Pros of Bus Travel
- Frequently scheduled buses
- Flexibility in travel plans
- Affordable
- No need to get from the airport to the city, as buses bring you directly to the city
Cons of Bus Travel
- Traffic can delay arrival
- Limited space to walk around
- Longer travel times than most trains or planes
- No food service
- Limited bathroom facilities
What To Know About Bus Travel to NYC
- Reserving specific seats on buses is generally not possible -- it is recommended that you arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to ensure you have a seat on the bus and can sit with any of your traveling companions.
- Online reservations with the shuttles are held until 15 minutes before departure -- these buses are popular and if your schedule is tight, you should make a reservation and arrive early.
- Booking online is available with all services, but be aware of cancellation/rescheduling rules as well as booking surcharges.
- You may be asked to present photo ID when boarding the bus.
- Some bus companies limit the amount of luggage you may bring with you -- ask in advance if you have more than 1 suitcase and 1 carry-on item.
- Most buses have a bathroom on board. You might want to bring your own supply of toilet paper, as it can often run out over the course of longer trips.
- On longer bus rides, there may be a rest stop during the trip at a fast-food restaurant.
- All buses allow you to bring along your own food and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Children under 2 can often ride in a parent's lap for free -- children normally need a ticket of their own (some lines offer children's fares, some do not).
- The shuttles claim to save time over the "traditional" bus companies by eliminating/reducing stops en route.
- Many shuttle passengers are Chinese-Americans and the shuttle drivers may not speak much English.
