How to get to McCook

Nestled amidst the endless expanses of Nebraska, McCook offers travellers a chance to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the authentic American heartland. When planning how to reach this cosy city, it is worth considering various options: from regional air services and legendary trains to a scenic drive along the roads of the Great Plains.

This destination is ideal for those wishing to experience "small-town" America and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the major metropolises of the USA. Regardless of the chosen route, the journey here will become part of an exciting adventure through the heart of the country.

The quickest way to reach the city is to take a flight to the local McCook Ben Nelson Regional Airport (MCK). This air harbour handles regular commercial flights, ensuring convenient connections with major hubs, allowing you to fly directly to your destination.

Alternatively, you can consider flying into neighbouring cities, such as North Platte or Kearney. Although they are located at some distance, these airports may offer more flight options, and the remainder of the journey can be easily covered in a rental car.

For those who appreciate the charm of rail travel, a trip to McCook will be a true gift, as the famous California Zephyr train makes a stop here. This Amtrak route, connecting Chicago and San Francisco, is considered one of the most beautiful in the USA and allows you to travel in comfort right to the historic city centre.

The railway station operates regularly, providing tourists with a convenient opportunity to enjoy views of the Midwest from the carriage window. This is an excellent choice for those who prefer a measured pace of travel and wish to avoid tiring driving.

At the moment, information regarding regular and convenient bus routes directly to the city of McCook is limited. Intercity bus services in the rural areas of this region are often irregular or non-existent.

Travellers are advised to consider the train or a car as more reliable ways to reach the destination. If a bus remains the only option, it is worth checking local schedules in advance, but one should not count on a direct and fast service from distant cities in the USA.

A road trip is an excellent way to explore the prairies, planning your travel time independently. The shortest route leads from the city of North Platte: a distance of 111 km can be comfortably covered in approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.

A trip from the city of Kearney will take slightly longer — about 1 hour 50 minutes to drive 165 km. If you are heading from the city of Hays, expect to spend approximately 2.5 hours behind the wheel, enjoying the views along the 237 km journey.

Preparing for a trip to this region of Nebraska will help make your journey as comfortable as possible and avoid surprises. Here are a few practical tips that will be useful for any tourist in McCook.

1. Seasonal clothing. The climate here is sharply continental: it can be hot in summer, while winter is cold and windy. Pack layered clothing to easily adapt to weather changes.
2. Car rental. Public transport within the city is not well-developed, so a car is the best way to move around freely and explore the surroundings.
3. Finances and gratuities. The main currency is the US Dollar. Cards are accepted everywhere, but having some cash is useful. In restaurants, it is customary to leave a tip of 15–20%.
4. Medical care. The city has a hospital, but medical services are paid and expensive for foreigners. Be sure to arrange travel insurance before flying.
5. Communication and language. The primary language is English. Locals are friendly, but knowing basic phrases will significantly facilitate communication in shops and cafes.
6. Private property. Respect the boundaries of private estates and farms. Do not enter fenced territories without the owners' permission — this is an important rule of local etiquette.

By following these simple recommendations, you can focus on relaxing and gaining the most pleasant impressions from the hospitality of the American countryside.