Greyhound Travel: Cheapest Days Revealed (2024)

If you're looking to travel by Greyhound, you're probably looking for the cheapest days to do so. While there isn't a clear answer, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's generally cheaper to book your tickets early and to travel mid-week when buses are less full. Additionally, choosing a day when fewer people want to travel can result in cheaper tickets. Booking online is also typically cheaper than buying tickets at the station. If you're flexible with your travel dates and book in advance, you can take advantage of lower prices and find the best deals.

Mid-week travel is cheaper

If you're looking to save some money on your next Greyhound trip, consider travelling mid-week. Not only are you likely to find lower fares, but you'll also encounter smaller crowds and have a better selection of seats to choose from.

Greyhound buses tend to be less full during the middle of the week, which means you can take advantage of lower prices. This is because fewer people are travelling at this time. Leisure travellers usually opt for weekends, while business travellers typically head out on Mondays and return on Fridays. By travelling mid-week, you can avoid the "bookends" of the weekend and benefit from lower demand and more available seats.

The same principle applies to other forms of transportation and accommodation. Flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday, for example, can often result in cheaper fares. And when it comes to hotels, you're more likely to find lower rates and even snag a complimentary room upgrade during the week.

So, if you're flexible with your travel dates, consider travelling on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. By avoiding the peak travel days, you'll not only save money but also enjoy a more relaxed and comfortable journey.

Additionally, booking your Greyhound tickets online in advance can also help you secure the lowest fares. While it's not always the case, some Greyhound stations operate like airlines, where boarding is by the number on the ticket. The earlier you purchase your ticket, the lower your boarding number and cost. This also guarantees you first choice of a good seat. So, if you're looking to make the most of your Greyhound experience, mid-week travel is definitely the way to go!

Book online

Booking your Greyhound ticket online is the best way to ensure you get the cheapest fare.

Greyhound recently changed its pricing model, and now prices change frequently based on demand, competitor pricing, and how full a bus is. This means that the closer you are to the date of travel, the more likely the price is to have increased. Booking online in advance will ensure you get the lowest fare.

You can book your ticket on the Greyhound website or via the Greyhound mobile app. The app also offers over 400 exclusive discounts and offers for active, retired, and veteran members of the US Armed Forces.

If you're looking for a bargain, it's best to travel mid-week when buses are less full. You can also save money by being flexible with your travel dates and times and avoiding busy travel periods like holidays and weekends.

If you're travelling in a large group of 10 or more, you may be able to get a discount by contacting Greyhound directly.

Avoid peak travel season

While there are benefits to travelling during peak season, such as good weather, there are also many advantages to travelling off-peak. Travelling by Greyhound during the off-season can be a great way to save money and avoid the crowds.

Firstly, travelling during the off-season is a great way to save money. Flights and accommodation are often significantly cheaper during the off-season, and you can also save money on dining, as restaurants located in busy tourist areas tend to increase their prices during peak season.

Secondly, you will likely have a more enjoyable travel experience during the off-season, as there will be fewer crowds. This means shorter lines at attractions, more availability for tours and activities, and a more intimate exploration of your destination. You may also find that locals are more open and willing to help during the off-season, as they are not dealing with large crowds of tourists.

Thirdly, travelling during the off-season gives you more flexibility and freedom. You won't have to plan as far in advance, as buses, trains, tours, and restaurants are less likely to be fully booked. You can also be more spontaneous and take advantage of last-minute deals on accommodation.

Finally, travelling during the off-season can offer unique experiences that you may not find during peak season. For example, you might experience a tropical storm in Costa Rica in July or a foggy winter morning in Yellowstone National Park.

When planning your Greyhound trip, consider travelling during the off-peak season to save money, avoid crowds, and have a more enjoyable and flexible travel experience.

Compare prices with other bus companies

While Greyhound is the biggest bus company in the United States, there are several other bus companies that you can compare prices with. These include:

Flixbus

Flixbus acquired Greyhound in late 2021 and offers similar amenities to Greyhound, including free Wi-Fi, power outlets, restrooms, air conditioning, and reclining seats. Flixbus serves over 400,000 routes worldwide and, combined with Greyhound, serves over 2,300 cities in North America. In terms of pricing, Flixbus offers fully or partially refunded vouchers for cancellations, with the refund percentage depending on how far in advance you cancel. For cancellations under 1 day, the refund is 25%; for 1-6 days, it's 50%7-29 days, it's 75%

Megabus

Megabus is known for its low-cost trips in the US, Canada, and Europe, with tickets sometimes available for as little as $1 when booking in advance. Megabus offers similar amenities to Greyhound, including free Wi-Fi, comfortable reclining seats, bathrooms, air conditioning, power outlets, and panoramic windows. However, Megabus does not offer refunds, but it does allow modifications to reservations for a fee. Changes can be made online up to 3 hours before departure, with trade-in fees ranging from $3 to $7.50, depending on proximity to departure time. There is also a fee for new reservations made by phone.

Adirondack Trailways

Adirondack Trailways is known for its popular Montreal-NYC route and excellent customer service. It covers 49 cities, with routes between rural areas and major cities in New York state, as well as Montreal and Toronto, Canada. Adirondack Trailways offers similar amenities to Greyhound, including reclinable seats, reading lights, Wi-Fi, power outlets, restrooms, air conditioning, wheelchair lift, and extra legroom. Tickets are not refundable, but the date and time can be changed for a $20 fee. Printed tickets and valid photo IDs are required for boarding.

RedCoach

RedCoach is a premium bus provider offering rides in three different classes: standard, first, and business. It serves major destinations in Florida and Texas and offers amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, power outlets, restrooms, air conditioning, lap trays, reclinable leather seats, footrests, and LCD screens. First-class passengers also receive snack boxes. RedCoach offers refundable vouchers for cancellations, with standard tickets incurring a 30% service fee and flexible tickets having no fees. Both fares are refundable up to three hours before departure. Boarding requires photo identification matching the information provided during booking, and presenting a physical or electronic ticket is optional.

OurBus, Jefferson Lines, Southeastern Stages, and Wanderu

These companies also provide bus services in various regions of the US and may be worth considering when comparing prices with Greyhound. They offer similar amenities to Greyhound, and you can find more information about their pricing and booking options on their respective websites.

Book tickets early

Booking your Greyhound ticket early is a good way to secure the best price and your preferred seat. Greyhound uses a yield-management model, similar to airlines, where prices fluctuate based on demand, competitor pricing, and other factors. As the departure date approaches, ticket prices tend to increase. By booking in advance, you can take advantage of lower fares and have a broader selection of seats to choose from.

Greyhound offers three different fare options: "Economy," "Economy Extra," and "Flexible." Booking early increases your chances of getting a lower boarding number, which can be advantageous if you're departing from a bus station that boards passengers by the number on their ticket. A lower boarding number also means you'll be among the first to choose your seat, ensuring you get a good one.

While Greyhound tickets don't usually sell out too far in advance, it's still recommended to book early, especially if you're travelling during busy periods like holidays or weekends. Booking at least several weeks or days in advance can help you secure a lower fare. Additionally, travelling during off-peak times, such as mid-week and night buses, can also result in cheaper ticket prices.

If you're looking for the cheapest option, consider purchasing your ticket online rather than at the station, as Greyhound often charges lower prices for online bookings. By booking your Greyhound ticket early, you can take advantage of lower prices and have a wider selection of seats to choose from.

Frequently asked questions