I have never been on Greyhound.

Also, I have not been on a train since the 60's.

I have seen that I can go from St. Louis to NYC on Greyhound for $99.00, round trip. And I can go from St. Louis to New York for just over $100. Acutally Greyhound is a little faster -- an overnight trip of under 12 hours.

I guess I feel a little stupid asking this, but has anyone taken a trip on Greyhound this far (or on Amtrak). I remember loving to ride the train, but I was in grade school then.

If you have experience on Greyhound and/or Amtrak, would you please express your feelings. Under 12 hours on a bus or just over 12 hours on a train does not seem that bad. The cheapest fare via air I could find was just over $300, then there is the cost of the taxi ride from the airport to the hotel. The bus/train seemed as an alternative I might want to consider, but would like to hear from others who have tried this. BTW, I am not pressed for time.

Thanks,
gmd

Our son used Greyhound about a year ago and the only thing he didn't like was the time spent in the bus stations and the condition of the bus stations. NYC in the middle of the night was a little scarey for him. Some stations have been renovated and are just as nice as an airline terminal but others are a little rough looking.

For heaven's sake, take the train! Amtrak isn't a glamor ride now, but it beats heck out of riding a bus. You can walk around, look out the window at something besides highway litter, eat food, snack and get beverages, talk to others, meet people, play cards or board games, etc. And it's rare that the weather will keep the trains from running. No iffy stopovers in iffy stations (you're on the train to the end). If the restroom in your car is out of order, there are restrooms in other cars.

Some trains now have TVs with movies. Some food is even almost okay (although I usually bring my own for at least the first part of the trip).

It ain't the 1930s gilded age Broadway Limited, but it ain't bad -- I'd only take a bus if there were no other way to get where I was going (which, unfortunately, is plenty of places).

For an overnight trip, the quality of the food, view, or neighbors is rather irrelevent. However, I've ridden the bus at night several times, and can say it will be difficult to sleep. So, unless you'll be able to nap the day after you arrive, I find it hard to recommend it.

My family & I took Greyhound from Boston to NY in March (why? I still don't know)and it was awful. Crowded & noisey.
Never tried the St.Louis to NY run but I do ride Amtrak quite frequently from New York to Albany and back. The ride is relaxing, comfortable and surprisingly quiet even when the train is crowded with college students. A few years ago we took the Silver Meteor from NY to Miami. It was long (23 hrs.)but we all enjoyed the "family" atmosphere on-board. Train travel is not as elegant as it was but the the seating is much better then on a bus. Fellow travellers are friendly and talkative. You can walk around, play cards, read, or just stare out the window. Bring your own food (Amtrak snacks are OK but meals are iffy & expensive)& a pillow. Try First class if it's not to expensive. Enjoy the trip!

Just replied to the question about what to do on a 50th anniversary. I suggested a train trip.

By all means, try the train again. All right, it will probably be late, but if you don't have a tight schedule, so what?

You can get the story of our experience (31 days, 10,000 miles) at www.geocities.com/thetropics/lagoon/8578

Check www.amtrak.com