What To Expect When Traveling Greyhound
Expect The Unexpected
There is no First-Class, it's all Coach and it's all based on a first come first serve basis. If you arrive late and there is only one bus, expect an unbelievable layover. You should know that Greyhound does not book tickets according to the number of seats on the bus that is going to your destination. So don't think that if you arrive to the station five minutes before the now boarding call, that you will have a guaranteed seat, Greyhound does not work that way. You should arrive at the station at least an hour before boarding to ensure that you will have a seat on the bus headed to your destination.
Here are just a few tips to follow when traveling Greyhound:
- Use the bathroom before boarding Greyhound, because the next stop that will allow you the time to use the bathroom may be 2 to 4 hours after your initial boarding. (There is a bathroom on board all Greyhound buses.)
- Be sure to pack enough water and snacks, because food stops are determined by which route the driver may take. Food stops and bathroom breaks can be few and far between, so you really need to plan ahead especially when traveling with children. Some break stops can last anywhere from 5-30 minutes. The bus will leave you if you are not at the bus when the break is over.
- Once you arrive at the bus station, if you have 2 or more bags be prepared to pay $10 dollars for that second bag. If your second bag weighs over 50 pounds, then be prepared to pay $30-$40 for that extra weight. You are allowed 1 carry on bag that has to be able to fit into the over head compartment, plus a small shoulder bag (i.e. a purse)per ticket holder.
- Once your bags are checked, be sure to ask Greyhound personnel which door you should line in front of. Never go on the fact that all of the doors are labeled by major cities. You could be on a completely different route, so be sure to check with customer service to ensure that you are in the right line. After you find the door where you should line up, place your luggage there and find a seat nearby. You do this to ensure you a spot in line, because the lines at the Greyhound bus terminals can fill up quick.
- Keep your eyes and ears open at all times. The schedule may come across the intercom a little garbled, but don't be afraid to ask questions. Although Greyhound employees aren't always nice, they are obligated to give you the information that you are requesting.
- This is the most important tip of all. Be sure to remove your bags when changing busses. If you don't, your bags will be delayed or completely lost. Please, do yourself a favor and collect your bags when changing busses. Greyhound offers no favors, or complimentary nuts.
Go Greyhound!
