Before I cover each method, ask yourselves these questions:
How far am I going?
How much money can I spend?
How much room will I need? (Factor in whatever con goods you’ll have on the way back.)
How comfortable do I need the ride to be?
Do I have any special traveling requirements?
Can I ride with strangers? With friends?
Once you nail down the answers to each question, you’re ready to figure out which method is best for you if the answer hasn’t already presented itself.
Your own car:
This method is excellent for privacy, comfort, and control. You’ll be able to go at your own pace, listen to your own music, and you’ll have plenty of room to lug whatever gear you have. The first step in determining whether this method is right for you is estimating gas mileage and how much you’ll be paying for a two way trip. Sometimes public transportation is less expensive, so unless you absolutely must have a car, you should consider the alternatives; if you get into an accident or need any kind of roadside assistance, the cost of your car ride will skyrocket Keep in mind that even though your own vehicle is arguably the most comfortable method, you do have to put out more energy since you’ll be paying attention to the road. If you can afford the gas, want the space, and prefer to be away from strangers, then driving a car is the best option.
Busses and subways:
This method is perfect for those living in the city where the convention is taking place. It’s cheap, easy to use, and you can tour around without worrying about parking or gas expenses. The only real downside to the bus is a lack of space. If you’re the type to buy everything in sight, you’ll have to make multiple trips to the convention. You really don’t want to be toting three stuffed bags of DVDs toys and posters when a sea of crushing bodies heaves onto the bus. However, if you’re taking a light rail system you may have more room and comfort, although this changes depending on the city; where the New York subway would be terrible for toting swag any time of the day, the Bay Area Rapid Transit system usually has decent space and the seats are comfortable.
Trains:
Some well developed areas have larger trains that connect a major city with surrounding towns. These are primarily used by commuters, so if you avoid rush hour then you’ll usually be treated to decent space and comfort. It’s not too much different from some subways, but every train is different so don’t assume that you’ll automatically have more room.
If you need to go a bit further, then regular trains are not a bad option. They’re such an unpopular method of transport that there’s usually a good amount of space to stretch your legs and lug your gear. Also, the seating is more comfortable than a bus or subway. They tend to cost less than an airplane ticket, but they can still be fairly expensive. Besides the price, the only real detractor is time; a one hour flight might translate into a twelve hour train ride. Furthermore, your trip may cross several train and bus lines, so the benefits of one won’t always translate to the other.
Planes:
Planes are essentially the same as trains except that they’re faster and there’s no risk of laying over onto a bus. If you’re traveling far enough, they’re the most convenient way to go if you can afford the costs. Planes are generally reliable, they have a decent amount of space for luggage and extra goodies from the convention, and of course their seats are cushioned and air conditioned. Unless you have a fear of flying or you just can’t find a good deal on tickets, a plane is the fastest and most comfortable method of traveling. Some people might disagree, but all that matters is that you match your needs to your style of transportation.
Hitching a Ride:
Getting a ride from friends is a strange point where public and private transportation converge. You have all the comforts of driving a privately owned vehicle, but you do so at the hands of someone else. This method is only recommended if the driver is someone you know well enough to understand what the trip is going to be like. Usually this just means trusting that they won’t swerve into a ditch, but if you have very specific traveling requirements this method might not be for you. Just make sure you’re comfortable with being in a small space with one or more people for an extended period of time, and you’ll be alright.
It may be a bit of a gamble, but many convention forums promote carpooling. Since you’ll be traveling with strangers, make sure you’re comfortable with sharing a space in a completely unknown situation. Also, keep in touch with friends and family and tell them where and when you’re getting picked up and dropped off, what route you’re taking, and the names of the people you’ll be with – our community is generally very friendly when it comes to convention interaction, but it’s important to keep your guard up.
Be sure to check out the other parts of our guide including:
Convention Survival Guide: What to Bring
Convention Survival Guide: How You're Getting There
Convention Survival Guide: Where to Stay
Convention Survival Guide: What to Eat
Convention Survival Guide: Showroom Floor and Artists Alley
Convention Survival Guide: Cosplayers
Convention Survivial Guide: Panels and Autographs
Convention Survival Guide: Parties
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