In a world of budget travel, Megabus reigns supreme. Often times, if you purchase your ticket as soon as they’re released, you can snag one for as low as $1 one way. Tell me THAT’S not a steal.
Hold on. There are definitely some things to consider before purchasing that seat. How do you feel about small spaces? Do you deal with people in close proximity well? If you’re cool with those, here are a few ways to help you prepare for your next Megabus trip.
Be prepared to leave at oddball times
Like early in the morning or really late at night … think 11:59 pm. This doesn’t bother me because it’s prime sleeping time, which makes the trip go by faster. The timing also means I can usually make a whole day of it without the need to spend money on a hotel room or Airbnb.
Pay extra for the assigned Megabus seat
If you don’t select a plane seat, one will be assigned once you receive your boarding pass. If you don’t pick your Megabus seat, you’re left to ask people if the seat beside them is taken. I hate not knowing if I have a seat or having to ask people to move their belongings they know they should’ve already moved anyways. The seat selections only range from $1 – $5, so do yourself a favor and reserve one. If you’re looking for extra space, choose one of the upstairs, front window seats where no one will be in front of you.
Opt-in for Megabus text messages
Or, at the least, download the companion app. The bus is not always on time and, for less than a dollar, you can have a text alert sent to you regarding delays. If you want to save that cash for a later ticket, the app is free and will update you on the current location of the bus.
Leave yourself extra time
Going back to the last point, the bus is not always on time. Don’t schedule anything important to occur within the first few hours of whatever your arrival time is … you may not make it. Save yourself a stress headache and leave your plans open. If you’re planning your return for a workday, go ahead and take a half-day just in case. It’s better to show up at work when you were expected to be off, rather than having to call in last minute because you didn’t plan accordingly.
Companions ride at no additional charge
I’ve been getting the special needs tickets for Victoria when we travel to ensure she’s not stuck having the walk stairs that will tire her out or just to make sure she has some extra assistance when needed. On our recent Megabus trip, I discovered special needs companions ride free of charge and I always select this option to make sure she and I aren’t separated on the bus. Also, with the special needs ticket, we’re able to get on first and easily select our seats which comes in handy when the ones available for reservation are taken.
Traveling via bus can definitely be stressful because the ride is just so long even when you’re not going that far but it definitely has its perks. If you’ve got some time on your hands, or you’re able to use that time wisely with working … I get so much written on the bus … I would certainly recommend giving it a shot. Megabus is a great budget travel option and out of the many trips I’ve taken thus far, I’ve yet to have a “deal-breaker” experience. I’d love to know some of yours, so please leave them in the comments.
These are great tips. I always wonder about Megabus, I find so many good deals but I wasn’t sure what to expect. Thanks for demystifying the journey.
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Thank you and you’re so welcome! I totally wondered about Megabus in the beginning as well. You hear so many negative things and it can cloud your judgment, so you really have to block that out and just give it a shot to see how it works for you. I love to travel and budget travel methods don’t bother me in the least because I still get to where I’m wanting to go with more money to spend on my destination. Those $1 ticket deals Megabus runs are awesome and it can leave you wondering what the catch it, but I have honestly never encountered a problem on a trip. Go for it!