Travel to New York by Coach Bus
Traveling to New York City for the day by coach bus is a great and inexpensive option if you don't mind spending a few more hours of travel time. This handy guide will explain how to enjoy your trip.
Contents
Steps
- Decide when on the day you want to visit New York and then check the bus company's website. Sometimes the buses will stop at different locations or depart/arrive at different times on weekends and weekdays, so plan accordingly. Choose your departure times accordingly as well. For example, if your place of departure is relative close to New York (if you travel from Washington, DC or Boston, MA for example), you may choose an early morning bus to maximize your time in New York. If your trip is longer, you might want to take the bus with a schedule to allow you to sleep overnight on the bus and arrive at New York at a time ideal for you.
- Call the company and make a reservation. It's not wise to show up at the bus stop on the day of your trip with the money in hand and simply board the bus. (except if you take shortcut, whose tickets for aren't for a specific bus) A reservation will put your name on the list and will allow you to pay in advance.
- Choose buses with low fares if you want to save money, and don't mind giving up a few frills. Reputable companies like Megabus offer one-way fares as low as $1.00.
- Arrive at the bus station or designated stop about 20 to 30 minutes before the bus is scheduled to leave. This way you will be able to choose a comfortable seat rather than being the last passenger to board and getting cramped in the back. Also, if there are any unforeseen problems with your reservation you can sort it out with the driver in enough time to avoid being left behind.
- Enjoy your ride to New York! Bring headphones, your iPod, a book (if you are able to read while in a moving vehicle) or something that will Entertain Yourself. And if you are tired a little snooze won't hurt - just don't snooze your way through your destination.
- Go out and have fun in NYC, then repeat steps 3 and 4 until you've made it back to your hometown.
Tips
- Bring something that will keep you from getting bored on the trip. Unless the trip will take less than an hour or so, bring entertainment or you risk experiencing a long, boring road trip.
- Additionally, many newer buses feature WiFi connectivity enabling riders to access the Internet for business or leisure. If you're interested in using it, make sure to inquire if it's free or requires an extra charge.
- Some buses have hosts or hostesses on board that will help answer your questions, coordinate games and raffles, and clean up any garbage. There are also buses that host drawings for free trips, gift certificates, etc., so have fun and don't be upset if you don't win anything.
Warnings
- On occasion the bus may get delayed in traffic, break down mid-drive, or may experience some other type of inconvenience on the trip. Luckily, however, this does not happen often - (except getting stuck in traffic in New York City).
- Feel free to strike up a conversation with the passenger next to you (if he doesn't mind or is not busy), but don't say anything insulting or offensive.
