Part 1 Choosing How to Get There
Anyone who knows me knows I do A LOT of traveling up and down the east coast. At this point, I know every detail to getting between two of my favorite cities. So, no matter if it’s for a day trip, job interview, or vacation, you can use the tips in this series to maximize your time in the Big Apple.
There are a few travel options that all take about 4.5 hours
Greyhound:
The cheapest option. DO NOT USE. DON’T DO IT. JUST DON’T. Greyhound has never ever, any time I have used them, been less than an hour late. In addition, the wifi, and plugs never work. To top it off, one time they left me by the side of the highway in the middle of the night to wait for another bus, because “the driver’s shift was up before the bus ride was.” Spend the extra money on a better company.
(for fun, look up their reviews online. It’s amazing they still exist in the service industry).
Amtrack (the train):
The most expensive option. I don’t recommend this one either. While it’s more dependable, it takes the same amount of time as the bus. If comfort is your thing, go for it, the seats are huge and there is dining. Wifi is the best, but still questionable.
Megabus:
The love of my FREAKIN life. This double decker bus will set you back about 20 bucks each way, but come on, that’s like the price of an uber. They have been the most reliable, comfortable, bus, that never fail me, and the friendliest service.
Other bus companies:
I have experienced some slight inconveniences with Peter Pan, Our Bus, ect. However, sometimes you can find deals worth not having wifi, or the driver stopping to eat at Burger King delaying your arrival by 20 min. Check ‘em out, but I. WILL. REPEAT. NEVER. GREYHOUND. NEVER. EVER. GREYHOUND.
UBER:
You think I’m nuts don’t you. Well hear me out. It’s not my preferred travel strategy but could be yours. If you’re splitting the cost between 2-4 friends, it will cost you about the same as (or less) than a train ticket. However, I will warn you of a few things.
1. It can be hard to find a driver willing to make the trip. Some will do it, but it can take a few failed rides to get a success. This is for good reason, which brings me to reason number 2.
2. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE each of you tip your driver. They cannot pick up people to drive in NY, meaning they have to make the trip back alone, and without making any money. Uber puts this into the cost of the trip, but understand that your driver is doing you something very few others will.
This can be a comfortable and fun option, but only for specific people.
Come back next week for the next installment of this series, when we’ll talk about what to prepping for the best trip possible.
Safe bookings!!!