Now that your ESTA is ready, the next thing you might be preparing for is your cross country bus trip in the USA. Traveling by bus, usually on a Greyhound bus, is one of the easiest, friendliest ways to travel across the country if you’re not pressed for time. If this is your first time on a Greyhound, know the following before you book your seat.
Your Trip Can Take Up To Three Days In Different Buses
Depending on your departure city and destination, a cross-country bus can take a minimum of 24 hours to a maximum of 36 hours. If you’re not in a hurry to arrive at your destination or you want to see more of open road USA then riding a cross-country bus may be the best and economical way to travel. Also, most trips won’t happen on a single bus. You might need to change buses, especially when you’re taking more than one route. So expect a change every time you need to switch routes.
Prepare For At Least One Long Layover
A layover is a time you need to spend on a bus station to wait for the next bus to depart. Layovers can vary from one route to another and expect a minimum of 30 minutes to an hour of wait. You can wait in the station where you can watch TV or eat, but for overnight delays, however, some people prefer to sleep in a nearby motel or sleep at the bus station benches.
Expect A Lot Of Stopovers
Cross-country buses don’t just stop in major bus terminals but will also stop in small local stops found in smaller cities and towns. Stops can last from 5 to 10 minutes, and while it may not be too much, a trip that usually takes only 8 hours can extend up to 13 hours. Usually, your bus will stop every two hours for bathroom breaks and warm meals. More extended stops often happen in a roadside convenience store, truck stop, or a restaurant.
And You’ll Make A Lot Of Friends
Because of the long hours you’ll spend on the road, you’re likely to earn some friends. Take advantage of this time to make new friends or lifelong buddies. Since most cross country buses don’t have seat numbers, you can move around and mingle. But don’t forget to secure your belongings as you transfer seats for your safety.