Intercity Bus Travel

TRAVEL · UNITED STATES

Intercity Bus Travel

When the bus wins, booking, what to expect on board and travelling comfortably

Long-distance coach travel is the cheapest way to cover distance in most countries and the least understood. Knowing where it genuinely competes makes it a reasonable choice rather than a last resort.

Where the bus wins

City centre to city centre on routes where trains are expensive or indirect, and on journeys of three to six hours where flying involves more time in airports than in the air.

It also wins on luggage, since coaches generally allow a large hold bag without charge.

Where it does not

Very long journeys overnight, tight connections, and anywhere traffic is unpredictable. A coach has no priority over congestion, and delays are absorbed by the passenger rather than compensated.

Booking

Prices rise as departure approaches on most operators, so booking ahead saves substantially. Check whether the ticket is flexible, since the cheapest fares are usually fixed to one departure.

Check the actual pick-up point rather than the city name, since some stops are on a kerbside a long way from a station.

Seats

Reserving a seat costs little and is worth it. Over the wheel arches means reduced legroom, and the rear is where the ride is roughest and the toilet is.

A window seat gives something to lean on and removes the aisle traffic.

On board

Power sockets and wi-fi are common and unreliable, so travel with a charged power bank and downloaded content. Bring water and food, since stops are short and infrequent.

Coaches are air conditioned and frequently cold. A layer and something to cover your eyes make a considerable difference.

Accessibility

Most operators provide wheelchair access and assistance, and it usually needs arranging in advance rather than on the day. Check the specific service rather than assuming.

Assistance dogs travel free on most operators, usually with advance notice.

Travelling with children

Check the age at which a child needs their own seat and whether a car seat is permitted. Bring more food and entertainment than you think, since stops on these services are short and infrequent.

Comparing against train and car

Count the total door to door rather than the ticket price — parking, fuel, transfers at each end and the time itself. Coach frequently wins on cost and loses on time.

For two or more people travelling together, driving or advance rail fares sometimes work out cheaper than the coach entirely.

Practical

Keep valuables and documents with you rather than in the hold, arrive fifteen minutes early, and keep the booking accessible offline.

Tell someone your expected arrival time on a long overnight journey.

WHERE TO BUY

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