does anyone know anything about traveling by bus?

[queencassandra111]

I have never traveled outside of Iowa before and know nothing about traveling. I'm going to be getting some extra money soon and i was thinking about traveling to Missouri. I dont have a car and someone told me that taking a bus was cheaper than flying. Has anyone ever taken a bus to travel outside of state? What should i expect when traveling by bus? Would it really be cheaper than flying?

[LadyDaemon]

It is cheaper then pretty much any other form of travel. From MS to AZ for 2 one ways I paid $200 total for my tickets on 21 day advance purchase. That's what I've done for all of my trips and all of them have been outside of state. It depends on what kind of bus line you plan on taking. If you're taking greyhound then it's pretty simple. You need to show up at least 1-2 hrs before you're supposed to leave to get tickets from the counter and get your checked luggage weighed. Bring money with you to eat on for the trip and try to avoid buying at the station if possible because the stations tend to jack their prices up on things. If the bus makes stops make sure you make it back on time,rule of thumb is 10 min. ahead of time because if you don't and the bus driver doesn't check for you and nobody tells him/her you're not on there then you will get left. Keep your carry on with you AT ALL TIMES. Make sure that if they aren't going to transfer your bags for you (if you have a transfer) that you get your bags yourself. If anyone asks you for money tell them you don't have it and stay in the crowds around people,never go off by yourself. Bring things to do with you,some of the buses have access to internet and plugins so you can bring your laptop etc. with you if you want to. Any other questions feel free to message and ask.

[queencassandra111]

ok thanks for the advice

[LadyDaemon]

Your welcome

[lovefrom2800milesaway]

I haven't travelled on bus before, but my boyfriend did when he came up to Vancouver last year. He travelled from Seattle up to Vancouver. If you want to be reassured that there's a spot and bus running, you can actually go on the bus company's site and check out their departure/arrival times and purchase a ticket ~6 months in advance, if need be. Bring snacks with you onto the bus! The wifi is pretty crappy though, so don't expect too much from that.