teach905

I hear all of the news about the busses into NYC, especially the China busses. Is Bolt Bus safe to use. We are driving to DC and then on to NYC. It seems leaving the car in DC and taking the bus to NYC is the most economical since we do not need the car in NYC. Where can we leave the car in DC if we do this option. We are planning on doing this next week so I really need some help in this.

In trying to book online, I am having some trouble doing a round trip. Is there a trick to the website I am missing?

Thanks

vjpblovesitaly

Where are you staying? Does BOlt leave from Union Station? If so, parking there is $22 or $24/24 hour period.

vjpblovesitaly

re Round Trip:

I also tried to do that from the Purchase Now pull down options (on the page after you choose your departure date)

Choices are:
Buy Now
Book Round Trip
Add To Cart
Purchase by Phone

and it did not work. I closed out of the website and a few minutes later I went back in and it worked.

tomfuller

You don't "need" a car in either city. Where are you coming from and where did you want to go after NYC?
How many are the "we"? You can rent a car in Union Station in DC.
This would give you the option of setting your own schedule and to stop in Baltimore or Philadelphia.
Could you park for free in Newark and take the train in from there?
The thing I like to point out about the bus is that there is only 1 bathroom. On the train, there are at least 6.
I have parked my car at the Greenbelt MD Metro station and ridden into DC from there.

vjpblovesitaly

Based on other thread, Tom, they are driving from Atlanta to Oakton, VA (approx 20 miles West of Washington, DC) to visit friends and then heading to NYC from there. They have previously explored driving and earlier today started a thread on taking the train.

basingstoke2

Bolt bus is a comfortable and good alternative to NYC. If you have a car though, consider Megabus. Megabus leaves to NYC from the White Marsh shopping center just north of Baltimore. The advantage to leaving from White Marsh is that there is free parking for Megabus passengers. After buying a ticket online - prices are comparable to Bolt - download a parking form that you fill out and keep on your dash while parked. I have done this several times, most recently June 7-8 and it is seamless. From DC to White Marsh is about an hour or so depending on traffic - a straight shot up I95 to the White Marsh exit.

Returning to White Marsh (Baltimore) the Megabus leaves from 34th st. between 11th and 12 ave. Expect lines because there are buses to a number of destination leaving from there, but with a reservation you have guaranteed boarding. White Marsh to NYC is about 3hrs and 10 minutes, again depending on traffic.

nytraveler

The Bolt or Mega bus is safe - would not trust the Chinese buses even if there are nay still operating (not sure).

The benefit of the bus is the low price.

The benefits of the train are much more comfortable and much liklier to arrive on time. (Buses may be near time - or can be an hour or two or even more late based on traffic.)

basingstoke2

Another benefit of the train is it leaves you off in a more convenient part of NYC with easy connections to public transportation, AND it is indoors in case of rain. Both Bolt and Megabus "terminals" are on the street. If you want the price of a bus, Greyhound and Peter Pan (Trailways) also have an indoor terminal and good connections to public transportation in NYC. But, they cost more than either Bolt or Megabus although less than a train.

Christina

I've taken several of them, they were all fine (Bolt, DC2NY and Washington Deluxe). I have heard Megabus is the rock bottom among these, I wouldn't take it myself, but many do, of course.

I liked Bolt. I do not agree that the train is "much more comfortable". It is a little quicker, that's the main advantage. The buses are perfectly comfortable, they have nice seats. What more do you want.

basingstoke2

Christina, I agree that the buses are perfectly comfortable. Also Bolt is a bit nicer than Megabus but both are nicer than the bus competition. The main advantage of the train is more legroom and ability to walk around. The advantage of Megabus is the free parking at White Marsh.

nytraveler

I like to get up an walk around after a couple of hours - not possible on a bus. Granted the seats are much more comfy than the plane - you knees are not squashed to your chest - but you are still stuck in the seat.

emd3

There is a very nice bus line that used to be called DC2NY ( now called bestbus.com) that leaves from several points in Northern Virginia and goes to NYC midtown. A couple departure points are at metro stations like Franconia/Springfield and Vienna. Check their stops, it may be more convenient for you sine you will be in Northern VA. $31 one way.