Traveling can often feel exhausting, filled with long waits and queues, and the possibility of delays. Benjamin Fields, a 27-year-old PhD student and educator from Tulsa, Oklahoma, prefers bus travel to sidestep these hassles.

“While flying might seem faster, the process involves going to the airport, clearing security, and in the case of international trips, customs, which takes more time than you might think,” Fields shared with YSL News. “I find bus travel to be quicker and more efficient. You just arrive at the station, and the bus leaves in about 20 minutes.”

Fields travels by bus twice a month, commonly to visit his uncle in Oklahoma whenever he prefers not to drive. During his college years in Ithaca, he used buses to visit nearby cities like Toronto.

Most travelers instinctively consider flying for long-distance trips, but buses offer a valuable alternative that can be more economical and environmentally friendly.

For journeys ranging from 200 to 500 miles – such as New York City to Washington, D.C. – intercity buses not only provide substantial savings compared to airfare but also emit significantly fewer greenhouse gases per trip when juxtaposed with personal vehicles or airplanes, as per the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Climate Change Center. A 2023 study by Wanderu indicated that choosing a bus over a flight can potentially cut a traveler’s carbon footprint by as much as 77.5%.

“People frequently underestimate intercity buses, yet they offer one of the best methods for affordable, comfortable, and sustainable travel,” noted Kai Boysan, CEO of Flix North America, which owns Greyhound. Together, they run the largest intercity bus network in North America, linking over 1,600 locations across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

From 2022 to 2023, FlixBus saw a remarkable 36% increase in ridership, with a notable rise in last-minute weekend bookings to destinations like national parks and ski towns.

Here’s what you need to know about traveling by bus.

What are the advantages of bus travel?

Many travelers appreciate intercity buses for their convenience and accessibility when moving between cities. Research by the Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development at DePaul University suggests that a bus journey from downtown New York to downtown Philadelphia is around 27.9% faster than the total time spent flying, including travel to and from the airport.

New York-based content creator and frequent bus rider Nick Portello, 23, strongly recommends bus travel for trips lasting five hours or less.

Whenever he visits his college in Boston, he opts for OurBus, a popular northeast bus service.

“I prefer it to flying and even Amtrak,” Portello mentioned to YSL News. “The price is a significant factor – a round trip bus ticket from Boston to New York can often cost under $50.” A 2023 analysis by CNET confirmed that buses offer the cheapest option compared to air travel, cars, and trains for key U.S. routes like New York to Chicago.

He also appreciates that bus terminals are typically located within city centers, minimizing the need for additional transport to the airport. During a recent trip to Philadelphia, his bus left him just a short distance from his friend’s apartment.

“It’s a laid-back experience that lets you enjoy views of the New York skyline from your window seat,” Portello noted. Scheduled breaks during the trip allow passengers to grab a bite, attend to bathroom needs, and stretch their legs for a bit. All Flix buses are equipped with free Wi-Fi—unlike most U.S. airlines—and power outlets available at every seat.

Moreover, buses enhance travel accessibility by connecting rural areas to major urban centers, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. They provide accommodations for passengers with mobility challenges, featuring wheelchair lifts and designated priority seating on every bus. FlixBus also trains its drivers to assist passengers with disabilities, offering boarding help and storage for wheelchairs.

While intercity bus travel is inherently a green option, the industry is striving for even greater sustainability, with Flix aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050. They are experimenting with zero-emission technologies such as electric and solar-powered buses, and utilizing AI to determine the most efficient travel routes.

Popular bus routes in the US

• New York City to Washington, D.C. – starting at $62
• Los Angeles to Las Vegas – starting at $90
• Boston to New York City – starting at $50
• Seattle to Portland – starting at $52
• Chicago to Minneapolis – starting at $91
• Miami to Orlando – starting at $53
• Dallas to Austin – starting at $53