Greyhound?

[danaeris]

How much does an overnight Greyhound suck if you only transfer once or never, and have lots of reading to do, and don't get sick reading on a bus?

I've never taken greyhound...

Comments

[rigel.livejournal.com]

Greyhound rides are kind of long and dull, but otherwise, not so bad unless you have an unusually poor ride.

[angel-thane.livejournal.com]

It's well survivable.

[thespian.livejournal.com]

depends. To Montreal was quite passable. To Baltimore was almost unbearable and took twice as long as it should have. Both were from Toronto, and while the drivers were changed a couple times, I didn't have to move once seated.

[jadasc.livejournal.com]

It's not too bad; I've done it any number of times on short hops between Boston and New York. I tend to prefer the affiliate lines, though, because they have newer, nicer buses. Just like the airport, though, it's best to be there an hour before your bus departs.

[outcastspice.livejournal.com]

it's certainly manageable, i've done many an overnight ride. however, i'd recommend not planning too much for the following day, and being able to go to bed early. it was easier when we were younger.

[freefloat.livejournal.com]

What ^^ said. I've ridden from Saskatchewan to Vancouver, a 2 day ride, and it can definitely be done especially if you can sleep sitting in your seat. Sometimes the bus is nearly vacant which means you can actually lie down across seats, although it's somewhat less than comfortable to do so.

[awfief.livejournal.com]

I've taken long bus trips 3 times -- once as a "want to get home faster" from New Orleans -> Boston, and the two rides of a round trip from Washington, D.C. to Tampa, FL and back.

Basically you end up feeling oogy and tired, but you get there. I'd do it again, and almost did from ottawa->Boston a month ago (the timing was off though)

[yaksman.livejournal.com]

I rode Greyhound many times in my younger days, and it wasn't so bad. Not a fun trip, but it got me there.

[hellsop.livejournal.com]

Moderate suck, generally. Slightly better seating than the same amount of time on an airplane but not as nice as trains, and there no one bringing you drinks and snacks, so carry your own. Decide well before you go; Greyhound's difference between regular and advance-purchase prices is very steep. Advance-purchase seats are typically 40-60% of the regular fare.

[90pointmetaphor.livejournal.com]

Trains are far preferable, where they're an option, but it's do-able. Also depends when your transfer is - Fredericton-Montreal (about 12 hours) used to involve a transfer and sitting in a bus station for 45 minutes at 2 am. The last time I did it we still stopped, but didn't have to change buses - much nicer.

[scorpiosdragon.livejournal.com]

I like it. You get cramped but they stop every couple of hours. And the bathrooms are very awkward.

[darkestembrace.livejournal.com]

I've taken a couple of overnight, 25-30ish hour Greyhound trips before. It's generally not too bad - just bring something to read, eat, and drink, wear comfortable clothes, and don't expect too much space to yourself.

[caprinus.livejournal.com]

It depends on your seatmates. I have done Bar Harbour (Maine) to Portland (Oregon) several times, a 5.5 day non-stop trip, and I survived quite well; but because it is the cheapest/least policed travel option the travellers were often rowdy/drunk/high/smuggling cocaine/carrying guns etc. Oh, the stories I could tell...

Also, do you have a bad back? Are you a light sleeper? I have NO problems sleeping sitting up and my spine's fine, so that's another two issues I didn't have to face but know other people had trouble with.

[wiseacre.livejournal.com]

Let me dissent from the group and say it sucks hard. If it's all highway driving and it's between four to six hours long, I guess it would be bearable, but not a long one. I've done Edmonto-Toronto twice and Toronto-Washington D.C. twice and several shorter trips. If you'be got a seatmate you know and like, I suppose it could be some good cuddle time. Otherwise, you've got who knows whom sitting next to you. I found the reading light tough to take after a few hours. If you're travelling a twisty/mountainous route it's even more unpleasent. Switching buses in the middle of the night and the middle of nowhere is un;pleasant as well. I'd rather do train or plane unless there was no way to afford it. I would pay quite a premium to stay off the bus.

[freyaschild.livejournal.com]

I took it from Oakland (CA) to Minneapolis/St. Paul a few years ago. It was a straight shot. I didn't have a problem with it. If you are going alone (as I did); a good idea is to have multiple distractions with you such as music, books, puzzles, etc. (I didn't know if you are thinking of going by yourself...)

[kajmal.livejournal.com]

They don't call it "riding the dog" for nothin. :)

It doesn't particularly suck if no one on the bus smells very bad. I didn't mind it much at all.

Enjoy your adventure!