Is it better to travel by Bus or Train across the country?

Question

I need to get from Detroit to California and I cannot fly because my company will not pay for a ticket. Which do you think will be a more plesent experiance, Amtrak or Greyhound? I know they will both suck but one must suck a little less!! Thanks!

Answer 1

I've done both before - taking a Greyhound across the country to Dallas and taking a train from Montana to Ohio. IMHO I prefer the train. It's much more romantic, relaxing and spacious. However I didn't mind the bus so much either. I've had one occasion where I had some expensive luggage lost/stolen on a bus and I had another issue on a bus in the early 1980's where there appeared to be some unspoken segregation in Louisiana. I got on the bus and all the white people were up front and black people in the back. It was like stepping back into 1963 all over again. Being white I promptly stepped to the back of the bus and had a wonderful conversation and trip with everyone there.

If you do take the train, be sure and book time in a vista car for a panoramic view as well as good meal accomodations & a sleeping berth. That will make the trip seem more like a vacation than just transportation.

Answer 2

Definately the train, Amtrak. I like tranvelling by public transport but have found Greyhound does not have direct routes so you end up making detours of the route to smaller towns to pick up passengers, the passangers are more transient as they may just be going a few miles on the bus, sot here is a lot of coming and going. Also the bus stop starts, and the motion is unpleasant. The train by comparison is smooth and the scenery is much more relaxing.

Answer 3

Train travel by far is the better way to travel. Trains usually have dining cars especially if it going across the country. You can get up and walk anytime on a train to stretch out. Amtrak all the way. I have done the cross country trip by train a few times. I have also taken the train from New England to Florida many times. It is always very enjoyable. Try it once and your hooked.... One tip though if you book in to a double decker opt for the lower deck for your assigned seat. You can always venture upstairs any time you want to but down stairs is more private for sleep time.

Answer 4

Take the Train!!!
I live in California, and have taken the train from Vancover Canada to NY and back to CA (when it still ran) and that was awesome! Plenty of bathrooms, you can sleep laying down... and there are WAY fewer WEIRDO"S ugh, the stinky bus, one toilet malfunction and boy what a hellish experience that will be! Plus you only stop at fast food stations, and the train has a bar car.

Answer 5

To save money take a bus... in June I'm taking a greyhound from Grand Rapids to Boise... 2 day trip but it's half the price of a plane ticket.

Answer 6

I think you should go by train. I once had the same problem. Going by train is better because you get less dizzy and they serve you food and drinks. If you go by bus chances are you'll get more dizzy and on turns you will bump into things. Take the train it sucks less than the bus.

Answer 7

Amtrak's trains are sparkling and mushy--lots greater valuable than using via bus. the folk who journey the prepare are generally lots nicer than the folk who journey the intercity buses.

Answer 8

Train will be more pleasing, but likely cost similar to flying, and take much longer.
Actually I think the train would be more pleasant than flying.

Answer 9

DEFINITELY train. They have big seats and dining facilities. See if your company will spring for a sleeping car and a ticket that allows you to get off the train and reboard.

Answer 10

Greyhound, Because once i was traveling on Amtrak the stupid people told me i had to carry this huge bag on the train it was SO uncomfortable. ill never travel with them again.