The summer is fast approaching, and as such, it is time to start thinking about vacations. California is an incredibly popular destination for a lot of people; however, for those living on the east coast, deciding to take a trip there can feel a little overwhelming. Travelling from coast to coast can be a big undertaking. There is no denying that, although it really doesn’t have to be a big deal. You have options so let’s get into them.
Train – 2 Days and 22 Hours
The train between New Jersey and California takes almost three days, but it can take longer on weekends and holidays. There is no direct train. This journey includes multiple stops and a couple of transfers. The price of a train ticket is usually around $200, which is similar to other price points on this list.
Travelling by train does have its plus points, it is comfortable, you can work or relax because most trains nowadays have Wi-Fi. You avoid the traffic that you’d encounter if travelling by car and the sometimes-intense boarding procedures you’re subject to at the airport. Train travel is also more environmentally friendly. That being said, trains can be unreliable with delays or cancellations. The journey also takes a long time by train.
Bus – 2 Days and 16 Hours
You could also choose to get a bus from Newark Penn Station to California. The journey is not quite as long as the train, but that is because there are fewer stoppages and no transfers. The service itself is a pretty regular service, and you can get a ticket for an average of $300, although the price is subject to fluctuations.
Travelling by bus is not the comfiest, but it is probably one of the more accessible modes of transport being that you don’t need an ID or Passport to travel. Modern buses also often have a Wi-Fi connection. You can also take your luggage with you and store it under the bus instead of having to watch it if you take it on a train with you.
Car – 1 Day and 19 Hours
Travelling by car is by far quicker than travelling by train or bus. However, that is if you drive straight there with minimal stops to change drivers. If you want to make a road trip out of it, then the trip is likely to be a lot longer and, in fact, might end up being the slowest mode of transport. You need to travel across ten states for a total of almost 3,000 miles which can be a big undertaking.
Obviously, road trips are fun; if you plan it well, then the journey itself can end up being like a vacation in itself. Apart from gassing up the car, they can also be relatively inexpensive, and you can travel however you want with whatever you want, pretty much. However, they can be frustrating because you’re cooped up with the same group of people in a small vehicle. You also need to be able to rely on your car, so if it isn’t in the best condition, it is not a good idea.
Airplane – 6 Hours
It should hardly be surprising that a plane is the quest option. Six hours is still a somewhat long flight, especially in some parts of the world. The prices of the flights can vary depending on when you book and who you book through. For example, you can find a cheap flight from New Jersey to California online that helps you to save money.
Domestic flights like this one, even though it is going from coast to coast, still only takes a fraction of the time, making it by far the quickest option; this is great if you need to be there quickly. In some instances, it can also be the cheapest option. Getting a flight is also pretty easy these days, meaning that it might be one of the least stressful options too. That being said, flying can also be limiting. There may be baggage fees or weight restrictions to adhere to. Getting to and from the airport can be annoying too, especially if you don’t have anyone free to drop you off.
The Bottom Line
Obviously, taking a plane is by far the quickest route when it comes to travelling from the east coast to the west coast. It takes a fraction of the time, and so if you are in a rush or simply don’t have the patience to deal with other forms of travel, then this is your best option. However, if you view the journey as an integral part of the vacation, then you might want to think about taking a train or going on a road trip. In doing so, you have more of an opportunity to stop and see the sites, making the most of the journey.
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