Riding The Mega Bus: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you're planning to take a trip with Megabus, there are a few things you should know. First, book your ticket early to get the best deals. You can score tickets for as low as $1 if you buy them in advance. You can also reserve your seat for an extra $1-$9, depending on the seat. When boarding, you'll need to provide your reservation number, which can be found in the confirmation email. This serves as your ticket, and you can show it to the driver on your phone or as a printout. You're allowed one piece of luggage and one carry-on bag. Make sure to follow the luggage weight and dimension restrictions. You can bring snacks and drinks (non-alcoholic) on board, and it's recommended to bring a jacket as it can get chilly. Megabus now offers a bus tracker, and you can expect the bus to be mostly on time.

Booking and reservation

Booking Your Ticket:

Booking your Megabus ticket in advance is highly recommended to secure the best fares. Megabus offers great value when you book early, with tickets sometimes available for as low as $1. While you can still find affordable fares closer to your travel date, booking early ensures you get the best deal. You can book your ticket online through the Megabus website or mobile app.

Reserving Your Seat:

Megabus offers the option to reserve select seats on their buses, which is especially useful if you're travelling with a companion. For just $1 extra per ticket, you can choose where you want to sit, with reservable seats available on both levels of the bus. While reserving a seat is not mandatory, it guarantees that you can sit with your travel companions and select your preferred seating area.

Making a Reservation:

To make a reservation on Megabus, follow these steps:

• Use the journey planner to select your departure and arrival cities, choose one-way or round trip, and enter your travel dates.
• Specify the number of passengers travelling. Remember that all passengers under the same reservation must board together, and each passenger requires a ticket, regardless of age.
• If any passengers have special requirements, such as needing assistance or having extra luggage, make sure to indicate this during the reservation process.
• Choose your preferred travel times from the schedules provided, considering any specific trip or bus stop preferences.
• Select your desired reserved seat options for the trip.
• Review your basket to ensure there are no erroneous bookings, as unnecessary charges may apply.
• Agree to the terms and conditions to finalise your reservation.
• Proceed to the secure online payment system, where you can input your payment details and complete the checkout process.
• Once your reservation is confirmed, you will receive an email with the necessary details, including your reservation number.

Boarding the Bus:

To board the Megabus, you must present your reservation number to the driver. While not required, it is recommended to bring a printed copy of your reservation confirmation email or have it accessible on your phone. Ensure that you arrive at the pickup location at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

Trading or Changing a Reservation:

Megabus understands that schedules can change, so they allow you to trade in your reservation online as long as it's more than 3 hours before your scheduled departure. The cost of your initial reservation will be credited towards the new one, but trade-in fees and new reservation fees will apply. You can make these changes by visiting the Megabus website, clicking on "Change Trip," and following the prompts.

Boarding the bus

When it comes to boarding the Megabus, it's important to keep a few things in mind to ensure a smooth process. Firstly, unlike Greyhound, Megabus does not have dedicated bus terminals. This is one of the reasons for their low prices, as they don't incur the cost of maintaining buildings. As a result, you'll be waiting outside, exposed to the elements, so be sure to dress appropriately for the weather. To find the exact address of the bus locations, download the Megabus app or check their website.

It's recommended that you arrive at the departure point early, ideally around 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Boarding often starts 15 minutes before the departure time, and the bus will begin pulling away at the designated time. It's important not to be late, as you might miss the bus.

When the bus arrives, the boarding process can be a bit chaotic. The driver will give instructions, and you'll need to follow them to ensure an efficient process. If you have luggage to check, you'll first need to wait in the luggage line before moving to the main boarding line. This means that those with carry-on luggage will board first and have their choice of seats.

During the boarding process, it's important to be considerate of other passengers and follow the driver's instructions. Your ticket is your reservation number, which you'll need to provide to the driver, either by printing it out or showing it on your smartphone. This reservation number serves as your ticket, and you won't be allowed to board without it.

Once you've shown your reservation number to the driver, you can proceed to put your luggage in the hold and climb aboard the bus. If you've reserved a seat, locate it using the confirmation details. If someone is already occupying your seat, explain the situation, as they may not be aware that seat reservations are available on Megabus. In most cases, they will move, but if you encounter any issues, don't hesitate to ask the bus driver for assistance.

Luggage and seating

Megabus has strict luggage limits. Each passenger is allowed one piece of luggage and one carry-on bag. The carry-on bag must be small enough to fit in the overhead storage compartments or under the seat. The piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (157 cm) in total exterior dimensions (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (22 kg). If you need to bring extra luggage, you should purchase an additional ticket in advance to guarantee luggage space on the bus.

If you show up with more than one piece of luggage, you won't be able to pay an extra fee to get the other luggage on the bus. Your luggage will be refused, and no refunds will be issued for travel plans cancelled due to excess luggage.

The carry-on bag should be small, about the size of a briefcase, backpack, or laptop bag. All luggage should be locked, and a TSA-approved locking device is recommended, especially if crossing international borders. Megabus does not check luggage or provide receipts for luggage transported on the bus by the passenger.

Passengers with only carry-on bags will board first, while those with extra luggage will line up to stow their luggage first.

When it comes to seating, Megabus offers the option to reserve select seats for a small fee. This is a great feature if you are travelling with a companion, as it guarantees you can sit together. There are reservable seats on both levels of the bus to choose from, and the upper deck has a panoramic view out of the windows. Seats towards the front of the bus are preferred by those who suffer from motion sickness, and seats behind the stairs have more legroom. The upper floor's ceiling is lower than the bottom, so taller people may prefer to sit on the lower level. Some people prefer window seats for the view and the ability to lean against the window to sleep, while others prefer aisle seats for easier access to get up and move around.

Food and drink

You are allowed to bring food and non-alcoholic drinks on board Megabus. However, hot food is prohibited for safety reasons. Drinks should be fitted with safety lids to avoid spillages.

You may bring alcoholic beverages on board, but you cannot consume them on the bus. If you leave food or drinks unattended in an open manner during a stop, the operator may discard them.

You are encouraged to bring snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, especially for longer trips. Your bus may stop for at least one meal break if you travel for more than five hours, but you may get hungry or thirsty before or after the break. You can bring a reusable water bottle and refill it for free whenever the bus stops.

You are expected to remove all garbage as a courtesy to other passengers and the operator.

What to bring

When riding the Megabus, it's important to bring a few essential items to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey. Here is a detailed list of what to bring when riding the Megabus:

Reservation Confirmation

Firstly, and most importantly, remember to bring your reservation confirmation. While not strictly required, Megabus suggests bringing a printed copy of your reservation confirmation email, as it contains your reservation number. This will be essential for boarding the bus and ensuring your seat. Your reservation number can also be found on the confirmation page displayed after finalizing your purchase.

Valid ID

If you are a young adult, it is recommended to carry a photo ID with proof of age. Unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 are not permitted to travel on Megabus, so be prepared to show identification if necessary.

Luggage

You are allowed to bring one piece of luggage and one carry-on bag. Make sure your luggage adheres to the specified weight and size limits. Luggage cannot exceed 50 pounds, and the total exterior dimensions (length + width + height) should not exceed 62 inches. Your carry-on bag should be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you, such as a briefcase, backpack, or laptop bag. If you plan to bring more luggage, consider purchasing an additional travel ticket to guarantee space on the bus.

Appropriate Clothing

Dress appropriately for the weather conditions. If you tend to get cold easily, bring a jacket, even if it's warm outside. For overnight trips, consider bringing a hoodie, face mask, or knit cap to cover your eyes and enhance your comfort.

Snacks and Drinks

For trips longer than two hours, it is advisable to bring some snacks and a bottle of water. You are welcome to snack on the bus, but alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited.

Entertainment

Bring items to keep yourself entertained during the journey, such as books, music, or electronic devices. Don't forget your headphones to listen to music or watch something without disturbing others.

Chargers

Take advantage of the power outlets available on the bus by bringing chargers for your phones and other electronic devices.

Other Considerations

While not mandatory, you may want to bring a travel pillow, a light blanket, or other items that will make your journey more comfortable, especially if you plan to sleep during the ride.

Frequently asked questions