Traveling can be expensive these days, but you can take advantage of some clever ways to save big when going on a trip inside the United States. Start by traveling by bus instead of flying or driving. You won’t pay nearly as much for a bus ticket as you would for a plane ticket, and you won’t have to worry about plotting a course or planning stops for gas. It’s also a safe way to travel, and many companies offer perks to make the trip more comfortable. When you’re ready to hit the road, consider one of these budget bus companies for your next trip.
BoltBus
BoltBus is one of the hippest and trendiest bus lines available — so much so that you’d never suspect Greyhound owns them. Travelers like the spacious comfortable seats with lots of room to stretch your legs as well as access to power for charging devices and free Wi-Fi. Even better, if you book far enough in advance, you can find tickets for as little as a dollar. You can’t get more budget friendly than that. BoltBus is available in the Northeast in cities like Boston, New York, Washington and Philadelphia as well as up and down the West Coast.
Megabus
Megabus holds similar appeal for passengers looking for cheap rides, as it also offers dollar tickets if you book far enough in advance. It’s the biggest bus line on the list, with service to more than 50 cities in the United States and Canada in various regions. You can travel to Florida to enjoy the beach, the Midwest to visit family for the holidays, California to soak up some sun or Maine to do some sightseeing. Megabus has handicap-accessible bathrooms as well as free Wi-Fi, movies and TV shows you can watch while you ride.
Redcoach
Redcoach only travels to and from Florida destinations, but if you live, work or play in the Sunshine State, you know that taking a bus can be a great idea. It can take more than half a day to travel from the Georgia-Florida state line to the Keys, and the traffic rarely lets up along the way. If you’re traveling to places like Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Gainesville or Ft. Myers, Redcoach is a much more relaxing way to go. What’s even better about this bus company is the roomy interior with only 27 seats per coach. That means plenty of legroom and seats that recline to 140 degrees.
Lux Bus America
Lux Bus only serves Southern California and Las Vegas, and it’s the most expensive bus company on this list, but if you’re considering traveling in the area via bus, it’s totally worth paying a few extra dollars for the experience. During the ride, you receive free snacks and drinks, including beer and wine, and you can catch up on rest with a free blanket or pillow. The leather seats are super comfortable, and if you prefer to stay awake during your trip, Lux Bus America offers seatback entertainment. It’s also a great option if you need to book a shuttle for a social gathering or corporate event in the area.
Vamoose
Vamoose got its start in 2004 providing transportation between New York City and Washington, D.C. Today, you can take advantage of stops in Manhattan, Bethesda, Arlington and Lorton, Virginia. It’s the perfect bus for commuters and busy professionals as well as leisure travelers who want to store bags while you do some sightseeing in town. If you attend select colleges in D.C. or NYC, you get a discount when you show your student ID. No matter why you’re traveling, consider paying a little extra for one of Vamoose’s Gold Buses to enjoy spacious seats with plenty of legroom, free Wi-Fi, power outlets at every seat, folding trays and cup holders and complimentary bottled water.
