Travel Planner

Getting around America is just as easy for visitors as it is for Americans. In the land of (relatively) cheap gas and expensive trains, renting a car is often the most appealing option. However, when it is a matter of inter-city travel which involves a few hours, taking a flight could be a better idea. A still cheaper option is the bus and is still used by many Americans to travel huge distances but how do you know if this is the best method.

Traveling by bus in the US.

S. The reality however is that there is plenty of categories of buses available, ranging from luxury to economy depending on the carrier. The bus industry is predominantly run by Greyhound, the only company which offers nation-wide bus transport. You may also have heard of Trailways and Coach USA who are made up of smaller companies that have joined forces to offer a certain brand and service level. Then of course there are other carriers that work on a regional basis and on some routes share it with Greyhound where they cannot supply the service themselves.

There is a new addition to the industry with the entry of ‘Chinatown bus’ a word which describes cheap bus services run by companies who operate in a clipped down manner on specific routes and, as the name suggests, charge lesser fare than the usual companies. This type of service began as a means of providing commuting assistance to Chinese immigrants but with time, it has started attracting other groups of customers also. At the other end of the market are the companies that are trying to compete directly with the airlines - providing a much more luxurious way to travel. 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 can you make up your mind when you need to travel by bus? To get an answer to this question, try answering the questions which appear below: What is your budget? If you are on a tight budget you won’t be able to beat the bus for price. It is by far the least expensive way to get between destinations in the U.

When you get to where you are going, will you really need to hire a car? New York, Boston, Washington DC) a car is not only unnecessary but will be a burden to drive and to park once you arrive.

How far are you planning to travel? If it takes less than 5 to 6 hours, you might as well take the bus as it reaches your destination faster than a plan, considering the time you spend waiting at the airport. Another advantage is a bus will likely have stop-off points in the center of the city and not on the outskirts like you experience at an airport.

Remember, not all areas of the States have an airport local to them so often a bus may be your only option. Some people prefer the more sedate form of travel afforded by a bus especially when they are in no hurry. This also means that if you are in a hurry, the bus not be the quickest way for you to reach your destination especially if it is over 6 hours away. Overall, the bus is a great option for visitors to the US who are looking for transportation between major US cities and more remote destinations alike. As the gas prices soar and train services get curtailed, this could be one of the most viable options for traveling.

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