to eat pizza from the small, local spots. We found it a lot cheaper and often tastier, to buy pizza from a local business instead of the big chains.

24. Check the website

Nowadays, most restaurants and bars have a website. Check their daily offers and happy hours to take advantage of and save some money.

If you are visiting specific attractions, make sure to visit the website before you arrive; many major attractions will offer discounted rates when booked online but also, check websites for that state or area.

For example, if you are heading to Orlando, check out the discounted theme park tickets on Undercover Tourist or compare the many NYC passes available when you are visiting New York City.

25. Stay out of Starbucks

Yes, Starbucks is on every street corner but do you need to take a visit every day? Feeling Cosmopolitan and all that jazz isn’t a great excuse to spend a fortune in an overpriced coffee shop. I do love Starbucks (particularly their millionaire cakes and frappuccinos) but keep the trips minimal! Instead, why not check out the local coffee shops and cafes for something new?

26. BLA BLA CAR

At the time of writing, BlaBlaCar is still relatively new and is starting to get more clients in America; another one of the cheap ways to travel in the US. It is basically a ride-share website that allows you to search for your chosen route and see if others are driving that day. You will pay a small fee for the ride but this can save you a lot in travel expenses.

27. City Passes

Companies like CityPASS and GoCityCard make paying for attractions a lot cheaper! If you are in a city with lots of attractions that are costly, then get yourself a card before your trip and save. When you get a card online, you are likely to get a discount too, meaning it is even cheaper to see the attractions you are traveling for. On both trips to NYC, we bought a CityPASS and not only did it save us money but it also showed us other attractions we could see and do whilst we were there.

28. Convenience stores

Pick up some snacks from convenience stores like 7/11 to keep you going on long drives and keep you out of fast food restaurants dotted along highways.

29. TRANSFERCAR

TransferCar lists car rentals that need to be returned to the rental company, being another one of the cheap ways to travel in the US. For example, if you want to drive from LA to Las Vegas, you could “rent” a car from this site for as little as $5! That includes gas and insurance.

You then have a certain amount of days to get it to the rental company in Las Vegas, but often you are given longer than necessary; meaning you can travel to nearby towns and cities en route.

30. Eat a big lunch

When in bigger cities, get yourself a big lunch for a set price (costing around $20 in cities like LA and NYC). Then have smaller or cheaper meals for dinner. We often tried those fancier or sit-down restaurants for a late lunch then grabbed a few slices of pizza for dinner.

31. Megabus

Megabus is one of the cheapest ways to travel between U.S. cities, with fares starting as low as $1 when booked in advance. For instance, you could travel from New York City to Philadelphia or from Boston to Washington, D.C. for the price of a cup of coffee. Buses are modern with Wi-Fi and outlets, making them comfortable for longer rides. If you’re flexible with your schedule and book early, this is one of the best ways to stretch your travel budget while hopping between major cities.

32. Greyhound Buses

Greyhound has long been the go-to option for budget travelers crisscrossing America, and it remains affordable compared to flights or trains. For example, a trip from Dallas to Austin can cost less than $20 if booked ahead. Greyhound reaches small towns as well as big cities, making it ideal if you’re traveling to places off the beaten path. While the buses are slower, they give you a chance to see America’s landscape unfold without breaking the bank.

33. Amtrak Saver Fares

Amtrak can be expensive, but Saver Fares make it surprisingly budget-friendly for shorter routes. A ride from Washington, D.C. to Baltimore can be as cheap as $5, giving you a fast and comfortable train journey for the cost of a sandwich. Other routes, like Philadelphia to New York, are often discounted if you book weeks in advance. This is a great way to experience train travel in the U.S. without paying premium prices.

34. Spirit and Frontier Airlines

When you think of budget travel in the U.S., Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines stand out. They regularly offer flights like Chicago to Las Vegas for as little as $50 one-way. While these airlines charge extra for bags and snacks, traveling light with just a backpack can keep costs down. For short trips between major hubs like Orlando, Denver, and Los Angeles, these airlines make air travel affordable even on a tight budget.

35. NJ Transit into NYC

If you want to visit New York City without splurging on Amtrak or parking fees, NJ Transit is your budget-friendly solution. You can hop on a train from cities like Newark, Trenton, or Princeton and ride into Penn Station in Manhattan for a fraction of the price of Amtrak.

A one-way ticket from Newark costs around $5 compared to $25 or more on Amtrak. This tip is especially handy if you’re staying in New Jersey to save money but want easy access to NYC’s attractions.

36. Southwest Airlines Sales

Southwest is a budget-friendly airline with a major perk: no fees for two checked bags. Frequent sales make routes like Los Angeles to Phoenix drop as low as $60, saving you big money if you travel with luggage.

Plus, their free cancellation policy and open seating system make it more flexible than most airlines. If you want a stress-free flying experience on a budget, Southwest is one of the best options in the U.S.

37. Road Trips with Friends

Road-tripping is a classic American travel experience, and it becomes incredibly affordable if you split costs with friends. For example, driving from Nashville to Memphis only takes about three hours, and if four people share the gas, it costs just a few dollars each.

Along the way, you can stop at roadside diners, quirky attractions, and small towns that you’d miss on a bus or plane. Sharing the ride not only saves money but also adds fun and flexibility to the trip. Plus, family road trips can be a great way to save money on your travels.

38. National Park Shuttle Buses

Many U.S. national parks offer free shuttle buses, which not only save money but also reduce the stress of driving and parking, another one of the cheap ways to travel in the US.

For example, Zion National Park in Utah has a free shuttle system that takes visitors to trailheads, viewpoints, and lodges throughout the park. This allows you to see the highlights without renting a car. Free shuttles are a fantastic way to make your national park visit cheaper and easier. These are all must visits on your US bucket list too!

39. Exploring Walkable Cities

Some U.S. cities are so compact and pedestrian-friendly that you won’t need to spend money on transportation at all. The French Quarter in New Orleans is a great example, with its lively streets full of jazz music, historic architecture, and affordable food all within walking distance, with walking being one of the cheap ways to travel in the US.

Similarly, downtown Savannah, Georgia is known for its charming public squares and cobblestone streets that can easily be explored on foot. Walking not only saves money but also gives you a more immersive local experience.

40. KOA Campgrounds

KOA (Kampgrounds of America) offers budget-friendly campgrounds across the U.S., from Florida Keys to Montana’s Glacier National Park.

Many KOA sites allow you to stay in a tent for under $30 or even rent small cabins at affordable rates. These campgrounds often include extras like Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and pools, making them more comfortable than roughing it in the wild. KOA is ideal for families or travelers who want budget camping with conveniences.

41. University Dorm Rentals in Summer

During summer breaks, many U.S. universities rent out dorm rooms to travelers at low rates. For example, Boston University and University of Washington (Seattle) offer single rooms for less than nearby hotels. Dorm stays often include access to campus amenities like cafeterias and gyms. It’s a unique way to stay in major cities while sticking to a budget.

42. Work Exchange Programs

Work exchange programs let you trade a few hours of work per day for free accommodation and can be a great one of the cheap ways to travel in the US. Websites like Workawayand WWOOF USA connect travelers with opportunities ranging from farm work in Vermont to helping at hostels in California.

In exchange, you’ll get free lodging and sometimes meals. It’s a fantastic way to save money, experience local life, and meet new people while traveling.

43. YMCA/YWCA Stays

YMCA and YWCA centers in the U.S. often provide affordable accommodation, especially in bigger cities. For instance, the Harlem YMCA in New York City has private rooms starting around $100 — a bargain compared to NYC hotel rates. These facilities often include gyms, pools, and communal areas. It’s a practical budget option that also supports community organizations.

44. House Sitting

House sitting allows you to stay in someone’s home for free while caring for their pets or plants.

Websites like TrustedHousesitters often have listings in major U.S. cities like Los Angeles and Miami, where accommodation can otherwise be very expensive. In return, you get free lodging and the comforts of a home environment. This option works best for flexible travelers who don’t mind taking on a bit of responsibility.

45. Street Food & Food Trucks

Street food and food trucks are a budget traveler’s dream, offering local cuisine for just a few dollars. In Austin, Texas, you can grab tacos, barbecue, or gourmet hot dogs for under $10. Cities like Portland, Oregon and Los Angeles also have thriving food truck scenes where you can sample diverse dishes without the sit-down restaurant prices. Beyond saving money, food trucks let you taste authentic regional flavors and often come with lively outdoor atmospheres.

46. Dollar Slice Pizza

Dollar slices are a classic East Coast money-saver, perfect for those wanting to know how to eat in New York on a budget. Local pizzerias like Joe’s Pizza or 2 Bros Pizza sell single slices for $1–$2, perfect for a quick lunch while exploring the city. This option is both inexpensive and filling, letting you eat like a local without spending a fortune. Pair it with a walk through Central Park or along Times Square for a complete experience on a budget.

47. Happy Hour Deals

Many U.S. cities offer discounted food and drink during happy hour, typically in the late afternoon or early evening. In Las Vegas, casinos and bars often have $5–$10 appetizers during happy hour, making it an affordable way to try gourmet dishes.

Similarly, Chicago’s downtown bars and Seattle’s waterfront restaurants offer deals on small plates. Strategically timing meals around these deals can save you a significant portion of your food budget.

48. Farmers Markets

Farmers markets are great places to find cheap, fresh food while supporting local vendors.

Pike Place Market in Seattlelets you sample seafood, fruits, and baked goods for a few dollars. In San Francisco, the Ferry Building Marketplace has affordable options like artisanal bread, local cheese, and seasonal produce. Markets are ideal for assembling picnics that you can enjoy in parks or along waterfronts, saving money on dining out.

49. Grocery Store Picnics

Buying groceries instead of eating out is one of the simplest ways to stretch a travel budget. Stores like Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods in cities such as New York or Los Angeles let you stock up on sandwiches, snacks, and drinks for less than a restaurant meal. Then you can have a picnic in a scenic spot like Central Park (NYC) or Griffith Park (Los Angeles). This approach is not only cheaper but also allows more flexibility in meal times and locations.

50. Cheap Regional Specialties

Every U.S. region has inexpensive local specialties that are filling and unique. For example, grab a classic Chicago hot dog at Portillo’s for $5, or try a lobster roll at roadside shacks in Maine for around $12. In New Orleans, po’ boys and beignets are cheap and delicious street-food options. Sampling regional specialties is a great way to experience local culture without spending a lot.

Cheap ways to travel in the US F.A.Q

What is the cheapest way to travel between U.S. cities?
Buses like Megabus and Greyhound often cost under $20 for popular routes, while budget airlines like Spirit, Frontier, and Southwest offer fares as low as $50 if booked early. Traveling midweek can also help you save when looking at cheap ways to travel in the US.

Are there ways to get around cities cheaply?
Public transit systems, walking, and bike-share programs are cost-effective. For example, Portland’s $5 daily transit pass or exploring New Orleans’ French Quarter on foot can save significant money.

How can I save money on accommodation?
Hostels, budget motels, camping, and private Airbnb rooms are all affordable options. Couchsurfing and summer college dorm rentals provide free or cheap lodging in major cities.

Are there free or cheap attractions in the U.S.?
For more cheap ways to travel in the US, look at attractions. Many attractions are free, including Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C., Millennium Park in Chicago, and walking tours like Boston’s Freedom Trail. Beaches, bridges, and seasonal outdoor events are also excellent budget-friendly options.

What is the cheapest way to eat while traveling?
Street food, food trucks, farmers markets, and grocery store picnics keep food costs low. Happy hour specials and regional specialties like NYC pizza or Maine lobster rolls are tasty and affordable.

How can I save money visiting national and state parks?
Buy the America the Beautiful Annual Pass for $80 to cover national parks for a year, or visit parks that are free, like Great Smoky Mountains. Many state parks also have inexpensive entry and camping fees.

Are there cheap ways to fly domestically?
Booking early, traveling midweek, using fare alerts, and choosing budget airlines can save hundreds. Red-eye flights and flexible dates often have the lowest fares and can be the cheap ways to travel in the US.

Can alternative accommodations save me money?
Yes, work exchange programs, YMCA/YWCA stays, and house-sitting can provide free lodging. Private Airbnb rooms are also cheaper than hotels in most U.S. cities.

Are there seasonal tips to save money?
Attend free festivals, parades, and outdoor concerts, like Mardi Gras in New Orleans or the Cherry Blossom Festival in D.C. Visiting holiday light displays is another budget-friendly seasonal option.

How can I save on food and souvenirs simultaneously?
For cheap ways to travel in the US when it comes to souvenirs, you have options. Shopping at flea markets or farmers markets, collecting National Park stamps, or buying regional specialties provides memorable souvenirs at low cost.