Megabus vs. Greyhound
May 16th, 2011, 05:50 AM
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Megabus vs. Greyhound
I'm looking to do some short distance travel from Boston to NY. I've been hearing mixed reviews about different bus companies. I'm more concerned for the best price. Has anyone used Megabus or Greyhound? How do they compare? Which is the better company to go with? Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks!
May 16th, 2011, 05:59 AM
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We used Megabus last year to go NYC to Philly and then Philly to Wash DC. One trip cost $3 each,the other $1 each. The earlier you book, the better chances to get the cheap rate. Several threads on here, use the search box above and type in Megabus. There is also Bolt bus.
For us, the fare was the dealmaker. Trip was pretty much ok, some minor things, but at that price, who cares.
For us, the fare was the dealmaker. Trip was pretty much ok, some minor things, but at that price, who cares.
May 16th, 2011, 06:14 AM
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This article does a nice job of raising the safety issue for these cheap bus services. There has been a media issue in NYC recently because of a casino bus crash.
Think is articel offers a balanced view on an issue that is worth considering.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/mas...t_bus_options/
Think is articel offers a balanced view on an issue that is worth considering.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/mas...t_bus_options/
May 16th, 2011, 10:20 AM
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Personally, I prefer BoltBus over Megabus, except that Boltbus is usually a bit pricier (still cheap though). My last several experiences with Megabus has been less than optimal due to delays. BoltBus tends to run more ontime and the seats (to me) seem a bit more comfortable.
Also, do note that while the companies advertise that the bus trip btw Boston/NYC takes 4:30; in reality, it's close to 5 hours or longer, depending on what time of day & which day of the week you're traveling.
Finally, both Megabus and Boltbus have their NY drop-off and pick-up on the street (the Boston location is an actual bus terminal). This means that if it's cold and rainy in NY, you'd have to stand in the rain and the cold to wait for the bus. This happened to me last month when I was taking Megabus from NY back to Boston. The bus showed up AN HOUR LATE, and we had no shelter from rain or wind whatsover.
Also, do note that while the companies advertise that the bus trip btw Boston/NYC takes 4:30; in reality, it's close to 5 hours or longer, depending on what time of day & which day of the week you're traveling.
Finally, both Megabus and Boltbus have their NY drop-off and pick-up on the street (the Boston location is an actual bus terminal). This means that if it's cold and rainy in NY, you'd have to stand in the rain and the cold to wait for the bus. This happened to me last month when I was taking Megabus from NY back to Boston. The bus showed up AN HOUR LATE, and we had no shelter from rain or wind whatsover.
May 16th, 2011, 11:09 AM
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The buses with safety issues have been Chinatown buses, a whole different category. To my knowledge, the only issues with Mega and Bolt have been minor -- no wifi or the plugins don't work.
Many people, especially anxious people) would find the NY street pickup (my friends only had to wait 20 minutes, but almost everyone seems to have to wait) a deal breaker. You get what you pay for. If what you are interested in is cheap transportation between two places on the I-95 corridor, they do it.
Many people, especially anxious people) would find the NY street pickup (my friends only had to wait 20 minutes, but almost everyone seems to have to wait) a deal breaker. You get what you pay for. If what you are interested in is cheap transportation between two places on the I-95 corridor, they do it.
May 17th, 2011, 09:50 AM
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I just started using Megabus not too long ago. I've been to DC a couple of times to visit my cousin. I started using Megabus because I saw a post about it on Flyertalk with a 5% cash back deal. I guess if you're buying tickets at $1 5% cash back isn't much but if you use it often it will add up. Here's the deal http://www.studentrate.com/studentra...-Discounts--/0
May 17th, 2011, 12:41 PM
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I am using Megabus for the first time in June. Cleveland to Chicago--I usually fly to Chicago but when I started looking at flights the airfares were higher than I like to pay.
When I drive to Chicago, I see Megabus on the road. I am travelling alone this visit, there are $20 in tolls between Ohio and Chicago and I don't want to pay for parking once I arrive in Chicago. I am paying $6.50RT for the bus--we'll see. I have been so busy, I am looking forward to just reading and relaxing on the bus.
When I drive to Chicago, I see Megabus on the road. I am travelling alone this visit, there are $20 in tolls between Ohio and Chicago and I don't want to pay for parking once I arrive in Chicago. I am paying $6.50RT for the bus--we'll see. I have been so busy, I am looking forward to just reading and relaxing on the bus.
Jun 7th, 2011, 05:34 AM
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Megabus is an awesome way to get from place to place. A little inconvenient at times, but the prices are unbeatable. Wingman, I'm definitely gonna use that cash back deal because O rode megabus all the time. Thanks!
Jun 7th, 2011, 05:56 AM
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Have used Megabus from Cincinnati to Chicago and can vouch for an above satisfactory experience.
The stop in Cincinnati is in front of a building that has a food court and place to sit not too far from view of the people on the sidewalk waiting. They are sheltered.
The stop in Chicago is on the street. I have never looked around to see what was nearby but I think there is something nearby to grab a bite to eat and wait.
I saw many taxis roaming at the Chicago stop so it would not be difficult to get additional transportation once you arrive there.
The free wifi worked .
I bought 2- $1 seats so I could spread out if need be, but our bus wasn't full.
I much prefer this over Greyhound for that route. No comparison.
The stop in Cincinnati is in front of a building that has a food court and place to sit not too far from view of the people on the sidewalk waiting. They are sheltered.
The stop in Chicago is on the street. I have never looked around to see what was nearby but I think there is something nearby to grab a bite to eat and wait.
I saw many taxis roaming at the Chicago stop so it would not be difficult to get additional transportation once you arrive there.
The free wifi worked .
I bought 2- $1 seats so I could spread out if need be, but our bus wasn't full.
I much prefer this over Greyhound for that route. No comparison.
