shiuri

Hi Everyone!

Has anyone traveled by Eurolines before between countries? And how was your experience using Eurolines compared to traveling on the train? Is it as reliable as the trains?

Thanks!

-- Shi

travlsolo2

What is/are Eurolines?

shiuri

Sorry! I should've explained in my question. Eurolines is a chartered bus line that travels long distances. So instead of taking the train, I can take a bus there. I have never used them before so I was wondering if anyone on here has. I heard it's much cheaper than taking the train, even with the point to point ticket.

Thanks!

-- Shi

adrienne

Is the bus less expensive than the train? Is that why you're considering it? If they're the same price I would take the train as you have more room and can walk around a bit or go to the dining car (if there is one). The bus usually takes longer than the train as you have to factor in traffic.

kybourbon

What's your itinerary? I wouldn't want to spend endless hours on a bus (waste of precious vacation time) when there are so many budget airlines in Europe (cheaper than trains). See www.whichbudget.com or www.skyscanner.net for budget airlines. They release their schedules several times a year and often have sales for as little as 1€.

shiuri

Hi kybourbon,

I am planning to fly into Budapest and spend a few days there and make my way up to Vienna and ending the trip in Prague. I have not set how many days to spend in each place yet. I am most likely going to take the train to get from place to place. Thanks for the links! I did take a look to try to find a budget flight from Vienna to Prague, and I couldn't find one! The flights were pretty expensive! So I think I may take the train.

hetismij

Eurolines buses are OK, but unless very much cheaper than the train choose the train. I have used Eurolines in the past, before cheap airlines, and they weren't too bad. Not sure I'd want to use them now though, but that may just be my age speaking.

altamiro

>I did take a look to try to find a budget flight from Vienna to Prague, and I couldn't find one!

The reason may be that unless the airport is your DESTINATION( for example to change planes), the train is more comfortable and just as fast as the plane.

basingstoke2

The bus from Vienna to Prague is much cheaper than the train and takes about the same time - maybe 15 minutes longer. We have done both and although the train was more comfortable, the bus is fine.

hanl

Like hetismij, I've used Eurolines quite a few times, mostly when I was a poor student, and before the advent of low-cost airlines.

Yes they are reliable, but obviously much slower than other modes of transport, and can be pretty uncomfortable as you can't get up and move around as you can on the train or plane. But the coaches I've been on have always been on-time, clean, well-maintained, etc.

Also, bus stations aren't always as conveniently located or easy to find as train stations in some cities (e.g. Paris) so that's worth bearing in mind.

In a nutshell, I'd consider using Eurolines if time isn't an issue for you and money is (and Eurolines works out as the cheapest option).

PalenQ

The bus stations yes are often on the outskirts of towns, by freeways - Paris for example Eurolines uses a depot on the eastern edge by the Peripherique i believe.

My impression of Eurolines is that it is not a charter operation but a regular bus company running regular routes - but a much more limited long-distance schedule than trains

and that it attracts a largely young backpacker type - could be loud?

In some countries like Spain or Italy there are domestic bus lines that compete with trains quite well on some trajectories but in other countries where buses only go where trains don't Eurolines is about the only way - especiall for cross border travel.

In any way for long rides i'd always rather be on a train where you can get up and walk around, etc. and have better windows to see out both sides.

kerouac

Eurolines is very much appreciated by the young and the extreme budget travelers. It also isn't a bad way to meet people at the rest stops.

Arriving at a certain age or financial situation, most people would not consider Eurolines to be a viable option.

A couple of years ago in France, there was a very nice story of a "heroic" Eurolines driver between Brussels and Paris. Something went wrong and the bus caught on fire. The driver managed to remove every single item of luggage from the hold before the bus was consumed by flames. Apparently the passengers just watched and applauded.

shiuri

Thanks guys! You were all very helpful! I think I will go with the train option after reading everyone's replies. ^_^

popescuvali

Eurolines is a reliable company. I come from Germany coach and in Austria we were attacked brutally by thugs (like a knife to the throat and punches). They stole our money and nobody said anything. The driver kept all of them. That happened when I stopped in a parking lot. Take action when traveling by coach.