Earlier in the week I took a trip with Megabus for the first time in a few years. I took the bus from NYC to Philadelphia on a quick trip. I was looking forward to the trip and curious to find out how Megabus' service would be.

Here is a review of my experience.

Our bus was set to leave at 9:15am so we arrived about 20 minutes early. The meeting point was very busy. Lots of people were showing up for Megabus rides going to various locations. Megabus had signs along the street with the name of the city you were heading to which made things easy to figure out. Most people looked for the corresponding sign while a few others would ask Megabus staff where to go. Overall things seemed organized and people lined up in an orderly fashion.

According to their website, Megabus asks everyone to show up 15 minutes prior to departure. When our bus had not shown up by around 9:10 I figured we would be leaving late. However, the bus showed up about two minutes later and our bus was loaded up and on it's way- only three minutes behind schedule. I was pretty impressed how fast we got moving.

Lucky for us the bus was not crowded. Everyone could have their own row (two seats) or more if needed. My brother and I sat in opposite rows. If we didn't have our own seats, I am not sure where we would've put our coats and bags since there wasn't any overhead space for storage.

The seats were comfortable and there was a very good amount of space for each seat. I was able to stretch my legs out with room to spare. The seat in front of me wasn't reclined but if it was I still would've had an ample amount of room. One our ride home the seat in front of me was reclined and I was still comfortable. It was also great that all of the arm rests could be pushed up. Since I had two seats I could spread out and partially lay down to sleep or relax.

The buses were equipped with wifi and power outlets at each seat. My cell had service during the ride so I didn't need to use the wifi but I did see others on the bus with laptops out so I am guessing that the service worked well. There were also power outlets at each seat. This was a nice touch and something I wish the airlines would add for coach seats. On the way home the power outlet at my seat was missing so I had to use one across the aisle.

Overall I was very happy with my trip with Megabus. The bus was comfortable and the service seems to be pretty reliable. Considering my ride was free (I payed a $0.50 service fee for two seats- round trip), I am not sure what I could've really complained about.

Its always terrific to have the wifi and power options on the Megabus (I've done it from IND - CHI - IND).

It is a very nice extra! What did you think of the comfort of the bus itself?

You do some interesting TRs. Thanks for posting.

Wow! Excellent TRs...Keep it up the good work.

Next time if you want to take a picture of the buses and etc.

Surprised at how quickly the bus got moving? Flying is humbling, isn't it?!

Often, the Manhattan segment of any bus ride is the worst part of the trip.

Have you tried the NJ Transit to Trenton then SEPTA to Philly route yet?

I've had good luck on the 4 hour bus ride IND - CHI - IND and the buses weren't too full and I was able to spread out. I think even if the bus is at full capacity it wouldn't be too bad. Its a short trip!

However, if the bus is full, wifi is non-existing. Also, not all power outlets worked, some of them even had loose panels. They are not well maintained compare to airlines and hotels.


Until you experienced it, don't be so sure about that.

It was quite bad when I did my first bus trip on megabus a little over a month ago for CHI-Madison-CHI. While the bus arrive on time and even early, the bus didn't leave til an hour after the schedule departure time.

Reason ? Some people from the earlier departure 7:20am show up late and missed that bus, so those 7:20am people got on the 9:20am (my bus), therefore, those people already bought the ticket for 9:20am when they arrived at the bus stop at 9:10am found out they have no seats at all. So the driver asked those 7:20am to volunteer to get off the bus and take the later 10:20am bus, no one got off, the driver asked again in 30 min, still no one got off, finally the driver had to called the police, and everyone had to showed the ticket that showed 9:20am departure, and finally kicked off those people had 7:20am departure, then had to find and unload those people's bags !

The whole thing could have gone a lot smoother if the driver do like airlines did, if people were late from the earlier one, they can't get on the bus until everyone schedule for the current one get on first and count.

Also, buses are not like airlines, there are no overhead bins, if there are they are tiny. Seats on the bus are not like airlines, there are no bars underneath to separate the seats, also people who ride buses are not as courteous as those who fly, their legs strentch across your space, it is imposible to put your bags underneath the seat in front of you. There are also no rules on buses to force those big and heavy to buy two seats or kick them off if there are no extra seats, or they have any right to kick those people off if they smell or dress imapproiately, you have to deal with all that on the bus ! So how do you like to put your purse or backpack on your lap for 4+ hours ?

The megabus on CHI-Madison-CHI is especially worse, as it doesn't make any stops, there is another bus company called Van Galder on the same route does make 3 more stops at Rockford, Beloit, and Janesville. I took that on return it is much better experience even though the trip took longer as it make stops, but at least at each stop I can get off and strectch my legs even if the bus is full.

My seatmate on CHI-Madison was an middle aged woman, she was also a first time bus rider, she came to Chicago for a last minute funeral, and on way back to MSP (that is my bus's final destination). She felt really uncomfortable as there are really no room to move her legs as the bus was packed, she said she would never take the bus again.

Thank you! Glad that you've enjoyed them.
I thought about taking a picture of the bus but was afraid an angry FTer would tell me that everyone knows what a bus looks like and adds nothing to the post!
I was surprised how fast it got going due to it showing up late! I haven't tried NJ Transit. I live in Brooklyn so it would be extremely inconvenient.
It seems like quite often these buses are not full. In the past I've been on a full bus and it wasn't too bad.

I've done a few MegaBus runs over the past couple of years from Toronto to BUF and have generally positive impressions considering half of them were on the $1 fare (plus 50� booking fee). Biggest hassle is crossing the border, but that's no different from any other land common carrier, bus or rail. Only had one bad experience when the bus never showed at the Buffalo terminal and there was nobody in authority around, or signs about the delay or new departure time. The phone line was useless too, being on hold most of the time as my roaming charges added up! After half hour wait I bought a ticket on the Greyhound (also now has wifi) and headed for Toronto. I was out a buck or two so it wasn't worth my effort to follow it up.

So there is a drawback if you're boarding mid-route somewhere.

But on the whole, a considerable upgrade on the standard image of the inter city bus.

Thanks for the information. I've only rode buses in other countries and found most people to be very courteous and respectful about personal space - unlike many people on planes.