City-by-city guide on Where to get a COVID-19 PCR test for travel
If you need a coronavirus test for travel, you might be wondering where you can get one, what type of test you’ll need to take, how long it will take to get an appointment (and wait for results) and what it will cost.
To help you prepare, we visited testing sites in several cities across the country and researched where you can get tested in 25 major metropolitan areas.
Remember some tests are entirely free, while others require a copay or can be covered with insurance.
There are also some that, when requested for travel (instead of because of due to symptoms or exposure), will require full cash payment.
Many countries and some states require negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests taken within a certain amount of time — usually 72 hours —before departure.
And we found many facilities providing results between 48 and 72 hours, but that isn’t always true.
Nationwide coronavirus testing options
If you’re in a location without many COVID-19 testing sites, you may want to head to your neighborhood drugstore.
You’ll notice several major chains on the list of where to get a COVID-19 test including CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid, all of which often offer PCR testing at no additional cost if using insurance, or if you fall under some federal programs for those without insurance. Ride Aid specifically offers test at no cost to anyone 18 and older.
Even better, you can make these appointments online, which may save precious time instead of waiting in a long line.
Many of these locations offer drive-up testing, where you swab yourself and don’t need to leave your vehicle.
You may need to complete an online questionnaire to see if you qualify for testing and then make an appointment one to three days in advance.
In our experience, living in an area with community COVID-19 spread (which, sadly, is most of the U.S. right now), often qualifies you for a test with these providers if a questionnaire is required.
Some mail-in COVID testing programs include:
- Everlywell: Results of the nasal swab available within 24 to 48 hours of the lab receiving the sample. Available to people 18 and older only. Cost: $109
- Pixel by LabCorp: Results of the nasal swab are available one to two days after arriving back in the lab. Available to people 18 and older. No upfront cost, or $119 if you’re not eligible for insurance or federal funds.
- Vault: Results of the saliva test taken via Zoom call are available within 48 to 72 hours. The test is valid for both children and adults. Cost: $150
- Azova: Available at Costco.com and results of the saliva test, taken via a Zoom call, are available within 24 to 48 hours. Cost: $139.99
- Quest Diagnostics: Results of the saliva test taken while on Zoom are typically received within 24 to 48 hours of arrival at the lab, but are prioritized within 24 hours of arrival for people testing through a travel partner such as Hawaiian Airlines. This test is available to people $18 and older. Cost: $119
COVID-19 testing in airports
Some current airport testing centers available within the U.S. include:
- Tampa International Airport: This testing center is meant for passengers traveling to and from Tampa International Airport (TPA) so bring proof of travel. PCR test results come back in about 48 hours and cost $150.
- Oakland International Airport: There are two testing centers at OAK, one in the airport and a drive-up location. Only passengers heading to Hawaii are encouraged to use this, though technically any passenger can book the drive-up location. Appointments are required and there is no out-of-pocket fee.
- Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport: Testing is open to all at MSP and done with saliva. This is free for Minnesota residents and $94 for others. Test results are back within 24 to 48 hours. Appointments are accepted but not always required.
- Anchorage International Airport: Testing at ANC is free for Alaska residents and $250 to others. All nonresidents that cannot provide proof of testing prior to travel will be required to test upon arrival.
- Burlington International Airport: Testing is open to all at Vermont’s BTV airport Monday through Friday with appointments recommended and results available in 36 to 48 hours. Without insurance, the test is $175.
- Bradley International Airport: Open seven days per week, if the test is not covered by the passenger’s insurer, tests are still available for $125 each. Results will most likely be available within 72 hours of testing, however, it can take longer. Testing is only available to passengers traveling through Connecticut’s Bradley Airport (BDL) on the day of their flight and you can preregister before arriving at the testing site.
- New York-LaGuardia: PCR testing is free with no appointments necessary in LGA’s Terminal B parking garage with results delivered by phone within 48 hours. However, this won’t be very useful for travel verification purposes since the results are verbal.
- XpresCheck: XpresCheck is currently open to passengers in Newark-EWR and New York-JFK, with Boston (BOS) soon to come online for passenger use. PCR tests are available by appointment or potentially via walk-up and insurance is accepted or costs $75. Turnaround time is two to three days.
- Dallas – Fort Worth International Airport: Those traveling on American Airlines to Hawaii can get a rapid PCR test at DFW on the day of travel for $249 with results available in about 15 minutes. Travelers can also visit designated CareNow urgent care locations in the area for $150 testing.
- San Francisco International Airport: Those San Francisco-based travelers flying on United Airlines to Hawaii can get a rapid PCR test at SFO on the day of travel with an appointment for $250. There is a drive-up option near the airport that can be booked a couple of days in advance of travel for $105.
City-by-city guide on Where to get a COVID-19 test
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Atlanta
1825 GA-34, Newnan, Georgia 30265 Hours: Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Holidays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Accept most insurances, no copay for virtual visits
Appointment required? No Turnaround time: Three days
Locations in 17 drive-thru sites and 24 curbside urgent care centers around the Atlanta metropolitan area Hours: Drive-thru locations open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., though some locations are closed on weekends. Curbside testing open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., select locations close at 6 p.m.
Cost: For most insurance plans, there is no copay or deductible required; a $ 175 self-pay option is also available. Appointment required? Yes Turnaround time: Two to three days
1995 Clairmont Road, Decatur, Georgia 30033 Hours: Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost: No out of pocket cost with insurance Appointment required? No Turnaround time: Two to three days
Community Organized Relief Effort
Select locations across Georgia, including Atlanta Cost: Free Appointment required? Walk-up and drive-through available, all sites subject to early closure once 500-test daily max is reached Turnaround time: One to three days
Where to get a COVID-19 test in the Bay Area
450 Sutter Street Suite 840, San Francisco, California 94108
Hours: Depends on location
Cost: $365, $50 extra lab fee for Tahiti and French Polynesia only
Appointment required? Yes
Turnaround time: 5 p.m. next day after collection
1534 Willow Pass Road Pittsburg, CA 94565
Hours: Drop off samples between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday
Cost: 5-hour results are $450, same-day results are $250, next-day results are $180
2-5 day results are $130.
Appointment required? Yes
Turnaround time: See above
Embarcadero site at Piers 30/32, Bryant and Embarcadero Hours: Depends on location Cost: Free Appointment required? Yes Turnaround time: One to three days
Henry J. Kaiser Center at 10 10th Street, Oakland, California 94607 Hours: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: Free Appointment required? Yes Turnaround time: Two to five days
Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (SCVMC) – Valley Health Center Downtown
777 E Santa Clara Street, San Jose, California 95112 Hours: Seven days a week, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: Free Appointment required? Yes Turnaround time: Three to seven days
450 Sutter Street, Suite 1723 San Francisco, CA 94108
Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $250 for 24 hours turnaround; $350 for 24 hours turnaround with certificate and blood test (required for China travels)
Appointment required? Yes
Turnaround time: 5 p.m. next day after collection
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Boston
171 Harrison Ave. Boston, Massachusetts 02111 Tye Pavilion Hours: Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost: If insurance carriers do not cover a test, the cost is $135 Appointment required? Yes Turnaround time: Two to three days
Cambridge Fresh Pond 601-603 Concord Ave Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138 Hours: Open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Cost: Covered by insurance, $160 if paying out of pocket Appointment required: No Turnaround time: Less than two days
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Charlotte
BetterMed Urgent Care – Charlotte
1431 South Boulevard, Charlotte, North Carolina 28203 Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Cost: For those with commercial health insurance, the expected out-of-pocket cost for the medical evaluation and test is your copay. A PCR medical evaluation and test will cost $159 plus outside lab costs. Appointment required? Yes Turnaround time: Two to four days
5344 Central Ave Ste. B, Charlotte, North Carolina 28212 Hours: Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: Covered at 100% for most insurance carriers. There’s a $195 out-of-pocket fee for lab rush. Appointment required? No Turnaround time: Three to seven days
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Chicago
1525 E. 55th St., Chicago, Illinois 60637 Hours: Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost: Free Appointment required? No Turnaround time: Three to seven days
641 W. 63rd St., Chicago, Illinois 60621 Hours: Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: Free Appointment required? No Turnaround time: Three to seven days
1111 W. Diversey Parkway,1111 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, Illinois 60614 Hours: Open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Cost: Covered by insurance, or can self-pay $250 for the examination and COVID-19 test Appointment required? Yes, but the location releases 150 appointments at 8 a.m. each morning to accommodate same-day visits. Turnaround time: Two to four days
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Cleveland/Akron
4400 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44103 Hours: Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: No out-of-pocket costs for most patients. No insurance required, and Medicaid and other insurance accepted Appointment required? Appointments encouraged, with walk-ins available each day Turnaround time: One to two days
The Centers, Uptown Office at Circle Health Services
12201 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44106 Hours: Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., second and fourth Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: No out-of-pocket costs for most patients. No insurance required, and Medicaid and other insurance accepted Appointment required? Appointments encouraged, with walk-ins available each day Turnaround time: One to two days
4053 South Main Street, Akron, Ohio Hours: Open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Cost: Free testing available to anyone 18 or older Appointment required? Yes Turnaround time: Two to five days
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Columbus
4300 Clime Road, Columbus, Ohio, 43228 Hours: Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: Covered by insurance; copay or deductible may be required. Uninsured patients may be eligible to have the cost of their test covered by Medicaid under the CARES Act. Appointment required? No Turnaround time: Three to six days
1400 Parsons Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43206 Hours: Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost: No out-of-pocket cost with insurance Appointment required? Yes Turnaround time: Two to three days
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Dallas/Fort Worth
4100 Fairway Ct. Suite 600 Carrollton, Texas 75010
Hours: Open daily; see website for details
Cost: $250 to $400 depending on turnaround time
Appointment required: Yes.
Turnaround time: Six to 24 hours, depending on the level of rush paid for at booking
4100 Fairway Drive, Suite 100, Carrollton, Texas 75010
Hours: Open Monday to Saturday; see website for details
Cost: $150, insurance not accepted for travel requests
Appointment required: Yes
Turnaround time: One business day, excluding Sunday
State of Texas/Texas Division of Emergency Management
Mountain View College, 4849 W. Illinois Ave., Dallas, Texas 75211 Hours: Wednesday to Friday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Cost: Free Appointment required? No Turnaround time: Three days
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Denver
American Family Care Urgent Care
850 S. Monaco Pkwy, Suite 10, Denver, Colorado 80224 Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Cost: Most major insurance covered Appointment required? No Turnaround time: Three to five days
3890 Quebec St., Ste A & B, Denver, Colorado 80207 Hours: Seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Cost: Covered by most major insurances Appointment required? Yes Turnaround time: Three to seven days
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Detroit
1935 Campbell, Detroit, Michigan 48209 Hours: Seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Cost: No out-of-pocket cost with insurance Appointment required? Yes Turnaround time: Two to three days
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Houston
Houston Community College – South, 1990 Airport Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77051 Hours: See website for more information Cost: No out-of-pocket cost when billed to your health plan or the government Appointment required? Yes Turnaround time: One to two days
2282 W Holcombe Blvd., Houston, Texas, 77030
Cost: $199
Appointment required? Yes
Turnaround time: 48-hour turnaround Monday through Friday
14520 Memorial Dr Houston, Texas 77079
Hours: Drive-up COVID evaluations between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily
Cost: $150 or insurance is accepted
Appt required: No
Turnaround: Two to three days
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Las Vegas
546 N Eastern Ave Suite 130, Las Vegas, Nevada 89101 Hours: See website for more information Cost: $120 Appointment required? Yes Turnaround time: One to two days
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Los Angeles
Multiple Los Angeles-area locations
Hours: See website for more information
Cost: $150 (results within 48 hours), $195 (results within 24 hours), $295 (results within 12 to 14 hours)
Turnaround time: 12 to 48 hours, depending on the level of service booked
Kedren Community Health Center, 4211 S Avalon, Los Angeles, California 90011 Hours: See website for more information Cost: No out of pocket cost when billed to your health plan or the government Appointment required? Yes Turnaround time: One to two days
Camino Nuevo High School (drive-thru only), 3500 W Temple St, Los Angeles, California 90004 Hours: See website for more information Cost: No out of pocket cost when billed to your health plan or the government Appointment required? Yes Turnaround time: One to two days
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Miami and Fort Lauderdale
1425 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316
Hours: Monday to Saturday, see website for specifics
Cost: $179
Appointment required? Yes
Turnaround time: Next-day results
401 East 65th Street, Hialeah, Florida 33013 Hours: Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: Free Appointment required? Yes Turnaround time: Three to five days
Youth Fairgrounds at Tamiami Park
10901 SW 24th Street, Miami, Florida 33165 Hours: Seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost: Free Appointment required? Yes Turnaround time: Three to five days
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Minneapolis/St. Paul
3655 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55418 Hours: By appointment Cost: No out-of-pocket cost with insurance Appointment required? Yes Turnaround time: Two to three days
Where to get a COVID-19 test in New York/Newark
Multiple locations in Brooklyn and the Bronx
Hours: Depends on location
Cost: Accepts insurance or $200
Appointment required? No
Turnaround time: Results in 24 to 48 hours
Locations across New York City and the boroughs Hours: Depends on location, however, all locations will close 90 minutes earlier Cost: CityMD is not collecting copayments for COVID-19 related visits Appointment required? No Turnaround time: Three to four days
There are several free COVID testing options available for Newark residents, with no appointment or insurance needed. Get more information here.
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Orlando
Multiple Orlando-area locations
Hours: Open seven days a week, see site for hours
Cost: With insurance, $35 for next-day results, $75 for same-day results. Without insurance, $115 for next-day results, $155 for same-day results
Appointment required? No
Turnaround time: Same or the next day. Tests for same-day results must be taken between 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. or noon, depending on location. Same-day results are not available on Sundays.
5833 S. Goldenrod Rd., Orlando, Florida 32822 Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Cost: Free for self-pay and insured patients, excluding Medicaid Appointment required? No Turnaround time: Two to four days
8972 Turkey Lake Road South, Orlando, Florida 32819 Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Cost: Free for self-pay and insured patients, excluding Medicaid Appointment required? No Turnaround time: Two to four days
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Philadelphia
3300-10 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19145 Hours: By appointment Cost: No out-of-pocket cost with insurance Appointment required? Yes Turnaround time: Two to three days
American Family Care (AFC) Urgent Care
1444 W. Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19145
Cost: No charge for PCR tests with insurance
Appointment required: Yes, and telemedicine visit
Turnaround time: Usually one to three days
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Mercy, 249 South 9th Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15203 Hours: See website for more information Cost: No out-of-pocket cost when billed to your health plan or the government Appointment required? Yes Turnaround time: One to two days
East Liberty Family Health Care Center 6023 Harvard St, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15206 Cost: No out-of-pocket cost when billed to your health plan or the government Appointment required? Yes Turnaround time: One to two days
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Portland
American Family Care Urgent Care
Multiple locations Hours: See website
Cost: $199 Appointment required? Yes Turnaround time: 60 minutes to three days, depending on test type
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Sacramento
Anyone 18 years of age or older living in Sacramento County can get tested for COVID-19 for free after completing an online screening. COVID-19 testing will then be scheduled.
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Salt Lake City
389 S 900 E, Salt Lake City, Utah 84102 Hours: Monday, Wednesday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: Most insurers have said they will cover 100% of the testing cost Appointment required? Yes Turnaround time: Two days
Multiple locations
Hours: See site for individual location information
Cost: May vary if testing for travel versus symptoms or exposure
Appointment required: Yes
Turnaround time: 90% of tests returned within two days
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Seattle/Tacoma
Two locations: SeaTac DoubleTree and SeaTac Airport
Hours: Seven days a week, see site for details
Cost: $250
Appointment required? Yes
Turnaround time: Same-day or next-day, depending on what you booked
2801 SW Thistle Street (Southwest Athletic Complex) Hours: Monday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Cost: Free Appointment required? Yes Turnaround time: One to two days
Where to get a COVID-19 test in St. Louis
11255 Olive Blvd, Creve Coeur, Missouri 63141
Hours: Open Monday to Friday, see website for hours
Cost: $225 for same-day results
Appointment required? Yes
Turnaround time: Same-day with expedited service
3925 Lindell Boulevard, St. Louis, Missouri 63108 Hours: By appointment Cost: No out-of-pocket cost with insurance Appointment required? Yes Turnaround time: Two to three days
4100 Gravois Ave, St. Louis, Missouri 63116 Hours: By appointment Cost: No out-of-pocket cost with insurance Appointment required? Yes Turnaround time: Two to three days
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Washington, D.C./Baltimore/Arlington
Farragut Medical & Travel Care
815 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, D.C. 20006
Hours: Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $300
Appointment required? Yes
Turnaround time: Two days
1401 Rhode Island Ave., NE, Washington, D.C. Hours: Seven days per week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: Free for patients 18 and older Appointment required? Yes Turnaround time: Three days
Locations in Arlington and Fairfax
Hours: Monday to Saturday, check the website for details
Cost: Two-day results for $200, Next-day results for $350
Appointment required? Yes
1392 Chain Bridge Road, Mclean, Virginia 22101
Hours: Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.to 5 p.m., Closed Sunday
Cost: $250 for a 48-hour turnaround, and $500 for a 24-hour turnaround.
Appointment required? Yes
Turnaround time: Up to three business days
2560 West Franklin Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21223 Hours: By appointment Cost: No out-of-pocket cost with insurance Appointment required? Yes Turnaround time: Two to three days
In DFW: If uninsured get COVID19 test FREE both PCR & Antibody blood test, will be paid for by the Dept of Health & Human Services. For others it’s $175 for PCR or $105 for Antibody blood test. Result turnaround at least 48 hrs. Call us [[Sign In to see link]].