travel by bus or train

Bus Vs Train Vs Plane Travel: Pros and Cons

By: Author Zachary Friedman

Posted on Last updated: February 8, 2024

Categories Bus Travel , Travel

Home » Travel » Bus Vs Train Vs Plane Travel: Pros and Cons

While traveling overland between cities, you often have a choice between several modes of transport. In this guide, I break down the pros and cons of bus vs train travel to help you decide which is the best way for you to get to your next destination. I’ll cover comfort, amenities, cost, convenience, environmental impact, safety, and more. I’ll also outline the pros and cons of your third option, flying. Hopefully, this guide helps you choose the best transportation option for your trip.

Over the past 12 years, I’ve traveled through 66 countries across 6 continents. My style of travel is to fly into a region and then travel overland. Over the years, I’ve ridden hundreds of buses and trains. In this guide, I’ll share my experience.

I’ve also made this Youtube video to outline the main points of the article.

Train Travel Pros

You can get up and move around- In my opinion, this is the best reason to choose the train over the bus. Most long-distance trains allow you to get up from your seat without disturbing the passenger next to you. You can exit your cabin and walk around in the hall. You can also walk between cars to the dining car. You’re not stowed up for hours at a time in the same seat like you are on a bus.
Trains offer more amenities- Long-distance trains often offer dining, a full bar, and completely flat beds. Shorter distance trains often offer power outlets, wifi, and reclining seats. These amenities often aren’t available on buses.
More scenic- Train tracks are built in the most efficient manner between two points. They don’t follow a road. You’ll travel through scenic and rural parts of the countryside that you otherwise wouldn’t get to see. You’ll travel through places that haven’t been spoiled by infrastructure and human activity. The scenery you see on from the train is much more beautiful than a motorway. Some train routes are a destination of their own.
You can lay down flat and get a good nights sleep on a train- If you book a bed on a sleeper train, you can lay down completely flat and stretch out. You’re not stuck in a seated position all night. This allows you to get a solid night of sleep and wake up rested. Some of the best sleep that I have ever gotten has been on a train. Something about the way the train rocks and sways on the tracks just lulls me to sleep. The sound of the wheels rolling on the track adds to the atmosphere. On a bus, you can never lay down completely flat. The quality of sleep is poor.
Trains are more environmentally friendly- Trains use less fuel per passenger than buses, cars, or planes. If you care about the environment, the train is probably the greenest mode of traveling long distance. The only greener option is walking or bicycle touring. Schedules are more reliable- Because they don’t have to deal with traffic, trains usually run on time. This means you won’t experience as many unexpected delays or late arrivals as you do when taking the bus.
You can carry more luggage on a train- Luggage allowances are usually less strict on trains. In fact, oftentimes your luggage isn’t even weighed before you board. Many long-distance trains even have a car for luggage and cargo. There’s really no limit to the amount of stuff you can bring with you. For example, after crashing my motorcycle in Vietnam , I put it on a train with me to the next big city so I could recover. That’s not really an option on the bus.
Trains are faster- For some routes, you’ll reach your destination significantly faster if you travel by train. This is particularly true with bullet trains which can reach speeds exceeding 300 km/h. No bus goes that fast. Of course, for some routes, the bus is the faster option. Be sure to do your research before booking your ticket if you’re in a hurry.
Train stations are more comfortable than bus stations- This is a generalization but usually, train stations are larger and offer more seating and amenities than bus stations. The reason is that in many countries, each bus company has its own station which is usually just a ticketing office with a few seats. Train stations are usually much larger.
Finding the train station usually easier- Most cities only have one train station. Particularly large metropolises may have two. This makes finding the station a breeze. Everyone knows where it’s at. A big city could have dozens of different bus terminals. Finding the right one can be a challenge if you don’t know your way around.
Train travel is healthier- While traveling long distance, no matter which mode of transport you choose, you’ll spend hours sitting in the same position. This puts you at risk of a dangerous condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). To read about the condition and its cause, check out this article from the Center for Disease Control. The best way to prevent this condition from developing is to get up and walk around every 2-3 hours. This is really only possible on a train. On a bus, you can sit for 6+ hours between meal and bathroom brakes. This can be seriously dangerous for your health.
Trains are romantic- Something about riding a train reminds us of times gone by. Our ancestors traveled by long-distance train over one hundred years ago. It’s a historic and sophisticated mode of travel.
Trains are higher class- For whatever reason, people tend to consider train travel to be a higher class activity. It doesn’t have same social stigma that bus travel carries. Of course, this only matters if you’re the kind of person that cares what others think.
Trains are cool- Some of us are just fascinated by trains. I can’t explain why but I am one of those people. I don’t have a model train set up in my basement* but I think that would be pretty awesome. Whenever I have the choice between a bus and train, I choose the train.

Train Travel Cons

More expensive- The biggest drawback of taking the train is the cost. Train tickets are usually significantly more expensive than bus tickets. Sometimes up to twice the price. In some regions, it’s even more expensive to take then train than it is to fly. Both the US and the UK have this problem.
Fewer destinations- Train lines are limited. Most countries only have one or two. A significant number of countries don’t have any trains at all. This means that you can usually only access larger cities by train. Buses, on the other hand, go almost everywhere on earth. You can access even the smallest villages by bus. For example, in Africa there are very few train lines. Check out my guide to bus travel in Africa for more info.
Trains offer fewer departure and arrival times- For most popular routes, there are only one or two trains operating per day. You have to leave at those times. Buses often operate on a much more regular schedule. For example, between two big cities, there may be a bus leaving every half hour.
The ride can be rough- Some older or poorly maintained train lines are incredibly bumpy and shaky. This makes getting comfortable or falling asleep nearly impossible. Of course, modern trains are incredibly smooth. So much so that sometimes you can’t even tell that you’re moving. Buses can be bumpy as well if the road conditions are poor or the bus is old.
Trains are loud- The metal on metal sound of the train wheels rolling against the track makes a lot of noise. Some people have trouble sleeping because of the noise. Of course, modern trains are designed to be very quiet inside.
Slightly more dangerous- Deaths by train accident are so rare that this point is almost irrelevant but I found this statistic pretty interesting so I thought I’d throw it in. According to this statistic , train travel is slightly more dangerous than bus travel. With rail travel, there are .6 deaths per billion kilometers traveled compared to .4 deaths per billion kilometers traveled by bus. I found this pretty surprising.
Trains can’t easily access mountainous regions- Trains can’t climb as easily as buses. For this reason, you’ll rarely find train lines running through mountainous regions. In mountainous countries, you’ll usually have to take the bus.
Train tickets sell out more quickly- This is my personal experience. If you want to take the train, you usually have to book further in advance than if you’re taking the bus. Seats sell out more quickly. I experienced this in India. For most routes, there are fewer train seats than bus seats available.

Bus Travel Pros

Cheaper- The bus is almost always the cheapest transport option available. Tickets are often significantly cheaper than rail or air equivalents.
More destinations- Buses travel almost everywhere. You can take the bus to even the tiniest of villages. Anywhere that there is a road, a bus can go. For example, I traveled by bus through the Omo Valley of Ethiopia to villages that couldn’t be accessed by train or air.
More departure and arrival times- For popular bus routes between cities, there is often a bus leaving every hour. Sometimes even more frequently. In this case, if you can’t leave the city until the afternoon, for example, you won’t have to wait around too long. Trains, on the other hand, only offer a couple of departures per day at most. You might have to wait all night until the next departure.
Smoother ride- Buses offer the same or better ride quality than most cars. Older trains tend to shake and sway on the tracks. Of course, new buses and trains are both incredibly smooth.
Quiet- Road noise is rarely a problem. Buses also don’t suffer from the metal on metal sound that train wheels have against the tracks. Of course, if a loud passenger sits near you, you’re in for a noisy ride. Once, while traveling to Seattle on the Greyhound bus, a particularly annoying woman kept yelling at the driver to stop so she could smoke. Eventually, the driver stopped at a truck stop and kicked her off the bus. Everyone clapped for our hero of a driver.
Slightly safer- Buses have fewer deaths per billion hours traveled at 11.1, and by billion journies at 4.3. Rail travel has 20 deaths per billion journeys and 30 deaths per billion hours according to Wikipedia. Both modes of travel are safer than traveling by car.
Buses can access mountainous regions- Anywhere there is a road, a bus can go, for the most part. Trains generally can’t access mountainous regions. Of course, there are some exceptions to this.
Bus tickets don’t sell out as quickly- For many routes, you can just show up at the station and buy your ticket hours before travel. If you want to take a train, you often have to buy your ticket well in advance. Of course, bus tickets do sell out. It’s a good idea to book at least a day in advance if possible.
Buses can be faster- For some routes, bus travel times are shorter than trains. If you’re in a hurry, do your research before booking tickets.

Bus Travel Cons

You can’t move around- While riding the bus, you pretty much have to wait for a bathroom or meal break to get up and move around. There is just nowhere to go while the bus is moving. On a couple of occasions, I’ve been on buses where the driver kept driving for over 6 hours without stopping. During that time, everyone was stowed up in their seats without any way to move.
Fewer amenities- Bus services are pretty basic. There is no food service or bar. The seats don’t lay flat. Most buses don’t have outlets or wifi. Of course, there are exceptions. I found long-distance buses in South America to offer a surprising amount of amenities including meal service, entertainment systems, and comfortable seating. The experience is almost like taking a flight.
Less scenic- Buses travel on the fastest road available between destinations. That’s usually the highway. These usually aren’t too scenic. Highways are flat and surrounded by human development. Trains, on the other hand, pass through untouched, beautiful land that you otherwise wouldn’t get to see.
You can’t lay down flat- Some bus seats are better than others, but none really lay completely flat. This makes getting a good night of sleep nearly impossible for some people. Trains generally offer beds. Here, you can get a good night of sleep and arrive at your destination well-rested.
Less environmentally friendly- Buses burn more fuel per passenger than trains. These days, many people are choosing to travel less for the benefit of the environment. Trains are pretty energy efficient.
Less reliable- Buses must put up with city traffic. Usually, they account for this in the schedule but traffic can be unpredictable. An unexpected accident can cause an hour of delay. Trains don’t have to put up with traffic so they can keep a more reliable schedule. Of course, there are exceptions. Trains often run just as late due to mechanical issues or incompetence.
You can’t carry as much luggage- Most bus lines have a similar luggage policy to airlines. That is one carry on bag and one checked bag. Generally, your carry-on bag must be smaller than 62 linear inches and weigh less than 50 pounds. The checked bag must fit either under the seat in front of you or in the luggage storage above the seats. Of course, baggage policies vary by bus line. You can also pay a fee to carry extra luggage. Trains usually have much less strict luggage policies. Some don’t even measure or weigh your luggage if it’s within reason.
Buses are slower- Because they can’t travel at the same speeds and they have to deal with city traffic, buses generally have longer transit times. This is particularly true in Europe. For example, the bus from Amsterdam to Berlin takes 8 hours 15 minutes. The train takes just 6 hours 4 minutes.
Bus stations are less comfortable- Many large cities don’t have a central bus station. Instead, small bus offices are located all over the city. These small offices typically don’t offer any amenities other than a few seats and a restroom if you’re lucky. Train stations, on the other hand, are usually large with plenty of seating, restaurants, shops, and more.
Finding the bus station is sometimes a challenge- Because bus stations are often small and numerous, finding the right location can take time when you’re in a large and unfamiliar city. Most cities only have one main train station. This makes finding your way to the station much easier.
Bus travel is less healthy- This mostly has to do with the amount of time that you must spend seated while riding the bus. If you spend enough hours seated in the same position, your blood can begin to clot. Usually in your leg. The clot of blood can break loose and make its way to your lungs. Here, it can cause serious problems. This condition is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The solution is to get up and walk around every 2-3 hours. You just can’t do this while riding a bus. You can, however, if you take a train.
Buses are lower class- One of the main reasons that people tend to dislike riding the bus is psychological. People associate bus travel with the lower class. There’s a certain negative social stigma to riding the bus. This bothers some types of people.
Buses aren’t cool- There really isn’t any history or novelty to bus travel. It’s just a cheap way to get around. After all, nobody builds a model bus route in their basement.

Which Mode of Travel is Better? Bus Vs Train

Both the train and bus will get you to your destination in a safe and relatively reliable manner. The choice mostly comes down to cost, availability, and personal preference.

While researching for this guide, I read about a couple of interesting studies that were done to determine which mode of travel commuters preferred. Researchers performed surveys in cities all over the world.

They determined that people everywhere generally preferred trains. Through more surveying, the researchers were able to come up with several possible reasons why.

One common reason was psychological in nature. Many people simply associate buses with bad transport and trains with good transport. This could have to do with history, marketing, physical differences between buses and trains, or our culture.

Another common reason that people prefer trains to buses seems to be social in nature. Many people consider the bus to be lower on the hierarchy of transportation methods. It has a negative stigma. Possibly because the bus is commonly used by people in the lower class. Because of this, some people feel ashamed of admitting to riding the bus. Most people don’t feel this way about riding trains.

A Third Mode of Transport: Air Travel

For longer or overseas routes, air travel is often your only reasonable option. For shorter trips, air travel may not be the best choice. In this section, I’ll outline the pros and cons of taking a flight rather than ground transport. In this analysis, I assume that you fly economy class.

Air Travel Pros

Faster- A flight allows you to travel to the other side of the planet in less than a day. Trains and buses can’t even cross a large country in that amount of time.
Can cross bodies of water- For overseas travel, sometimes your only reasonable option is to fly. Taking a ship across an ocean just isn’t practical for most trips. Most travelers simply don’t have the time or desire to spend weeks at sea. Of course, you can’t travel overseas by bus or train.
Flying costs less for long journies- These days, budget airlines often allow you to fly for less than the price of a train ticket. In some cases, flying is even cheaper than taking the bus. The reason is that you must factor in the price of food when traveling long-distance overland. A bus trip across a continent may take several days. You’ll have to eat during that time. You may even have to stay in a hotel at night. Before buying a bus or train ticket, always check the price of flights and factor in any additional costs that you’ll have to cover. You may be surprised.
Airports are comfortable and full of amenities- Airports offer plenty of seating, restaurants, bars, and shops. The best airport that I have visited was Incheon in South Korea. While on a 12 hour layover, I took a tour of Seoul and enjoyed a shower after getting back to the airport. All for free. If I had to choose between waiting around an airport, bus station, or train station, I’d choose the airport every time.
Flights are more reliable- Because airlines cater to a business clientele, the must remain on schedule. Of course, there are occasional delays.
Finding the airport is easy- Most cities only have one and everyone knows where it is. Some larger cities have 2-3. Airports are usually served by public transport as well. Higher class- There is no negative stigma to flying. Fellow passengers will generally be from a higher social class than those you meet on a bus.
It’s cool- Aviation is fascinating. I’m still blown away by flight even though I’ve flown hundreds of times.

Air Travel Cons

Expensive- Flights generally cost more than bus or train tickets. This is particularly true with journeys that would take less than a day traveling by ground. Having said that, budget airlines often offer rates that are competitive with bus or train ticket prices. It’s best to always check prices before booking. Sometimes you get a pleasant surprise with a low fare.
Flying is a hassle- In order to fly, you must pack your bag in an airline acceptable manner, arrive at the airport a couple of hours early, check-in, go through security, wait to board and deboard, then wait for your luggage at baggage claim. The whole process is slow and inefficient. You can’t just show up like you can at a bus or train station.
Airports are inconveniently located- Due to the noise, airports are usually built far outside of the city that they serve. Oftentimes 20 miles or more from the city center. This increases your costs and transit times. When you take the bus or train you conveniently arrive in the city center.
You have to book in advance- In order to get a decent price on a ticket, you should make your reservation at least 2 weeks in advance. When traveling during the busy holiday season , you’ll want to book several months in advance. Most of the time, you can book trains and buses just a few days in advance. Sometimes you can just show up and buy a ticket minutes before departure.
You can’t move around easily- While flying, you’re pretty much stuck in your feet. There are no breaks where you can get up and walk around. Of course, you can get up to go to the bathroom but that’s about it. Unfortunately, this means disturbing the passenger next to you if you don’t have an aisle seat.
You can’t carry much luggage- Airlines are particularly strict about the size and weight of your bags. Most airlines allow checked bags to be up to 62 linear inches (158cm) and 50 pounds (23 kilos). Carry-on bags typically must be less than 45 linear inches (about 114 cm) and 22 pounds (10 kilos). Every airline is slightly different. Make sure you check the limits before your flight. Also, be sure to weigh your luggage so you know you’re not over the limit. When traveling by bus or train, baggage allowances are much less strict. Oftentimes bags aren’t even weighed.
You can’t carry certain items on an airplane- Anything that could be considered a weapon is prohibited. I had a butter knife confiscated because it had a slightly serrated edge. You must also limit your liquids to 100ml or 3.4 oz bottles. These limits make packing for certain trips a bit of a challenge. For example, I like to camp and hike. Tent stakes, trekking poles, and camp stove fuel are all prohibited. Of course, you can always check a bag, but even then many items aren’t allowed due to the fear of explosion. This includes aerosols, fuels, and large batteries.
Flying is unhealthy- As mentioned above, the risk of DVT is higher during flights because you can’t move around. I also feel that I tend to get sick after a flight more often than a bus or train ride. Maybe due to the air quality or pressure changes.
Less scenic- Once you reach cruising altitude, there’s not much to look at. While traveling overland, you can at least enjoy viewing the land as you pass by. I will admit, viewing a massive city from the air as you approach for landing is pretty incredible. I’m always blown away by the sprawl of the Los Angeles metro area even though I’ve flown into the city dozens of times. Mountains are also incredibly impressive from the air.
Flying is less environmentally friendly- According to this interesting article about the carbon footprint of various modes of transport from mnn.com, a flight produces around 3 tons of CO2 per passenger. Traveling by train cuts that number in half. If you’re the type of person that cares about being green when you travel, you may wish to limit the number of times that you fly.
You can’t lay down flat- In order to pack in the maximum number of passengers, airline seats barely even recline. Of course, if you’re willing to shell out for business or first class, you can get a lay flat seat.
Slightly less safe- Statistically speaking, flying is incredibly safe. Much safer than driving yourself. It is, however, slightly more dangerous than taking the bus or train. I found this statistic pretty surprising. I had always assumed that air travel was the safest option.

How to Decide

While deciding which mode of transport to choose, the first thing to take into consideration is cost. Check the price of flights, the train, and the bus before booking a ticket. You need to stay within budget. If you’re not sure how much you can afford to spend on transportation, check out my guide to help you make an accurate travel budget.

I don’t always choose the absolute cheapest option. My preferred mode of travel is the train. When the price is reasonably close to the price of the bus, I’ll buy a ticket. If the flight is cheaper, I’ll fly. If a bus ticket is significantly cheaper than either, I’ll take the bus instead. Generally, the bus is my least favorite mode of travel, comfort-wise.

Next, I consider the time of departure and arrival. This depends on your personal preference. Most travelers don’t want to arrive in an unfamiliar city in the middle of the night.

I’m not a morning person so I avoid early departures. If I have the choice, I like to travel by night. The main reason is that I can save on a night of accommodation. This saves me on average $10-$25 on a hotel or hostel. It also saves time. By traveling at night, I can arrive in a new destination with a whole day ahead of me. I haven’t wasted the day sitting around in transit.

My Experience

Each mode of transport has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. The choice partially comes down to personal preference. Some travels hate to fly and avoid it at all cost. Many luxury travelers would never set foot on a bus or train. They value time more than money.

I consider my self a bit of a train enthusiast. One of my bucket list trips is to take the Transsiberian railway from Moscow to Vladivostok. Possibly with a detour to Mongolia. Another train ride on my bucket list train ride is the iron ore train in Mauritania. I hope to take those rides and write about them in future posts.

Do you prefer taking the bus or train while traveling? Share your experience in the comments below!

10 Reasons To Travel By Bus Or Train

Post author: Andrew D'Amours
Post published: January 24, 2020
Post category: Tips for during your trip / Travel tips
Post comments: 4 Comments

We have shared a lot of tips about traveling by plane (we are Fly trippers after all) but in many situations, buses and trains have their advantages, especially for shorter distances. And sometimes even for longer distances.

Once you’ve made your way to a faraway destination by plane, hopefully, you want to move around and see more than just one spot! In my many travels, I often use buses and trains myself for shorter routes. But mostly only when it’s cheaper than flying (I love flying.)

Many travelers are making travel by bus or train a part of their journeys to reach their destinations. This is why we just launched our new bus & train travel resources page, with our favorite search tools for both (as we already had in our top menu to help you find the cheapest flights / hotels / car rentals /etc.)

It may sound counterintuitive to take a longer mode of transportation, but remember that the “journey is the destination” and sometimes, even for medium- to long-distance trips, buses and trains can be more practical than flying. And renting a car rarely makes sense financially when traveling solo; and even as a couple, it’s often a bad choice if you want to save money.

So here are 10 reasons to travel by train or bus. Consider this list next time you have the option—this might change your stance on what the best method of travel is for your journey.

1. Buses And Trains Can Be Less Expensive Than Flights

Okay, the first point is the only long one, because it’s the most important: cost and price is at the center of all we do here at Flytrippers (because saving = traveling more… and traveling more is awesome).

It’s no secret that this is the best reason to choose to travel by bus or train: it’s often cheaper. It’s great if you value saving money over convenience; if you want to travel more often. Remember, traveling isn’t expensive: it’s wanting travel to be convenient is expensive.

Depending on where you’re headed, the cost of flying could be substantially more than going by train or bus.

In general:

nonstop flights will be the most expensive
flights with layovers will be a bit cheaper
trains will be even cheaper
buses will be the cheapest

That’s simply because like everything else, convenience has a price: flying nonstop is usually the most convenient, while the bus is the least convenient.

Flight prices aren’t based on distance, so it’s not an absolute rule, but when the route is shorter, bus and train travel is often a better option.

Compare these three different options for getting from New York City to Washington DC:

Nonstop flight: $98 ( Momondo )
Flight with layover: $67 ( Momondo )
Train: $57 ( Omio )
Bus: $11 ( Busbud )

In other words, it’s 400% more expensive to take the train, 500% more expensive to take flights, and 700% more expensive to take a nonstop flight.

Not to mention that $100 saved right there can buy you so many things in the world of travel , like more than 4 full days of ALL your travel expenses in 40 affordable countries. Extend your trip by 4 days, or get a little more convenience for a short amount of time? Your choice.

But like anything in the world of travel, it’s important to always compare. Because throughout my journeys to 60 countries and 46 US States, flying has often been cheaper than both other options, and sometimes trains have been cheaper than buses (and a lot more comfortable).

And another aspect that many never think of, and therefore pay more and then believe the myth that travel is expensive: often it is so much cheaper to combine a flight with either a bus or a train than to just fly to your destination. I’ll give you many concrete examples in a separate article ( sign up for free to make sure you don’t miss it) because we’ll keep this one shorter.

It’s true that a bus or train ride will take quite a bit longer than a flight. But if time is a major issue for you, don’t forget to factor in arriving at the airport 1–2 hours before your departure or getting to your destination from the airport on the other side.

2. Arrive In The Heart Of The City

Another perk of traveling by bus or train is that, typically, you arrive right in the heart of the city you’re traveling to.

A lot of cities have train and bus stations closer to the city center, but most airports are further from the action, much further away from cities as they need large spaces for their operations.

READ ALSO: 10 Airports That Stand Out That Pro Travelers Should Know About

3. It’s About The Journey, Not The Destination

If speed isn’t a priority, taking the scenic route across a country is bound to be a much more pleasant experience than a closed-off flight. Many railways and bus routes will take you along some of the most beautiful areas of the country as you make your way to your destinations.

You’ll usually see parts of the country you would have never seen otherwise. This is especially true for train travel: train tracks often run through areas untouched by vehicle traffic. I got to go where very few travelers go on my recent 1,000-kilometer 35-hour train journey across Zimbabwe and Botswana and these are landscapes and places I definitely would not have seen otherwise.

Some trips are even oriented explicitly around the experience of witnessing breathtaking valleys, mountains, canyons, rivers, foothills, and forests. We’ll soon share a post about the most iconic train journeys in the world (again, sign up for free to get it first).

4. You Don’t Have To Arrive Super Early

Train and bus stations are a lot less strict about their pre-departure rituals than airports. As I said, in general, a flight may get you where you’re going more quickly, but that is based purely on travel time.

For example, domestic flights in the US require that you arrive at the airport 1 hour before boarding, plus an additional 30 minutes if you haven’t yet joined us on #teamcarryon and decide to check baggage.

And in many countries, they suggest arriving even earlier, and many people are quite scared of missing their flights and arrive a lot earlier, wasting a lot of time compared to arriving 20 minutes before your bus or train leaves. And again, since the stations are in the city center—where you’re probably visiting anyway—you’ll save on time to get to the station too.

Then, of course, once you arrive on the other side, there’s the waiting time to collect your luggage, assuming that all has gone according to plan, and your bags haven’t gotten lost in the process.

5. Better For The Environment

If you’re trying to reduce your carbon footprint, then taking the bus or train is definitely a more responsible choice.

Diesel trains, according to the BBC , would produce around 28% fewer carbon emissions than what a flight would create on the same journey. Furthermore, electric trains would produce roughly 64% fewer carbon emissions than the equivalent plane ride.

In all cases, y ou should absolutely not stop traveling, as the positive impact of travel for you as a person is so great. Keep things in perspective: the fashion industry pollutes 4 times more than the aviation industry and there are a lot of other ways that you can have an impact.

And switching a few flights to trains or buses is one way. Even I—the biggest aviation geek out there—managed to do it a few times in 2019. But I also flew for literally no reason, so I’ll cut those out and do better in 2020. That said, I can’t wait to share my travel year in review post with you shortly, and answer your many questions about how I travel.

6. The Comfort Factor

As many people have varying degrees of sensitivity to different modes of transport, trains and buses can often be more suitable options.

While there isn’t a lot of legroom on a plane, trains usually come with more freedom to move about and get comfortable. You can also get up and walk around, visit different compartments, and stretch your legs. Some trains have dining cars, too, so you’re not really confined to your seat like on an airplane.

I really love flying, but I also love train travel. It’s a lot more comfortable for me at almost 6ft tall and even being a super cheap traveler (that’s how you get to go on 12 international trips in a year), one of the rare things I splurge on is when a train is just a few dollars more than a bus. I’ll soon share stories about my best train rides too.

To me, the difference in comfort is huge in a train versus a bus. But I travel by bus too, I recently took an 8-hour overnight one because it was cheaper, and it was fine. And when the bus ride is under 4 hours, there’s no problem at all comfort-wise.

If you are more sensitive than me, trains and buses also mean you won’t have to contend with the stomach-turning turbulence that some experience on flights.

7. Better Availability

Plane routes are very limited. There are only so many airlines making trips to certain areas, based on the number of people traveling to that region. It’s hard to make many routes profitable.

With the bus, though, you can easily find a ride to almost anywhere for a reasonable price. Almost all cities in the world are connected to nearby cities by bus. I don’t remember many places with no bus service.

There aren’t as many train routes as bus routes, but in many places, you have a lot of options. This is obviously not the case with flights, at least not nonstop flights.

Generally, there are also multiple buses and trains departing throughout the day, meaning you have much more freedom when it comes to picking the appropriate time for you to travel. With flights, if you want the cheapest ones, you are usually offered just a few flight times.

8. Staying Connected

As we live in a digital age, most people prefer having the full functionality of their devices whether they’re traveling. As signals can interfere with the plane’s instruments, you won’t have access to your data unless you purchase Wi-Fi onboard, but it’s usually expensive and not very fast.

Some older planes (or narrowbody planes for short-haul flights) also don’t even have power outlets to plug in. On the other hand, a lot of bus and train services provide power outlets so passengers can charge their phones, iPads, and laptops (but not all).

Many of them also supply free Wi-Fi so that passengers can entertain themselves, stay in touch with friends and family while traveling, or even get some work done while they’re on the move.

9. Better Booking Experience

There are two types of pricing mechanisms in travel: fixed or dynamic. Almost all airlines have dynamic prices, meaning booking at the last minute is often super expensive.

But in many countries, prices for train and bus trips are fixed. And even when they are dynamic, they don’t vary as much as they do for flights.

So if you want the convenience of booking last minute, buses and trains are great for that. For peak season travel, it’s the same thing: bus and train prices are more regular and don’t shift so drastically like flights, so you can travel for less.

And seeing as trains and buses have more departures throughout the day, it isn’t necessary to book your trip months in advance, giving you a lot more flexibility.

Ticket cancellation rules are less restrictive, too. Some bus services offer a refund or at least the option to change the date and time of your ticket for a small fee. Cheap flights are never refundable or modifiable (and that makes sense, even if it’s a hard pill to swallow for many).

10. Fewer Luggage Restrictions

Of course, we encourage you to stop overpacking and try out traveling light. It makes trips so much more convenient. And cheaper.

But for those who don’t want to try, luggage fees can often add a significant amount to the price of your plane ticket, especially on ultra low-cost carrier routes. Furthermore, you’re more limited when it comes to the amount of luggage you can carry with you when traveling via plane.

But buses allow you to bring bags for free most of the time. Luggage policies for trains are even less restrictive than on buses. However, before every trip, you should always check what and how much you’re allowed to bring, as, like most things in the world of travel, it can vary.

white and black bus running near the mountain

Bonus: Sociability

Being on a bus or a train is usually a more friendly environment, as well. People aren’t as stressed out as they are when traveling by plane. And they have more time on their hands to relax and interact with the people around them. More space, too: that helps to be more open to socializing.

To some degree, bus and train travel preserves the fleeting aspect of human-to-human interaction that is slowly diminishing more and more in air travel. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing: the more people airlines can cram onboard, the cheaper flying is. In fact, flying—and therefore traveling—has never been cheaper in history!

Want more travel tips—and our 4 follow-up articles listed below?

Our 4 upcoming follow-up articles:

Tip about combining flights and buses/trains
The world’s 10 most iconic train journeys
Flytrippers’ detailed travel year in review post
My most memorable train rides

While planes are a remarkable testament to advancements in travel, buses and trains have a lot of advantages and are perfectly fine options to get to your next destination.

Would you add anything to the list of reasons why buses and trains are great? Let us know!

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Featured image: Train in the UK, bus in Iceland (Photo Credit: Unsplash )

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Andrew D'Amours

This post has 4 comments.

Absolutely love these 10 reasons to choose bus or train travel! From reducing carbon footprint to embracing scenic routes, this list captures the essence of a sustainable and enriching travel experience. Commendable for promoting eco-friendly and enjoyable transportation alternatives. Ready to hop on board for a greener journey

Europe has lots of useful train passes. We went all the way through Europe to Turkey on day and night trains.

Cool! My first night train was actually from Sofia to Istanbul haha!

Did a 3Day/2night slow boat from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Pen. Cost $25.00 USD. Was a combination of river boats, ferry’s,busses, mini busses, and by foot. Was it comfortable-no, was it fast travel-absolutely not, was it one of my most memorable travel experiences absolutely. Slow travel usually is the most rewarding.

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Tips to find cheap bus tickets

1. book early.

You can find the best bus tickets prices by booking in advance ; the earlier you book your bus trip generally the cheaper your tickets will be!

2. Travel during off-peak hours

Summer and holiday periods are when bus tickets tend to be highest. These are still ideal times to travel and prices will reflect that. Traveling by bus gives you great flexibility. There are often multiple daily departures, so if you can be flexible with your travel dates or schedule, choosing an overnight bus or traveling mid-week instead of the weekend will help you save on transportation costs. If you can only travel on weekends, bear in mind that Sunday afternoon departures are usually the most expensive. If you can leave on Sunday or Monday morning , you might be able to save a few bucks on your bus tickets.

3. Find cheap bus tickets for $1!

You’ve probably heard about $1 bus tickets – and they’re no myth. How can you find an intercity bus ride for just $1? Megabus and Greyhound Bus are known for their economical services and offer bus tickets for as little as $1 at random on some of their schedules, generally within the first handful of seats sold. To secure these seats, make sure you book early. The earlier you book your ticket, the greater your odds are of grabbing a seat for a buck.

4. Do your research

Much like airplane and train ticket prices, bus ticket prices vary from one bus company to the next. Be sure to do your research and compare companies and prices. Busbud can help you do that as we’ve collected all the info you need and put it in one place, so comparing prices, schedules, and providers is a breeze. You can sort the results by price, departure time, and ticket types and compare what each bus company has to offer in a single search.

5. Choose your provider wisely

Some bus companies provide luxury services, while others like FlixBus offer a more budget-friendly service to take you from point A to point B at little cost. There are many bus companies that offer a wide range of services and prices. Depending on your travel style and budget, make sure that you choose the bus company that fits your needs .

What are the most popular bus routes?

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Where would you like to take the bus next?

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Which are the most popular bus companies?

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Travel Tips

The Best Time of Day to Travel by Plane, Train, or Bus, According to Experts

It all depends on your mode of transportation.

The Palmer/Getty Images

If you're looking to book any form of transportation, you might be questioning the best time of day to travel. The answer can be nuanced, depending on your specific situation. For instance, are you looking to avoid delays, or do you prefer to save money? And are you traveling by plane , train , or bus? To help you figure out the best time of day to travel , we spoke to the experts to break it all down.

The Best Time of Day to Travel by Plane

In general, morning flights are preferable to afternoon or evening options because there are usually fewer issues earlier in the day. Morning flights are less likely to be subject to delays and cancellations for several reasons. For starters, there's usually no backlog of delays ahead of a morning flight. If you take a later flight, however, any delay to your inbound aircraft — or the inbound flight before that — could delay your flight in a snowball effect that gets worse as the day goes on.

Then, there's the consideration of weather in the morning. "Weather-wise, there's not as much instability because the temperature is cooler. Thus, if there's any precipitation, it won't be severe," former pilot Dr. Dan Bubb, a professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, tells Travel + Leisure . And that also helps you avoid delays . Plus, if you take a morning flight, that leaves you the whole day for backup options if things were to go awry.

And finally, airfare tends to be less expensive at unpopular hours. According to online travel agency Trip.com , flight departures prior to 9 a.m. are cheaper than afternoon or evening trips.

The Best Time of Day to Travel by Train

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Trains are frequently used for commuting, so it's no surprise that rush hour applies here almost as much as it does to cars. Mornings and evenings tend to be both busier and more expensive, so afternoons are your best bet.

"The best time to travel by train is in the afternoon, between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m.," Staffo Dobrev, director of communications at the travel search engine Wanderu , tells T+L. "Within that period, train fares can be up to 33 percent cheaper than the rest of the day." Not only is an afternoon train ticket less expensive, it's also easier to fit into your schedule. Dobrev explains, "On average, there tends to be more trains departing in the afternoon, providing travelers with more options and flexibility."

The Best Time of Day to Travel by Bus

There are two primary factors to consider when traveling by bus: rush hour traffic and ticket prices. If you're intent on arriving at your destination on time, avoid rush hour traffic as best you can, especially if you're departing from or arriving at a major metropolitan area.

But for ticket prices, the best deals can be found in the mornings. According to Dobrev's research, travelers can save as much as 15 percent on bus tickets for departures between the hours of 6 a.m. and 12 p.m. "That's also the period that offers the highest diversity when it comes to bus travel options," he says. "Traveling in the morning would also help avoid a fully booked bus, as the vast majority of bus travelers tend to hit the road in the afternoon."

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20+ Things to Know Before You Travel By Bus in the USA

February 21, 2018 by Karen Turner 10 Comments

I have many talents, but driving is not one of them. I’ve never been given a driver’s license, so I’ve been forced to travel by bus in the USA. Although it’s maybe not “cool” to travel by buses around the United States, taking Greyhound buses and Megabus is often a good cheap way to travel around the USA.

Keep reading for my recommendations for the bus companies in the United States, reviews of different bus companies in the US, what to know about bus travel in the United States, and what to bring on long bus trips in the United States.

1 Should you travel by bus in the US?
2.1 Greyhound
2.2 Megabus
2.3 BoltBus
2.4.1 Other Bus companies in the United States
3.0.1 The bus stations…
3.0.2 Finding the bus departure place may be harder than you realize!
3.0.3 You might get dropped off in the middle of nowhere
3.0.4 Avoid buses that depart or arrive late at night
3.0.5 Book in advance to get the best times and prices
3.0.6 Not every bus still has wifi… or working plugs
3.0.7 You need identification and often your bus ticket printed
3.0.8 Your bus ticket is typically non-refundable and for a specific time
3.0.9.1 Don’t drink too many liquids
3.0.10.1 Set an alarm
3.0.10.2 One suitcase and one backpack. Keep your valuables with you.
3.0.11 Be early for the bus!
4.0.1 Be sure to bring antibacterial gel
4.0.2 Travel Pillow.
4.0.3 Backpack that will fit your valuables, including your laptop.
4.0.4 Your iPad and a season of shows lined up with some headphones.
4.0.5 Snacks.
4.0.6 Wear layers and bring a sweatshirt.
4.0.7 A good book and a reading light.
4.0.8 External Phone Battery Charger

Should you travel by bus in the US?

Yes, and no. If your trip around the United States is focused on city hopping, especially within one region (e.g. East Coast), traveling by bus in the United States is a good choice.. It’s often cheaper and easier not to have a car in big cities in the United States as parking can add up. However, it depends a lot on the city as some cities have great public transportation system while others have terrible public transportation systems.

If you’re planning on focusing on the beautiful National Parks, you’re going to have difficulty getting around more rural areas of the US without a lot of money spent on taxis. Some National Parks have better infrastructure in terms of getting there without a car (e.g. Yosemite), but many parks are quite rural and require extra time/money to get there without a car. It might make sense to take a bus for some legs of your journey and do tours once you’re within a city. This will be cheaper than all-inclusive options.

Bus travel in the United States is far more sustainable than traveling by car around the United States. People love to write about road trips, but bus travel is way more eco-friendly! Similarly, not everyone can afford a car or it doesn’t make sense to drive into another big city.

As a result, I think that travel by bus around the US can be a great option for those on a budget, anyone who’s into sustainable travel, and for those who don’t want to have to bother with driving in big American cities.

Bus travel in the United States is often not as advertised online in terms of wifi and on-board entertainment. Although many bus companies are interested in creating more premium experiences and improving the average bus experience, my experiences traveling by bus in the United States has been gritty and unglamorous. This has been the case for my husband too. ( What did you think you were getting when you paid $25 for a 8 hour bus across the country?)

Photo of Chicago. Read tips for surviving overnight bus rides and things to know before traveling by bus in the United States! #travel #UnitedStates #USA

Photo from Chicago, which was a 14+ hour bus ride

National bus companies in the United States

You’ll encounter a lot of bus companies in the United States although many are regional bus lines that I haven’t personally encountered. Most of the time, unless it’s a major American holiday, bus travel doesn’t require significant planning beyond a day or two in advance. American buses tend to be cheaper if you book way in advance with a major company (e.g. Greyhound or Megabus) while regional bus rates tend to rise less closer to the dates.

Greyhound is the most ubiquitous bus company in the United States. Among the bus companies, the opinions about Greyhound buses online tends to be more favorable although most people I know who regularly take Greyhounds aren’t their biggest cheerleaders. The coverage of Greyhound buses is good across the country and you can get across the United States on a Greyhound on the drop of a hat.

However, you will probably have numerous stop-offs in various cities, which can add some time. However, it’s possible to get to Yosemite with a Greyhound, which is why if you’re traveling in the United States without a car. It’s often best to buy Greyhound tickets at least two weeks in advance and they have special deals if you buy online.

It’s basically very hard to get a $1 fare on Megabus at this point, but you can get some good deals on Megabus if you book ahead. I started taking Megabus when it got started. At this point, Megabus tends to be standard and their concept is getting you there. The demographic for Megabus is considerably younger than Greyhound and you’ll find a lot of students taking Megabus.

Megabus tend to be stricter about bag sizes although they more uniformly have working outlets on their buses. Coverage for Megabus is best on the East Coast, Midwest, and between college towns in the United States. They also have some coverage on the West Coast.

My husband has sworn off Megabus after the wheels almost caught on fire and the driver told the passengers it wasn’t safe to continue. He was forced to wait in the middle of nowhere waiting for a new bus to come pick them up. A couple of other friends have similar stories although I generally take Megabus given the choice as I find people are a bit more considerate.

BoltBus is a “premium” bus company that runs on the East and West coast. Their buses tend to be much newer and nicer than others that I’ve taken, however the routes are more limited to major cities on the coasts. Their plugs tend to work much more reliably and recently, they started including movies in the price of the bus.

I’ve generally liked BoltBus and I wish that they would expand to more cities. It’s my go-to choice for traveling from New York City to Washington DC.

Trailways Transportation System

Trailways is a network of 70+ regional bus companies in the United States that compromises the oldest bus network in the United States. Their network crosses the United States and I’ve taken Trailways quite a few times. I find their buses not as uniform as you’re likely to be switching companies as you switch state lines. Most of my experience taking Trailways meant that I had long layovers in rural Pennsylvania at one particular transfer point.

For smaller cities with less coverage on the big names, I find that Trailways is more reliable in helping you find a route although it might add time to your journey. It depends on the bus journey, however I find that Trailway buses tend to stop off a lot more although it makes the journey through the United States far more scenic as you’re often taking non-highway routes.

Other Bus companies in the United States

Bus traveling along highway in the United States. Must-know tips if you're considering traveling by bus in the US!

Photo by Denis Rozhnovsky/Bigstockphoto

There’s a ton more bus companies in the United States, including Vonlane (Texas), Fullington Trailways (New York/Pennsylvania), Utah Trailways (Utah), Burlington Trailways (Vermont), Jefferson Lines, Bieber Tours (Pennsylvania/New York), Barons Bus Lines (East Coast), Adirondack Trailways (Canada/New York), RedCoach (Florida; premium bus), Capital Trailways (South/Alabama), Hoosier Transportation (Midwest/Iowa/Michigan/Kentucky), Indian Trails (Michigan), Peter Pan (East Coast), Orange Belt (California), etc. There’s a ton more. If you’re not seeing a route to where you’re going, I recommend stopping by the bus station to see if there’s a bus heading that way on a regional line.

On the east coast and the west coast, you’ll also find Chinese bus companies that run between the Chinatowns or downtowns of major cities on the East Coast/West Coast. The Chinese bus companies are often the cheapest option if you’re traveling to/from New York City or LA to a nearby major city.

Due to price, I often took the Chinese bus companies. These bus rides went by without incident for me, but my cousin was stranded in the middle of nowhere after a bus broke down and the bus company wasn’t helpful at all.

Things to know about bus travel in the United States

The bus stations….

With the creation of the interstate highway system, buses in the United States stopped being as popular as they were before. The bus infrastructure has suffered as a result. Most bus stations tend to be on the dingier side and do not require a ticket to enter the bus station, so it’s best to be aware of your belongings. Most bus stations in the United States tend to be located in the city center, which aren’t always in the best neighborhoods.

In the case of many of the “newer” bus lines (e.g. Megabus), their business model is about cutting out the bus station to pass on savings to consumers. This means that their bus station may be a Walmart parking lot or simply a curb on a sidewalk. As a result, you might be forced to wait outside for the bus and/or there may be no bus station for you to wait inside at. Bring an umbrella if you think this might be the case.

Finding the bus departure place may be harder than you realize!

Often, bus terminals for Greyhound and other regional bus stations are well-established terminals in the city center. However, for some of the newer bus companies, they have their buses designated in a large area. You’re going to need an extra twenty minutes at minimum if you’re taking Megabus to find your bus if it’s departing from most major cities.

In New York, I’ve found that I need the extra time to walk past all the buses waiting to find the correct departure point. Similarly, when I took BoltBus out of DC, I had to spend a while searching for the one departing for NYC as there were more than five buses departing around the same time.

You might get dropped off in the middle of nowhere

Modern-day America has been built for cars. For most major cities, you’ll be dropped of at the bus terminal, which can be far from the non-downtown parts of a city. I used to often take one route and the bus terminal was over three miles from the main downtown area, which can be tricky if you don’t have a car.

In one case, I was forced to take a taxi as it wasn’t possible to get from the bus terminal to my final destination (the airport) without it. It’s good to check where the bus stop will be as you don’t want to need to take a taxi to get there. Google Maps in my go-to source.

Avoid buses that depart or arrive late at night

Trust me on this one. A lot of cities have poor transportation after a certain hour (often eleven at night), and often bus terminals are in the heart of the city center. Unlike European cities, many American city centers aren’t uniformly safe and I recommend using some caution if you’ll be walking around with all your valuables late at night. Crime in America is an issue.

Book in advance to get the best times and prices

Many bus companies, especially Boltbus and Megabus, advertise low rates if you book as far in advance as possible. I often take Megabus and wait to see when the tickets go on sale, so I can get one of the first tickets, which is typically less than $5. If you wait too long, especially for holiday weekends, the prices will go up considerably. That said, you’ll find a bus to your destination within a day or two if you simply head to the bus station on short notice.

Not every bus still has wifi… or working plugs

Girl sitting on a bus. Read tips for traveling without a car in the United States and what to know about bus companies in the United States.

A good playlist is always a good idea. Photo by VadimGuzhva/bigstockphoto

Although many bus companies advertise that buses have wifi, the wifi on the bus is ridiculously slow, throttled for video, and unreliable. I’ve been on countless buses where the wifi never worked because it didn’t have wifi, the wifi was broken, or there were too many people on it at once.

It’s become trendy to have outlets, but often, the outlets are somewhere really inconvenient or they don’t work. A lot of people think initially that they’ll work on the bus, but I find that it’s not a conducive environment for working as the seat-tray makes it hard to fit a laptop in many cases.

This becomes especially true when others decide to lean their chair back. I’ve been on buses where the outlets were above you in the “ceiling”, so unless you spend the whole bus ride holding your plug in the outlet, you will not be charging your electronics. Some of the newer buses have improved upon this design and have easy-to-access plugs/usb ports.

You need identification and often your bus ticket printed

Typically, any photo identification will do, however the name needs to match the ticket. That means that you typically can’t use your friend’s ticket. If you’re a foreigner, I recommend having your passport on you.

Not all bus companies allow e-tickets, so I always print my ticket ahead as finding a good place to print my ticket isn’t always easy near the bus station. Some bus companies are better about accepting e-tickets, so check the terms to see if it’s enough to have a ticket on your phone.

The real reason that I always print my ticket? I need to have my phone charged enough for when I arrive. As a result, I recommend having it printed, so you don’t need to worry about having your phone charged up for the next transfer or for when I arrive at the destination, particularly if it’s a long bus ride. I often find myself playing on my phone, which can kill the battery.

Your bus ticket is typically non-refundable and for a specific time

Unless you pay extra for a refundable ticket, you’re often getting one for a specific time. Don’t miss your bus! Some bus companies allow you to change the ticket for the difference in ticket price in addition to a fee, but I’ve actually bought a ticket in most of those cases as it was cheaper than the change fee.

Oh, the people you’ll meet!

Dr. Seuss must have taken buses around the United States. While most of my bus trips have gone by without incidence, both my husband and I have some memorable bus travel stories as do most of my friends. Most people sleep, stare out the window, talk to friends on the phone, or chat with friends on the bus. Let’s be clear that most people you’ll encounter on the buses will be non-offensive, but as I have regularly taken regional buses through rural areas, you’re bound to meet some characters.

This following story is from my husband who took a twenty-four hour Greyhound bus from Pennsylvania to Kentucky via Ohio…

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, many students choose to take Greyhound home because it is so cheap. You’re not supposed to bring alcohol on the bus, however some people do. This student had smuggled a bottle of peach flavored vodka on the bus. He was hell-bent on talking to every girl on the bus and switched seats countless times. He was drinking the vodka and kept offering it to the girls. After they all rejected it and him, he sitting up next to me. There was a girl nearby from Hawaii who was heading to a friend’s house in Iowa to celebrate Thanksgiving. The girl and the guy hit it off and get very drunk on the bus. They start having a big make-out session, so the whole bus was just eavesdropping while some were openly watching them. The issue was that it was night-time and they were being loud while everyone else on the bus was trying to sleep. The first leg took us to Columbus, which is a big switching point for buses. I was heading south from there as was the guy. The girl was heading further west from there. We get to Columbus and they decide that they’re in love . The girl invites him to come to Iowa with her to her friend’s house and the guy actually switches his ticket to go to Iowa. Sure enough, they left for Iowa together to her friend’s parents house. Imagine her friend’s reaction when she shows up hungover with this random guy she met on a Greyhound.

Don’t drink too many liquids

This is a newbie bus mistake. It’s good to stay hydrated and I typically bring at least one bottle of water for longer journeys, however I generally avoid bus bathrooms. More importantly: Some buses, especially regional ones for shorter legs, don’t have a bathroom on the bus. Be sure to use the bathroom at the bus terminal before you leave!

It’s not a guarantee that your bus will stop off at a bus station or rest stop long enough for you to go inside.

For longer trips, keep in mind that the bus will probably stop off at a rest stop as they’re not allowed to drive over a certain number of hours without stopping. It’s not a guarantee for shorter journeys that the bus will stop off at a rest station long enough for you get something to eat, so bring your own food/drinks ahead.

If it looks like you’ll have fifteen minutes waiting at a station for passengers, be sure to tell the bus driver that you’ll be back to ensure that the bus doesn’t leave without you. There’s often a line for the restroom at rest stops.

Set an alarm

Photo of man sleeping on overnight bus in the United States. Read more tips for surviving long bus trips and what to know before taking a Greyhound bus in the United States.

On long bus rides, you might fall asleep. That’s fine, however if your destination isn’t the final destination, you’ll want to set an alarm on your phone before the time that your bus is supposed to arrive. There might be traffic, but in general, it’s a safe move.

One suitcase and one backpack. Keep your valuables with you.

Remember that you’re NOT on a plane. Some bus companies are more lax about luggage, however if it’s a crowded bus or you’re traveling over major holiday, you might need to pay for an extra bag. I also recommend avoiding having your stuff in bags if possible as I’ve seen people get rejected from boarding onto buses when carrying their belongings in plastic bags.

I tend to keep my valuables in my backpack rather than below the bus, especially if the bus has a lot of stop off points I recommend labeling your bag clearly as it’s hard to find a black suitcase among 50 other black suitcases . Weird size luggage might cause issues, so ask beforehand.

Typically at stops, people take their items from the hull, so unless you want your bag taken by mistake, it’s best to keep your valuables in your backpack with you on the bus. I’ve never had a bag stolen or taken by mistake, but if it’s a long ride with a lot of stops, I recommend labeling your bag clearly and packing your backpack carefully.

Be early for the bus!

Although it hasn’t often happened, buses leave on time. More often than not, they’ll wait a couple more minutes for passengers who are running a few minutes late, but I’ve seen so many people running after the bus without success. You need time to get your luggage under the hold. Certain bus companies, including Megabus, overbook their seats, so if you’re not there early and it’s a full bus, you might get rejected on the bus and need to wait for the next one.

What to bring on long bus trips in the United States

If you’re wondering what to pack for an overnight bus trip, I’m well-experienced in these long miserable journeys that I’ve done to save money.

Be sure to bring antibacterial gel

Some bus bathrooms are best avoided. Similarly, the soap dispenser may not work. Be sure to have your own antibacterial gel to clean your hands with, especially if you plan on eating.

Travel Pillow.

This is the MOST important item that you’ll want to pack for an overnight bus trip as I struggle to sleep without a good travel pillow. I have this exact travel pillow and I love how small it folds up!

Backpack that will fit your valuables, including your laptop.

I recommend looking for a carry-on friendly sized backpack that can fit your backpack as well as most of your valuables, so that they’re close to you.

Your iPad and a season of shows lined up with some headphones.

This is definitely not a necessity, but if you’re going to have a lot of long bus trips, I recommend bringing an iPad , so you can watch movies on the bus. Download your shows before you leave wifi!

I recommend not buying your snacks at the bus station if possible as the prices tend to be a lot higher and the selection isn’t as good as going to the supermarket! Avoid peanuts as some people are really allergic. I really like to carry granola bars with me as they’re hard to smoosh and non-messy.

Wear layers and bring a sweatshirt.

You never know when the bus will be too warm or too cold, so I always try to bring a sweatshirt to put on over my clothes in case I get cold! I recommend dressing comfy and you’ll be sitting for many hours.

A good book and a reading light.

For night buses, the driver typically shuts off the lights after a certain time. Although there’s a reading light from above, I’m often very conscious of it annoying the people around me. Instead, I usually bring my own reading light as well as a good book. For a good read, I recommend Night Film (which will take you many hours to finish), the Power , or On the Road for some American travel inspiration.

External Phone Battery Charger

You never know when there won’t be a working charger on the bus and you might need to make a phone call. Don’t let your phone die and carry an external phone battery charger .

Have you traveled by bus in the United States? Anything you’d add?

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Considering traveling by bus in the United States? 20+ tips from an experienced American traveler on what to know about bus travel in the USA & what to pack for an overnight bus journey. #Travel #USA #UnitedStates

About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

Reader Interactions

February 24, 2018 at 12:47 am

Wow, I live in the US and I have never even considered bus travel (excluding taking the Megabus very occasionally from San Francisco to LA). That’s such a cool way to travel the country, and I will definitely have to consider it in the future! Thanks for sharing all these helpful tips.

February 24, 2018 at 3:12 am

The US is so spread out that it’s difficult to see a lot of it without access to a car. Bus is often the only option for many travelers. I’ve never traveled long distance by bus in the US, but I’ve heard they’re pretty unpleasant.

February 24, 2018 at 4:09 am

I haven’t been to the US of A but everyone has always told me that if you want to move around, you need a car. That is the only way to travel unless you consider flights which can get expensive. I was pleasantly surprised to know that the bus routes are usable.

February 24, 2018 at 1:01 pm

Super comprehensive and useful guide! I felt I’ve learned a lot about the buses in U.S just from this post. The reading light is a great suggestion – I’m gonna consider that the next time I fret over bringing a book on trips! Same like you, I feel conscious that the overhead light will be disturbing to my neighbour 😉

February 24, 2018 at 2:03 pm

I went to college in DC so def took the fung wa chinatown bus many times! I did have a greyhound driver once say (at a rest stop) “I dont count heads, I just count time” meaning he was rolling out at the designated time with or without you! I think now at age 40, I’ve graduated from Bus travel.

February 24, 2018 at 2:32 pm

I’ve only ever taken the bus between NY and Baltimore (China Bus). I’m laughing at the Dr. Suess comment and the need for hand santizer!!! LOL

September 17, 2018 at 5:18 pm

thanks so much, gonna do it now in advance! from the Uk to AmericaU here I come !!!

May 12, 2019 at 5:00 am

Don’t use Greyhound bus.. Many of the buses are unsafe, employees for the most part are rude worst of all is the huge amount of lost luggage. Its piled in s warehouse in Dallas I think, and you will never see it again. Mine was lost last summer and none will help me get it back. Travel Greyhound at your own risk.

May 20, 2019 at 2:37 pm

The buses are affordable but the catch is, IF YOU CANCEL YOUR TRIP, ITS ‘ZERO’ REFUND! However, they can reschedule you at no cost. So, think well and be sure before you book!!

July 11, 2023 at 7:01 pm

Tip for sleeping on busses

If you are fortunate enough to have 2 seats to yourself push back your seat to the limit. Then leave the other seat in upright position. You can then test your Head on the other seatback. About as comfortable as it gets on a bus

Compare it Versus

Compare train vs bus | differences.

Compare it Versus > Travel > Compare train vs bus

Lets look at some differences between trains and buses.

Trains versus Buses:

Whenever an opportunity of traveling over a long distance arises, two of the most common options which present themselves readily are buses and trains. Of course these are modes of transport that run between cities and towns and hence all you need to do is board just one of them to reach your destination. That said, your travel experience in both cases would be totally different, given the specific traits that define each mode.

One of the foremost differences between a train and a bus is space, or the lack of it. A train is definitely more spacious as compared to a bus wherein you are limited to your seat and the immediate area in front of it. Even if you decide to take a walk in the aisle of a bus, the length is hardly enough to facilitate stretching of feet. Comparatively, aisles in trains are definitely lengthier and if not then there is always the option of crossing over to other bogies till you reach the last one.

Because a train is divided into several compartments, it is possible for passengers to enjoy multiple amenities while on board, like exemplary service in a restaurant, a cup of coffee in the café or a game of cards in the lounge. Chances are that a nap while traveling in a train would be more refreshing and undisturbed than one taken on a bus . Privacy is a privilege that can be sought on a train with a little extra surcharge while this facility is virtually non-existent where a bus is concerned.

Last but not the least is the difference in price wherein trains emerge as a more cost effective option than buses if compared on the basis of a single leg of the journey. The difference is all the more apparent in case of a round trip wherein a train journey can even be undertaken at a fraction of a cost of a bus ticket.

So which one do you prefer, trains or buses ? Vote and write below.

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4 thoughts on “ Compare train vs bus | Differences ”

When it comes to long distance travelling, I’d always choose trains, with no hesitation at all! First of all – buses go through urban areas and on highways, while trains cut through fantastic scenery most of the time, so you get to see gorgeous nature and breathtaking landscapes whatever the country is!

Besides that, most of the time the nicest people use train, so you have a chance to meet locals or just some cool adventurers. And last but not the least, in most cases trains are cheaper than buses!

Train definitely!!!

I have spent several months backpacking through Europe, and I did it all by train. Its much more comfortable then bus (with some trips taking over 24 hours! no thankyou).

I have travelled on the night trains too and they are very comfortable. We travelled first class with our rail pass and this entitled us to a free welcome drink of champagne!!

Breakfast is included or food can be purchased on board from either the dining cart or from the steward. I did catch a few buses while in Europe, and never again! Buses have to stop every few hours and everyone has to get off the bus! So forget about trying to get a sleep.

Buses are slow and even thought they can be cheaper, I really don’t feel its worth it at all. Flying is cheaper too but that is missing the point of travelling a foreign country when you spend all your time in the air. Airports also tend to be out of the city and therefore you need to catch a bus into town. Most train stations are in the city center so that is much more convenient.

I have a few blogs and reviews on my website for anyone interested. european-backpacking.com

The beauty of traveling is to never connect with what vehicle you are using. It’s connect with the feeling that you are having while watching the nature breathtaking landscapes, crowding cities, amazing clouds, sun or the moon or watching the poor urban areas that will make you think about everyday life and problems that many people facing with, which will make you think about some idea that could help the humanity.

However, sometimes trains can be much more fun and easy to travel with. Depends on the country, but there are trains that are faster than buses. Plus, there are trains that offering great services, comfort, nice employees and of course friendly people that you can meet in some train cabin. Because of these factors, trains are much more preferable to travel instead of buses.

If you want to feel the real adventure with a train and be on time in the destination that you are going, you should use trains in Scandinavian countries, Germany, France or Russia. However, if you are not bothered by old and slow trains, you can use Balkan trains which will show you the real picture of urban areas, how people are living and surviving there.

Trains can make you feel relaxed, you can stretch your legs, walk around and watch slowly towns and nature disappearing behind you. So, if you want to kill time, train is the best option for you. But, if you’re in a hurry for business and don’t want to kill yourself because you are 2 hours late for work, then bus is a solution for your problem. I once traveled by train 85 miles for 8 hours. I didn’t want to, but it happened. Since then, bus is the only way I travel. If you want to be at the right place and time, choose a bus. If not, take your chance with train – you will have a good time, if you got the time, of course. You will meet interesting new people and spend the whole day with them, and I truly mean The Whole Day.

Before you travel

As you think about making travel plans, consider these questions:

Have you been vaccinated against COVID-19 ? If you haven't, get vaccinated. If the vaccine requires two doses, wait two weeks after getting your second vaccine dose to travel. If the vaccine requires one dose, wait two weeks after getting the vaccine to travel. It takes time for your body to build protection after any vaccination.
Have you had any booster doses? Having all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses, including boosters, increases your protection from serious illness.
Are you at increased risk for severe illness? Anyone can get COVID-19 . But older adults and people of any age with certain medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 .
Do you live with someone who's at increased risk for severe illness? If you get infected while traveling, you can spread the COVID-19 virus to the people you live with when you return, even if you don't have symptoms.
Does your home or destination have requirements or restrictions for travelers? Even if you've had all recommended vaccine doses, you must follow local, state and federal testing and travel rules.

Check local requirements, restrictions and situations

Some state, local and territorial governments have requirements, such as requiring people to wear masks, get tested, be vaccinated or stay isolated for a period of time after arrival. Before you go, check for requirements at your destination and anywhere you might stop along the way.

Keep in mind these can change often and quickly depending on local conditions. It's also important to understand that the COVID-19 situation, such as the level of spread and presence of variants, varies in each country. Check back for updates as your trip gets closer.

Travel and testing

For vaccinated people.

If you have been fully vaccinated, the CDC states that you don't need to get tested before or after your trip within the U.S. or stay home (quarantine) after you return.

If you're planning to travel internationally outside the U.S., the CDC states you don't need to get tested before your trip unless it's required at your destination. Before arriving to the U.S., you need a negative test within the last day before your arrival or a record of recovery from COVID-19 in the last three months.

After you arrive in the U.S., the CDC recommends getting tested with a viral test 3 to 5 days after your trip. If you're traveling to the U.S. and you aren't a citizen, you need to be fully vaccinated and have proof of vaccination.

You don't need to quarantine when you arrive in the U.S. But check for any symptoms. Stay at home if you develop symptoms.

For unvaccinated people

Testing before and after travel can lower the risk of spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 . If you haven't been vaccinated, the CDC recommends getting a viral test within three days before your trip. Delay travel if you're waiting for test results. Keep a copy of your results with you when you travel.

Repeat the test 3 to 5 days after your trip. Stay home for five days after travel.

If at any point you test positive for the virus that causes COVID-19 , stay home. Stay at home and away from others if you develop symptoms. Follow public health recommendations.

Stay safe when you travel

In the U.S., you must wear a face mask on planes, buses, trains and other forms of public transportation. The mask must fit snugly and cover both your mouth and nose.

Follow these steps to protect yourself and others when you travel:

Get vaccinated.
Keep distance between yourself and others (within about 6 feet, or 2 meters) when you're in indoor public spaces if you're not fully vaccinated. This is especially important if you have a higher risk of serious illness.
Avoid contact with anyone who is sick or has symptoms.
Avoid crowds and indoor places that have poor air flow (ventilation).
Don't touch frequently touched surfaces, such as handrails, elevator buttons and kiosks. If you must touch these surfaces, use hand sanitizer or wash your hands afterward.
Wear a face mask in indoor public spaces. The CDC recommends wearing the most protective mask possible that you'll wear regularly and that fits. If you are in an area with a high number of new COVID-19 cases, wear a mask in indoor public places and outdoors in crowded areas or when you're in close contact with people who aren't vaccinated.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Cover coughs and sneezes.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
If soap and water aren't available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub your hands together until they feel dry.
Don't eat or drink on public transportation. That way you can keep your mask on the whole time.

Because of the high air flow and air filter efficiency on airplanes, most viruses such as the COVID-19 virus don't spread easily on flights. Wearing masks on planes has likely helped lower the risk of getting the COVID-19 virus on flights too.

However, air travel involves spending time in security lines and airport terminals, which can bring you in close contact with other people. Getting vaccinated and wearing a mask when traveling can help protect you from COVID-19 while traveling.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has increased cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces and equipment, including bins, at screening checkpoints. TSA has also made changes to the screening process:

Travelers must wear masks during screening. However, TSA employees may ask travelers to adjust masks for identification purposes.
Travelers should keep a distance of 6 feet apart from other travelers when possible.
Instead of handing boarding passes to TSA officers, travelers should place passes (paper or electronic) directly on the scanner and then hold them up for inspection.
Each traveler may have one container of hand sanitizer up to 12 ounces (about 350 milliliters) in a carry-on bag. These containers will need to be taken out for screening.
Personal items such as keys, wallets and phones should be placed in carry-on bags instead of bins. This reduces the handling of these items during screening.
Food items should be carried in a plastic bag and placed in a bin for screening. Separating food from carry-on bags lessens the likelihood that screeners will need to open bags for inspection.

Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds directly before and after going through screening.

Public transportation

If you travel by bus or train and you aren't vaccinated, be aware that sitting or standing within 6 feet (2 meters) of others for a long period can put you at higher risk of getting or spreading COVID-19 . Follow the precautions described above for protecting yourself during travel.

Even if you fly, you may need transportation once you arrive at your destination. You can search car rental options and their cleaning policies on the internet. If you plan to stay at a hotel, check into shuttle service availability.

If you'll be using public transportation and you aren't vaccinated, continue physical distancing and wearing a mask after reaching your destination.

Hotels and other lodging

The hotel industry knows that travelers are concerned about COVID-19 and safety. Check any major hotel's website for information about how it's protecting guests and staff. Some best practices include:

Enhanced cleaning procedures
Physical distancing recommendations indoors for people who aren't vaccinated
Mask-wearing and regular hand-washing by staff
Mask-wearing indoors for guests in public places in areas that have high cases of COVID-19
Vaccine recommendations for staff
Isolation and testing guidelines for staff who've been exposed to COVID-19
Contactless payment
Set of rules in case a guest becomes ill, such as closing the room for cleaning and disinfecting
Indoor air quality measures, such as regular system and air filter maintenance, and suggestions to add air cleaners that can filter viruses and bacteria from the air

Vacation rentals, too, are enhancing their cleaning procedures. They're committed to following public health guidelines, such as using masks and gloves when cleaning, and building in a waiting period between guests.

Make a packing list

When it's time to pack for your trip, grab any medications you may need on your trip and these essential safe-travel supplies:

Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol)
Disinfectant wipes (at least 70% alcohol)
Thermometer

Considerations for people at increased risk

Anyone can get very ill from the virus that causes COVID-19 . But older adults and people of any age with certain medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness. This may include people with cancer, serious heart problems and a weakened immune system. Getting the recommended COVID-19 vaccine and booster doses can help lower your risk of being severely ill from COVID-19 .

Travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19 . If you're unvaccinated, staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 . If you must travel and aren't vaccinated, talk with your health care provider and ask about any additional precautions you may need to take.

Remember safety first

Even the most detailed and organized plans may need to be set aside when someone gets ill. Stay home if you or any of your travel companions:

Have signs or symptoms, are sick or think you have COVID-19
Are waiting for results of a COVID-19 test
Have been diagnosed with COVID-19
Have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 in the past five days and you're not up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines

If you've had close contact with someone with COVID-19 , get tested after at least five days. Wait to travel until you have a negative test. Wear a mask if you travel up to 10 days after you've had close contact with someone with COVID-19 .

How to protect yourself and others. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
Domestic travel during COVID-19. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
Requirement for face masks on public transportation conveyances and at transportation hubs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/face-masks-public-transportation.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
International travel. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel/index.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
U.S citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and immigrants: Travel to and from the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel-during-covid19.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
Non-US. citizen, non-U.S. immigrants: Air travel to the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/noncitizens-US-air-travel.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
People with certain medical conditions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
Stay up to date with your vaccines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
Pack smart. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/pack-smart. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
Travel: Frequently asked questions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/faqs.html. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) information. Transportation Security Administration. https://www.tsa.gov/coronavirus. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
WHO advice for international traffic in relation to the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (B.1.1.529). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/articles-detail/who-advice-for-international-traffic-in-relation-to-the-sars-cov-2-omicron-variant. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
VRHP/VRMA Cleaning guidelines for COVID-19. Vacation Rental Management Association. https://www.vrma.org/page/vrhp/vrma-cleaning-guidelines-for-covid-19. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
Safe stay. American Hotel & Lodging Association. https://www.ahla.com/safestay. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
Khatib AN, et al. COVID-19 transmission and the safety of air travel during the pandemic: A scoping review. Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases. 2021; doi:10.1097/QCO.0000000000000771.

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Check CDC recommendations for travel within the U.S.
Review testing requirements for travel to the U.S.
Look up restrictions at your destination .
Review airport security measures .

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This is when taking a bus is better than taking the train

O ne’s opinions on cross-city bus travel are, I have found, heavily influenced by geography and hometowns. Not long after switching both coasts (West to East) and countries (Canada to the U.S.), I learned that buses in the Eastern United States have a different and not always particularly positive connotation. If we’re talking about group travel by land, the East Coast opinion is that buses are dirty and rickety while trains are sleek and clean.

This stereotype has to do with the fact that, if you live somewhere between Montreal and Washington, D.C., Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor route is the closest thing that North America has to European or Japanese high-speed rail travel. It is fast, it is convenient and it comes at a price that does not leave you feeling like you should be getting more than just being brought from place to place. The bus is the “alternative” and “cheap” option.

Related: This is what it's like to take a 19-hour train from New York to Chicago

West Coasters tend to have this stereotype less simply because, due to the much larger distances between cities, often neither bus or train is an option. The train routes that exist — the Amtrak Cascades corridor that I have once taken from Vancouver to Seattle and the Rocky Mountaineer which tourists often book as a multi-day luxury journey through the Canadian West with the accompanying price point) — are often seen as a scenic experience rather than only a mode of transportation. And if you’re spending more than ten hours on a bus, you may as well be flying.

Bus travel comes with stereotypes (that are often exaggerated)

The first time I traveled from New York to Philadelphia as a master’s student in 2016, it didn’t occur to me to book anything but the bus because I did not know much about Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor and did not have it in my thoughts as something I should take.

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After several years of interrupted living on the East Coast, I have come to appreciate both the affordability of bus travel and the romance and uniquely East Coast convenience of going to a new city by train. But the fact that telling people that I am traveling by bus often results in questions on whether it is “clean” or “safe” made me realize that the former mode of travel brings with it certain stereotypes. I have a close friend who lives in Philadelphia and once again found myself going there from New York on a weekend. I travel between the two cities every few months but, as this time I got there by bus and went back by Amtrak, I thought I’d compare the two.

I took the Megabus at 9:15 in the morning on a $18.98 ticket. The website initially promotes it as $14.99 but, somewhere between clicking on it and going to pay, a $3.99 booking fee gets added on. The Amtrak has recently made a push to attract more customers with a pricing structure in which you can get fares between nearby East Coast cities for as low as $10 but, to take advantage, you have to either book far in advance (I’m extremely spontaneous) or travel at very unconventional hours. The Philadelphia-New York route can set you back as much as $200 at 10 a.m. on a Friday or 6 p.m. on a Sunday but, by clicking around and refreshing, I found a price for $20 leaving at 9 p.m. At other times, I found that initially low prices on the Amtrak website disappear within an hour or even just as you’re typing your credit card number even when you go to book.

When it comes to price, bus travel is more consistently affordable but those who are on the East Coast and are flexible can take advantage of very low train fares as well.

Again, no major differences. I find the bus downright luxurious when it is traveling half-empty and everyone gets an empty seat next to them. My particular Megabus route to Philadelphia was not even a third full and so I spread out and looked out the window. Perhaps the biggest advantage of the Amtrak is that you can work on a laptop without developing a serious neck cramp. Seats come with pull-out tray tables and you can also go to the cafe area for even more room to spread out. While many buses do offer Wi-Fi, I found Amtrak’s to be faster and more consistent. Both the bus and the train were clean and I had no safety concerns on this particular trip.

Speed:

As road travel depends on traffic, the Amtrak wins over many who travel between cities for business by consistency. Short of some kind of incident on the rails, you know exactly when you’re getting into town and are much less at the mercy of the unexpected. If going between New York and Philadelphia, the train is also faster — the high-speed train covers the 82 miles in an hour and 18 minutes and the slower one comes in at 90 minutes — while the bus takes just under two hours in perfect traffic conditions. One time, I got stuck in weekend traffic on the Interstate 86 for four hours. But I have also traveled on buses that got me from New York to Philadelphia in an hour and 40 minutes with minimal traffic.

Centrality:

Another major advantage of the train is that, in most cities, the train station is located smack in the middle of town. It’s not that buses are necessarily different but, specifically in Philadelphia, plans to construct a new sports arena led, in June 2023, to the closure of a longtime bus station near Reading Market. What ensued was a hot mess of poor planning and power tugs. The two companies had initially joined Megabus in dropping and picking up travelers on a busy stretch of Market Street but, after a slew of of resident and business-owner complaints about congestion, the city moved the pick-up point to the side of town in Northern Liberties. While a real bus station will hopefully be built at some point (the sixth largest city in the U.S. can’t be without a functioning bus station, right? Right?!), getting dropped off by the side of a highway a long walk from downtown is currently the biggest disadvantage of bus travel to Philadelphia from any city.

The final word:

So is the bus better or is the train better? The not-particularly-catchy conclusion is that it depends. It depends on whether you’re willing to pay more for what, in the end, amounts to pretty minor differences in convenience. How much these differences will either bother you or make you feel that you’re getting your money’s worth will also depend on a large number of factors unique to one's position in life and reasons for travel. I personally will take either if it helps me save for another trip but also feel that bus travel gets a bad rap. It is a perfectly good way of traveling between nearby cities.

A Megabus passes by a regional train on Philadelphia’s Ben Franklin Bridge. -lead

How to Travel by Bus in the USA

Why travel by bus in the usa.

Buses operate 24 hours a day, so many travelers opt to take sleeper buses to avoid wasting waking hours traveling. While it is certainly possible to sleep on these buses, you would probably find yourself needing a night in a real bed after a few days of sleeping on buses!

The buses make intermediate stops to pick up and let off passengers, and pull over at rest stops every few hours, including breaks at typical meal times.

Not only is bus travel in the USA an affordable way to get around the country, bus travel is the more eco-friendly option for traveling. Win-win!

Travel by Greyhound Bus in the USA

Greyhound Bus is the largest network in North America and is one of the best ways to travel by bus. The Greyhound US bus network includes 3700 locations throughout the United States, and can take you to a further 1300 in Canada. With such a large selection of destinations and an attractive range of ticketing options, Greyhound is an excellent choice for the backpacker looking to cover a large distance on a budget.

Greyhound Bus Comfort

Greyhound buses are well-equipped with all the usual modern conveniences that you come to expect when traveling in the States. Buses have climate control, so you don’t have to worry about keeping cool while you are traveling around. Furthermore, buses are equipped with restrooms, reclining seats, and tinted windows. You will find that on popular routes, buses are even equipped with tv/video equipment.

Flexible Fares

Greyhound offers an impressive range of different fare and discount options, including discounts for children, students, the elderly, and military personnel. Military personnel and students with a valid ID card can save up to 10% off of fares.

You can buy online ahead of time, which will guarantee you the lowest possible fare. The online Fare types range from Economy, Economy Extra, and Flexible. The economy fare is the cheapest fare, but will cost money if you need to change your bus.

The Flexible fare costs a bit more but allows you to change your trip without any extra fees. You can always purchase your tickets directly in the terminal.

The general tips for scoring the cheapest fares are to travel on Tuesdays and Wednesday, and to book online at least 7 days before your journey. The Greyhound website boasts that this can save you up to 30% of the ticket costs.

Greyhound Food Services

Greyhound operates its own cafeterias and gift shops at many stop-off points, and food is typical American fast food. Expect to choose from items like Pizza, Burgers, Chicken, and sandwiches. As can be expected at these locations where Greyhound has a “captive audience,” prices are slightly above average rates, but using these facilities is the easiest way to get a quick bite to eat while traveling.

Per Greyhound’s food policy , you will want to stock up for your trip. You can bring food and drink on the Greyhound bus with you. Remember, certain drinks and foods lend themselves better for travel. If you are traveling for an extended time, you may not want food that needs to be refrigerated. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on Greyhound buses.

Drawbacks to Greyhound Bus

Many Americans complain that Greyhound is slow compared to traveling by train or plane , but for a backpacker who can find something to see at every major stop on the route, this isn’t really a concern.

Greyhound Alternatives in the US

Greyhound has been around for the longest, but there are some newer bus companies that offer more options for anyone who wants to travel by bus in the USA. Since there are so many different companies offering bus travel in the USA, you should use the search site BusBud , which will show you options for Greyhound , Flixbus , Megabus , along with the regional bus companies.

Flixbus is one of the best Greyhound alternatives in the USA. They have an extensive network along popular travel routes along the West Coast and Southwest part of the USA. Flixbus USA covers popular bus routes all across the country and keep expanding every year.

They have an extensive network of bus routes in California, Arizona, and Nevada where they are the best option for traveling by bus. Flixbus has recently expanded to connect popular East Coast hubs like New York, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and Boston.

Their buses are comfortable and their fares are affordable, with onboard restroom facilities and Wi-Fi. Some routes even offer in-seat entertainment. Despite all these perks, Flixbus is an incredibly affordable way to travel in the USA.

Megabus started out as a bus company on the East Coast is the local favorite for navigating between major cities like New York, Boston, and Washington, DC. They cover routes reaching more than 100 cities in the USA. Like Flixbus, their seats are large and comfortable with reclining seats and Wi-Fi onboard most buses.

Another alternative to bus travel is to travel by RV in the US . Especially if you’re traveling with a few other people, this could be an even more economical choice since you’ll be combining the costs for accommodation and transport.

You also have more flexibility with your itinerary, not to mention the ability to sleep in some of the world’s most awe-inspiring national parks. We cover everything you need to know about RV travel, as well as some incredible RV road trip routes in our article How to Travel the USA with an RV .

If you’re interested in renting an RV for an upcoming trip, check out RV Share . It’s an online database of privately owned RV’s that are available for rent, sort of like Airbnb for motorhomes and campervans.

Organized Group Travel

If you’re in the USA for a backpacking trip, there are situations when it might make sense to go with a guide or a small group. For these times, one popular option among backpackers is Contiki tours. These trips are geared toward travelers 18-35, and offers more than just transportation, it’s an organized social group travel, which is perfect for young solo travelers. There are Contiki tours that cover the entire United States or specific regions.

Another option for group travel is G Adventures . They hand-select local guides to ensure authenticity and quality, and their affordable tours include accommodation for a range of budgets. Going with G Adventures is especially a good option for those traveling the USA alone who would like to meet up with like-minded travelers. Their most popular road trips in the USA are their 7-day New York to Nashville road trip and their 7-day San Diego, Grand Canyon, & Las Vegas tour.

Health and Safety while Traveling by Bus in the USA

As with traveling on any public transport, make sure you keep an eye on your luggage. Thefts do happen from time to time, but taking simple precautions like making sure your luggage is stowed away properly makes this much less likely to happen to you.

You should also lock your luggage with a TSA-approved padlock . If you’re concerned, we liked our experience with World Nomads travel insurance . They include accident protection as well as coverage against theft and travel interruptions.

Traveling on buses for long periods carries the same risks of Deep Vein Thrombosis as air travel. At rest stops, take the opportunity to get out and stretch your legs. If you’ll be traveling for a long bus journey in the USA, it’s wise to wear compression socks to prevent swelling. If you’re traveling on an overnight bus, you might also want to bring a travel pillow to avoid waking up with a bad sprain in your neck.

Useful Links for Bus Travel in the USA

BusBud – US nationwide search engine for buses. Search Greyhound , Flixbus , Megabus , and regional companies
Flixbus – Large luxury buses serving certain major routes in the USA
Megabus – Another option for buses covering popular routes on the East Coast
Contiki – Organized group travel for 18-35 year olds
USA Greyhound Website – main USA webpage for Greyhound buses
RV Share – Largest RV Rental Marketplace in the US.
USA Train Travel
Backpacking in the USA

Liked this article? Share it with others who might be after the same information!

A guide on how to travel by bus in the USA. Great information on bus services and Greyhound alternatives.

Clark, thank you for posting information on your website about bus travel in the United States. However a lot of the info that I read was in accurate . It looks as if the one who posted it simply took someone else’s information an posted it to your site. I work in the bus industry and it needs to be shown how this industry is hurting by the pandemic. Furthermore I’m always hearing reports on tv about the airline industry, but nothing about the bus industry. Holiday travel, weather related issues all affect this industry yet nothing is ever said on the air. We need exposure, we need to let the world know that were here and ready to get on the road. We should be telling the stories of how the federal government has left us. How FEDs always help the airlines, ut never the buslines.

Hello is there a montly pass discovery available?

Hi Tanja – Unfortunately Greyhound does not offer monthly passes. There are commuter fares available on certain routes , as well as discounts for military or students. Our advice for scoring the best deal is to book online at least 7 days ahead of time, and to travel on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Hope this helps!

Hello how can I travel from New York city (air port Kennedy) to Pitt-Greenville Airport (PGV / KPGV) BY Greyhound Bus ? How much does it cost me, and how long the trip take? .Best Regards

Couldn’t agree more with Wallace Inman. Buses are so undervalued and undersupported as a way of travel. Before the pandemic I revisited the trip I had taken around USA on Greyhound buses in 1969. It was still a great ride – and a wonderful way of getting to the real America.

We’re excited to provide professional transportation from Nassau Airport to the amazing Baha Mar. As the leading provider of transportation and special event services, we value trust and hospitality.

Google Search & Maps Get Upgrades For Greener Travel

Google updates Search and Maps to show greener travel options and highlight emissions data.

Google Maps will suggest eco-friendly transit and walking options alongside driving routes.
Google Search and Flights will prominently display train routes as alternatives to some flights.
Google is making estimated flight emissions data more widely accessible across its products.

Google announced updates to its Maps and Search products on Monday aimed at helping users find and choose more sustainable transportation options over gas-powered vehicles.

James Byers, Google Search’s Group Product Manager, states:

“When it comes to traveling and commuting, we want people to have the right information to make more sustainable choices.”

Eco-Friendly Route Suggestions

A smartphone displaying Google Maps navigation centered on Paris, with several greener travel routes and estimated times to a destination marked on the screen.

If travel times are comparable, one of Google Maps’ key new features will be the provision of transit and walking route suggestions alongside driving routes.

This update will be rolled out in over 15 major cities worldwide in the coming weeks, including Amsterdam, Barcelona, Paris, Rome, and Sydney.

Train & Bus Route Information

A smartphone displaying a Google Search for greener travel options for train tickets from Boston to Philadelphia with several travel options listed according to time and price.

Google is expanding its ability to find long-distance train and bus routes through search.

Users searching queries like “Boston to Philadelphia train” will see schedules, prices, and direct links to book tickets on the results page.

Train route information will now be available for 38 countries, while long-distance bus routes will initially be added for 15 countries.

When users search for flights on Google’s dedicated Flight tool, they will see train route suggestions as an alternative for applicable routes.

“So it’s easy to find the more sustainable option no matter where you begin your search,” Byers stated.

Highlighting Lower-Emission Flights

In cases where flying remains the best option, Google will show you the environmental impact.

Byers explains:

“These estimates are powered by the Travel Impact Model (TIM), a methodology we published in 2022 for predicting per-passenger flight emissions. To make this information even more accessible, TIM estimates are now also available through a developer API that allows any app or website to display flight emissions.”

Google is also releasing a Google Sheets add-on and online calculator to make the emissions estimates more widely available.

Looking Ahead

While Byers acknowledged “there’s still a long road ahead when it comes to sustainable travel,” he expressed hope that “today’s updates will give more people the information they need to choose lower-carbon alternatives.”

The new features come as consumers increasingly seek ways to make sustainable choices. By integrating these metrics into its flagship maps and travel tools, Google is nudging users towards greener options.

Featured Image: Screenshot from blog.google/products/search/, April 2024.

Matt G. Southern, Senior News Writer, has been with Search Engine Journal since 2013. With a bachelor’s degree in communications, ...

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Is it reasonably easy to travel from Santiago do Compostela to Gijon/Oviedo/ Bilbao/Santander/San Sebastian by local bus or train?

6 replies to this topic

Many of the rail services near the north coast are local narrow-gauge services, so long-distance bus services can be better.

ALSA is the biggest bus company providing long-distance services: https://www.alsa.com/en/web/bus/home

Good advice in #1 and 2, Especially if your aim is just to visit the cities mentioned.

For a deeper insight, consider the Feve and Euskotren narrow gauge trains. Time-consuming and a bit difficult to navigate, but extremely rewarding. Modern and comfortable too.

The Feve can take you all the way from Ferrol to Bilbao. Then the Euskotren to San Sebastian. (Ferrol is less than 100 km from Santiago de Compostela.)

Search Feve here:

https://www.renfe.com/es/en/suburban/cercanias-am/horarios

As an example fill in Ferrol to Oviedo. It shows how slow it really is. Yes indeed, but bus lines can be too.

The places you have chosen to visit are all cities. I recommend visiting smaller towns as well. Like these in Asaturias:

https://www.abc.es/viajar/abci-19-villas-marineras-para-perderse-asturias-201605091404_noticia.html?ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.abc.es%2Fviajar%2Fabci-19-villas-marineras-para-perderse-asturias-201605091404_noticia.html

In the Basque Country seaside towns like Portugalete, Bermeo, Mutriko, Elantxobe, Lekeitio, Getaria and so on. A trip down to the Basque Rioija region is also "a must".

The link to the 19 seaside towns in Asturias, opens but it seems you need to click where it says "leer más".

It is in Spanish. I hope it is still of some use. Nice photos

The train is very slow but if you don't mind that and maybe stoping off in some interesting places along the way then train is a nice go-slow option.

Thank you everyone for the helpful messages. I think they slow train sounds interesting!

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L1 Dulwich Hill weekend partial closures due to emergency repairs

From 6am to 4.30pm Saturday 20 April , L1 Dulwich Hill Line light rail services will not run between Lilyfield and Dulwich Hill due to emergency repairs on the nearby train network, following recent severe weather event.

During this time:

Use alternative transport including replacement bus services or regular bus services between Lilyfield and Dulwich Hill.
If possible, walking is an alternative transport option for travel due to increased road traffic.
L1 light rail services will continue to run between Central Grand Concourse and Lilyfield as per normal frequency.

Replacement bus services:

L1 replacement bus services will run every 12 to 20 minutes from 6am to 4.30pm; these times may vary depending on road traffic.
Most replacement buses will be accessible ; if not, wait for the next service.
You must tap on and tap off when boarding and alighting replacement buses. Opal readers are located onboard all replacement buses. A standard light rail fare applies.

L2 Randwick Line and L3 Kingsford Line light rail services will continue to run as per normal schedule.

Allow extra travel time and use the Trip Planner or check travel alerts to see if your travel is affected.

L1 light rail services between Central Grand Concourse and Dulwich Hill will resume as normal from 4.30pm Saturday 20 April .

Walking distance along the L1 Line

First full l1 light rail services on saturday 20 april.

The first full services are planned as follows:

Light rail services run on a frequency basis , always check the Trip Planner , travel alerts , travel apps or the information boards at stops to check the status of the next services on the day.

Saturday 20 April

Leaves Central Grand Concourse at 16:20, ends at Dulwich Hill at 16:56.
Leaves Dulwich Hill at 16:35, ends at Central Grand Concourse at 17:12.

L1 replacement bus stop locations

Toward dulwich hill:, towards central grand concourse:.

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Use alternative transport including replacement bus services or regular bus services between Lilyfieldand Dulwich Hill. If possible, walking is an alternative transport option for travel due to increased road traffic. L1 light rail services will continue to run between Central Grand Concourse and Lilyfield as per normal frequency.