Photo by Ryan Macalandag

We’re steadily moving into the holiday seasons, and with that oncoming inevitably comes the burden of traveling.  With budgets tightening around the globe and the high cost of fuel, traversing those long roads is going to be a weighty expense for most.  If your travel plans meander outside the northeast region, flying may be one expense that you’ll have to eat.  But for those of you who live in the neighboring cities and states, you can hop on the bandwagon and save a bundle of cash by traveling the convention way – on wheels.

Business Week recently featured an article on the most popular low-cost way to travel: Buses.  These aren’t your run-of-the-mill charters – some of these bad boys offer free condiments, entertainment, wi-fi and the occasional sleeping quarters.  Read below for four bus companies that are making names for themselves by offering comfortable travel at affordable prices.

Mega Bus

Mega Bus offers by far the most comprehensive city stops compared to the rest. A trek from New York City to Toronto will run you anywhere from $45 $60 each-way, but be sure to buy a few weeks early because last minute trips will be more expensive at around $80-$85 each way. A huge bargain compared to Amtrak at $252, American Airlines at $198 and still even less than Greyhound at $181. An extra bonus? In an effort to boost sales, supposedly one seat on each trip is sold for $1.

Bolt Bus

Bolt Bus is a company that serves the New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C areas. A ride from New York to Philly will cost you $10, while D.C. will cost you $20, and Boston will run you around $18.50.  They currently have a promotion where four round trip tickets will get you a free trip – not a bad deal if you’re shuttling back and forth to one of the above cities during the next few months.  They also offer last minute walk-up fares; however, those tickets will cost you about a 30% markup on the original ticket price.  We recommend you plan in advance.

Vamoose

Based out of NYC, Vamoose is a somewhat limited bus service in terms of routes, but if you’re heading to Arlington, VA; Rossylyn, VA; or Bethesda, MA – $25 will you get a seat at any time.  Similar to Bolt Bus, Vamoose offers a promotion – buy four tickets and get your fifth ride for free.  They also allow you to reserve your seat without paying in advance – you can pay your fare with cash or personal check once you’re on the bus.

DC2NY

DC2NY is basically an upscale version of the Chinatown bus. For $50 each way or $28 one way, you get air-conditoner, free bottled water, and wi-fi. You also get to vote on which onboard movie they show and where the 15-minute stop should be.  The not so good aspect?  DC2NY doesn’t offer refunds, so make sure that your travel arrangements are solid.

Related posts:

1. Local Travel: Doin’ Philly, Baltimore and DC on the Cheap