Book Cheap Bus Tickets

How to find cheap bus tickets.

If you're looking for the best bus deals when traveling, CheckMyBus has you covered! You can find offers from thousands of bus companies and millions of bus routes in the United States and abroad. Then, you can compare arrival and departure times, pick-up and drop-off points, travel duration, and of course the best bus ticket prices.

To make your search even easier, you can customize everything to your needs. Optimize your results by sorting them by price, departure and arrival time and/or filter by stop or bus company. Once you find the perfect bus trip, all you need to do is select it and book on our partner's page!

Countries worldwide

CheckMyBus is the simplest way to find the best bus in seconds.

Most Popular Bus Companies

Greyhound - Bus Tickets, Schedules and Discounts

  • Bus Los Angeles to San Diego
  • Bus South Bend to Chicago
  • Bus Atlantic City to New York

FlixBus - Bus Tickets, Schedules and Discounts

  • Bus New York to Toronto
  • Bus Boston to New York
  • Bus Los Angeles to Las Vegas

megabus - Bus Tickets, Schedules and Discounts

  • Bus Miami Airport to Orlando
  • Bus Houston to Austin
  • Bus New York to Philadelphia

Eagle Liner Bus Tickets and Schedules

  • Bus Durban to Johannesburg
  • Bus Cape Town to Bloemfontein
  • Bus Johannesburg to Mthatha

Intercape - Bus Tickets, Schedules and Discounts

  • Bus Cape Town to Johannesburg
  • Bus Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth
  • Bus Durban to Cape Town

megabus Canada Bus Tickets and Schedules

  • Bus Toronto to Montreal
  • Bus London, ON to Toronto
  • Bus Niagara Falls to Toronto

Most Searched Cities and Bus Routes in the USA

  • Bus Boston, MA to New York
  • Bus Philadelphia to New York
  • Bus Bethesda, MD to New York
  • Bus New York to Washington, DC
  • Bus Philadelphia to Washington, DC
  • Bus Richmond, VA to Washington, DC
  • Bus Gainesville, FL to Orlando, FL
  • Bus Tampa to Orlando, FL
  • Bus New York to Orlando, FL
  • Bus New York to Boston, MA
  • Bus Hartford, CT to Boston, MA
  • Bus Providence, RI to Boston, MA
  • Bus Washington, DC to Philadelphia
  • Bus Allentown, PA to Philadelphia
  • Bus Dallas to Houston
  • Bus Austin to Houston
  • Bus San Antonio, TX to Houston

Most Popular Airports Reachable by Bus

Airport connections

  • Bus Orlando, FL to Miami Airport
  • Bus Fort Myers, FL to Miami Airport
  • Bus Naples, FL to Miami Airport
  • Bus Philadelphia to John F. Kennedy Airport
  • Bus Boston, MA to John F. Kennedy Airport
  • Bus Washington, DC to John F. Kennedy Airport
  • Bus New York to Newark Airport
  • Bus Philadelphia to Newark Airport
  • Bus Boston, MA to Newark Airport
  • Bus Madison, WI to Chicago O'Hare Airport
  • Bus Milwaukee to Chicago O'Hare Airport
  • Bus South Bend, IN to Chicago O'Hare Airport
  • Bus Orlando, FL to Fort Lauderdale Airport
  • Bus Fort Myers, FL to Fort Lauderdale Airport
  • Bus Naples, FL to Fort Lauderdale Airport
  • Bus Bellingham, WA to Seattle/Tacoma Airport
  • Bus Ellensburg, WA to Seattle/Tacoma Airport
  • Bus Portland, OR to Seattle/Tacoma Airport

Get further airport transfers in the US and abroad .

Amazing Regions for Bus Travel in the USA and Abroad

From sea to shining sea, the USA offers plenty to see and do. Whether you want to visit quaint New England villages, explore the Big Apple, hit the beach in Florida, wander the Great Plains or see Yosemite National Park, it can be hard to know where to start!

Travel the USA

  • Bus to Boston
  • Bus to Philadelphia
  • Bus Boston to Burlington
  • Bus Washington to Philadelphia
  • Bus New York to Boston
  • Bus to San Francisco
  • Bus to Seattle
  • Bus Portland to Seattle
  • Bus Los Angeles to San Francisco
  • Bus Las Vegas to San Diego
  • Bus to Atlanta
  • Bus to Orlando
  • Bus Fort Lauderdale to Orlando
  • Bus Atlanta to Columbia
  • Bus Houston to Dallas
  • Bus to Indianapolis
  • Bus to Minneapolis
  • Bus Chicago to Indianapolis
  • Bus Columbia to Kansas City

Planning a cross-border trip? Both Canada and Mexico offer many scenic landscapes, exciting cities and hidden gems. Explore Canada's vast wilderness or see ancient pyramids in Mexico. Either way, we can help you get where you want to go!

Discover Canada and Mexico

Eastern canada.

  • Bus to Toronto
  • Bus to Montreal
  • Bus Ottawa to Toronto
  • Bus Montreal to Toronto
  • Bus Toronto to New York

Western Canada

  • Bus to Vancouver
  • Bus to Calgary
  • Bus Vancouver to Calgary
  • Bus Calgary to Edmonton
  • Bus Seattle to Vancouver

Cross-border Mexico

  • Bus to Tijuana
  • Bus to Ciudad Juárez
  • Bus Los Angeles to Tijuana
  • Bus San Diego to Tijuana
  • Bus to Mexico City
  • Bus to Guadalajara
  • Bus Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende
  • Bus Guadalajara to Mexico City
  • Bus Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta

There's something for everyone in Africa's southernmost country! Whether you visit Cape Town's iconic Table Mountain, Kruger National Safari Park, Johannesburg's Apartheid Museum or Durban's golden beaches, South Africa calls.

Explore South Africa

Western cape.

  • Bus to Cape Town
  • Bus to George
  • Bus Queenstown to Cape Town
  • Bus Cape Town to George
  • Bus Johannesburg to Cape Town
  • Bus to Johannesburg
  • Bus to Pretoria
  • Bus East London to Johannesburg
  • Bus Durban to Pretoria
  • Bus Mthatha to Johannesburg

Eastern Cape

  • Bus to Port Elizabeth
  • Bus to Mthatha
  • Bus Cape Town to Port Elizabeth
  • Bus East London to Port Elizabeth
  • Bus Bellville to Mthatha

KwaZulu-Natal

  • Bus to Durban
  • Bus to Pietermaritzburg
  • Bus Johannesburg to Durban
  • Bus Johannesburg to Pietermaritzburg
  • Bus Port Elizabeth to Durban
  • Bus to Bloemfontein
  • Bus to Welkom
  • Bus Johannesburg to Bloemfontein
  • Bus Johannesburg to Welkom
  • Bus Pretoria to Bloemfontein

The vastness of India would require an entire lifetime to explore all of what this beautiful country has to offer. But no need to fear, here we have some great suggestions on where to start! In fact, more and more buses connect India every day.

Travel to India

Popular cities in india.

  • Bus to Mumbai
  • Bus to Kolkata
  • Bus to Ahmedabad
  • Bus to Indore
  • Bus Mumbai to Pune

North India

  • Bus to Delhi
  • Bus to Jaipur
  • Bus to Lucknow
  • Bus Delhi to Manali
  • Bus Shimla to Chandigarh

South India

  • Bus to Bangalore
  • Bus to Hyderabad
  • Bus to Chennai
  • Bus to Mysore
  • Bus Bangalore to Chennai

With buses available on six continents, we can help you see the world's best attractions! See the Australian outback, Bangkok's floating markets, Ireland's dramatic coastlines, Europe's iconic cities or just about anything in between. Book your bus ticket now!

Travel the World by Bus

  • Bus to Dublin
  • Bus to Cork
  • Bus Cork to Dublin
  • Bus Dublin to Limerick
  • Bus Dublin to Waterford
  • Bus to Sydney
  • Bus to Melbourne
  • Bus Canberra to Sydney
  • Bus Melbourne to Sydney

Southeast Asia

  • Bus to Bangkok
  • Bus to Ho Chi Minh
  • Bus Bangkok to Pattaya
  • Bus Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh
  • Bus Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
  • Bus to Barcelona
  • Bus to Paris
  • Bus to Amsterdam
  • Bus to Berlin
  • Bus to Venice

Find more bus times for routes in the United States and abroad. Planning to travel in a group? For larger groups we recommend to rent a bus .

Most Popular Destinations for International Bus Travel

More international bus routes, south america, other countries.

  • New Zealand

Find bus routes with just one click: Intercity bus stops around the world .

Use Our App to Find and Compare All Buses

CheckMyBus App

Our app for iOS and Android shows you the best bus deals all at your fingertips.

Get the app on your mobile, start checking trips for your next vacay and book bus tickets.

App Store

FAQs on Bus Travel

How can i find cheap bus tickets, how can i book a bus ticket, which bus companies in the usa are the most important, what services are provided by buses, why should i travel by bus, how can i find buses abroad, can i also charter a bus, which is the most eco-friendly way to travel, what are the advantages of buses over trains or cars.

gmx

The CheckMyBus App

Free Download

App Store

We value your privacy!

 alt=

Bus Travel in the US

Health and safety, comfort on board, satisfied customers, the green choice, discover the easy way to travel.

Choose now from 1,800+ destinations across the US and benefit from our extended network with Greyhound.

Explore the map

Get Cheap Bus Tickets with FlixBus!

If you're looking to travel around The United States or even worldwide, FlixBus has got you covered with our extensive bus routes! With over 400,000 routes across the globe, you can easily find the perfect option for your trip. Plus, our cheap bus tickets make it easy and affordable to get wherever you want to go, whether it's for work or play.

Bus Routes and Timetables to Suit Your schedule

Traveling with FlixBus is hassle-free with our modern and comfortable buses, frequent connections, and reliable schedules. Our extensive network spans almost 1,800+ destinations in 40+ countries, including major cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Plus, enjoy free WiFi on most of our buses and track your journey in real-time using our bus tracking system. What's more, our integration with Greyhound provides even more coverage and travel options throughout North America, making FlixBus the ideal choice for domestic and international travel.

Buying Your Bus Tickets is Easy with FlixBus

Our website and app make it easy to plan your journey, find the cheapest bus fares, and purchase your bus tickets securely. Whether you're planning or booking a last-minute trip, FlixBus makes buying bus tickets a breeze. Plus, with our convenient e-ticket system, you can board your bus without the hassle of paper tickets as your phone will serve as your ticket!

Discover the Best Destinations FlixBus has to Offer

With FlixBus' extensive network of routes, you can easily explore some of the most popular cities in the US , as well as travel to Canada and Mexico. And thanks to our integration with Greyhound, our network is even more expansive, giving you even more options for intercity travel. Whether you're exploring New York City , spending a weekend partying in Las Vegas , soaking up the culture in Boston , or discovering the hidden gems of Los Angeles , FlixBus makes it effortless to experience all that the US has to offer.

Travelling with FlixBus is a more sustainable choice

Traveling by bus is not just a convenient choice but also an environmentally responsible one, as bus travel reduces traffic and emissions compared to travelling by car. We are working to make bus travel even greener with high environmental standards across our fleet of buses, the use of alternative drive and fuel technologies, and the option for all passengers to offset their carbon when buying their bus tickets. So, when you travel with FlixBus you can know you are making a responsible choice

Travel in Comfort and Style with FlixBus

FlixBus not only prioritizes comfort and convenience for your journey, but also ensures that you can travel with all your necessary luggage. Each passenger is allowed to bring one carry-on and one stowed luggage with them on the bus. In addition to the luggage allowances, our buses offer amenities like on-board WiFi, extra legroom, power outlets, and toilets, making your trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible. With our user-friendly app and simple booking platform, planning your bus travel has never been easier. Book your bus ticket with FlixBus today and travel in comfort and style with all your luggage in tow.

Top Destinations and bus connections

  • Connections
  • New York, NY
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Washington, D.C.
  • Philadelphia, PA
  • Atlanta, GA
  • Chicago, IL
  • Houston, TX
  • Las Vegas, NV
  • Orlando, FL
  • San Antonio, TX
  • Phoenix-Tempe, AZ
  • Baltimore, MD
  • Detroit, MI
  • Seattle, WA
  • Indianapolis, IN
  • Los Angeles, CA - Las Vegas, NV
  • New York, NY - Washington, D.C.
  • Washington, D.C. - New York, NY
  • Boston, MA - New York, NY
  • New York, NY - Philadelphia, PA
  • New York, NY - Boston, MA
  • Philadelphia, PA - New York, NY
  • New York, NY - Atlantic City, NJ
  • Las Vegas, NV - Los Angeles, CA
  • Montreal, QC - New York, NY
  • Atlantic City, NJ - New York, NY
  • Dallas, TX - Houston, TX
  • Toronto, ON - New York, NY
  • Houston, TX - Dallas, TX
  • New York, NY - Montreal, QC
  • New York, NY - Toronto, ON
  • New York, NY - Baltimore, MD
  • Baltimore, MD - New York, NY
  • New York, NY - Albany, NY
  • Albany, NY - New York, NY

Get Daily Travel Tips & Deals!

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .

Luxury bus waiting for passengers in parking lot

A Guide to 10 ‘Luxury Bus’ Lines You Can Take Instead of Amtrak

'  data-srcset=

A nationally recognized reporter, writer, and consumer advocate, Ed Perkins focuses on how travelers can find the best deals and avoid scams.

He is the author of "Online Travel" (2000) and "Business Travel: When It's Your Money" (2004), the first step-by-step guide specifically written for small business and self-employed professional travelers. He was also the co-author of the annual "Best Travel Deals" series from Consumers Union.

Perkins' advice for business travelers is featured on MyBusinessTravel.com , a website devoted to helping small business and self-employed professional travelers find the best value for their travel dollars.

Perkins was founding editor of Consumer Reports Travel Letter, one of the country's most influential travel publications, from which he retired in 1998. He has also written for Business Traveller magazine (London).

Perkins' travel expertise has led to frequent television appearances, including ABC's "Good Morning America" and "This Week with David Brinkley," "The CBS Evening News with Dan Rather," CNN, and numerous local TV and radio stations.

Before editing Consumer Reports Travel Letter, Perkins spent 25 years in travel research and consulting with assignments ranging from national tourism development strategies to the design of computer-based tourism models.

Born in Evanston, Illinois, Perkins lives in Ashland, Oregon with his wife.

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

Yes, you can travel in luxury on a bus: A few bus lines around the country are providing luxury bus service on intercity routes up to about 300 miles, especially in areas where air and rail service is either sparse or expensive. To qualify as “luxury,” my primary requirement is that a line must provide one-by two seating, with extra legroom, in a full size intercity bus, along with an onboard lavatory, Wi-Fi and/or streaming TV, snack/drink service, and no-fee baggage checking. That’s all typically much more comfortable than a plane, and sometimes more comfortable than Amtrak. Fares are around double regular bus fares, because the lines fit only 22 to 35 seats into buses that nominally hold 55 to 60 seats, in addition to extra passenger amenities.

I found 10 lines that qualify, listed here alphabetically, with samples of posted one-way fares. Most lines employ capacity-controlled pricing: As buses fill up, fares for remaining seats increase. Most lines also offer a variety of round-trip, multi-ride, frequent-traveler membership, student, and similar discounts. Most require reservations, and pick up and leave travelers on public-street loading zones, or sometimes at hotels.

Editors’ Note: Included fares are accurate at time of publication.

Luxury bus at airport

9 Tips to Finally Stop Overpacking

BestBus is one of the many bus lines that operate between New York City and the Washington, D.C. area. Although most of its trips use conventional intercity buses, one or two daily trips feature “Prime” service that offers the necessary luxury mix. At least one trip operates most days nonstop between New York Penn Station and Washington-area drop off points at DuPont Circle and Union Station and three stops in suburban Virginia. The Prime fare for February starts at around $47 one-way, compared with $38-40 for the regular service; trips take four hours and more.

Amtrak offers frequent competition, with trips taking from a bit under three hours (Acela, from $155) to 3:30 hours (Northeast Regional, hovering around at $115 with fares below $100 available on specific dates).

C&J Bus Lines

C&J operates at least two daily trips, all with luxury buses, on two main routes:

  • Connecting Boston with Dover, Portsmouth, and Seabrook New Hampshire. Trips take 55 minutes to Seabrook, at $13.99, to 1:30 to 2 hours to Dover at $14.99, and on average 1:15 to 1:30 to Portsmouth at $14.99.
  • Connecting New York with Andover, Massachusetts as well as Seabrook and Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Trips take 4 hours to Andover, fares are $74. Trips to Seabrook take between 4:30 and 4:45 and trips to Portsmouth take roughly 5:15, fares for both are $84.

Concord Coach Lines

Concord operates several trunk routes, but offers its luxury “Plus Bus” on one daily round trip each on its route connecting New York City with Portland, Maine (6 hours, $79).

Amtrak connects New York with Portland, but a train trip requires changing trains and stations in Boston. The shortest connection for a trip in early March takes six hours and costs $84, including bus transfer between stations in Boston. Competitive air service to Portland for a similar time frame starts at $45 one way.

10 Tips for Long-Distance Amtrak Trips

Dartmouth Coach

Dartmouth Coach operates luxury bus trips at least once daily with extra weekend service between New York City and Hanover/Dartmouth and Lebanon, New Hampshire. Trips take about five hours; fares start at $89. This company is affiliated with Concord Coach Lines and appears to offer a similar luxury product. Dartmouth also operates from the Boston area, but only with conventional buses.

Amtrak does not go near Dartmouth or Lebanon. Flights from New York to Lebanon start at around $134 one way, and require about four hours with a plane change at Boston.

Hampton Jitney

The Hampton Jitney operates between New York and the main eastern Long Island centers, including three to four daily luxury “Ambassador” service trips to/from Montauk, with additional trips to/from Amagansett. Montauk trips take 3:15; fares start at roughly $45.

The competition to the Hamptons is the Long Island Rail Road Montauk line. Montauk trips take 3:15 and cost $22.25 off-peak, $30.50 peak.

Interior of a luxury bus

Red Coach operates a complex network linking Miami with Tallahassee while also serving key intermediate stops. Although it also operates conventional buses, Red Coach operates luxury First Class runs several times daily between Miami and Tallahassee via Orlando. Miami-Tallahassee trips take about nine and a half hours, with fares starting at $99; Orlando-Miami trips take about 4 hours with fares starting at $45.

Red Coach competes with Amtrak, Brightline, and Tri-Met between some South Florida stops, but no rail line operates to/from Tallahassee or between Atlanta and Florida. Miami-Tallahassee nonstop flight fares start at roughly $150 round trip, taking two hours nonstop or over five hours with a layover.

7 Essential Multipurpose Tools for Travel

Tripper Bus Elite

Tripper Bus is one of the many lines that operate between New York City and the Washington DC area. The line runs between two and seven trips each day, and on most days one of those trips uses a luxury “Elite” bus. Trips run between New York City Penn Station area and stops in suburban Bethesda and  Arlington. Travel time is 4:00 hours; Elite class fares start around $60, compared with regular fares which start at $27. See “BestBus” entry for Amtrak and airline competition.

Vamoose Gold

Vamoose is yet another New York-to-Washington bus line that operates a luxury service. “Gold Bus” trips operate three to four times per day between midtown Manhattan and stops in Bethesda, Maryland, and Arlington and Lorton, Virginia. The trips take 4:00 to 4:30 hours to/from Bethesda; 4:40 to/from Arlington; and 5:00 to 5:30 to/from Lorton. Gold Bus fares start at $79, depending on time of day; regular fares start at $49. See “BestBus” entry for Amtrak and airline competition.

Vonlane operates an extensive network of all-luxury bus routes connecting Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Atlanta, and San Antonio. All stops are at city-center hotels except for Dallas, where the terminal is at a Love Field hotel. Sample fares from Houston to Fort Worth are $129; the trip takes four hours.

All Vonlane routes are serviced by multiple airlines, including Southwest. Sample nonstop airfares for Houston-Dallas in late February start at $154 one way, decreasing to under $100 for select dates in March. Amtrak operates one train daily between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth and one train daily Dallas-Austin-San Antonio. Coach fares Dallas-San Antonio start at $37 for a 10-hour trip.

The 16 Best Car Rental Booking Sites

Washington Deluxe

Washington Deluxe is the fourth (on my list) New York-Washington bus line that offers a deluxe option. “LUX” buses operate less than daily between New York/Penn Station and Washington/DuPont Circle. The trip takes 4:00 to 4:30; the fare starts at $35. See “BestBus” entry for Amtrak competition.

You Might Also Like:

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Top Fares From

long distance travel buses

Don't see a fare you like? View all flight deals from your city.

Today's top travel deals.

Brought to you by ShermansTravel

10-Nt United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman...

long distance travel buses

Poconos: 2-Nt, All-Incl. Stay at Upscale...

ResortsAndLodges.com

long distance travel buses

Rome & Etruria Cruisetour

Norwegian Cruise Line

long distance travel buses

Trending on SmarterTravel

Book Cheap Coach Tickets

How to find cheap bus tickets.

On CheckMyBus you can compare the offers of thousands of coach companies and millions of bus connections in the United Kingdom and worldwide. You can find departure times, the exact locations of departure and arrival points, all travel times, and of course the best coach ticket prices.

Sort your search results by price, departure and arrival time and/or filter them by stop or provider. Find the coach that suits best by customising everything according to your needs.

Countries worldwide

CheckMyBus is the easiest way to find the perfect cheap coach in seconds.

Coach Providers in the UK

National Express - Coach Connections and Customer Reviews

  • Bus London to Manchester
  • Bus Cardiff to Bristol
  • Bus Bristol to London

megabus UK - Coach Connections and Customer Reviews

  • Bus Dundee to Edinburgh
  • Bus London to Edinburgh
  • Bus Bristol to Birmingham

FlixBus - Coach Connections and Customer Reviews

  • Bus Manchester to London
  • Bus Nottingham to London
  • Bus London to Birmingham

Scottish Citylink - Coach Connections and Customer Reviews

  • Bus Glasgow to Edinburgh
  • Bus Glasgow to Inverness
  • Bus Edinburgh to Aberdeen

Aircoach - Coach Connections and Customer Reviews

  • Bus Dublin to Londonderry
  • Bus Belfast to Dublin
  • Bus Galway to Dublin

Most Searched Bus Routes in the UK

  • Bus Edinburgh to London
  • Bus Leeds to London
  • Bus Glasgow to Manchester
  • Bus Edinburgh to Manchester
  • Bus Bristol to Manchester
  • Bus Edinburgh to Birmingham
  • Bus Manchester to Birmingham
  • Bus Glasgow to Birmingham
  • Bus London to Glasgow
  • Bus Manchester to Glasgow
  • Bus Birmingham to Glasgow
  • Bus London to Bristol
  • Bus Manchester to Bristol
  • Bus Birmingham to Bristol
  • Bus Manchester to Edinburgh
  • Bus Birmingham to Edinburgh

Most Popular Airports Connected by Coach

Airport connections

  • Bus Leicester to London Heathrow Airport
  • Bus Bristol to London Heathrow Airport
  • Bus Birmingham to London Heathrow Airport
  • Bus London to Luton Airport
  • Bus Bristol to Luton Airport
  • Bus Milton Keynes to Luton Airport
  • Bus London to London Stansted Airport
  • Bus Bristol to London Stansted Airport
  • Bus Manchester to London Stansted Airport
  • Bus Leeds to Manchester Airport
  • Bus Glasgow to Manchester Airport
  • Bus Liverpool to Manchester Airport
  • Bus London to London Gatwick Airport
  • Bus Bristol to London Gatwick Airport
  • Bus Birmingham to London Gatwick Airport
  • Bus Cardiff to Bristol Airport
  • Bus Swansea to Bristol Airport
  • Bus Plymouth to Bristol Airport

Get further airport transfers in the UK and abroad .

Preferred Regions for UK Bus Travellers

Discover the united kingdom, london area.

  • Coach to Oxford
  • Bus London to Brighton
  • Bus London to Oxford
  • Bus London to Reading
  • Bus London to Portsmouth

South England

  • Coach to Bristol
  • Coach to Brighton
  • Coach to Southampton
  • Bus Bournemouth to London
  • Coach to Cardiff
  • Coach to Swansea
  • Bus Cardiff to London
  • Bus London to Swansea
  • Bus Bristol Airport to Cardiff
  • Coach to Glasgow
  • Bus Fort William to Glasgow
  • Bus Glasgow to London
  • Bus Edinburgh Airport to Glasgow
  • Bus Dundee to Edinburgh Airport
  • Coach to Sheffield
  • Coach to Leicester
  • Bus Sheffield to London
  • Bus Leicester to Manchester
  • Bus Leicester to London

Eurotrip by Bus

European capitals.

  • Coach to Brussels
  • Coach to Paris
  • Coach to Amsterdam
  • Coach to Berlin
  • Coach to Vienna

Holiday in Spain

  • Coach to Malaga
  • Coach to Barcelona
  • Bus Palma de Mallorca
  • Bus Magaluf to Palma de Mallorca
  • Bus Barcelona Airport to Lloret de Mar

Holiday in Portugal

  • Coach to Porto
  • Coach to Lisbon
  • Coach to Albufeira
  • Bus Albufeira to Faro Airport
  • Bus Porto to Lisbon

European Airport Buses

  • Coach to Barcelona Airport
  • Coach to Palma de Mallorca Airport
  • Coach to Dublin Airport
  • Coach to Malaga Airport
  • Coach to Bergamo Airport

Most Popular Destinations for International Bus Travel

More international coach connections, north - south america, other countries.

  • South Africa

Find bus routes with just a single click: All intercity bus stops worldwide .

Use Our App to Find and Compare All Coaches

CheckMyBus App

Our app for iOS and Android shows you the best bus deals all in the palm of your hand.

Get the app on your mobile, start checking trips for your next vacay and book your coach ticket.

App Store

FAQs on Bus Travel

How can i find cheap coach tickets, how can i book a coach ticket, what are the most important coach companies in the uk, which services are offered on board a coach, why travel by bus and coach, how can i find a bus abroad, can i also rent a bus, which is the most environmentally friendly means of transport, what are the advantages of buses over trains.

gmx

The CheckMyBus App

Free Download

App Store

We value your privacy!

  • Testimonials

Charter Empire

Rent Charter Vehicles for Long Distance Trips

Whether you are going from state to state or from one coast to the other, we have a wide range of charter buses and vans that will get you there in supreme comfort.

We have provided charter vehicles for different purposes and everyone is invited to ask about our service. Tour companies enjoy the reliability and efficiency of our buses, while others choose our buses to transport family and friend heading in the same direction. Whatever your needs we are here to accommodate you.

long distance travel buses

Best Price Guaranteed

Charter Empire guarantees you the best price on local vehicle hire.

Here are just a few of the companies we’ve worked with:

long distance travel buses

Motorcoach Bus

long distance travel buses

Bus Rental for Long Distance Trips

Frequently asked questions, what buses are best for long distance, how many seats do your vehicles have, what modern features are included, are your buses safe and maintained.

Annie Hawkins

Matthew Jenkins

Samantha Ayre

Just Heading Out

Heading out of my comfort zone and into the world, how to travel by long distance bus.

I love traveling by bus, even long distance bus. Some people might hate it, but I am one of those weirdos who actually doesn’t mind spending 10+ hours on a bus. I even took one crazy 50 hour over land trip from Luang Prabang to Koh Lanta.

Now, don’t get me wrong. If I could instantly transport myself anywhere, I would. But until those superpowers kick in (any day now!) I’ll have to make the best of long-distance travel.

I’ve been on many long distance buses and night buses in Europe, Southeast Asia and North America. They provide a unique travel experience. As a budget backpacker, it’s an affordable and efficient mode of transportation. And when I was a digital nomad, I used to spend those hours working on projects.

During all those trips, I became somewhat of an expert on long distance bus travel. I learned how to find the best transportation, be as comfortable as possible, how to stay safe and get the most optimal sleep. Let me share my experience in overnight bus travel with you. Here are the most important things to know about traveling by long distance bus.

This post contains affiliate links. This means that I make a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you purchase any of the items linked on this page.

Reasons to travel by bus

long distance bus morocco

Last year, I vowed to make more of an effort to reduce my carbon footprint. Travel, as amazing as it is, is not exactly environmentally friendly. Air travel account for 14% of all global CO2 emission every year and that number is just growing. Not to mention that flying is boring and tedious.

So I decided to fly as little as possible. Instead, whenever I can, I travel over land. This takes longer of course, but traveling over land does come with a few major upsides:

  • Better for the environment
  • No luggage restrictions (or less strict)
  • You get to see the landscape roll by
  • Easier to work than on a plane
  • You can save on accommodation by taking a night bus/train
  • Cheap (especially local buses)
  • Less waiting around
  • More convenient departure and arrival points
  • Greater chance to meet locals

As you see, there are plenty of reasons to travel by long distance bus or train instead of by plane. I find that I’m more relaxed when it comes to traveling over land than by plane, because there is much less stress involved. No long check-in lines, endless boarding procedures, and people tend to be more cheerful and friendly.

Bus travel is a great green alternative to flying

I think one of the reasons I also like buses is because, unlike with cars, I don’t get carsick. On a bus I can read, work or nap as much as I want.

What to wear on a night bus

To make your trip with a night bus more comfortable, you have to wear comfortable clothing. There’s no way you’ll have a good night sleep in 6 inch stiletto’s or skin tight jeans. Even in warm countries, night buses usually blast the A/C to arctic temperatures, so avoid shorts and tops and go for warm layers.

Since you’re going to want to sleep, you have to wear the closest thing to a pajama. My go-to travel outfit is soft leggings, a t-shirt and a hoodie. This will keep you warm and you won’t have any zippers or buttons digging into your skin. I recommend investing in bamboo clothing from a sustainable store as they keep you warm and are super soft!

I can’t sleep if my feet are cold, so I always bring a pair of thick socks with me. That way I can take my shoes off without having to touch anything with my bare feet.

The best clothing item you can wear on a night bus (or any mode of transportation) is a scarf. A scarf, sarong or pashmina is one of the most versatile travel gadgets. You can use it as a blanket, roll it up into a pillow or use it to cover your head against the light and noise.

What to bring on a night bus

The key to having a good trip on a night bus is preparation. This means packing all the essentials in your hand luggage, much like on a long flight. Here’s my essential night bus packing list

You’re going to be on the bus for a while, so make sure you bring plenty of food and water. Most night buses will do a few stops or bathroom breaks during the night, but if you want to sleep as much as possible, you won’t want to get out to buy something every time.

In order to be able to sleep, you’ll need ear plugs, an eye mask and a neck pillow. This really makes all the difference in creating a sleep inducing environment. Honestly, those three items have saved me on many an uncomfortable bus ride. I also recommend bringing a few essential toiletries so you can wash your face, brush your teeth and freshen up in the morning. A fresh t-shirt and underwear are great if you won’t be able to check into your hotel straight away.

More travel gadgets worth investing in

You probably won’t sleep the whole night through, so bring a few things to keep you entertained. A good book, music and a movie on your phone or laptop goes a long way to pass the time. There won’t be much to see out the window when it’s dark after all. Bring your charger and a power bank so you don’t run out of juice halfway through.

How to stay safe on a night bus

Safety is a concern for bus travelers everywhere, especially women traveling alone. I’ve been in some less than ideal situations, but thankfully, I can say that I have never had any truly dangerous or bad experiences. Although there is also some risk involved in long distance bus travel, I can confidently say that there is a safe way to do it.

Pick the right bus company and bus

First things first: picking a good bus company. As a budget backpacker, I am always tempted to go for the cheapest option. But if you’re going to be spending several hours on a bus, it is worth going with the most comfortable and safe option.

Always read reviews when picking a bus company and ask fellow travelers for recommendations. Look at things like the type of seats, included services and general comfort and safety. The staff at your accommodation can likely also help you find the best option.

I recommend taking a critical look at the arrival/departure point and time as well. You don’t want to get dropped off at the edge of town in the middle of the night. And let someone know which bus you’re planning to take.

Pick a good seat

Generally speaking, the middle of the bus is the safest place to be in case of an accident. I also prefer the middle of the bus as it is close to an exit and the bathroom (if there is one). You’ll also feel less shaking and bumping in the middle. I am a window seat kind of girl, so that I can curl up against the side of the bus to sleep and better enjoy the view. But this is a personal preference of course.

As a solo female traveler, I always recommend sitting next to a woman whenever possible. Not only do women generally take up less space, your chances of getting harassed are a lot lower. If that isn an option, go with your gut. Sit down to someone who looks harmless (families are usually a safe bet) and feel free to refuse the seat next to you or move if someone gives off a weird vibe. It’s more important to be safe than polite. I’ll usually place a bag on the seat next to me so people have to ask instead of just plopping down.

Some bus providers will let you choose a specific seat in advance. In Southeast Asia and North Africa, some even showed which seats were occupied by men, which was extremely convenient.

Keep valuables close

One of the upsides of bus travel is that the luggage restrictions are not as strict as with flying. I usually travel with carry on only, but will put my bigger backpack in the cargo hold of the bus and only take essentials on board. Never place anything valuable in the cargo hold or overhead compartment!

Luggage theft and pick pocketing happens on buses so always keep your valuables close. I recommend either in a cross body purse or money belt that you can keep on your body.

Don’t miss your bus

No matter how much I travel, I still get nervous about missing my bus/train/flight. It hasn’t happened yet, but I’ve had some close calls. This can be especially stressful in foreign countries where you don’t speak the language. It can be hard to figure out which bus is yours. So don’t be afraid to ask for help, either at the information desk or other travelers. There is always a kind stranger who will show you where your bus is.

One of the things that stressed me out most is the idea of getting left behind. Buses make regular stops for bathroom and food breaks. Always double check the length of the break with the driver, especially if there is a language barrier. Take valuables like wallet, passport and phone with you off the bus. Remember which bus you’re on (maybe take a picture) and make sure you get back on with time to spare.

Differences in bus travel around the world

Long distance bus travel doesn’t look the same everywhere in the world. Where it is most common way to travel in Southeast Asia, it has a bad reputation in the USA.

I’ve traveled by bus in different regions of the world, so I’ll highlight some of the differences to help you be better prepared.

Southeast Asia

bus laos asia budget travel

Buses are the main mode of transportation in Southeast Asia (except for motorbikes maybe). It’s the easiest and cheapest way to get around the region, from city to city and country to country. Keep in mind that you sometimes need to change buses when crossing a border.

I took many, many long distances and overnight buses in Southeast Asia. They range from fancy tourist touring cars to run down minivans. My favorite are the local buses where I would usually be the only white person. They take forever, but provide and invaluable cultural experience.

The night buses in Southeast Asia are on a whole other level. Many will have specific night buses or sleeper buses designed for overnight travel. Seats recline all the way and offer amble space. Some buses even have full-blown beds! I took a “hotel bus” in Cambodia that had built in bunk beds.

Most bus operators do not offer online booking, so you’ll have to book in person either at the bus station, a travel agent office or through your accommodation. 12go.asia is one of the online booking platforms available.

FlixBus Europe night bus long distance bus overland travel

Although long distance buses are becoming increasingly popular in Europe, there are no special night buses. Meaning that if you book a bus that happens to drive through the night, you have to make due with a reclining seat. Not as comfortable as a night train, but much more affordable.

Train travel is popular in Europe and there are many low-cost airlines, but bus travel is often cheaper and more convenient. In recent years a handful of companies have cornered the market, providing easy connections between major and minor European cities.

My favorite bus providers in Europe:

  • FlixBus : the big guy on the market and looking to take over the whole world. You’ll see these bright green buses everywhere. FlixBus is my go to for travel in Europe in general.
  • BlaBlaBus/Ouibus : Originally started out as a ride-sharing company ( BlaBlaCar ) but now also has bus lines, mostly in Western Europe.
  • LuxExpress : This bus company operates exclusively in the Baltics, but I had to include them. Easily the most comfortable long distance buses I have ever been on with free tea and coffee, working Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment.
I used LuxExpress a lot on my tour of the Baltics.

long distance travel buses

You won’t find any of those amazing special sleeper buses, but there is a long history of long distance bus travel in the US. These days most people would rather drive or fly and bus travel has become a class issue.

The biggest name in the game is obviously Greyhound. Unfortunately, the reputation of this company has gone downhill. Many people warned me off citing crazy incidents and the fact that ex-cons take Greyhound (what else are they supposed to do?). I’ll admit that some Greyhound buses I was on were a bit crummy. And some stations a bit sketchy. But all the people were very nice and helpful. Being poor doesn’t make you a bad person after all.

The one downside of Greyhound as a night bus is that they will wake you up and make you get off at every stop. There’s nothing fun about pointlessly waiting 30 min at a bus station at 4 am just to get back on the exact same bus…

My favorite bus providers in the US:

  • Greyhound : The OG of US bus travel. Greyhound gets a bad rep, but I actually found them quite comfortable and safe. The quality of the buses differs wildly though.
  • Megabus : Megabus offers a bit more comfort than Greyhound. Prices are slightly higher, but they often do crazy flash sales.
  • Flixbus : The number one European bus company is looking to snag a share of the US market as well.

So, whether you are a budget backpacker looking to save money or a sustainable traveler who wants to reduce their carbon footprint: I recommend trying travel by night bus. Now that you have learned eevrything you need to know about traveling by long distance bus, it is time to embark on your next adventure!

Any questions? Feel free to leave a comment below. If you enjoyed this post, please share it on social media 🙂

night bus survival guide things to know about long distance bus travel flixbus

Just Heading Out Monthly Newsletter

Sign up for my monthly newsletter to receive sustainable travel updates and fun content!

Thank you for signing up!

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

4 thoughts on “ How to Travel by Long Distance Bus ”

Buses are not my favorite option, but it’s true that there are some advantages well highlighted in the post and I liked the few trips made. Thanks for the post.

I learn so many things here regarding travelling by bus. Try not to go where the streets lead, rather go where there is no street and leave a path.

  • Pingback: Alternative ways to Travel Without Flying - Just Heading Out
  • Pingback: How to Pack for an Overnight Bus - Just Heading Out

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Discover more from just heading out.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

Global site navigation

  • Celebrity biographies
  • Quotes - messages - wishes
  • Bizarre facts
  • Celebrities
  • Family and Relationships
  • Women Empowerment
  • South Africa
  • Cars and Tech

List of bus companies in South Africa | best long-distance buses

Transport is a significant factor in a country's development. Transport systems facilitate the movement of people and goods from one place to the other, and this movement supports sustainable living. This post about the list of bus companies in South Africa profiles the best long-distance buses.

PAY ATTENTION: Click “See First” under the “Following” tab to see Briefly News on your News Feed!

How many bus companies are there in South Africa?

Bus companies in South Africa play a significant role in the country's economic sector. The movement of people enables them to take their expertise to the different parts of the country. Ultimately, it impacts the economic sector. The movement of goods facilitates trade between regions. So, this list of bus companies in South Africa highlights the best long-distance buses to consider in such situations.

List of bus companies in South Africa

Which bus company is best in South Africa? South Africa is home to several bus companies.

long distance travel buses

Complete list of the contact details for the top banks in South Africa

1. Intercape

Intercape is the country's largest intercity bus company. It is also one of the long-distance bus companies in South Africa.

PAY ATTENTION: Never miss breaking news – join Briefly News' Telegram channel!

Intercape offers transport services in South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Intercape offers premium class luxury and semi-premium travelling options at an affordable rate. This makes long-distance travelling fun.

You could reach out to the company through these platforms:

  • Physical Address: Corner of Staal & Research Roads, Pretoria West, South Africa
  • Phone: +27 (0)21 380 4400
  • Email: [email protected]

2. Intercity Xpress

List of bus companies in South Africa | best long-distance buses

What is the best bus company? Intercity Xpress is a South African bus company that offers luxury bus services at an affordable rate. It offers commuting services from Gauteng to Kwazulu-Natal or Zimbabwe. The company also offers airport shuttle services.

You can reach out to Intercity Xpress through any of these contact options:

long distance travel buses

SARS contact number 2020, operating hours and location of offices

  • Physical Address: Plot 5, 1st avenue, Unaville AH 1828
  • Phone: +2787 150 1895, +2763 257 8400, +2786 239 0324
  • Email: [email protected]

3. Eldo Coaches

Eldo Coaches is a fully accredited bus company that offers intercity services, express charters and executive services. The intercity services offer transport across the country's cities.

For inquiries, you can reach out to the company through these contact details:

  • Physical Address: 316 Farm, Lenasia Road R554, Eikenhof
  • Telephone: 012 323 5475, 011 852 6120, 065 113 5367
  • Email: [email protected]

4. City to City

City to City bus company offers semi-luxury regional and domestic regional coach trips. The company services an extensive network of stops across South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Lesotho and Swaziland.

You can reach out to the bus company through any of these platforms:

  • Telephone: 0861 589 282 or +27 (011) 774-3333
  • Fax: +27 (011) 774-3831
  • Email: [email protected]

long distance travel buses

List of old age homes in South Africa, their contacts and locations in 2024

List of bus companies in South Africa | best long-distance buses

Baz Bus is one of the most reliable bus companies in South Africa. It offers hop-on-hop-off bus services from Johannesburg, Durban , Port Elizabeth, to Cape Town. Cumulatively, Baz Bus coaches traverse more than 40 towns in South Africa.

Baz Bus is convenient for anyone wanting to see the country. You can reach out to the bus company using these details:

  • Physical Address: 32 Burg Street, Cape Town, 8001, Western Cape Province, South Africa
  • Phone number: 021 422 5202 (or +27-21-422-5202 from phones outside South Africa)
  • Fax: 021 422 4533 (+27 21 422 4533)
  • Email: [email protected].

6. Pal Bus service

Pal bus service offers the best long-distance buses services across Southern Africa. The bus company prides itself in its reliability and excellent service.

You can reach out through any of these contact details:

  • Physical Address: 54 Springbok Street, Tasbetpark, eMalahleni.
  • Telephone: (013) 692-7241
  • Email: [email protected]

long distance travel buses

MultiChoice contact details, head office, branches, trading hours, vacancies

7. Translux

Translux would easily pass for the best bus service in South Africa. It offers luxury coach trips throughout the country and neighbouring countries at an affordable rate.

Translux bus service makes daily stops at 100 destinations in the country and major cities in countries like Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia.

You can make your inquiries through these contact details:

  • Telephone: 0861 589 282, +27 (011) 774-3333

8. Citiliner

best long-distance bus service in South Africa

Citliner is a semi-luxury bus company aimed at serving cost-couscous travellers. It operates in South Africa's major cities, Bulawayo and Harare in Zimbabwe, and Maputo in Mozambique. As one of the best bus companies in South Africa, it strives to offer safety and comfort at an affordable rate.

You can make inquiries and bookings through these contact details:

  • Physical Address: 95b Kerk St & Polly Street, Hillbrow, Johannesburg, 2001, South Africa
  • Phone: +27 11 336 9184

long distance travel buses

List of top-notch universities in South Africa

9. Meg Coach

Mega Coach is another one of the companies offering luxury bus services in South Africa. It has a fleet of eighty coaches offering safe and affordable transport services in Southern Africa.

Mega Coach has offices in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg.

The Public Utility Transport Corporation is a commuter bus provider. It offers its services in Limpopo, Gauteng and the western parts of Mpumalanga .

What is the biggest bus company in South Africa?

The biggest bus company in South Africa is PUTCO. It has a fleet of approximately 1,600 buses, serving more than 230,000 people daily.

These details about the best bus companies highlight the options you can consider if you are looking for long-distance buses. The best part about the list is that it offers different options from luxury transport to economical options.

DISCLAIMER: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!

long distance travel buses

List of teaching colleges in South Africa and requirements

READ ALSO: 30 must things to do in Johannesburg: places to visit, activities

Briefly.co.za recently published updated details about the things to do in Johannesburg . Consider checking out these details.

If you are a long-distance traveller and are considering travelling to Johannesburg, consider checking out these details. This list would serve as an itinerary.

Source: Briefly News

Priscillah Mueni (Lifestyle writer) Priscillah Mueni is a lifestyle and entertainment content creator with more than 4 years of experience. She graduated from Meru University of Science and Technology with a Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering in 2019. In 2023, Priscillah finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. She has been writing articles on Briefly.co.za since 2019. Email: [email protected]

Nationwide Bus Charter Logo

Group Travel in Comfort

  • Party Bus Rentals

Fleet On Fleek

Extensive fleet options, get in touch, overnight trips, rent a charter bus for overnight trips, travel safely, reliably, and comfortably with one of our trained and licensed drivers for your next overnight long distance trip..

long distance travel buses

Our dispatch department is available 24/7 to answer your questions or address any concerns.

Call for a free quote, calculate your trip cost.

long distance travel buses

Price Match Guarantee

Benefits of booking with us, safety measures, affordable rates, 24/7 dispatch support, fee free booking, large fleet, extensive fleet.

long distance travel buses

Charter Bus

long distance travel buses

Sprinter Van

long distance travel buses

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rent a charter bus overnight, what buses are best suited for overnight trips, how do you keep your buses safe and maintained.

Nationwide Bus Charter is a member of the United Motorcoach Association and this is their logo.

facebook icon.

  • Citiliner Plus
  • Big Sky Intercity
  • Eldo Coaches
  • Translux bus
  • City to City bus
  • SA Roadlink
  • Intercity Xpress
  • Eagle Liner
  • Golden Arrow
  • Shosholoza Meyl

Eldo Coaches Bus Ticket Bookings 2024/2025

Eldo Coaches was established in 1956 and provided intercity, innercity and hire services. The intercity services used Pretoria as their base and provided bus services to Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, East London, Harrismith, King Williamstown, Pietermaritzburg and Queenstown.

The company announced that they will cease operations in June 2023, with the hopes of someone purchasing their fleet and resuming operations either under their name or a new name. Great alternatives to Eldo are:

  • Luxury : Greyhound, Intercape and Translux
  • Semi-luxury : City to City, Citiliner Plus, Big Sky Intercity and Intercity Xpress

Book your Eldo Coaches ticket online right here!

Eldo's Brand New Fleet

In April 2018 Eldo introduced their new fleet of buses built to their specifications and fitted with a few luxuries.

The Single Decker has 52 seats, the Comfort Liner has 60 luxury seats and the Executive Touring Seater has 52 seats.

Each boasts reclining seats fitted with seat belts, audio and visual entertainment, individual air vents, reading lights, armrests and tray tables. An emergency toilet has also been fitted on each bus.

By the look of it, these seem to be some fancy pants buses!

Eldo new bus seat covered in leather.

June 2023: Eldo Coaches announced that they will cease all operations as they are closing down.

July 2017: Eldo Coaches have done away with various numbers, now only making use of the central number 086 113 5367.

Bookings/Reservations & discounts

Booking an Eldo Coaches ticket

Website bookings : bookings could be done and paid for via their website (www.eldocoaches.co.za), but this is no longer working.

Call centre bookings : their call centre is available on 086 113 5367

Email Eldo Coaches at [email protected] or [email protected]

Discounts & Special Rates

Children: Children below the age of 3 years of age travel free of charge on condition that they sit on the lap of a fare paying adult for the duration of their journey.

Sales Offices & Stops

Eldo Coaches has ticket offices for booking bus bookings in Johannesburg, Midrand, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, Bloemfontein, East London andPort Elizabeth. These can all be contacted via the central number: 086 113 5367.

Eldo Coaches Offices in South Africa

Policies & conditions of carriage.

Alcohol & smoking: The consumption of alcohol as well as smoking on board Eldo Coaches is prohibited. Any person caught smoking, drinking or already intoxicated will be denied boarding or maybe asked to disembark if already on the bus.

Luggage: Each fare paying passenger is permitted to bring on board a maximum of 2 pieces of luggage the total weight of which must not exceed 25 kg. All baggage that exceeds this limit will be charged extra for.

Pets: Only trained guide dogs are permitted on board. All other pets are not allowed.

Pregnant passengers: Eldo Coaches reserves the right to deny boarding to any passenger that is more than 7 months pregnant for safety reasons.

Unaccompanied children: Children below the age of 12 years of age need to be accompanied by an older passenger. Children below the age of 3 years of age travel free of charge on condition that they sit on the lap of a fare paying adult for the duration of their journey.

History, News & Info.

18 May 2017. Eldo Coaches dismisses a driver, who had been exposed on social media , by Anton Koen, for reckless driving.

Eldo Coaches bus overtaking vehicles in the face of oncoming traffic

  • 2011. Superluxury coaches offering toilets, airconditioning and reclining seats enter service.
  • 1956. Eldo Coaches commenced operations.

Ask questions here. Our Intercity Bus Experts would love to assist!

email icon

Back to Top

long distance travel buses

  • Search Please fill out this field.
  • Newsletters
  • More to Explore

Taking the Bus in Greece

Greek buses are a great alternative

long distance travel buses

Milos Bicanski / Getty Images

Greece boasts an excellent long-distance bus service, but there is no central website in English, so finding out about routes and times ahead of time can be a challenge. Here's some help in figuring out the buses in Greece.

KTEL is the name of the Greek inter-city bus system. The majority of KTEL buses are like modern tour buses, with comfortable seats and room for luggage underneath the bus and in racks inside. Seats are assigned, so match the ticket number to the number on your seat.

KTEL bus ticket offices usually have someone who understands English and other languages.

Many travelers will take buses from Athens; KTEL operates two terminals serving different locations (and located far apart from each other). Make sure you know which terminal you need for your destination.

ΚΤΕL Athens number: (011-30) 210 5129432

Terminal A: Leoforos Kifisou 100 Athina, Greece +30 801 114 4000

Terminal B: Kotsika 2 Athina, Greece +30 21 0880 8000

Things to Know About Greek Buses

Some bus routes may be direct, while others to the same place may have extra stops or even require a bus change, which can be difficult with luggage and with the stress of not quite knowing where to get off. There is usually a posted schedule. If you see that the bus you want seems to take longer to get to its destination than the buses to the same place listed above or below, it's a good hint that you may have extra stops or a bus change on that particular departure.

While you want to tell the driver where you are going, he may or may not remember to tell you at the crucial moment. A good strategy is to talk with your fellow passengers. If there is a language barrier, pointing to yourself and saying the name of the town you are going to may get you a helpful tap on the shoulder if you're about to miss getting off at your stop.

Official KTEL Websites

  • Each area's operator is actually a separate company. These websites seem to come and go, and sometimes only the Greek language pages will be available. You may find my Tips on Greek to English Automated Webpage Translation helpful if you are stuck with a Greek-only website. While the results won't be perfect, they may at least be understandable enough to help you plan your journey.
  • Volos (Greek)
  • Thessaloniki In English They also have a helpful page listing some of the other KTEL bus companies and they also list their buses to and from Turkey.
  • More KTEL Phone Numbers
  • Athens-Thessaloniki TimetableIn Greek. Athens sample timetables from the Ilisou/Liossion Street Terminal B and the Kifisou Terminal A Main Terminal, via Athens Guide.org. Please note - these bus schedules are not current , especially on prices, but may still help you figure out probable options ahead of your trip. The Athens KTEL offices do not print their schedules online in English, so this is about as good as it gets.
  • Pelion Region Bus Schedules
  • Larisa-Trikala-Ioannina-Patras-Kozani-Lamia Timetable. In Greek, but gives a schedule.

How to Read a Greek Bus Schedule

Even when the site is in English, the schedules may still show Greek names for the days. At the bus station itself, it almost definitely will. Here's help:

ΔΕΥΤΕΡΑ - Deftera - Monday ΤΡΙΤΗ - Triti - Tuesday ΤΕΤΑΡΤΗ - Tetarti - Wednesday ΠΕΜΠΤΗ - Pempti - Thursday ΠΑΡΑΣΚΕΥΗ - Paraskevi - Friday ΣΑΒΒΑΤΟ - Sabato - Saturday ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ - Kyriaki - Sunday

The Greek days of the week are a classic case of a little knowledge being a dangerous thing. If you see "Triti" and look at the root as "tria" or "three", the temptation is to think, ah, the third day of the week, must mean my bus leaves Wednesday. Wrong! Greeks count Sunday, Kyriaki, as the first day of the week - so Triti is Tuesday.

What Day is it? Um, What Month Is It?

No, this has nothing to do with how much raki or ouzo or Mythos you put away last night. Remember that Greece puts the day first, then the month , opposite to what is standard in the United States (except, oddly, on the customs forms you fill out coming back into the United States).

While it's unlikely you'll think "18" or "23" stands for a month instead of a day, unfortunately, the summer months of June (06), July (07), and August (08) make perfect 'sense' when reversed, so please be careful when booking that ferry ticket that you want for August 7th - you'll want 07/08, not 08/07.

What do you mean the 15th is a Tuesday? I checked the Calendar!

Glancing at the calendar on the wall of the Greek bus or ferry office - or at your hotel? Please remember that Greek calendars start with Sunday unless they are designed to be bought by tourists for use back home, and even that isn't a sure thing. We are so used to our calendars that most travelers will not notice this difference.

Greek bus and other schedules use a 24-hour day. Here's help with that, too.

Reading 24-Hour Timetables & Schedules in Greece

Midnight/12:00am = 00:00 1 am = 01:00 2 am = 02:00 3 am = 03:00 4 am = 04:00 5 am = 05:00 6 am = 06:00 7 am = 07:00 8 am = 08:00 9 am = 09:00 10 am = 10:00 11 am = 11:00 Noon/12:00pm = 12:00 1 pm = 13:00 2 pm = 14:00 3 pm = 15:00 4 pm = 16:00 5 pm = 17:00 6 pm = 18:00 7 pm = 19:00 8 pm = 20:00 9 pm = 21:00 10 pm = 22:00 11 pm = 23:00

PM means AM and MM means PM

One last area for confusion, though the 24:00-time system makes this less frequent. In Greek, the abbreviation for "morning" is not AM for ante-meridian as it is in Latin and used in the U.S. and elsewhere, but PM for Pro Mesimbrias or πριν το μεσημέρι (prin to mesimeri) (before noon - think of the "pro" standing in for "prior to"). Afternoon and evening hours are MM for Meta Mesimbrias - if you like the candies, maybe you can think of M&Ms are chocolate and therefore MM means the "darker hours". So there is no "AM" in Greece.

In the speech, however, hours are used normally - for example, someone will arrange to meet you at 7 in the evening, not 19:00 hours.

Athens International Airport code is ATH.

Book your Own Day Trips Around Athens

Book your Own Short Trips Around Greece and the Greek Islands

Related Articles

More related articles.

Global site navigation

  • Capital Market
  • Celebrity biographies
  • Messages - Wishes - Quotes
  • Fashion and style
  • Celebrities
  • Relationships

Local editions

  • Habari za Kenya Swahili

List of Best Managed Long-Distance Bus Companies in Kenya, Owners, Routes and Fleet

  • The 2021 Economic Survey showed the number of registered minibuses/matatus declined by 43.9%, from 1,932 units in 2019 to 1,084 units in 2020
  • However, the business has started picking after the government announced the resumption of night travel and return to full passenger capacity
  • Easy Coach, Modern Coast and Tahmeed Coach top the list of the best managed long-distance bus companies in Kenya

Pay attention: Become TUKO.co.ke ambassador – get a branded T-shirt, hoodie or water bottle at our TUKO Shop!

Road transport accounts for over 80% of Kenya's total internal freight and passenger traffic, according to research published by Transport, Traffic and Mobility.

Modern Coast operates within East Africa.

The report showed most Kenyans prefer using buses, minibuses, vans, motorcycles (boda boda), bicycles and tricycles (tuk-tuk) as their mode of transport to various destinations.

The 2021 Economic Survey showed the number of registered minibuses/matatus declined by 43.9%, from 1,932 units in 2019 to 1,084 units in 2020.

long distance travel buses

Climax Coaches online booking, offices, routes, owners, and contacts

However, the business has started picking after the government announced the resumption of night travel and return to full passenger capacity.

Do you have a groundbreaking story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through [email protected] or WhatsApp: 0732482690.

List of best-managed bus companies according to Who Owns Kenya .

1. Easy Coach

Easy Coach has received more than 10 awards, according to its website.

Some awards include the best-maintained bus PSV bus company in East Africa (2012), best-maintained passenger award (2012) and outstanding customer care awards.

The bus company started its services in 2003 after Azym Dossa founded it.

It has 37 branches spread across the country, and main operates from Nairobi to different regions in North Rift, South Rift, Nyanza and Western Kenya.

It also transports passengers to Kampala, Uganda and has a fleet of over 100 buses.

long distance travel buses

Kenyan Crime Hotspots in 2021: Nairobi, Kiambu Listed among Counties with Most Criminal Activities

2. Modern Coast Express Ltd

It's a luxury coach company operating within Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda.

Modern Coast offers both passenger and parcel services and has over 60 buses.

The late Shahid Pervez Butt, who was gunned down July 11, 2014, owned the company.

Its managing director is Haroon Butt.

3. Tahmeed Coach

Tahmeed Coach operates within the East African region.

It has a fleet of over 50 buses connecting major towns in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

The bus company has been in the market for over a decade.

Top Destinations

  • Nairobi - Mombasa.
  • Nairobi - Kampala.
  • Nairobi - Dar es Salaam.
  • Mombasa - Dar es Salaam.
  • Mombasa - Malaba.
  • Mombasa - Kitale.

4. Guardian Angel

The family of the late Ong’era Muturi owns Guardian Angel Coaches.

Routes to and fro

  • Nairobi - Busia
  • Nairobi - Oyugis.
  • Nairobi - Kisumu.
  • Nairobi - Kakamega.
  • Nairobi - Siaya.
  • Nairobi - Homabay.
  • Nairobi - Malaba.
  • Nairobi- Kisii.

long distance travel buses

Kenyan Newspapers Review: Raila Asks Mt Kenya Azimio Aspirants to Include His Portrait in Campaign Posters

5. Transline Classic Ltd

Launched in 2005, Transline Classic Ltd has over 50 fleets.

Its main route is Nairobi-Kisii and offers passenger services to other North Rift and Western Kenya towns such as Eldoret , Kakamega, Kitale, Bungoma, Migori, Busia and Kisumu.

Evans Nyagaka Anyona, a Form Four dropout, is the brains behind the bus company.

He later brought on board James Bichange and Haron Kamau, who are other shareholders.

6. Dreamline Express

Dreamline Express managed by Abdulraham Abdulaziz plies several routes including:

  • Nairobi- Mombasa.
  • Nairobi - Kigali.
  • Nairobi - Malindi.
  • Mombasa - Migori.
  • Mombasa - Kisumu.
  • Mombasa - Kitui.
  • Kampala - Bujumbura.
  • Mombasa - Eldoret - Webuye - Bungoma - Malaba.

7. Simba Coach Ltd

Simba Coach uses the Scania and Golden Dragon Bus models.

It links major Kenyan towns and has expanded to the East African region.

Main routes

  • Mombasa - Homabay.
  • Mombasa - Kitale
  • Mombasa - Busia.

long distance travel buses

List of Top Kenyan Companies Led by Women Chief Executive Officers

8. Crown Bus

Crown Bus is run by Coastline safaris and offers both passenger and courier services.

It links Mombasa to Western, Nyanza and Eastern counties.

It has over 60 coaches.

9. Mash East Africa.

Mash East Africa was founded in 2002 and its general manager in the region is Lennox Shallo.

It was previously named Mash Bus Services Ltd before it was rebranded.

Its destinations are towns across Kenya and East Africa.

10. Horizon Coach

The bus company mainly plies the Mombasa-Nairobi route.

PAY ATTENTION: Help us change more lives, join TUKO.co.ke’s Patreon programme.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Japhet Ruto (Current Affairs and Business Editor) Japhet Ruto is an award-winning TUKO.co.ke journalist with over eight years of working experience in the media industry. Ruto graduated from Moi University in 2015 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication and Journalism. He is a Business & Tech Editor. Ruto won the 2019 BAKE Awards’ Agriculture Blog of the Year. He was named TUKO.co.ke's best current affairs editor in 2020 and 2021. In 2022 and 2023, he was TUKO.co.ke's best business editor. He completed the Experimenting with new formats and Advance digital reporting curriculum from Google News Initiative. Email: [email protected].

Charter Every Thing, Inc

Get Your Instant Quote

Charter bus services.

  • Corporate Bus Rentals
  • School Trips
  • Wedding Shuttle Bus Services
  • Church Trips
  • Atlantic City Trips
  • Family Group Trips
  • Winter Special Ski Trips
  • Shuttle Services
  • Nights on the Town
  • Dinner & Show Transfers
  • Adventure Parks
  • Bachelor Parties
  • Prom Rentals
  • Local & Long Distance Trips

NYC-Bus-Charter

Where The Road Forks

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.

Bus Vs Train Travel: Pros and Cons

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.

long distance travel buses

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.

a bus in Africa

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.

An old Greyhound bus

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.

An Indonesian train

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.

An airplane in the Philippines

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.

a modern train

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!

More from Where The Road Forks

  • How to Plan a Round-the-World Trip
  • Backpack Vs Suitcase for Travel
  • How to Provide Proof of Onward Travel
  • How to Meet People While Traveling Alone

Zachary Friedman

Zachary Friedman is an accomplished travel writer and professional blogger. Since 2011, he has traveled to 66 countries and 6 continents. He founded ‘Where The Road Forks’ in 2017 to provide readers with information and insights based on his travel and outdoor recreation experience and expertise. Zachary is also an avid cyclist and hiker. Living as a digital nomad, Zachary balances his professional life with his passions for hiking, camping, cycling, and worldwide exploration. For a deeper dive into his journey and background, visit the About page. For inquiries and collaborations, please reach out through the Contact page. You can also follow him on Facebook.

Sharing is caring!

Sign me up for the newsletter!

Sunday 30th of January 2022

Concerning the fact that bus travelling is less safe then train travelling. It is not true. The problem is that statistics, train accidents includes all death and injuries related to train. Most of deaths comes because train can hit other vehicles, bycicles and people who cross the tracks. Train passengers are safe and very rarely get injured during train travel, but train accidents includes all accidents where train are involved. If train hits a car and kills somebody, it is a train accident.

Monday 26th of September 2022

@Ivan Dusan, Oh, so it's only OTHER people who are more likely to die. Great, I feel so much better now! Sign me up!

Frommer's - Home

This New Long-Distance Bus Service Has a Bed for Each Passenger

Img 2166

By Zac Thompson

06/01/2022, 9:00 AM

A new luxury coach service wants to make buses with beds a viable alternative to air travel. 

Known as Napaway Coach , the start-up offers passengers rides on a bus equipped with 18 "private suites," each with two seats that can be converted into one lie-flat bed (pictured above) measuring 6.5-feet long and 40 inches wide. 

You also get a memory foam mattress pad, bedding, pillows, and other sleep-friendly amenities. Each unit has a pull-down privacy screen and, in case you want to work or wind down before nodding off, you can access high-speed Wi-Fi and an onboard entertainment library from your seat.

Napaway's first route, between Washington, D.C. , and Nashville, Tennessee , is scheduled to debut Friday, June 17. 

The bus will depart from 131 M St. NE in D.C. on Friday nights at 10pm, arriving at 421 Rep. John Lewis Way N in Downtown Nashville around 7:30am the following morning. 

The return coach leaves Nashville on Sunday at 8pm and pulls into Washington around 7:30am the next day.

long distance travel buses

One-way tickets for the 10.5-hour red-eye start at $125. 

Flights between the two cities, on the other hand, take less than two hours but usually cost more unless you fly Basic Economy, in which case you likely won't get overhead bin space for a carry-on and definitely won't get room to lie down (or, for that matter, stretch your legs). 

As for other ground-based options, Amtrak can cost about as much as flying on that route, and Greyhound's bus service, though easily the cheapest option (about $65 during the week and around $90 on weekends), will take as long as Napaway but without the comfort. 

In a news release, Napaway founder Dan Aronov touts the stress-free and convenient aspects of his coach service. 

"We’re trying to eliminate all the dead time involved in traveling, like spending most of a day in transit for a flight that might only take an hour or two in the air," he says. "With Napaway, there is no wasted time. You just board, relax, sleep, and arrive at your destination.”

There are “no airports, no security lines, nobody sitting next to you, no stress, and no last-minute rip-offs," he adds.

According to the company, weekday service and routes between other cities will be announced soon. 

For more information or to book tickets, go to Napaway.com .

Get inspired banner image

  • All Regions
  • Australia & South Pacific
  • Caribbean & Atlantic
  • Central & South America
  • Middle East & Africa
  • North America
  • Washington, D.C.
  • San Francisco
  • New York City
  • Los Angeles
  • Arts & Culture
  • Beach & Water Sports
  • Local Experiences
  • Food & Drink
  • Outdoor & Adventure
  • National Parks
  • Winter Sports
  • Travelers with Disabilities
  • Family & Kids
  • All Slideshows
  • Hotel Deals
  • Car Rentals
  • Flight Alerts
  • Credit Cards & Loyalty Points
  • Cruise News
  • Entry Requirements & Customs
  • Car, Bus, Rail News
  • Money & Fees
  • Health, Insurance, Security
  • Packing & Luggage
  • -Arthur Frommer Online
  • -Passportable
  • Road Trip Guides
  • Alaska Made Easy
  • Great Vacation Ideas in the U.S.A.
  • Best of the Caribbean
  • Best of Mexico
  • Cruise Inspiration
  • Best Places to Go 2024

long distance travel buses

8 Best RVs for Long-Distance Travel

Planning a long-distance adventure on the open road? Choosing the right RV can make all the difference. From luxurious Class A motorhomes to compact and efficient Class B camper vans, there are plenty of options to suit every traveler’s needs. Here’s a look at the 8 best RVs for long-distance travel, each offering unique features to ensure a comfortable and memorable journey.

Winnebago Travato

long distance travel buses

Known for its efficiency and versatility, the Winnebago Travato is a compact yet comfortable RV. It includes a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping quarters, all within a streamlined design. Built on a RAM ProMaster chassis, it ensures a smooth ride and impressive fuel economy. Solar panels and advanced insulation make it ideal for off-grid adventures. Its size makes it easy to maneuver in both urban and rural areas.

Tiffin Phaeton

long distance travel buses

The Tiffin Phaeton stands out in the Class A motorhome category for its luxury and spaciousness. A powerful Freightliner chassis with a Cummins diesel engine ensures a reliable and smooth ride. Inside, the Phaeton boasts leather seating, a full kitchen, and a master suite with a king-size bed. Multiple slide-outs provide ample living space, and advanced technology systems add convenience and entertainment.

Fleetwood Bounder

long distance travel buses

The Fleetwood Bounder is a durable and spacious Class A motorhome. Featuring a robust Ford chassis and a powerful engine, it’s perfect for long-distance travel. Inside, the Bounder offers a well-equipped kitchen, a large bathroom, and multiple sleeping arrangements. Ample storage space and advanced technology enhance convenience and entertainment.

Pleasure-Way Plateau

long distance travel buses

The Pleasure-Way Plateau, built on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, offers a perfect blend of luxury and efficiency. High-quality materials adorn the interior, which includes a fully equipped kitchen, spacious wet bath, and comfortable sleeping area. Excellent fuel economy and advanced safety features make it ideal for long-distance travel.

Leisure Travel Vans Unity

long distance travel buses

The Leisure Travel Vans Unity is a Class B+ motorhome offering luxury and efficiency. Built on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, it provides excellent fuel economy and a smooth driving experience. High-quality materials adorn the interior, including a fully equipped kitchen, spacious bathroom, and comfortable sleeping area. Advanced safety features and user-friendly controls enhance the travel experience a master suite with a king-size bed. Multiple slide-outs provide generous living space.

Coachmen Leprechaun

long distance travel buses

The Coachmen Leprechaun is a reliable and affordable Class C motorhome. Built on a Ford E-450 chassis with a powerful V10 engine, it’s well-suited for long-distance travel. Inside, find a fully equipped kitchen, spacious bathroom, and various sleeping arrangements. Multiple slide-outs expand the living space.

Thor Motor Coach Four Winds

long distance travel buses

The Thor Motor Coach Four Winds combines luxury and practicality in a Class C motorhome. Featuring a Ford E-450 chassis and a powerful V10 engine, it offers a reliable and comfortable ride. Inside, find leather seating, a full kitchen, and a master suite with a king-size bed. Multiple slide-outs enhance the living space.

Coachmen Mirada

long distance travel buses

The Coachmen Mirada is a Class A motorhome that combines affordability with luxury. Built on a Ford F53 chassis, it offers a robust V8 engine for reliable long-distance travel. The interior includes a full kitchen, a spacious bathroom, and multiple sleeping arrangements. Multiple slide-outs provide ample living space, and advanced technology systems enhance convenience.

This article originally appeared on  MyCarMakesNoise .

More from MyCarMakesNoise

20 Wild Street-Legal Motorcycles That Will Blow Your Mind

long distance travel buses

Street-legal motorcycles can combine the thrill of racing with the practicality of everyday use. Some models push the boundaries of performance and design while still being road-legal. Read More .

13 Timeless Vintage Convertibles That Always Impress

long distance travel buses

Vintage convertibles have an undeniable allure that transcends generations, epitomizing the essence of open-air driving with their iconic designs and robust performance. These timeless classics symbolize freedom and style, captivating collectors and driving enthusiasts worldwide. Read More .

20 Fascinating Camaro Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

long distance travel buses

The Chevrolet Camaro has long been a favorite among car enthusiasts, known for its powerful performance and iconic design. But beyond the roar of the engine and sleek exterior, there’s a wealth of intriguing facts that often go unnoticed. Read More .

Avatar photo

Author: Dave Johnston

Related articles.

long distance travel buses

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Recent Posts

Is It Illegal To Drive With Airbag Light On

MyCarMakesNoise.com

Copyright © 2024 My Car Makes Noise

long distance travel buses

Tuk-Tuks are for Tourists: Secrets for Getting Around Thailand

Exploring Thailand is relatively easy, but its easy to get overwhelmed by the numbers of options when it comes to getting around.

Depending on where you are in Thailand, you may choose a unique and traditional mode of transportation, like ride-shares, taxis or local buses, as well as songthaews.

In big cities like Bangkok , you will find the chaotic driving overwhelming, so you may decide the metro or BTS sky train to be a safer and less stressful option.

Needless to say, there are many options of public transport when getting around Thailand. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to each transportation option and when you would use them.

Meter Taxis & Ride-Share Apps

Metro or bts, long-distance bus, night train, internal flights, long tail boats, learn to love slow, unpredictable transit, more helpful posts on thailand, how to get around in thailand.

Whether you’re looking for an adventurous mode of transport or you want something simple, these are the best ways to get around Thailand…

When my partner, Brent, and I first arrived in Thailand , it seemed like we were having nothing but bad luck when it came to taking tuk-tuks.

The drivers were constantly trying to charge us outrageous prices, leading us off on unwanted detours, and attempting to short-change us at the end of the ride.

Brent was filling one of our Thai co-workers in on the latest of our disaster stories, and the explanation for our woes seemed quite simple to her: “Because tuk-tuks are for tourists.”

Once she pointed this out, it seemed obvious: I never see Thai people riding around in tuk-tuks.

Tuk-tuks can be fun, but as a means for travel, they are not the best option. Not only are they expensive but they can be a bit of a scam in terms of what you get for the price.

In my experience, most businesses in Thailand will unabashedly charge foreigners more than they charge locals.

Therefore, chances are, if you’re traveling like a foreign tourist, you’re probably getting charged like one too. If you want to get around Thailand on a budget , you need to learn how to travel like a Thai person, not a tourist.

Unless you want to ride in a tuk tuk for the ride itself, we don’t recommend it.

Almost everyone owns motorbikes or a scooter in Thailand. It’s therefore no surprise that, by far, the cheapest and easiest way to get around in any Thai city is to rent your own scooter or motorcycle.

For about $5 per day, a scooter rental gives you the freedom to go where you want, when you want. That said, not everyone is comfortable on a scooter, and traffic in some cities isn’t suited to newbies.

For those who don’t want to rent their own, scooter taxis are a good alternative which you can order on Grab or Bolt. Scooter taxis are easily recognizable because the drivers typically wear a brightly coloured vest.

They are as quick as tuk-tuks, but in my experience, the drivers are less likely to overcharge. In fact, in smaller towns the drivers often charge a low flat rate to travel anywhere within the city.

Fair warning, many scooter rentals ask for your passport as a deposit or a large fee in cash. Always choose the cash!

You technically need an international driver’s license to rent a scooter in Thailand, but as long as you have a driver’s license you should be fine. And there are police check points, so if you have no license don’t risk it.

These look like open pick-ups trucks with parallel benches in the back. They run within cities like a local bus, or on short routes between nearby cities.

There’s no official “stop” for songthaews, so you just stand by the side of the road and flag one down as it passes. They’re usually quite colourful, and full of people, making it easy to see them coming up the street. Hop inside the back, and then pay the driver when you get off.

Typically, you’ll be charged a set fare to ride to anywhere along the songthaew’s route.

If you’re carrying a lot of baggage, scooters and songthaews may not be practical options. In this case, I recommend meter taxis, or yellow taxis, over tuk-tuks.

If you ask the driver to run the meter for your trip, you almost always end up paying less than if you try to haggle over a fare with a tuk-tuk driver.

Nowadays, it’s easier and more cost effective to use ride-share apps such as Grab and Bolt, which are the Asian versions of Uber.

You can also order yellow taxis on these apps, but the good thing is the price is agreed beforehand and you can pay through the app, so no need to worry about counting your cash to make sure you have enough money.

When in Bangkok, it can be overwhelming navigating its bustling streets, though this becomes a breeze with the efficient and convenient Metro and BTS systems.

The Metro, known as the MRT, covers major areas like Sukhumvit, Silom, and Chatuchak Market, whisking you away to popular shopping destinations and cultural landmarks.

The BTS Skytrain stretches across both elevated and underground tracks, offering stunning views of the city skyline while effortlessly taking you to places like Siam Paragon, Terminal 21, and Chao Phraya River.

With air-conditioned carriages and frequent train arrivals, the Metro and BTS are a comfortable and reliable way to explore Bangkok .

Traveling long distances by bus in Thailand is not only affordable but also a convenient way to explore the country.

Thailand has an extensive bus network, which allows you to reach practically anywhere in Thailand by bus.

Despite its previous poor reputation, bus travel in Thailand has undergone significant improvements, offering more comfort and reliability.

VIP buses are especially popular for long-haul journeys, providing a comfortable and sometimes even luxurious experience with WiFi, free bottles of water and snacks.

You can get from Bangkok to popular destinations like Krabi or Phuket, buses offer budget-friendly options for travelers.

Taking a night train in Thailand is a memorable experience. The most popular route is between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, and is yet another affordable way to travel.

These sleeper trains provide comfortable accommodations, allowing passengers to rest in cozy berths during the journey. If you want to travel super budget, you can opt for a third-class seat which is a seat rather than a bunk.

But even first-class tickets are cheap.

Whether you choose a lower or upper berth, the night train promises an adventure filled with comfort, convenience, and breathtaking scenery.

Taking domestic flights in Thailand is another convenient and efficient way to get from A to B. With several budget airlines offering domestic flights, including Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, Thai Smile, and Thai Air Asia, travelers have plenty of options to choose from.

These airlines operate from major airport hubs like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket , Krabi, and Koh Samui, ensuring easy connectivity to popular destinations.

Internal flights in Thailand are known for their affordability, making it a cost-effective option for travelers, but you do need to book in advance to get a good deal.

Taking longtail boats is a unique and authentic way to explore the country’s stunning waterways and coastal areas.

Longtail boats, also known as reua hang yao, are traditional wooden boats with long propeller shafts, making them distinctively Thai.

They are not only used for touristy rides but also serve as ferries, cargo boats, and transportation between islands.

Whether you’re island hopping, getting from Ao Nang to Railay Beach, exploring the Bangkok klongs (canals), or simply enjoying a leisurely cruise along the Andaman Sea, longtail boats provide a charming and immersive experience.

You can also do border crossings between Thailand and Laos on a long tail boat, which is a unique experience.

Ferries are one of the best ways to get to the islands in Thailand. With numerous ferry routes connecting places like Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi Islands, Phuket, and Krabi, travelers have plenty of options to choose from.

Ferry travel in Thailand is generally considered safe, though it can be slow.

Various ferry companies, such as Lomprayah, Raja Ferry Port, and Seatran Ferry, operate reliable services.

Tickets can be easily booked through platforms like 12Go.asia or from the ticket counters at the port.

Tips for Navigating Public Transport in Thailand

To make sure you are able to get around Thailand with ease, here are some words of advice…

It doesn’t take a lot of effort to learn how to say “hello”, “thank you”, and “how are you?” in Thai, but it makes a world of difference in how you’re treated. (“Sawadee,” “Kop Kuhn,” “Sabadee mai?”- respectively)

If you show your driver that you speak a little Thai, you will seem less like a wide-eyed tourist who just got off the plane, ready to fall for anything. Trying to make some taxi conversation helps the driver see you as a person, rather than just another dumb foreigner.

The use of a few polite phrases in Thai almost always leads to a better price and a shorter route. For example, once during a meter taxi ride, our driver suggested that he take us to the nearest metro stop, because the rush hour traffic was going to make the ride to our destination unusually expensive.

He could easily have kept driving and not warned us, leaving us to pay the inflated fare. I can’t be sure, but I think he gave us a break because he was charmed by our broken attempts at Thai. A little Thai also goes a long way towards getting a warmer reception and more assistance at bus and train stations.

I’ve had to get used to the fact that it’s very difficult to make plans around transport between cities and provinces in Thailand. It’s not always possible to find bus and train timetables online, let alone book a seat in advance. Trains and buses are frequently very late, slow, and crowded.

Buying a ticket doesn’t mean that you won’t end up squatting in the aisle because all of the seats are taken. Getting around in Thailand became a lot easier for me once I stopped worrying about when I was going to get to my destination.

The craziness of the transport system becomes more manageable when you view it as an adventure, rather than a hassle. There’s something strangely magical about a long, slow ride on the rickety Thai railway, with the windows open to combat the sweaty heat, listening to the vendors calling out for passengers to buy food as they walk up and down the aisles.

When you stop taking transport seriously, you can start to enjoy the journey and have some fun figuring out the best ways to get around Thailand.

  • Guide to Planning a Trip to Thailand with Kids
  • 3-Day Bangok Itinerary: The Best of Bangkok In 2023
  • The Ultimate 5 Day Phuket Itinerary for 2023
  • 23 Helpful Tips for Traveling to Thailand with Kids

BIO : Jessica has been working/volunteering her way through Europe and Southeast Asia with her partner, Brent, since September 2011. The projects are varied: from gardening at a retreat center in Germany to teaching ESL in Thailand. Check out Ways of Wanderers  for her latest stories and travel advice.

Exploring Thailand is relatively easy, but its easy to get overwhelmed by the numbers of options when it comes to getting around. Depending on where you are in Thailand, you may choose a unique and …   Tuk-Tuks are for Tourists: Secrets for Getting Around Thailand Read More »

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

UK Edition Change

  • UK Politics
  • News Videos
  • Paris 2024 Olympics
  • Rugby Union
  • Sport Videos
  • John Rentoul
  • Mary Dejevsky
  • Andrew Grice
  • Sean O’Grady
  • Photography
  • Theatre & Dance
  • Culture Videos
  • Fitness & Wellbeing
  • Food & Drink
  • Health & Families
  • Royal Family
  • Electric Vehicles
  • Car Insurance Deals
  • Lifestyle Videos
  • UK Hotel Reviews
  • News & Advice
  • Simon Calder
  • Australia & New Zealand
  • South America
  • C. America & Caribbean
  • Middle East
  • Politics Explained
  • News Analysis
  • Today’s Edition
  • Home & Garden
  • Broadband deals
  • Fashion & Beauty
  • Travel & Outdoors
  • Sports & Fitness
  • Climate 100
  • Sustainable Living
  • Climate Videos
  • Solar Panels
  • Behind The Headlines
  • On The Ground
  • Decomplicated
  • You Ask The Questions
  • Binge Watch
  • Travel Smart
  • Watch on your TV
  • Crosswords & Puzzles
  • Most Commented
  • Newsletters
  • Ask Me Anything
  • Virtual Events
  • Wine Offers
  • Betting Sites

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in

LNER train strikes: Everything you need to know about the upcoming industrial action

Airlines and long-distance bus operators are delighted that once again the railway industry is delivering thousands more passengers to them, article bookmarked.

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

Striking pose: Train drivers belonging to the Aslef union outside London King’s Cross, hub for LNER services, on a previous day of industrial action

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts

Get simon calder’s travel email, thanks for signing up to the simon calder’s travel email.

Train drivers belonging to the Aslef union and working for LNER will resume strike action on 31 August – and continue for 11 weekends, up to and including 10 January.

Their last walk-out was in May. But the reason for this stoppage is very different. The previous pay dispute rumbled on for three summers and was finally settled with a no-strings pay offer by the incoming Labour government.

This fresh bout of industrial action, announced two days after the agreement to boost wages by 15 per cent over three years, solely involves LNER . This is the state-owned train operator on the East Coast main line, which connects London King’s Cross with Yorkshire, northeast England and Scotland.

Aslef accuses the rail firm of “bullying by management and persistent breaking of agreements”. LNER says: “We are surprised and disappointed to hear this news following recent constructive conversations.”

Caught in the middle, once again, the long-suffering passenger.

These are the key questions and answers.

Spell out the strike dates?

Train drivers will stop work every weekend from 31 August/1 September to 9/10 November. The walk-outs are aimed much more at holidaymakers, football fans and students returning to university than commuters. Saturday and Sunday are two of the busiest days of the week for rail travel, and naturally Aslef intends to cause as much disruption as possible.

What are the two sides saying?

Nigel Roebuck, Aslef’s full-time officer in northeast England, who leads on negotiations with LNER, says: “LNER does not employ enough drivers to deliver the services it has promised passengers, and the government, it will run.

“It has always relied on favours and goodwill and, when that evaporated, they started to try to bully our members.

“This dispute started nigh-on two years ago with our members complaining about consistently being badgered for ‘favours’ by managers outside of rostering agreements.”

The union is also unhappy about driver-managers covering “service gaps”.

Mr Roebuck says: “These managers who were, on strike days, scabbing, were paid a bounty of £500 per shift if it was their rest day or £175 for a normal working day. That’s on top of their salaries for their substantive roles of between £82,000 and £96,000.

“Industrial relations with our local reps are at breaking point and normal machinery of negotiation items are left undealt with or ignored.

“Relationships are toxic.”

When the strikes were called, a spokesperson for LNER said: “We are surprised and disappointed to hear this news following recent constructive conversations.

“We will continue to work with Aslef to find a way to end this long-running dispute which only damages the rail industry.

“Our priority focus will be on minimising disruption to customers during the forthcoming Aslef strikes, which sadly will continue to cause disruption and delays.”

What is the likely impact?

LNER is expected to run about one-third of its normal services – the vast majority on the core line from London King’s Cross to York, Newcastle and Edinburgh. On Saturday 31 August, services will begin at around 8.30am, with the final departures around 4.30pm and the last arrivals at about 9.30pm. London-Edinburgh trains will be every two hours, with more frequent services between London and York.

A few trains are likely to run direct between Leeds and London, but most travellers will connect at Doncaster.

Almost all the trains say sold out …

Yes, they do – on the LNER website, from Edinburgh to London only the 4.30pm southbound service on Saturday 31 August is shown as available. But by buying a Super Off Peak ticket from Haymarket you are able to step on board any LNER train – with the proviso that you may need to stand for some or all of the journey.

What alternatives are there?

Between London and Edinburgh, you can try to find seats on the budget rail operator Lumo or the slower Avanti West Coast route; go by road; or head for the airport. London to Newcastle offers much the same options; but instead of Avanti West Coast you can opt for Grand Central to nearby Sunderland and then travel by Metro to Newcastle.

With demand for the few trains that are running, flights on British Airways , easyJet or Ryanair from Edinburgh to London are likely to be cheaper than rail.

The long-distance bus companies – FlixBus, Megabus and National Express – are laying on extra coaches to meet demand for their services.

Are there shorter journeys on the East Coast main line?

The rail options look better.

  • Between Edinburgh, Newcastle and York, you can travel on CrossCountry or TransPennine Express.
  • York to London is served nonstop by Grand Central, though tickets may be scarce.
  • From Doncaster south, Hull Trains is an option, also serving Grantham. At Peterborough, Thameslink trains run south to and through central London.

Is there any chance of the strikes being called off?

The two sides seem a very long way apart. With strike rosters for the first weekend now finalised, and the 7-8 September plans nearly finished, the first four strike days look very likely to go ahead. But such is the damage caused to train drivers’ pay, the reputation of LNER for reliability and the woeful finances of the rail industry, I would be surprised if all 22 days of strikes run their course.

Meanwhile, the airlines and long-distance bus operators will be delighted that once again the railway industry is delivering thousands more passengers into their services .

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.

New to The Independent?

Or if you would prefer:

Hi {{indy.fullName}}

  • My Independent Premium
  • Account details
  • Help centre
  • Manage Account
  • Best in DFW
  • Life & Loss In Dallas
  • Things to Do
  • Public Notices
  • Help Center

news Transportation

Megabus ends routes in Dallas, rest of Texas

Routes connecting dallas, austin, san antonio and houston have been discontinued.

long distance travel buses

Trending Reporter

9:30 AM on Aug 25, 2024 CDT

Megabus has shut down its operations in Texas, effective Aug. 16, according to a notice on...

Megabus has shut down its operations in Texas, effective Aug. 16, according to a notice on the company’s website.

Routes connecting Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and Houston were discontinued, according to the notice. Customers with tickets for these services have been informed, and refunds are underway.

The express bus service expanded into Texas in 2012 , bringing its signature double-decker coaches — equipped with Wi-Fi and power outlets — that departed in Dallas from a downtown parking lot. But the pandemic hit it and its parent company hard.

Megabus is a subsidiary of Coach USA, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June and this month received permission from the court for the sale of some of its assets , according to news releases on its website.

Get the latest breaking news from North Texas and beyond.

By signing up you agree to our  Terms of Service  and  Privacy Policy

New Jersey-based Coach USA said on its website that its operations were significantly impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic and demand remains below pre-pandemic levels.

Related: Updated COVID-19 vaccines could reach pharmacies soon

Routes connecting New York, Baltimore, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., will now be operated by Peter Pan Bus Lines as part of an expanded partnership, according to the release.

Megabus said passengers who booked travel on or before Aug. 15 will receive an email with instructions on how to reschedule their trips with Peter Pan.

Additionally, routes linking New York, State College, Harrisburg, King of Prussia and Pittsburgh started transitioning to Fullington Trailways on Aug. 16.

Passengers who booked by Aug. 15 will be contacted via email with guidance on how to reschedule, according to the company.

The company’s notice said routes between Atlanta, Charlotte, Durham, Richmond and Washington, D.C., were also discontinued as of Aug. 16. Customers affected by the changes have been already notified and refunds have been processed.

All other routes in the United States and Canada will continue to operate as usual.

The 18-year-old company serves more than 500 cities and university campuses across the United States and Canada.

Maria Salette Ontiveros

Maria Salette Ontiveros , Trending Reporter . Maria Salette Ontiveros has worked in the TV industry with KFOX and CBS in El Paso, Texas area.

IMAGES

  1. Must Know Long Distance Buses in USA

    long distance travel buses

  2. Mercedes-Benz Tourrider Buses Lets You Travel in Pure Comfort, Has

    long distance travel buses

  3. Tour Bus 1

    long distance travel buses

  4. How to Travel by Long Distance Bus

    long distance travel buses

  5. 2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Travel

    long distance travel buses

  6. Long Distance Bus Singapore Editorial Image

    long distance travel buses

VIDEO

  1. Most luxurious First Class bus in the US! NYC

COMMENTS

  1. Book Cheap Bus Tickets Online

    Bus travel has come a long way in recent years. Intercity bus trips aren't only affordable but also very comfortable thanks to onboard services and amenities. With free WiFi, you can use your trip to get work done or keep yourself entertained along the way. Comfortable seats and added legroom help you feel right at home for the duration of your ...

  2. FlixBus: Convenient and affordable bus travel in the US

    Bus Routes and Timetables to Suit Your schedule. Traveling with FlixBus is hassle-free with our modern and comfortable buses, frequent connections, and reliable schedules. Our extensive network spans almost 1,800+ destinations in 40+ countries, including major cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Plus, enjoy free WiFi on most of our ...

  3. 10 Best American Bus Companies for Cross-Country Road Travel

    Megabus. Megabus is one of the leading budget bus service providers in the United States. It offers convenient, low-cost city-to-city travel with more than 100 destinations across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Megabus is known for its new and updated buses, free Wi-Fi, and power outlets on board.

  4. A Guide to 10 'Luxury Bus' Lines You Can Take Instead of Amtrak

    C&J Bus Lines. C&J operates at least two daily trips, all with luxury buses, on two main routes: Connecting Boston with Dover, Portsmouth, and Seabrook New Hampshire. Trips take 55 minutes to ...

  5. Book Cheap Coach Tickets Online

    On CheckMyBus you can compare the offers of thousands of coach companies and millions of bus connections in the United Kingdom and worldwide. You can find departure times, the exact locations of departure and arrival points, all travel times, and of course the best coach ticket prices. Sort your search results by price, departure and arrival ...

  6. Long Distance Trips

    1 2 3. Traveling long distances is made easier with Charter Empire. We have been helping Americans travel across the country through multiple states safely and efficiently. To learn about the best type of charter vehicle for your trip, and to get exclusive access to a select number of discounts, call our team right now on (800) 218-1681.

  7. Book Buses

    Enter your departure and arrival cities, dates and number of passengers. Compare results, and choose the best option for you. Confirm passenger (s) details and pay online by card. Get your tickets as soon as payment has been processed.

  8. How to Travel by Long Distance Bus

    Easier to work than on a plane. You can save on accommodation by taking a night bus/train. Cheap (especially local buses) Less waiting around. More convenient departure and arrival points. Greater chance to meet locals. As you see, there are plenty of reasons to travel by long distance bus or train instead of by plane.

  9. 18 Tips To Survive Long Bus Rides and Stay Comfortable

    Grabbing a few sweet treats from a rest stop is one of the best ways to survive a long bus ride. Packing healthy snacks can help you balance out the sugar with some goodness and let you indulge in a few comforts during the journey. Keep the hunger at bay with some nuts and seeds in between the sugary snacks.

  10. Long Distance Charter Bus Rental

    Luxurious Comfort for Your Cross-Country Bus Journey. Travel in style with our charter buses, equipped with premium amenities to enhance your long-distance journey. Plush leather seats, air conditioning, state-of-the-art audio systems, and flat-screen televisions ensure a comfortable and enjoyable ride. With reclining seats and 110V USB plugs ...

  11. Traveling by bus over long distances: tips? : r/solotravel

    So, tire yourself out! That way you are more likely to sleep through the journey making the hours fade away. 2nd tip, don't buy a travel pillow, buy full size V shape pillow and squash it in a pressure sack to reduce size by up to 50 or 60%. Awesome to have full size pillow on a bus. Reply reply.

  12. List of bus companies in South Africa

    Pal bus service offers the best long-distance buses services across Southern Africa. The bus company prides itself in its reliability and excellent service. You can reach out through any of these contact details: Physical Address: 54 Springbok Street, Tasbetpark, eMalahleni. Telephone: (013) 692-7241.

  13. Rent Buses for Group Travel

    Long Distance Travel. Long Road Trips: Many large groups take long road trips that could take more than one day. Having reliable buses is our top priority to ensure that your road trip stays on time without any types of problems. Group travel can be really fun with road trips as no one needs to worry about driving anywhere throughout the trip.

  14. Overnight Trips

    Book a charter bus rental for your overnight trip as a group through us. Get a free quote online, or give us a call at 1-800-439-2015. ... Rent a Charter Bus for Overnight Trips Travel safely, reliably, and comfortably with one of our trained and licensed drivers for your next overnight long distance trip.

  15. Eldo Coaches Bus Ticket Bookings 2024/2025

    Booking an Eldo Coaches ticket. Website bookings: bookings could be done and paid for via their website (www.eldocoaches.co.za), but this is no longer working. Call centre bookings: their call centre is available on 086 113 5367. Email Eldo Coaches at [email protected] or [email protected].

  16. Discovering Different Types of Buses for Long-Distance Adventures

    Sleeper Buses. Semi-Sleeper Buses. Coach and Motor Coaches. Minicoaches and minibusses. Double-Decker and Single-Decker Buses. Embarking on long-distance adventures offers you a unique chance to explore new horizons comfortably and sustainably. With a variety of bus types available through online bus booking platforms,like EaseMyTrip, finding ...

  17. 5 Essential Tips To Survive A Long-Distance Bus Travel

    4. Have plenty of water and toilet paper. Just because you are on a long-distance bus ride, it does not change the fact that your body needs to function. That being said, bringing plenty of water on your journey is very crucial. If you run out, be sure to get down from the bus during the breaks and buy a bottle or two.

  18. Taking KTEL Long-Distance Buses in Greece

    Many travelers will take buses from Athens; KTEL operates two terminals serving different locations (and located far apart from each other). Make sure you know which terminal you need for your destination. ΚΤΕL Athens number: (011-30) 210 5129432. Terminal A: Leoforos Kifisou 100. Athina, Greece. +30 801 114 4000. Terminal B: Kotsika 2.

  19. List of Best Managed Long-Distance Bus Companies in Kenya, Owners

    List of best-managed bus companies according to Who Owns Kenya. 1. Easy Coach. Easy Coach has received more than 10 awards, according to its website. Some awards include the best-maintained bus PSV bus company in East Africa (2012), best-maintained passenger award (2012) and outstanding customer care awards.

  20. safety of buses in the USA? : r/solotravel

    Yes, buses are safe but uncomfortable. Many, many years ago, I took Greyhound Bus from New York to Chicago but I was much, much younger then and saving money mattered more than comfort. Lots of students travel by bus to go to their universities or visit home during holidays. 13.

  21. Local & Long Distance Trips, Bus Rental Company

    We'll make sure all drivers are good at handling any problem they face while on the roads. Don't think so much if you really need a break from the everyday hassle and you are looking for local or long distance bus transportation. Give us call toll free 888-696-5287 and start packing for your trip. Use This Option & SAVE $25.

  22. Bus Vs Train Vs Plane Travel: Pros and Cons

    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.

  23. This New Long-Distance Bus Service Has a Bed for Each Passenger

    06/01/2022, 9:00 AM. A new luxury coach service wants to make buses with beds a viable alternative to air travel. Known as Napaway Coach, the start-up offers passengers rides on a bus equipped with 18 "private suites," each with two seats that can be converted into one lie-flat bed (pictured above) measuring 6.5-feet long and 40 inches wide.

  24. 8 Best RVs for Long-Distance Travel

    The Coachmen Mirada is a Class A motorhome that combines affordability with luxury. Built on a Ford F53 chassis, it offers a robust V8 engine for reliable long-distance travel. The interior includes a full kitchen, a spacious bathroom, and multiple sleeping arrangements.

  25. Tuk-Tuks are for Tourists: Secrets for Getting Around Thailand

    Tuk-tuks can be fun, but as a means for travel, they are not the best option. ... Long-Distance Bus. Traveling long distances by bus in Thailand is not only affordable but also a convenient way to ...

  26. LNER train strikes: Everything you need to know about the upcoming

    Airlines and long-distance bus operators are delighted that once again the railway industry is delivering thousands more passengers to them Simon Calder Travel Correspondent

  27. Megabus ends routes in Dallas, rest of Texas

    The express bus service expanded into Texas in 2012, bringing its signature double-decker coaches.