Lewis BarbaraCity bus
Navigating city buses can be confusing the first time. Before you take the bus, familiarize yourself with the different bus routes in the city and identify the departure and arrival stops.
Interstate bus
The leading bus company with the most routes and stations in the United States is Greyhound. Other interstate bus companies include Megabus, Trailways and Boltbus. We recommend booking your interstate bus seat in advance. You can do this online, by phone or at the station.
On the day of departure, plan to arrive at the station about an hour early to check in and check your bags. Interstate buses depart on time.
Bus fares and payment
City bus.
You can usually buy bus tickets for one trip directly from the bus driver. Just get on the bus and pay in cash. Otherwise, go to a public transport stop to pay by card or buy a bus ticket. Some cities may also allow passengers to buy bus passes by card online.
A standard one-way bus fare ranges from $1.25 to $2.75. Most US cities also offer tickets with up to 50% discount for youth, senior citizens, students, military personnel and people with disabilities.
Here are standard bus fares in several US cities with highly rated bus systems:
Seattle – $2.75
San Francisco – $2.25
Honolulu – $2.75
Pittsburgh – $2.50
Interstate bus
Buy your interstate bus ticket directly from the bus company online, by phone or at the bus station. You can also buy bus tickets from independent agents, such as convenience stores or gas stations. Greyhound allows cash-paying passengers to reserve seats in advance and pay at the station on the day of departure.
Traveling by bus may not be the most convenient, but it is the cheapest form of transport for long distance travel in the United States
Examples of standard fares for popular Greyhound routes:
Boston – Philadelphia – $21
Los Angeles – San Francisco – $25
New York – Boston – $13
Like most public transport systems, bus companies offer discounts for different passengers. For example, Greyhound provides discounts for children, students, active and retired military personnel, and seniors. They also offer lower prices on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Tips for traveling by bus
Use a Map app – a GPS route planning app such as CityMapper or Google Maps is a useful tool for navigating city bus routes.
Buy a bus ticket. Multi-ride tickets and bus passes are a great way to save money if you plan to stay in one city for a long time.
Mark your luggage – Passengers traveling by bus between states must check full-size luggage, so make sure it is clearly marked. Checking large items such as skis or surfboards may incur additional fees.
Find the bus station – interstate bus stations may be on the outskirts of the city. When planning your departure, consider the time it will take you to get there.