Greyhound Bus Review: Better Than I Expected

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Most people automatically think about flying or driving when planning a trip. However, there are times when taking the bus can be the better option. A few years ago, I needed to travel from Atlanta to Charlotte for a conference and didn’t feel like driving. After comparing prices, Greyhound ended up being the most affordable choice.

Before this trip, I had not ridden Greyhound in more than ten years. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised by several aspects of the experience. While there were a few drawbacks, the trip was much better than I anticipated.

According to Greyhound, the company serves thousands of destinations across North America and remains one of the largest intercity bus providers in the region.

If you’re wondering whether Greyhound is worth it, here’s my honest review after riding from Atlanta to Charlotte.

Should You Book a Greyhound Bus Ticket?

Let’s start with the basics. Customers can check one bag for free when booking a Greyhound ticket. If you need to check a second bag, the fee is typically much lower than what most airlines charge. You’re also allowed one carry-on item as long as it fits under your seat or in the overhead storage area.

If you’re planning a trip and need new luggage, this is a good time to upgrade your travel gear.

Here’s some luggage I recommend

Greyhound’s seating process has changed over the years. On many routes, passengers are now automatically assigned a seat when booking. Travelers can also pay an additional fee to select a preferred seat, such as a window or aisle seat.

If you’re traveling with family or friends, choosing seats during the booking process may be worth considering to ensure you sit together.

Some routes and partner-operated buses may still use different seating procedures, so it’s always a good idea to review your ticket before departure.

Even with assigned seating available, I still recommend arriving at the station early to allow plenty of time for boarding and baggage check-in.

Pricing

One of the biggest reasons I booked Greyhound was the price.

My round-trip ticket from Atlanta to Charlotte cost only $45. That was significantly cheaper than renting a car or taking Amtrak. Before booking, I also compared prices with Megabus, but Greyhound ended up being the better deal for my route and travel dates.

I’ve learned from several trips that transportation costs can quickly become one of the biggest travel expenses.

The earlier you book your ticket, the better your chances of finding lower fares.

Finding affordable transportation is one of the easiest ways to reduce the overall cost of a trip.

Bigger Seats

The seats were much larger and more comfortable than I remembered.

Back when I rode Greyhound between Savannah and Atlanta during college, the buses felt older and less comfortable. On this trip, the seats had plenty of legroom and offered a much better experience overall.

For travelers who value comfort, the seating was definitely one of the biggest surprises.

Power Outlets

One thing I didn’t expect was the availability of power outlets.

Being able to charge your phone, laptop, or tablet during a long trip is a huge benefit. It eliminates the stress of arriving at your destination with a dead battery.

For anyone traveling with electronics, this feature alone makes the trip much more convenient.

Wi-Fi

The free Wi-Fi was probably my favorite part of the experience.

Greyhound now offers complimentary Wi-Fi on many routes, and it worked surprisingly well throughout most of my trip. The connection was faster near larger cities, but it was reliable enough for checking email, browsing the internet, and getting some work done.

I spent part of the ride working on blog content and checking emails.

Being able to work remotely during the ride made the trip feel much more productive.

Cleanliness

Both buses were surprisingly clean.

Years ago, I remember seeing stained seats, dirty windows, and trash on some Greyhound trips. This time was completely different. The seats, floors, aisles, and windows were all well-maintained.

Greyhound has clearly made improvements over the years.

Who Should Consider Riding Greyhound?

Greyhound can be a great option for:

• College students
• Budget travelers
• Conference attendees
• Sports fans traveling between cities
• People who prefer not to drive

However, Greyhound may not be ideal for travelers with very tight schedules since delays can happen.

The Downsides

While my experience was positive overall, there were a few drawbacks.

Temperature

The buses were surprisingly cold for most of the trip.

If you’re planning a Greyhound trip, bring a hoodie, light jacket, or blanket. You’ll be glad you did.

I had a hoodie with me, and it made a huge difference.

Here are some travel blanket recommendations

Cell Phones

Most passengers were respectful, but there were still a few people having long and loud phone conversations.

Thankfully, I packed headphones and was able to tune out most of the distractions.

Check out these noise-canceling headphones

Late Arrival

My bus arrived in Charlotte about an hour later than scheduled.

Fortunately, I didn’t have any immediate plans when I arrived. If I had a tight itinerary, the delay would have been frustrating.

The return trip to Atlanta arrived on time, but this experience reminded me that delays are always possible when traveling.

Things to Bring on a Greyhound Bus Trip

Snacks

Bring your own snacks to save money and avoid paying higher prices at stations.

Chips, fruit, granola bars, and candy are all easy options.

Blanket

A small blanket can make a huge difference if the bus gets cold.

Travel Pillow

If you plan on sleeping during the trip, a travel pillow is worth packing.

Looking for a travel pillow? Check this one out.

Entertainment

Bring a laptop, tablet, books, podcasts, or movies to help pass the time.

A laptop can be especially useful if you’re managing a side hustle or catching up on work while traveling.

Water

Always bring a reusable water bottle and stay hydrated during the trip.

Small travel expenses can add up quickly, so bringing your own snacks and drinks can help save money.

Here’s a nice reusable water bottle

Overall, my Greyhound experience was much better than I expected. The low ticket price, spacious seats, free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and clean buses made the trip comfortable and affordable.

Would I ride Greyhound again? Absolutely, especially for trips that are less than six hours away. While delays can happen and the buses can get cold, those issues were minor compared to the money I saved.

If you’re looking for an affordable way to travel between cities and don’t mind spending a little extra time on the road, Greyhound is definitely worth considering.