The Amish have unique ways of traveling long distances, as their beliefs restrict the use of modern vehicles. Their horse-drawn buggies travel only at 5 to 8 MPH and are practical just for short distances.
So, what do the Amish do when they need to travel long distances?
Hiring Drivers
For longer trips, the Amish may use vans or buses driven by non-Amish people, as they avoid owning cars. These vehicles are used for family reunions, medical emergencies, or business needs.
If an Amish family needs to visit relatives in another state, they might hire a driver to take them in a van or bus.
Otherwise, horses and buggies are their primary means of transportation for daily life.
⇒ Fun Fact:
Pinecraft, near Sarasota, Florida, is a warm retreat for Amish folks. In summer, hundreds live there, but in winter, it bustles with thousands escaping the cold from the US and Canada. It’s a seasonal Amish community hub!
Amish people who want to go to Pinecraft, Florida, often travel together on a rented bus. They plan the trip with other Amish families.
The bus is a simple one with basic things, not fancy like regular buses.
When they reach Pinecraft, they still live in the Amish way and stay in places run by Amish people or with other Amish families.
Public Transportation
Some Amish use public transportation like buses or trains for longer journeys.
For instance, if an Amish person needs to go to a distant hospital for medical treatment, they might travel by bus or train.
Air Travel
Contrary to what some might think, the Amish do fly for very long distances when necessary.
Most Amish groups say no to this travel, but a few, like the New Order Amish, say yes to flying.
Most Amish people don’t fly on planes because they see flying as too fancy, worldly, and expensive.
Plane tickets can be costly, and they like to save money.
They like to do things together as a community, so flying alone or with a small group can seem too independent for them. They prefer buses or other communal ways to travel.
Hauling the Amish
The Amish are often needed for building projects, leading to a demand for transportation services, commonly known as “hauling Amish.”
Sometimes, Amish workers have to travel long distances, even across state lines, to reach job sites due to the high demand for their work.
People who are connected to the Amish community often provide this service. It can be profitable as a part-time job.
How Often Do the Amish Travel Long Distances?
The Amish travel long distances only when necessary such as medical emergencies or business needs, when they may use non-Amish drivers or vehicles.
They generally prefer not to travel long distances. They value a simple and close-knit community lifestyle and avoid modern conveniences like cars and airplanes.