Budget Travel - Bus travel, or other cheap way from NYC to DC ? :-)

I have a couple of 20-22 year olds who want to travel to NYC from DC for a couple of days and flying is not a financial option for them. We have heard of bus companies (i.e. - Washington Deluxe, Vamoose, Dragon Express) who pick passengers up in DC and drop them near Penn Station in NYC.

Does anoyone have any knowledge of these companies and are they reliable? The pickup and drop off points are perfectly situated for the itinerary for the kids.

Thanks in advance!

Welcome to FT PNO4TE!

We certainly do discuss bus travel on FT... albeit occasionally :) .

And you've definitely picked the right forum to ask.

My only suggestion is that you enter the geographic region relating to your question into a new thread title. Although FT tends to reflect the nationality of the 'home' airline in the Airline Forums, in more general forums such as this one it is best to bear in mind that people from all over the world are reading and responding to the threads.

I'm sorry I can't help you with this question, I'm unfamiliar with bus/coach networks in the USA. I hope you get an answer soon!

P.S. have you looked into train prices? I understand Amtrak run trains between New York and Washington (Washington is where you meant by 'DC' isn't it?)

EDIT to add: Ah... I see where you're coming from. Train is around $63 each way (additional student discount available) whereas a bus company such as www.2000coach.com offers the same route from just $35 return.

Welcome to FT PNO4TE!

We certainly do discuss bus travel on FT... albeit occasionally :) .

And you've definitely picked the right forum to ask.

My only suggestion is that you enter the geographic region relating to your question into a new thread title. Although FT tends to reflect the nationality of the 'home' airline in the Airline Forums, in more general forums such as this one it is best to bear in mind that people from all over the world are reading and responding to the threads.

I'm sorry I can't help you with this question, I'm unfamiliar with bus/coach networks in the USA. I hope you get an answer soon!

P.S. have you looked into train prices? I understand Amtrak run trains between New York and Washington (Washington is where you meant by 'DC' isn't it?)

EDIT to add: Ah... I see where you're coming from. Train is around $63 each way (additional student discount available) whereas a bus company such as www.2000coach.com offers the same route from just $35 return.

Thanks for the welcome (although I have been lurking here quite a while). And thanks for the suggestion on how to repost my question. I appreciate it.

For 3 young people the discounted Amtrak price is $553 RT from our town just south of Washington, DC and that is a huge fare increase over last year when I took them and paid the bills. That is why I was looking into the bus companies, who average $35 RT pp.

Thanks for the welcome (although I have been lurking here quite a while). And thanks for the suggestion on how to repost my question. I appreciate it.
Welcome to posting on FT, PNO4TE (since you say you've been lurking here a while).

Since you seem to be agreeable to the suggestion of a more descriptive Title to the thread and it may generate more suggestions that way I went ahead and changed it. It is better than starting a new thread that would clutter up the board. If you are not happy with the new title feel free to change it or PM me and I can do it.

EmailKid
Budget Travel Moderator

Dupe ...

EmailKid

Ah, the "Chinatown" buses!

Apex, Dragon, etc. used to market mostly to residents of the "Chinatown" neighborhoods in NYC, Boston, Philadelphia, etc. Now they market to everyone, and still offer really cheap transportation.

Years ago I used Fung Wah from Boston to NYC, and it was fine - not luxurious, but better than Greyhound. And definitely worth the $10. I have friends who have used Apex from NYC to Washington, and report that it's well worth the money.

Hope that helps

Ah, the "Chinatown" buses!

Apex, Dragon, etc. used to market mostly to residents of the "Chinatown" neighborhoods in NYC, Boston, Philadelphia, etc. Now they market to everyone, and still offer really cheap transportation.

Years ago I used Fung Wah from Boston to NYC, and it was fine - not luxurious, but better than Greyhound. And definitely worth the $10. I have friends who have used Apex from NYC to Washington, and report that it's well worth the money.

Hope that helps

It helps bunches, schmare. Thanks from a worried Mom. ^

And thanks to emailkid for clarifying my post title! :)

And I reiterate my welcome to FlyerTalk!

It's lovely to have you with us! :)

I looked in the mid-atlantic forum (dc or NY) for a post on the buses, I'm pretty sure they are in there but I couldn't find any right now. The chinatown buses are well known as inexpensive ways to get between DC and NY. It's an excellent option for the kids to take the trip.

That said, there is occasional discussion like with any cheap and alternative provider that their drivers can drive a little crazy sometimes or the buses aren't always maintained as well as you'd like.

We have heard of bus companies (i.e. - Washington Deluxe, Vamoose, Dragon Express) who pick passengers up in DC and drop them near Penn Station in NYC.

Try http://www.staticleap.com/chinatownbus/

:cool:

If they can, I'd strongly recommend they not travel on Friday or Sunday eveinings for a few reasons.

Its just a nicer trip on a partially or even mostly empty bus compared with cuddling up with a stranger on Friday and Sunday nights.

Less traffic, quicker trip.

And I've seen masses of people waiting for empty seats in Chinatown on Sunday night. I've never been one, but, it doesn't look like fun.

Don't discount the non-Chinatown buses either - Peter Pan/Greyhound - that leave from Port Authority terminal in NYC. A little more expensive at $46 r/t than the Chinatown buses but might be worth it - try the PPP buses on the Greyhound schedule (that's Peter Pan), I prefer their buses over Greyhound's. More frequent service and they will often put on extra buses during peak times.

A couple of things -

Definitely check the schedules and pick-up/drop-off points - I think Vamoose is operated by Hasidic Jews and doesn't run on Sat (and Fri nights?).

My friends have taken Washington Deluxe to/from DC and said it's fine. Acela is quite expensive (why?!).

I'm not a fan of Greyhound because they sometimes stop twice between NYC and DC or Boston whereas Chinatown buses usually only stop once. And the non-Greyhound buses are cheap and have been clean & prompt in my experience!

Hope this helps.