From Heather Cross,
Your Guide to New York City Travel.
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Buses can be an affordable way to get to New York City. Travel can be a bit slower than if you take a train (or an airplane), but it's one of the cheapest ways to reach New York City. For visitors from New England and the mid-Atlantic region, bus travel can be the ideal way to get to New York City.

Bus Services to New York City

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.

Bus Services to New York City