If you're looking for an affordable way to travel long distances by road, Greyhound could be the answer. The company offers low-cost, reliable, safe, and environmentally friendly travel solutions in 48 US states and 1,600 cities. With over 1,300 buses and 16 million passengers each year, it is the leader in city-to-city bus travel in the United States. Greyhound is also part of a network of bus companies that sell tickets on each other's routes, allowing connections to even more locations.
Travelling by bus is a great alternative to flying, which can be expensive and often involves congested airports and delayed flights. However, there are some downsides to travelling by Greyhound bus, including potential delays and issues with cleanliness and customer service.
In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of booking a Greyhound bus, and provide tips for making your journey as smooth as possible.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Ticket Price | Cheaper to book online and in advance |
Boarding | Board by the number on the ticket; lower number means lower cost |
Seat Choice | Choose your seat for a fee or let Greyhound assign one |
Ticket | Show the QR code from the app or a printed ticket |
Luggage | One checked bag of up to 50 lbs and one carry-on of up to 25 lbs |
Station Arrival | Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure time |
Delays | Expect delays |
Amenities | Onboard bathrooms, personal power outlets, air conditioning, onboard entertainment system, free Wi-Fi (limited data) |
What You'll Learn
Pros and cons of booking a Greyhound bus
Pros
- It is a low-cost, reliable, safe, and environmentally friendly travel option.
- It offers city-to-city travel solutions in 48 states and 1,600 cities across the United States.
- It is the only bus company connecting small towns to larger cities in many places.
- It has an extensive network of bus routes and is the leader in city-to-city bus travel in the United States.
- It offers various features and facilities for a comfortable trip, including onboard bathrooms, personal power outlets, air conditioning, onboard entertainment systems, and free Wi-Fi (although this can be unreliable).
- It offers different fare options such as "Economy," "Economy Extra," and "Flexible," and you can choose an express bus with fewer transfers.
- It is possible to purchase tickets online or through the Greyhound app, which is more convenient and may offer discounts.
- You can choose your preferred seat when booking, and there is an option to purchase a reserved window seat for scenic views.
- There are regular stops at service stations to buy food.
- The bus tracker feature allows you to know where your bus is and plan your trip accordingly.
- There are power outlets and USB plugs at most seats, so you can keep your devices charged.
- You can bring your own food and drinks (non-alcoholic) on board.
- You can bring a blanket and layers to stay comfortable, as well as earplugs and an eye mask if you're a light sleeper.
- You can purchase a hop-on-hop-off pass, which offers flexibility to travel in one direction and hop off at multiple points.
Cons
- Buses may be delayed or late, and there may be a lack of proper communication about schedule changes.
- The onboard bathrooms may not always be clean, and it is recommended to use the bathrooms at stations or during meal breaks instead.
- The internet connection can be inconsistent, and there is a limited data allowance per passenger (100MB), which may not last for longer trips.
- The air conditioning or ventilation systems may not always work properly, leading to uncomfortable temperatures inside the bus.
- Theft may be a concern, and it is recommended to keep your luggage and valuables with you at all times.
- Some stations may be located in rough areas, and it is advised to stay inside the station, especially at night.
- You need to be mindful of your layovers, connections, and transfers to avoid missing your connecting bus.
Greyhound Bus Capacity: How Many Seats Are There?
You may want to see also
Tips for buying tickets
- Book early to take advantage of lower prices and discounts, and to get a lower boarding number and the best seat.
- Be flexible with your travel dates and times—tickets are generally cheaper on midweek and night buses and during non-peak seasons.
- Compare prices across different websites and platforms to find the best deals.
- Take advantage of Greyhound's different fare options, such as "Economy" and "Flexible."
- Choose an express bus for quicker travel times and fewer transfers.
- If you're travelling with a group, book your tickets together to ensure you get seats together.
Culver City Bus: Easy Payment Methods for Riders
You may want to see also
What to do at the bus station
When you arrive at the Greyhound bus station, you'll want to make your way to the ticket office to either purchase or collect your ticket. If you've booked online, you won't need a printout of your ticket—you can simply show your e-ticket on your phone to the driver when boarding. However, it's a good idea to arrive at the station at least 20 minutes before your departure time to give yourself plenty of time.
At the station, you'll find a waiting room, benches, bathrooms, and vending machines. There are also power sockets and WiFi, although travellers report that the WiFi doesn't always work. If you're hungry, there's a small convenience store inside the station where you can buy snacks, as well as vending machines selling drinks and snacks. Across the street, you'll find a McDonald's and other small food vendors. However, travellers report that the bathrooms in the station are not well maintained, so you may want to use the facilities elsewhere.
If you're driving to the station, you'll find it easily accessible from the Gulf Freeway, with plenty of parking lots in the surrounding area. If you're using public transport, you can take the light rail—the red line stops just a few blocks away at the Downtown Transit Center. You'll also find plenty of city bus stops in the area.
Remember to keep a close eye on your belongings at the station, as travellers have reported security issues and problems with homelessness in the area.
The Bus Boycott: A Lengthy Stand Against Injustice
You may want to see also
On-board experience
Greyhound buses offer a range of features and facilities to ensure a comfortable journey. The fleet has been recently renovated to better serve customers and offer safer, more eco-friendly, and more relaxing trips.
Here's what you can expect on board:
- Onboard bathrooms: Greyhound buses have bathrooms at the back or in the middle of the bus. It is recommended to bring hand sanitiser, as most buses don't have running water.
- Personal power outlets: There is a power outlet at nearly every seat, so you can keep your devices charged throughout the journey.
- Air conditioning: Greyhound buses are equipped with air conditioning to keep the temperature comfortable. However, some passengers have reported issues with inconsistent temperatures due to technical problems.
- Onboard entertainment: You can access Greyhound's onboard entertainment system via your Wi-Fi-enabled devices. Enjoy movies, TV shows, games, web surfing, and the latest news during your trip.
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected during your journey with free Wi-Fi on most Greyhound buses and at their stations. However, the Wi-Fi may be unreliable in remote locations with poor phone signal.
- Seating: Greyhound buses have standard seats, and some offer reclining leather seats. You can reserve your preferred seat for a fee or let Greyhound choose one for you.
- Overhead lights: The lights are dimmed for late-night and overnight journeys, but each seat has an overhead spotlight if you want to read or find something in your bag.
- Luggage: You are allowed one checked bag of up to 50 lbs and one carry-on bag of up to 25 lbs. Oversized luggage, such as bicycles or sports equipment, is allowed for an extra fee if there is room under the bus.
- Food and drinks: Greyhound does not offer meals or snacks on board, so it is recommended to bring your own food and drinks (no alcoholic beverages). The bus makes frequent stops, and some of these stops will have places to buy food.
- Safety: All Greyhound buses are equipped with seat belts, and passengers are encouraged to wear them. In California, passengers must wear seat belts at all times while seated.
Overall, the onboard experience on Greyhound buses is designed to provide a comfortable and convenient journey. With personal power outlets, onboard entertainment, and free Wi-Fi, you can stay connected and entertained throughout your trip. The availability of onboard bathrooms and frequent stops for food and drinks also ensures a comfortable travelling experience. However, it is recommended to bring a blanket or a jacket, as temperatures can vary, and to manage your expectations regarding the cleanliness of the onboard bathrooms.
Greyhound Buses: Packed, Comfy, or Empty?
You may want to see also
Luggage advice
Greyhound allows each passenger to bring a limited number of bags on the bus. With each adult ticket, you can bring one carry-on bag and up to two checked bags. Your carry-on and first checked bag are included in the price of the ticket, but there is an additional fee for a second checked bag. However, this fee is waived if you purchase a flexible fare ticket.
Carry-on bags must weigh 25 lbs or less, while checked bags must not exceed 50 lbs. Checked bags must also not exceed a total of 62 inches when adding together the length, width, and height.
You can store your carry-on bag in the overhead bins or under your seat. All checked bags will be stored underneath the bus in the baggage compartments. Make sure to only pack in your checked bag what you won't need during the trip, as you will only have access to your checked bags at bus stations.
It is recommended to clearly label all baggage with your name, address, and phone number. This will help Greyhound reunite you with your belongings if your luggage is lost. Additionally, make sure your contact details are on your bag as well as inside your bag.
If you are bringing any bulky items, such as bicycles, golf clubs, or skis, these must be packed in a wood, canvas, or other substantial container and securely fastened. There will be an additional fee for these items.
Finally, keep in mind that Greyhound does not accept responsibility for carry-on bags. Checked bags for adult tickets are automatically insured up to $250, while checked bags for children's tickets are insured up to $125. If you would like additional insurance for your checked bag, you can purchase it at different levels of coverage, with a maximum value of $1000.
Waiters' Tips: How Much to Share with Bus Boys?
You may want to see also