Bus to NYC tips
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Anonymous
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We've taken the bus multiple times back and forth (Vienna to NYC) and its been great. We were on BestBus, but my impression is that all of those bus lines are pretty comparable.
I mean, not 1st class, but its only a 4 hr ride... its fine for what it is. The ones I've been on have not been 100% full, and were able to sit together (we arrived about 20 mins early and just lined up). The say there is wifi on the bus, but I just used my hotspot from my phone which worked well. There are plugs to keep everything charged up. Its less stressful than driving yourself, much cheaper than Amtrak (most of the time), and for us, the location is better. So all wins. Its pretty chill... not like the scene from Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. When going up for a weekend, I will definitely be taking it again. For those who want a better experience, you can book "The Jet" ... which is supposed to be a 1st class bus experience DC to NYC. I watched a youtube review for it, and sounds pretty nice, but for me, why spend the extra since I'm fine with the basic service, and the Vienna stop is closer for us. |
Anonymous
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I've done Best Bus and Go Bus from the Vienna Metro -- if you care about your seat (I prefer to sit up front), get there at least 20 min early. Otherwise, 10-15 is fine.
I've done it for work where I go up one day and back 2 days later and I've done it up and back in a day (saw a Wednesday maintinee Broadway show - got up in time for lunch, and scrambled back after the show with a quick stop at Whole Foods for prepared food to eat on the way home). I've gone alone and with a companion. I've had some "adventures" but more or less everything has always gone smoothly. I always look at Amtrak but end up with the bus. Time and money seems to always be a better option. We live out near Dulles Airport to getting to Amtrak is LONG and can be pricey - with waiting time and all, not even sure getting there plus the train saves any time at all and certainly is not as cost effective. |
Anonymous
Anonymous
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How is the driving?
I would be worried about the guy falling asleep, taking a turn too fast to make up time, etc. What is the bathroom situation. Do they have wifi? In-seat entertainment? Are you almost guaranteed a stranger next to you (if you go alone?) |
Anonymous
Yes, the buses have strangers on them and one will sit next to you, just like on a train or a plane. Different bus lines have different amenities (wifi, etc.). |
Anonymous
| For those of you who want a nicer experience, I have heard great things about Jet bus, which is more than a typical bus but less than the train if you are booking last minute. |
Anonymous
| WaPo actually has an article today. They end up suggesting the Vamoose Gold bus |
Anonymous
Don't do it. Buses always get terrible reviews and traffic can really make it a long trip. I would have just taken Amtrak |
Anonymous
Though my reasons differed, similar experience of bus and train. Much better than driving. Enjoy! I always lack: water, snack, book, and jacket. Ear buds/plugs can be useful too! Should the bus make a pit-stop, be sure to hustle! |
Anonymous
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I always PACK!
Trains hit trafila too. |
Anonymous
| I prefer the train because I can't read or do work on the bus due to motion sickness, but when there are problems on the train, the delays can be way worse than a bus stuck in traffic. A bus can reroute or they can easily send a replacement bus. If something happens to your train, you can be SOL. That happens rarely but if you take the train regularly, it will likely happen to you at some point. |
Anonymous
Clearly isn’t OPs situation. OP just take the train. Metro Union station or New Carollton if you truly can’t fathom Union. |