See The Country and Travel Around the USA by Bus
Visitors to the US have many options when it comes to getting around. Even though gas has risen considerably in the last few years, renting a car is still a good option. Nevertheless, when the journey distance is more than a few hours, it is the plane that usually wins. Of course you must not forget traveling by bus which is still popular and convenient but not everyone is aware of how to gauge if this is the best method or not.
Using the bus service in the United States.
S. In truth there is a wide range of service offered, from luxury to budget, depending on the bus carrier. The bus industry is predominantly run by Greyhound, the only company which offers nation-wide bus transport. There are a couple of other large names, such as: Trailways and Coach USA but these are just networks of smaller privately owned carriers that have decided to share the same livery and marketing arrangement. In addition there are several strong regional players in the bus industry, although they may share service with Greyhound on certain routes.
One new entrant has entered the market called ‘Chinatown bus’ – an expression used to describe the less costly bus companies who offer chopped down services on certain specified routes and are less costly than the conventional buys services. Originally these carriers tended to operate in, and cater to, the Chinese immigrant community but now the phenomenon appeals to a much wider group of customers. If you are someone who does not like to fly, do not be dismayed as the luxury bus services available now are competing directly with the airlines for their business. Generally speaking, these services are used by people that are no further away than six hours say but can experience 1st class facilities on board the bus.
So, how should you decide when the bus is your best option? Here are a few questions that might help you make your decision: What is your budget? If you are on a tight budget you won’t be able to beat the bus for price. Bus journey is by far one of the most affordable ways to commute in the US, more so in the Northeast which is one of the most traveled destinations in the country with many companies vying with each other for customers.
Would you require a car on arrival at your destination? There is no need to lumber yourself with a car if it is not necessary and many US cities have, in recent years, become less accommodating to car users which can be a real problem.
How far are you going? If you are traveling less than a five or six hours it is probably faster to take the bus than to fly when you factor in waiting time at the airport. Plus, a bus would normally take you right to the heart of the city, which adds to your convenience as you do not have to loiter around the city trying to find your way about.
Where are you going? It is worth noting that for many more remote destinations in the US, the bus is really the only public transportation option so if you do not drive, taking the bus may be your only choice. How much time do you have? If your trip is not rushed, you might enjoy the more leisurely pace of bus travel. If you are under time pressure, the bus is probably not the best choice as it is subject to traffic delays and usually takes a little longer than other modes of transportation. However, the bus is still viewed as the best way to get around the States for visitors especially if they want to see more remote locations. The recent rises in fuel costs have done nothing but help the bus companies and that is likely to continue as more an more people take to the bus as their preferred form of travel when going longer distances.
