A Guide To Cross-Country Bussing
Before purchasing a ticket, look into all possible options for the
best deal. Students, seniors, persons in the military and children can
usually ride at discounts. Companion fares offer a discount on one fare
with the purchase of a full fare ticket.
Advanced purchase tickets are
usually cheaper than last minute. For the more free-spirited adventurer,
Greyhound Discovery Passes can be purchase for virtually unlimited
traveling freedom within your chosen region for anywhere from four to
sixty days.
Be sure to inquire about limited time specials that might be
running; even if you are making a round trip, sometimes taking advantage
of sale prices on two one-way tickets can save you money. Keep in mind,
however, that tickets purchased for limited sales usually have
traveling limitations, such as blackout dates during which the ticket
will not be honored
Rules regarding baggage are very strict, so it is to your benefit
to make certain that the amount, size and weight of your luggage are
within required limits to avoid hold ups at the terminal or additional
fees (contact the bus company before departure to ensure your luggage is
within restrictions and get details on insurance and reimbursement
policies).
Carry on bags must fit in the overhead rack or under your
seat. Special rules apply to such items as skis and bicycles; contact
the bus company for specifications before your trip. Remember that, when
transferring buses, your bags are not handled for you by employees. You
are responsible for claiming your baggage when you leave one bus,
keeping it with you and checking it when you board another bus.
Greyhound suggests arriving at the terminal at least an hour
before departure; get there even earlier, especially when traveling
during busy seasons. Seats are not assigned, and boarding is usually on a
first-come-first-serve basis. The earlier you arrive, the more choice
the seating options will likely be.
When choosing a seat, remember for your own comfort: the back row
does not recline, and, if you plan to read while traveling at night,
the very front seats do not have working overhead lights. If you like to
get up and down a lot, you might want to choose an isle seat to avoid
bothering any passenger that might sit next to you. If you don't like to
get up and down a lot, you might prefer a window seat to avoid being
bothered. In my experience, if you want to try to get two seats all to
yourself so you can really stretch out, sitting on the isle seat seems
to discourage others from squeezing into the window seat next to you
(unless the bus fills up and they have no other options). Also remember
that in coaches equipped with lavatories, the bathrooms can sometimes
get-- well, rank!-- and getting stuck sitting near them can be
unpleasant, to say the least.
I have always found it beneficial to befriend the bus drivers.
While you're not supposed to talk to them when they are operating the
coach, take a moment to chat with them before departure or during brief
stops-- that way, if unexpected layovers occur, or if there is any
confusion, you will find it easier to get their help or, at the very
least, get information from them.
During maintenance stops, when the bus is cleaned and serviced,
everyone is required to exit. You can leave your carry on bags, jackets,
etc., on the coach; keep in mind though that the bus company is not
responsible for anything you might find missing. At the very least, make
sure everything is off the floor, as the clean up crew will mop
without much concern about your personal belongings.
Any time the bus stops, know that it will depart without you if
you are not back before the scheduled time. Make no mistake-- the driver
will not wait for you, nor will any belongings you leave in your seat
or on the overhead racks be removed. If the bus makes a stop to pick up
new passengers, those already on that coach will get to reboard ahead of
new people (make sure you get a reboarding ticket from your driver
before exiting the coach during the stop). If you miss the reboarding
call, someone just may end up in your seat, leaving you stuck at the
terminal to wait for the next bus.
With unrestricted fares, you can make stopovers at any point on
your route, should you decide you want to spend the day sight seeing in
an interesting town, or get a room for a good night's sleep before
continuing your journey. Be sure to have the driver or ticket agent make
the proper notation on your ticket when doing so. Remember when
re-boarding that seats are still on a first-come-first-serve basis.
