Is "cross" the correct word? Cross a city.

If you look on a map, you'll see where the 2 cities are located.

From Onslow to Townsville in Australia

If we start our drive at the north west border of a country and drive to the north east border of a country (From Onslow to Townsville in Australia) could you say "we crossed the country" or "we crossed the northern/north part of the county"

Are these both correct? Can you say cross even if not the heart of the city?Subway line R crosses the north part of the city.

Subway line R is a west-east route that services the north part of the city.

Can you say cross if you don't go through the center of the city?

Thanks