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Long-distance bus travel in the United States

Photo: AEMoreira042281, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Long-distance bus travel can be an interesting, inexpensive, and convenient way to see the United States, especially for travelers who do not drive their own car. Buses reach more places across the nation with greater frequencies than trains in the United States.

UnderstandBuses cover more of the country than trains and have more frequent departures, and unlike air travel, there is no hassle of security.
CompaniesA number of the Coach USA brands have been independent companies that were bought out by or had merged with Coach USA but kept the same name they have before the merger.
TicketsTickets can often be purchased online with many of the bus companies, some offering discounts for buying online while others require the tickets can only be bought online.
Station amenitiesLayovers are a part of longer bus journeys. Some last only 10 minutes, but they can be several hours long. If you have the energy, longer layovers can be used to explore the city.
RulesGenerally, the few rules imposed on bus travelers are very basic and largely common sense. Smoking and alcohol consumption are always forbidden.
Stay safeIn the United States, the security risks in long-distance bus travel can be related to the behavior of other passengers and maintaining order on the buses.
See also

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