Greyhound Bus Comfort: A Heavy Set Perspective

Greyhound buses are a popular mode of transportation across the United States, offering an affordable alternative to flying or driving. While they may be a convenient option for many, some question the level of comfort provided, especially for heavy-set individuals. With that in mind, this article will explore the features and amenities offered by Greyhound buses and evaluate their comfort level, specifically for those with larger body types.

Seats are not assigned, so arrive early to secure a good seat

When travelling with Greyhound, it's important to remember that seats are not assigned. This means that you are free to pick your seat, but it also means that you need to arrive early to secure a good one. While Greyhound buses offer comfortable leather seats with ample legroom, free Wi-Fi, onboard entertainment, and power outlets, you may still want to arrive early to ensure you get a seat that suits your needs.

• Arrive Early: Greyhound recommends arriving at the bus station at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. However, if you want to ensure you get a good seat, it's a good idea to arrive even earlier. This is especially important if you're travelling during peak times or on weekends, as the station may be busier and you'll want to allow extra time to get checked in and find your gate.
• Get in Line Quickly: Once the line for your bus starts forming, make sure you're at the front. This will give you first dibs on the best seats. Remember, where you sit can make a big difference, especially on longer trips.
• Choose a Seat That Suits You: Consider your preferences and needs when choosing a seat. If you want extra space, you may want to sit at the front or look for a pair of seats where you can lift the armrest. If you prefer a quieter ride, try to find a seat away from the back of the bus, which tends to be noisier.
• Travel With a Companion: If you're travelling with someone else, consider sitting next to them, especially if they don't mind sitting thigh-to-thigh. This way, you can lift the armrest and have more room to relax and stretch out.
• Avoid Seats Near the Bathroom: The bathroom on Greyhound buses can be a bit cramped, especially for larger individuals. To avoid any discomfort, choose a seat that's not too close to the bathroom. This will also help reduce any disturbances from people waiting in line to use the facilities.

By following these tips and arriving early, you can secure a good seat on your Greyhound bus trip and ensure a more comfortable journey. Remember to also bring any extra items that might enhance your comfort, such as a pillow, earplugs, or an eye mask for longer rides.

Bring a travel pillow and earplugs for comfort

Greyhound buses offer comfortable leather seats with ample legroom, free Wi-Fi, onboard entertainment, power outlets, and individual, adjustable air outlets. However, for long-distance travel, especially if you're a heavy-set person, you might want to bring a few extra items to make your journey more comfortable.

Travel Pillow and Earplugs

Even short bus rides can be uncomfortable, but travelling across the country on a Greyhound bus can make your neck hurt really badly without a pillow. Bring a travel pillow, preferably an inflatable one or a neck pillow, to provide support and comfort while sleeping on board.

Earplugs are also essential, especially if you're a light sleeper or want to block out the noise of the bus and other passengers. They will help you sleep soundly, especially if your fellow passengers talk for hours or there are crying babies nearby. If you don't have earplugs, you can use regular earphones to block out the noise.

Greyhound buses are equipped with comfortable reclining seats, but for heavy-set people, a travel pillow can make a big difference in comfort, especially on long-distance trips. The pillow will support your head and neck, helping to prevent stiffness and soreness. It can also be used to fill in any gaps between your body and the seat, providing a more comfortable and supportive position for your back and neck.

Earplugs are another simple yet effective tool to enhance your comfort. They will block out the noise of the bus engine, other passengers, and any external noises, allowing you to relax and sleep more easily. If you forget to bring earplugs, you can use the earphones that come with your phone or other devices to create a similar effect.

By bringing a travel pillow and earplugs, you can create a more comfortable and peaceful environment on the bus, making your journey more enjoyable, especially if you're a heavy-set person who may need extra support.

Dress warmly as the air conditioning is often too cold

Greyhound buses have a reputation for cold temperatures, with passengers advising travellers to "dress warmly" as the "air conditioning is often too cold".

One passenger recounts how they were so cold that their "teeth were chattering in the middle of the night" and that they had to "put all the clothes on that [they] had" and they were "still cold". Another passenger went to the driver to ask if the temperature could be adjusted, and the driver responded that the air conditioning on Greyhound buses only has one setting, which is very cold. The driver added that they would "rather drive a cold bus than one that is too hot".

Therefore, it is highly recommended to bring extra layers, such as sweaters or jackets, and perhaps even a blanket, to stay warm during your journey. This is especially important if you plan to sleep, as the cold temperature can be disruptive to your rest.

Additionally, the individual air outlets at your seat can be adjusted, so be sure to make use of this feature to direct the cold air away from you if needed.

Seats recline and have footrests, but there are no tray tables

When it comes to travelling by Greyhound bus, there are several factors that can impact the comfort of the journey, especially for heavier set people. While the buses offer certain features such as reclining seats and footrests, the absence of tray tables is worth noting. Here are some insights and considerations regarding this aspect of Greyhound bus travel:

Greyhound buses are known for their comfortable leather seats, which are fully reclinable and equipped with a footrest. This adjustability allows passengers to find a relaxing position and even catch some sleep during their journey. The absence of tray tables, however, may pose a challenge for passengers who wish to engage in certain activities.

Without tray tables, passengers may find it inconvenient to place items such as food, drinks, or electronic devices within easy reach. This can be particularly cumbersome for heavier set individuals who may prefer to have their personal belongings easily accessible without having to hold them in their laps or place them on adjacent seats.

To compensate for the lack of tray tables, passengers are advised to bring a backpack or bag that can hold their essential items. This way, they can access their belongings without needing a flat surface. It is also recommended to bring a travel pillow, earplugs, and an eye mask, especially for longer journeys, as these can enhance comfort and reduce distractions.

Additionally, it is worth noting that Greyhound buses offer ample legroom, individual power outlets, and free Wi-Fi. These features can be advantageous for heavier set passengers, providing space to stretch out, charge electronic devices, and stay connected or entertained during the trip.

To ensure a more comfortable experience, it is suggested to book tickets early and arrive at the bus station ahead of time to secure preferred seating. By doing so, passengers can choose seats with more legroom or opt for seats at the front of the bus, which are generally quieter and provide easier access during boarding and disembarking.

In summary, while the lack of tray tables on Greyhound buses may present a minor inconvenience, the availability of reclining seats, footrests, legroom, and other amenities contribute to a relatively comfortable journey. Passengers are encouraged to come prepared with necessary items and to take advantage of the seating options and features offered by Greyhound to enhance their travel experience.

The bus will stop for breaks, but it's best to avoid using the bathroom

Greyhound buses do have bathrooms, but they are pretty basic, with no running water or flushing toilets. They are also not cleaned at every stop, so it's best to avoid using them unless it's an emergency. The bus will stop for breaks every few hours, so it's a good idea to time your bathroom breaks to coincide with these stops. The restrooms at the stations are generally cleaner and offer more privacy. To avoid having to use the bathroom too often during your trip, it's recommended to eat lightly and limit your water intake.

• Arrive at the bus station early to get a good seat. Seats are not assigned, so arriving early gives you a better chance of choosing a preferred seat.
• Sit at the front of the bus. The front seats tend to fill up later than those at the back, so you have a better chance of having two seats to yourself. It's also generally safer and quieter at the front, and you can make a quicker exit when seated near the front.
• Bring extra layers. The air conditioning on Greyhound buses can be very cold, so it's a good idea to bring a sweater or a few extra layers to stay warm.
• Bring a pillow, earplugs, and an eye mask. Greyhound buses can be noisy and brightly lit, so these items can help you get some rest during your journey.
• Keep your carry-on bag with you at all times to avoid theft.
• Follow the driver's rules during stops and transfers for your safety and to avoid being left behind.

Frequently asked questions