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Traveling soon? Here’s where you can quickly get a COVID-19 test

Jan. 28, 2022
38 min read
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If you've tried to get a COVID-19 test for travel or for peace of mind recently, you might have run into significant delays.

The omicron variant has complicated travel plans and, depending on where in the country you're located, made it difficult — if not impossible — to get a test. Some companies are reporting shortages, and in major cities like New York, blocks-long lines have formed of people trying to get tested.

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Unfortunately, COVID-19 testing is still a reality for the times in which we live.

Earlier this year, some countries dropped testing requirements for fully vaccinated travelers as more people got COVID-19 vaccines. But depending on where you want to go (and as omicron spreads) a negative COVID-19 test result might be required, particularly if you're not vaccinated or are traveling with unvaccinated children.

If you need a COVID-19 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 researched where you can get tested in 25 major metropolitan areas. We found that some tests are entirely free, while others require a copay or are covered with insurance. Some will require full cash payment when requested for travel (instead of due to symptoms or exposure).

Some destinations require negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests taken within a certain time, usually 72 hours, before departure. Many facilities can provide results between 48 and 72 hours, but that isn't always true – especially now.

Also, keep in mind that some testing sites deliver results over the phone, which likely won't be suitable for boarding an aircraft or entering a country.

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What type of COVID-19 test do you need?

(Photo by Brittany Murray/MediaNews Group/Long Beach Press-Telegram via Getty Images)

Antigen test. Rapid test. PCR test. RT-PCR test. Antibody test. Take-home test. If you've taken a COVID-19 test during the pandemic, you might have been bewildered by the sheer number of options.

Keeping track of which COVID-19 test you need can seem daunting. Not all COVID-19 tests are created equal, and not all are suitable for international travel.

You'll usually need a PCR test (polymerase chain reaction) for travel. These are the most reliable tests for detecting active COVID-19 infections and are considered the "gold standard" of testing. In this guide, we'll primarily focus on testing sites that provide these more accurate PCR tests, though keep in mind that some destinations, like Hawaii, only accept PCR tests from a specific list of testing providers.

The tests that often won't help you with travel are antibody tests, blood tests that can identify if a previous COVID-19 infection caused your immune system to produce COVID-19 antibodies. Some destinations also won't accept rapid antigen tests, which check for proteins on the virus's surface. These tests are popular for quick turnaround times but are less accurate than PCR tests and aren't valid to enter some countries, such as Canada.

Check to see if you can get a rapid PCR test

Though PCR tests generally take around 72 hours for results, some urgent care facilities have introduced "rapid PCR tests," where you can receive your results as fast as 30 minutes. That said, if you're looking for a faster way to get a PCR test, it may cost you as these facilities may not accept insurance.

Some rapid PCR testing options include:

  • COVIDCheck in San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Denver. Results in six hours for RT-PCR tests. Cost: $349
  • Complete Health Partners in Nashville, Tennessee. Results in 30 to 45 minutes. Cost: $250, not billed to insurance.
  • DMCovid-19 Test offers travel PCR testing by housecall nationwide in all states except Alaska and Hawaii; it also has nine physical locations. Cost: Price varies by location and whether it's in-home or in the office.
  • Elite Medical Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Results in 24 hours. Cost: $250
  • Frontage Laboratory in Exton, Pennsylvania (35 minutes from Philadelphia). Offers COVID-19 tests for travelers within six hours. Cost: $203 for an RT-PCR test.
  • Medical Offices of Manhattan in New York City, New York. Same-day results. Cost: $175 for the test, which doesn't include doctor consultation.
  • Saguaro Bloom in Scottsdale, Arizona. Offers 24-hour and 90-minute turnaround for RT-PCR testing. Cost: $299 for 90-minute turnaround and $149 for 24-hour turnaround.
  • Test Well in Reno, Nevada, and South Lake Tahoe, California. Offers RT-PCR tests for travel with guaranteed same-day results. The cost is $149 for travel purposes (but you can file a claim with your insurance for reimbursement).
  • Urgent Medical Care and MRI in Jersey City, New Jersey. Results in an hour or less only for travelers who need documentation. Cost: $300 out of pocket, not billed to insurance.
  • Venistat Mobile Labs in New York, New York. Offers RT-PCR test results in less than 24 hours. Cost: $125 when using insurance, $190 without insurance.
  • WeTestU in San Diego, California. Offers mobile RT-PCR testing for travel. Cost: $159 for 24-hour turnaround, $199 for 24-hour turnaround, $259 for same-day (eight hour) turnaround, $329 for one-hour turnaround.
  • Worksite Labs offers PCR test results guaranteed within 24 hours near 20 U.S. airports. Cost: $90

COVID-19 testing at drugstores

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 these often offer PCR testing at no additional cost if using insurance or if you fall under some federal programs for those without insurance.

Passport Health also has a network of clinics in over 100 locations nationwide, primarily for people who need a negative PCR test to fly or return to school.

Even better, you can make these appointments online, which may save precious time instead of waiting in a long line. Many of these locations also offer drive-up testing, where you swab yourself and don't need to leave your vehicle.

Turnaround times can vary by chain and location:

  • CVS: Average turnaround time for receiving results from lab tests is one to two days for PCR tests.
  • Walgreens: Turnaround time is based on when the sample arrives at the laboratory.
  • Rite Aid: Turnaround time varies between 125 minutes to two to five days.

Also, several third-party companies partner with major cities like Houston and San Francisco on widespread testing. These companies, such as Color and Curative, offer results between one to three days.

City-provided COVID-19 testing

(Photo by Oli Kellett/Getty Images)

As the new variant spreads, more cities are handing out free COVID-19 rapid tests for residents.

New York City said it would distribute 500,000 free at-home COVID-19 tests as well as 1 million higher-grade KN95 masks to New Yorkers through community organizations. Residents in Washington, D.C. can pick up an at-home COVID-19 testing kit at select libraries throughout the city. And the White House has promised to distribute 500 million free rapid tests to Americans.

These tests generally won't be approved for travel but could provide peace of mind before (or during) your trip.

COVID-19 testing for children

Many destinations have dropped testing requirements for fully vaccinated travelers. However, vaccinated adults traveling with unvaccinated kids may, in some instances, have different travel requirements. But many countries (even those with strict vaccination requirements) accept proof of a negative COVID-19 test for children ineligible to be vaccinated.

If you're trying to get a COVID-19 test for a child, many nationwide drugstores serve younger patients. CVS and Walgreens serve patients 3 years of age and older, while Rite Aid offers tests at no cost to anyone 4 and older.

But now, some kids may be able to bypass COVID-19 tests if they can be vaccinated, making it far less stressful to travel. The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine has officially been approved for kids 5 to 11 by the Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are only available to people 18 and older at this time.

At-home COVID-19 tests

The CDC expanded the testing program for international travel to the United States earlier this spring, allowing airlines to accept at-home instant tests that include remote supervision.

That's good news for U.S.-bound travelers who may not have many testing options at their location abroad. Travelers flying to the U.S. can use a self-test (sometimes referred to as a home test if it's a NAAT or antigen test with Emergency Use Authorization EUA from the FDA). The test must also have a telehealth service that provides real-time supervision. Here are several popular options:

  • Abbott's BinaxNOW COVID-19 Home Test can be ordered from eMed or from Optum and is CDC-approved for travel to the U.S. There's a second Abbott rapid test you can buy at the drugstore, but it isn't proctored and can't be used for travel.
  • Amazon's COVID-19 Test Collection Kit DTC has received EUA from the FDA and costs $39.99.
  • Cue Health claims to offer results in just 20 minutes — and that it can detect the omicron variant. The test is authorized by the FDA for at-home use and can be used for travel purposes. The company offers two options for travelers: the Cue+ Essential membership, which starts at $49.99 (a more expensive option costs $89.99 per month) or a one-time purchase with a pack of three or 10 tests starting at $225.

Mail-in COVID-19 testing tests

There are many mail-in or in-home COVID-19 testing providers available. Some are not valid in certain states, and some are not available in all situations.

Most will not bill insurance for you, with Pixel being an exception to that general rule. Some mail-in tests are nasal swabs, while others are saliva samples. Some are only valid for adults, and others require a Zoom appointment. But, these are all the gold-standard PCR tests that are considered highly reliable.

A handful of these companies have partnered with various airlines and the state of Hawaii as approved providers, so this can be a legitimate testing option for travel to the state. If your airline has a mail-in testing partner valid for your travel destination, we recommend going through their system as it may get your sample prioritized in the lab's testing order.

Some mail-in COVID-19 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, and costs $82.
  • 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. There is no upfront cost, or $119 if you're not eligible for insurance or federal funds.
  • Vault: Results of the saliva test taken via a Zoom call are available within 24 to 48 hours. The test is available to children and adults and costs $119.
  • Azova: Available at Costco.com. The saliva test results, taken via a Zoom call, are available within 12 to 48 hours upon being received by the lab. This test is approved as part of Hawaii's trusted testing partner program and for travel to Bermuda and costs $118.99.
  • OnSight Safe: Results of PCR saliva-based tests are available within 48 hours after being received by the lab; expedited processing is also available. Available for children and adults nationally. Physical testing locations are in New York City, Tampa and Van Nuys, California, and tests start at $127.95.

In-home COVID-19 tests

(Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

There are at-home COVID-19 tests, but did you know that some facilities offer a concierge service? You can have a testing provider come to your house, apartment or hotel and swab your nose.

In-home testing offers travelers the convenience of not having to wait in a line to get tested. (We're calling it in-home testing, but some facilities also provide testing at your office for large groups.)

Some of the most popular include Welz, which offers same-day in-home rapid testing in New York, Philadelphia and Los Angeles with a 15-minute turnaround. Even better: It's free with your health insurance or even if you're uninsured.

Generally, in-home tests and concierge services should be approved for travel purposes, as long as they meet the CDC's requirements and you get a physical or digital copy of your results. But you'll want to double-check you're taking an in-home COVID-19 test approved by your destination.

How long will test results take to arrive?

Most states or countries that require negative COVID-19 tests for entry (or entry without quarantine) use a 72-hour timeframe, from the test until either the time of your departure or arrival at the destination. Sometimes, however, the window is even shorter.

While there are exceptions, one to three days for COVID-19 test results seem standard nationwide.

You may need to research PCR testing locations that promise same-day results or provide rapid PCR tests analyzed on-site if the arrival of your test results could make or break your trip. Several facilities on the list below have previously reported delays in test results due to an increase in demand.

COVID-19 testing in airports

(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Many U.S. airports offer rapid COVID-19 testing to passengers or travelers on specific flights or heading to particular destinations. This could be a great option if you can drive to the airport to get a test a day or two ahead of your trip.

But we don't recommend waiting to get a test until your travel has already started, as isolating for at least two weeks at a connecting city will likely be an expensive hassle.

Some current airport testing centers available within the U.S. include:

  • Anchorage International Airport: Testing at ANC is free for residents and nonresidents.
  • Bradley International Airport: Open seven days per week. If the passenger's insurer does not cover the test, tests are available for $125 each. Results will most likely be available within 72 hours of testing but can take longer. Testing is only available to passengers traveling through Connecticut's Bradley Airport (BDL) on the day of their flight.
  • Burlington International Airport: Testing is open to all at Vermont's BTV airport Monday through Friday, with appointments recommended and results available same-day or 36 to 48 hours. The test may have a fee.
  • Dallas – Fort Worth International Airport: Those traveling on American Airlines can get a rapid test at DFW on the day of travel for $139, with results available in about 15 minutes.
  • Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport: Testing is available between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. Rapid PCR tests are $179, PCR tests are $106, and rapid antigen tests are $74. Rapid antigen test results are returned in about 30 minutes, rapid PCR tests are returned within 45 minutes, and PCR tests have a 48-hour turnaround.
  • Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport: Tests through the Minnesota Department of Health and Vault Health are done with saliva, return results within 48 hours and are free for Minnesota residents and $94 for others. Tests through Wandertest include Antigen, NAAT and PCR tests and provide rapid results in less than an hour and range from $99 to $199.
  • 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.
  • Oakland International Airport: OAK has two testing centers, one in the airport and a second 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 a $120 lab fee for expedited processing and a $20 administrative fee for Hawaii's mandated travel documentation.
  • San Francisco International Airport: San Francisco-based travelers flying on United Airlines to Hawaii and select destinations in Central and South America and the Caribbean can arrange for a mail-in PCR COVID-19 test. Travelers will receive results in 24 to 48 hours, and the cost is $119.
  • XpresCheck has many airport locations across the U.S. PCR tests are available by appointment or potentially via walk-up; costs vary. Rapid molecular NAAT tests are hand-delivered within 30 to 60 minutes for $200, insurance not accepted. Standard PCR tests will be delivered 48 to 96 hours for $75, and insurance is accepted for lab fees only. Rapid PCR tests are hand-delivered within 30 to 60 minutes for $250.

Hotels offering COVID-19 tests

Many hotels and resorts all over the world now provide on-site testing. If you're staying at a hotel, check to see if they offer on-site COVID-19 testing, as it's an extremely valuable amenity that can save you time searching for a test. In some cases, that test may also be free.

Related: Forget free breakfast: The hottest hotel amenity is a nasal swab

COVID-19 testing is required to enter the US

(Photo by Elijah Nouvelage/Bloomberg/Getty Images)

If you're traveling back to the United States from abroad, you need to provide a negative COVID-19 test result before boarding.

However, the White House significantly shrank the time window for testing in response to the omicron variant, which means travelers will need to arrange for COVID-19 tests sooner.

All travelers – vaccinated or not – must get a viral test within one day of departure to the U.S. Even if you've been vaccinated against COVID-19, you'll need to provide a negative test before boarding. There are several exemptions to this rule. Travelers flying back from U.S. territories, travelers arriving via a land border such as Mexico or Canada, and flight crew members do not need to present a negative COVID-19 test.

People who aren't vaccinated face extra testing and hurdles

More cities are following Europe's footsteps and testing out proof of vaccination mandates for certain activities. Some spots in Los Angeles, for example, require proof of vaccination to dine indoors, and New York City was the first U.S. city to establish a vaccine mandate.

The order went into effect on Aug. 17 for everyone 5 and older. Unvaccinated New Yorkers can no longer participate in many indoor activities, including indoor dining, indoor fitness and indoor entertainment.

Since then, cities like Chicago and Washington, D.C., have also implemented vaccine mandates.

Vaccine passports

Photo by portishead1/Getty Images

Travelers may want to use digital health or vaccine passports to enter certain countries or be exempt from strict testing and quarantine requirements. But vaccine passports aren't expected only to hold COVID-19 vaccine records. They can also be used to verify negative COVID-19 results.

For instance, New Yorkers can use the Excelsior Pass if they have had a negative PCR test administered in New York within three days; or took a negative antigen test in New York in the last six hours.

Clear's Health Pass feature is used to verify negative tests required at some sports arenas and approve tourists for quarantine-free travel to Hawaii. CommonPass is an independent app that collects a user's COVID-19 status and verifies their identity. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) also partners with dozens of airlines worldwide on its Travel Pass app, which hosts verified test and vaccine information.

City-by-city guide on where to get a COVID-19 test

Finding a reliable place to get a PCR COVID-19 test for travel with quick results can be challenging, depending on where you're located in the U.S.

Because things change so quickly, you'll need to contact the sites directly to confirm this information is still accurate. But to give you a headstart in your research, these testing facilities may meet your travel needs. If you encounter a location that should be added (or removed) from the list, or if you're a healthcare provider conducting PCR testing, please email tips@thepointsguy.com.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in Atlanta, Georgia

Community Organized Relief Effort

  • Various locations throughout Georgia, including Atlanta.
  • Hours: Varies by location.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Appointment required: Walk-up and drive-thru testing available, all sites are subject to early closure once the 500-test daily maximum is reached.
  • Turnaround time: Typically 72 hours.

Summit Urgent Care

  • Various locations throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area.
  • Hours: Varies by location.
  • Cost: Accepts most insurance, no copay for virtual visits.
  • Appointment required: No.
  • Turnaround time: Three to five days.

Peachtree Immediate Care

  • Various locations throughout 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.
  • 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: Typically three days.

Viral Solutions

  • Various locations throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area.
  • Hours: Varies by location.
  • Cost: No out-of-pocket cost with insurance.
  • Appointment required: No.
  • Turnaround time: Two days.

ARCpoint Labs of Atlanta-Northeast

  • 3635 Savannah Place Drive, Suite 450-B Duluth, Georgia
  • Hours: Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • Cost: $169 for lab-based PCR test, $249 for rapid PCR test; Self-pay option only
  • Appointment Required: Yes, but same-day appointments are available.
  • Turnaround Time: Less than two hours for a rapid PCR test, 48 hours is typical for lab-based PCR.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in the Bay Area, California

My Doctor Medical Group

  • 450 Sutter Street Suite 840, San Francisco, California
  • Hours: Varies by location.
  • Cost: $240 for visit and swab collection, $125 lab fee for expedited next-day PCR results, $35 for customized additional travel documentation and certificates (in addition to lab report) if needed.
  • Appointment required: Yes.
  • Turnaround time: By 5 p.m. next day after collection.

McCampbell Analytical

  • 1534 Willow Pass Road Pittsburg, California
  • Hours: 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., seven days a week.
  • Cost: Three-hour results are $699, five-hour results are $450, same-day results are $199 and next-day results are $129.
  • Appointment required: Yes.
  • Turnaround time: See above.

Color

  • Embarcadero site at Piers 30/32, Bryant and Embarcadero.
  • Hours: Varies by location.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Appointment required: Yes.
  • Turnaround time: One to three days.

Alameda Health Systems

  • Various locations throughout Alameda County.
  • Hours: Varies by location.
  • Cost: Covered by insurance.
  • Appointment required: Yes.
  • Turnaround time: Two to three days.

County of Santa Clara

  • Various locations throughout Santa Clara County.
  • Hours: Varies by location.
  • Cost: No upfront cost.
  • Appointment required: Yes.
  • Turnaround time: Varies by location.

Downtown Medical Group

  • 450 Sutter Street, Suite 1723 San Francisco, California
  • Hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Cost: $225 for next-day turnaround, $300 for same-day turnaround.
  • Appointment required: Yes.
  • Turnaround time: See above.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in Boston, Massachusetts

Tufts Medical Center

  • 276 Tremont Street, Boston, Massachusetts
  • Hours: Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • Cost: If insurance does not cover a test, the cost is $135.
  • Appointment required: Yes.
  • Turnaround time: 24 to 72 hours.

CareWell Urgent Care

  • Cambridge Inman Square
  • 1400 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
  • Hours: Open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Cost: Covered by insurance, or $160 if paying out of pocket.
  • Appointment required: Yes.
  • Turnaround time: Varies.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in Charlotte, North Carolina

BetterMed Urgent Care – Charlotte

  • Various locations throughout Charlotte.
  • Hours: Varies by location.
  • Cost: For those with commercial health insurance, the expected out-of-pocket cost for the medical evaluation and test is your copay. PCR medical evaluation and test will cost $159 plus outside lab costs in North Carolina for self-pay.
  • Appointment required: Yes.
  • Turnaround time: Three to five days.

Carolina Pharmacy

  • Various locations throughout Charlotte, North Carolina and Lancaster and Rock Hill, South Carolina
  • Hours: Varies by location
  • Cost: Rapid antigen is $89 and rapid RT-LAMP (Molecular/NAAT) is $145. RT-PCR (Molecular/NAAT) is $190. The expected out-of-pocket cost for the medical evaluation and test is your copay for those with commercial health insurance. PCR medical evaluation and test will cost $159 plus outside lab costs in North Carolina for self-pay.
  • Appointment required: Yes.
  • Turnaround time: One to three days.

StarMed Healthcare

  • Various locations throughout Charlotte.
  • Hours: Varies by location.
  • Cost: Covered at 100% for most insurance carriers, or $199 for self-pay. There's a $195 out-of-pocket fee for the lab rush.
  • Appointment required: No.
  • Turnaround time: One to three days.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in Chicago

WellNow Urgent Care

  • Various locations throughout Chicago.
  • Hours: Open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Some locations offer extended hours from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Cost: Most insurance accepted, or patients can self-pay $100 plus the cost of the base visit and any other necessary services.
  • Appointment required: No.
  • Turnaround time: Three to five days.

Howard Brown Health

  • Various locations throughout Chicago.
  • Hours: Varies by location.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Appointment required: No.
  • Turnaround time: Three to seven days.

Innovative Care

  • 1111 W. Diversey Parkway, Chicago, Illinois
  • Hours: Open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Cost: Covered by insurance, or you can self-pay $250 for the examination and COVID-19 test.
  • Appointment required: Yes.
  • Turnaround time: Two to four days.

Prime Care Physicians

  • 1355 Remington Road, Suite Q, Schaumburg, Illinois
  • Hours: Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Cost: $125 self-pay, most insurance accepted.
  • Appointment required: No.
  • Turnaround time: 24 to 48 hours.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in Cleveland/Akron, Ohio

WellNow Urgent Care

  • Various locations throughout Cleveland.
  • Hours: Open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Some locations offer extended hours from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Cost: Most insurance accepted, or patients can self-pay $150 plus the cost of the base visit and any other necessary services.
  • Appointment required: No.
  • Turnaround time: Results available same or next day. Check testing times to receive same-day PCR results.

The Centers, Midtown Office

  • 4500 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, Ohio
  • Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Cost: No out-of-pocket costs for most patients. No insurance is required, and Medicaid and other insurance are accepted.
  • Appointment required: Appointments are encouraged, with walk-ins available each day.
  • Turnaround time: One to two days.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in Columbus, Ohio

WellNow Urgent Care

  • Various locations throughout Columbus.
  • Hours: Open seven days a week, hours vary by location.
  • Cost: Most insurance accepted, or patients can self-pay $150 plus the cost of the base visit and any other necessary services.
  • Appointment required: No.
  • Turnaround time: Results available same or next day. Check testing times to receive same-day PCR results.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas

Ayass BioScience Drive-thru

  • 8501 Wade Blvd Bldg 7 Frisco, Texas
  • Hours: Hours are shown upon registration.
  • Cost: Covered by insurance.
  • Appointment required: Strongly preferred. Walk-ins are permitted but will require filling in paperwork on site.
  • Turnaround time: Same-day results if collected by 2 p.m.

Real Time Laboratories

  • 4100 Fairway Ct. Suite 600 Carrollton, Texas
  • Hours: Open daily; see website for details.
  • Cost: $125 to $250 depending on turnaround time.
  • Appointment required: Yes.
  • Turnaround time: Six to 48 hours, depending on the test.

DevLab Bio

  • 4100 Fairway Drive, Suite 410, Carrollton, Texas
  • Hours: Open Monday to Saturday; see website for details.
  • Cost: Covered by insurance, except for travel requests.
  • Appointment required: Yes.
  • Turnaround time: Same-day or next-day results.

L&H Scientific

  • 2801 Osler Drive, Building B, Suite 123, Grand Prairie, Texas, 75051
  • Hours: Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Cost: Prices start at $275 to $425, depending on the turnaround time.
  • Appointment required: Strongly encouraged. Same-day results require testing before noon.
  • Turnaround time: Same-day to one-day.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in Denver, Colorado

American Family Care Urgent Care

  • Various locations throughout Denver.
  • Hours: Varies by location.
  • Cost: Most major insurance covered.
  • Appointment required: No.
  • Turnaround time: Three to five days.

Advanced Urgent Care

  • Various locations throughout Denver.
  • Hours: Seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Cost: Covered by most major insurance, PCR rapid test at Broomfield clinic is $125.
  • Appointment required: Yes.
  • Turnaround time: Same-day for a rapid PCR test, three to seven days for other tests.

Premier Diagnostics

  • Various locations throughout Denver.
  • Hours: See site for details.
  • Cost: Covered by insurance, the cost of the RT-PCR test is $125 if not covered.
  • Appointment required: No.
  • Turnaround time: Within 48 hours.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in Detroit, Michigan

CVS Minute Clinic

  • 1935 Campbell, Detroit, Michigan
  • Hours: Pharmacy open until 8 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, Texas

Curative

  • Various locations throughout Houston.
  • Hours: See the 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.

Any Test Now

  • Various locations throughout Houston.
  • Hours: See website for details.
  • Cost: $199.
  • Appointment required: Yes.
  • Turnaround time: Two to three days.

Memorial Village ER

  • 14520 Memorial Dr. Houston, Texas
  • Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.‬ every day.
  • Cost: $150 or insurance is accepted.
  • Appointment required: No.
  • Turnaround: Two to three days.

Rapid COVID Clinic

  • Various locations throughout Houston.
  • Hours: Varies by location.
  • Cost: $250.
  • Appointment required: Appointments preferred, drive-ins accepted.
  • Turnaround time: 36 to 48 hours.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in Las Vegas, Nevada

Pharmatech

  • 546 N Eastern Ave Suite 130, Las Vegas, Nevada
  • Hours: See the website for more information.
  • Cost: $120.
  • Appointment required: Yes.
  • Turnaround time: One to two days.

Cuur Diagnostics

  • 3450 S. Maryland Pkwy Las Vegas, Nevada
  • Hours: Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Cost: $125.
  • Appointment required: No.
  • Turnaround time: One to two days.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in Los Angeles, California

COVID Clinic

  • 124 locations in 15 states, with new locations and states added weekly. Also available at 13 airports including LAX, BUR and ONT.
  • Hours: Generally 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week. Location hours may vary.
  • Cost: Free one- to two-day PCR available for the insured and uninsured (conditions apply). $299 for rapid one-hour result PCR test.
  • Appointment required: Yes. Same-day appointments are available.
  • Turnaround time: One to two days for expedited PCR test.

Reliant Urgent Care

  • Various locations throughout Los Angeles.
  • Hours: See the website for more information.
  • Appointment required: Yes.
  • Cost: $195 for 24- to 36-hour turnaround, $175 for one-hour turnaround (not covered by insurance).
  • Turnaround time: Depends on the level of service booked.

Curative

  • Various locations throughout Los Angeles.
  • Hours: See the 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.

OnSite Safe

  • 6411 Sepulveda Blvd., Van Nuys, California
  • Hours: Monday to Saturday; see website for specifics.
  • Costs: $164.
  • Appointment Required: Yes,
  • Turnaround time: Two days, next-day available with expedited processing for an extra cost.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Quality Health Care Concierge

  • Drive-up address: 900 Broken Sound Parkway NW, Boca Raton Florida
  • Hours: 24 hours, seven days a week.
  • Cost: Partial coverage.
  • Appointment required: Yes, for drive-up and in-home service.
  • Turnaround time: Depends on service booked.

Lab Doctor

  • 1425-A SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
  • Hours: Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Cost: $179.
  • Appointment required: No.
  • Turnaround time: Next-day results.

Air Land Sea

  • Sheltair FLL, 1100 Lee Wagener Boulevard, Suite 346, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33315
  • Hours: Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • Cost: With insurance, $75 for next-day results, $125 for same-day results. Without insurance, $175 for next-day results, $225 for same-day results. Four- to six-hour expedited results are $450.
  • Appointment required: No, but appointments can be scheduled at covidFLL.com.
  • Turnaround time: Same-day, next-day and four to six hours. Tests for same-day results must be administered before 11 a.m.

Miami-Dade County testing sites

  • Various locations throughout Miami-Dade County.
  • Hours: Varies by location.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Appointment required: Yes.
  • Turnaround time: Two to three days.

American Scientific Diagnostics

  • 1860 Old Okeechobee Road Suite 508, West Palm Beach, Florida
  • Hours: Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Cost: $150 for next-day results, $250 for same-day results.
  • Appointment required: Yes.
  • Turnaround time: Depends on the test booked.

LabDX

  • 1515 NW 167th St Suite 410, Miami Gardens, Florida 33169
  • Hours: Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Cost: $129 for home or office visit, or $89 per test when you drive up to the lab. Mention the discount code LABDX10PTSGUY for an exclusive $10 discount from TPG.
  • Appointment required: Yes for concierge, walk-ins accepted at drive-up locations.
  • Turnaround time: Within 24 to 36 hours.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota

CVS

  • 3655 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, Minnesota
  • 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 City and Newark, New Jersey

There are hundreds of testing sites across New York City, and you can also find pop-up mobile testing sites at different locations throughout the five boroughs. Not all of these will return COVID-19 test results in a timely enough manner for travel, however. Even the cited turnaround time may no longer be accurate.

Bloom Labs

  • 34 West 36th St, New York, NY 10018
  • Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m, weekends 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Cost: $299 for an expedited RT-PCR with a three- to four-hour turnaround. Insurance can be used for a standard RT-PCR with 36- to 48-hour turnaround.
  • Appointment required: Appointment not required.
  • Turnaround time: See above.

Carecube

  • Various locations in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx.
  • Hours: Varies by location.
  • Cost: Accepts insurance or costs between $175 and $400.
  • Appointment required: No.
  • Turnaround time: Results in four to six hours.

CityMD

  • Various locations across New York City and the boroughs.
  • Hours: Varies by location.
  • Cost: CityMD is not collecting copayments for COVID-19 related visits.
  • Appointment required: No.
  • Turnaround time: Five to seven days.

OnSite Safe

  • Location in Chelsea with home or office visits for groups of five people or more.
  • Hours: Monday to Saturday; see website for specifics.
  • Costs: $184.
  • Appointment Required: No.
  • Turnaround time: Two days, with next-day results available with expedited processing for an extra cost.

In-home COVID-19 testing programs include Zeel, which offers COVID-19 swab PCR testing in homes and offices administered by LPNs and RNs to the New York metro area. Available in New York City, Westchester County, Nassau County, North Jersey and Lower Fairfield County, Connecticut. Cost: $249 for the first person tested in-home plus $50 per additional person. Turnaround time: Results within 24 hours.

There are several free COVID-19 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, Florida

COVID Testing LLC

  • Various locations throughout Orlando.
  • Hours: Varies by location.
  • 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 before noon.

Paramount Urgent Care

  • Various locations throughout Orlando.
  • Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Cost: Free for self-pay and insured patients, excluding Medicaid.
  • Appointment required: No.
  • Turnaround time: Three to four days.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Vybe Urgent Care

  • More than 10 locations throughout the Philadelphia area.
  • Hours: Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday to Sunday: 8 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Cost: Free PCR test, $75 rapid antigen test (self-pay only) and $100 rapid RT-PCR test (self-pay only).
  • Appointment required: Yes, appointments for rapid testing are required. Appointments are not required for other testing options.
  • Turnaround time: Rapid test results are available in less than 24 hours. Non-rapid test turnaround time is two to five days.

American Family Care (AFC) Urgent Care

  • 1444 W. Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • Hours: Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday to Sunday: 8 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Cost: No charge for PCR tests with insurance.
  • Appointment required: Yes, and telemedicine visit.
  • Turnaround time: One to three days.

RapiCare

  • 620 East Welsh Road, Horsham, Pennsylvania
  • Hours: Open even days a week, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Cost: $165 for RT-PCR.
  • Appointment required? Yes.
  • Turnaround time: 24 hours for RT-PCR.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Curative

  • Various locations throughout Pittsburgh.
  • Hours: See the 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 Portland, Oregon

Zoom+Care

  • Various locations throughout Portland.
  • Hours: Depends on location.
  • Cost: Covered by insurance or lab fee of $100, as well as the cost of a virtual visit.
  • Appointment required: Yes.
  • Turnaround time: Three to five days.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in Sacramento, California

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, Utah

Intermountain Health

  • Various locations throughout Salt Lake City.
  • 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 are returned within 48 hours.

Premier Diagnostics

  • Various locations throughout Salt Lake City.
  • Hours: See site for details.
  • Cost: Covered by insurance or $125 for RT-PCR test.
  • Appointment required: No.
  • Turnaround time: Within 48 hours.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in San Antonio, Texas

iGenomeDx

  • 4115 Medical Dr., Suite 210 San Antonio, Texas 78229
  • Hours: Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST, Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST.
  • Cost: $125 RT-PCR for asymptomatic patients and travelers. Covered by insurance for symptomatic patients and noninsured symptomatic patients but need providers orders.
  • Appointment required: Yes.
  • Turnaround time: 24 to 48 hours; Same day turnaround if received by 11 a.m. CST.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in Seattle/Tacoma, Washington

Discovery Health MD

  • Two locations: DoubleTree Suites Southcenter and Seattle Airport.
  • Hours: See site for details.
  • Cost: $176 for next-day RT-PCR test, $349 for one-hour RT-PCR test.
  • Appointment required: Yes.
  • Turnaround time: Same or next day, depending on what you booked.

Seattle testing locations

  • Various locations throughout Seattle.
  • Hours: Varies by location.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Appointment required: Yes.
  • Turnaround time: Two to three days.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in St. Louis, Missouri

ARCpoint Labs

  • 11255 Olive Blvd, Creve Coeur, Missouri
  • Hours: Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Cost: $250 for same-day results.
  • Appointment required: Yes.
  • Turnaround time: Same day or 48 to 60 hours, depending on what you booked.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in Washington, D.C./Baltimore/Arlington

Farragut Medical & Travel Care

  • 815 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, D.C.
  • Hours: Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Cost: $300.
  • Appointment required: Yes.
  • Turnaround time: Two days for expedited testing, or two to five days.

Preston's Pharmacy

  • Various locations in Arlington and Fairfax.
  • Hours: Monday to Saturday, check the website for details.
  • Cost: $45 for three- to five-day PCR testing, expedited processing available for an additional cost.
  • Appointment required: Yes.
  • Turnaround time: Three to five days, or faster with expedited processing.

McLean Pharmacy

  • 1392 Chain Bridge Road, Mclean, Virginia
  • Hours: Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m to 5 p.m.
  • Cost: $200 for a 48-hour turnaround and $250 for a 24-hour turnaround.
  • Appointment required: Yes.
  • Turnaround time: See above.

Bottom line

While it has generally been getting easier to obtain a COVID-19 PCR test for travel purposes in some locations, turnaround times can still vary especially as the omicron variant spreads in the U.S. and demand for testing rises as a result.

That means if you need COVID-19 PCR test results in advance of a tight travel deadline, the safest bet is to use a provider that can guarantee same-day or next-day service. Some providers that initially guaranteed results in 24 or 48 hours have increased their turnaround times, in some cases up to seven days. However, these rapid PCR test options will cost extra and aren't always available.

A few providers have also indicated that several insurance companies won't cover COVID-19 testing for travel purposes, so keep in mind that you may have to pay out of pocket.

Some destinations will allow you to quarantine upon arrival until your test results arrive. Finally, if you do test positive (whether or not you are asymptomatic), you will need to be prepared to quarantine in place wherever you are for at least two weeks.

Featured image by Bloomberg via Getty Images
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.