U.S. transportation: How Indian travelers connect with American travel culture
When you think of U.S. transportation, the systems that move people across America—from highways to luxury trains to airport shuttles. Also known as American transit networks, it’s not just about getting from point A to B—it’s about how culture, identity, and daily life shape the way people move. For Indian travelers and the Indian diaspora in the U.S., transportation isn’t just practical—it’s tied to community, faith, and tradition. Take Chicago’s suburbs, for example. They’re home to the highest number of Hindu temples in USA, places of worship built by decades of immigrant families who needed space to gather, celebrate, and pray. These temples didn’t appear by accident. They grew alongside roads, parking lots, and public transit routes that made it possible for families to travel together on weekends and holidays. The same way a train ride in South India means slow, scenic stops past tea estates and temples, a drive through Illinois means stopping at a temple before heading to the grocery store—because faith and daily life are woven together.
It’s not just about roads and temples. train travel style, how people dress and behave on long-distance trains. Also known as luxury rail culture, it’s a world where tradition meets modern comfort. You’ll find this in the Orient Express, where women wear elegant but practical outfits—not ball gowns, but tailored dresses and light scarves. That same thoughtfulness shows up in India, where travelers packing for a temple visit know to leave shoes outside and avoid leather. Whether you’re on a train in Europe or a bus in Kerala, how you move reflects who you are. And for Americans visiting India, understanding transportation isn’t just about booking a flight—it’s about knowing where to fly into for beaches, how to eat safely on the street, and which cities are safest in 2025. India travel safety, the real, everyday choices that keep travelers secure and confident. It’s not about fear. It’s about knowing that North India’s well-developed tourist routes, like Delhi to Agra, offer reliable transport and clear signs—just like knowing which highway leads to the nearest temple in Illinois.
What connects these dots? People. Communities. Choices. Whether it’s a family driving to a temple in the U.S., a traveler choosing a budget flight to Goa, or someone packing for a trek in the Himalayas, transportation is never just about distance. It’s about access—to culture, to food, to peace, to belonging. Below, you’ll find real stories from travelers who’ve crossed these worlds: how Americans eat safely in North India, why Varanasi has more temples than any other city, and what the hardest hike in India really feels like. These aren’t random posts. They’re pieces of the same journey—across borders, beliefs, and modes of transport.
Why Train Travel Isn't Catching On in the U.S.
Train travel, a popular mode of transit in many parts of the world, struggles to gain traction in the U.S. Factors like the nation's infrastructure priorities, vast distances, and cultural preferences play a role. Yet, luxury train journeys offer unique experiences that fly under the radar for most travelers. This article explores why train travel isn't more popular in the U.S. and highlights the unique appeal of luxury rail experiences.