How to Get Somewhere Without a Car: Plan Your Trip

Look up the address of your destination and compare routes by total door-to-door time, including the walk to a stop, transfers, and the final stretch after you get off. For a longer public-transit trip, our Anywhere Without a Car — Ultimate Guide on How to Plan a Trip Using Only Public Transport for Stress-Free Travel can help you think through the planning process before you leave.

Walking can be simplest for a nearby errand, while a bike may make a moderate-distance trip practical if you have a comfortable route and a secure place to leave it. Buses and trains are often better for longer distances or trips with several stops; a taxi or rideshare may be useful when service is limited, you’re carrying something heavy, or you need a direct ride.

Before leaving, note the service hours, fare or payment method, and where you’ll make any transfers, since the last bus of the evening calls for a different plan than a frequent daytime route. Save a second route or pickup option, charge your phone, and allow extra time when missing a connection would make you late.

If stairs, long walks, or crowded vehicles are a concern, compare the distance between stops and the accessibility information provided by the transit operator before choosing a route. For groceries, luggage, or a trip with children, fewer transfers may be worth a longer ride, and traveling outside the busiest hours may give you more room to manage what you’re carrying.