Greyhound U.S./Canada?

rob w

I am travelling to Canada this summer and thinking about travelling around a bit by greyhound buses but dont know what to expect, anyone ever used them before? any tips or advice would be appreciated. Thanks

idontknowmyname

Depends on where you're going in Canada for using the buses. Not many people realise what a large country it is....it's bigger than the US, so if you dont mind 12 hour + journeys between some cities, then you're a brave person!!!

If anytime during the trip you're going from Calgary to Vancouver I'd take the train, it goes through the Rockies and is fantastic......u can stop in Jasper and Banff en route so I'd definitely do that.

Gone West

The busses are usually fairly comfortable, but can be quite expensive. Journeys can be very very long. Sometimes flying is actually cheaper. I dont want to generalise or be rascist, but its greyhound is almost exclusively used by the (so-called) lower-classes. Expect to be surrounded by smelly "white trash" and lots of ethnic minorities.

I have to agree with that guy, the train is a much better option. The scenery from a train is really fantastic, especially in canada. Unlike greyhound, where all you will see is the freeway.

**I am living in America right now, you see.

vivirl

Hi Rob,

Was in the states in 2001 and got a 24 hour bus journey from chicago to new york ( Sept 11th just happened and there was no planes and all the trains were booked up ) for 100 dollers

I was with 3 others so felt quite safe. Had one delay in ohio, but managed to make a few friends hanging around the bus station.

I found that journey quite safe, but kept all valuables (passport, money etc. ) very close when dossing off to sleep. On the long journeys, there is a break every 3/4 hours so best to take the toilet break then (the one on the bus is not very hygenic!)
Got talking to a few on the bus - seemed harmless enough.

It was definatly an experience taking the grayhound - but if I was to go back would take the trains were possible - a million times more comfortable and not that much more expensive.

Enjoy the hols, Viv

Bri

They're an experience alright. I met a girl who'd never heard of Ireland and vaguely knew of the UK! Not a bad option for someone on a budget. Don't discount the discomfort if you get one of their old skool buses. Some people travel huge distances on them...I found 24-hours was enough for me!

rob w

Thanks for the replies, i think ill stick to the trains for the longer journeys then and just take the greyhound for shorter trips!

Sushi

never taken a Greyhound and I've lived in Canada all my life. Depending on your time constraints, I'd fly over the middle bits (Prairie for about 4-5 days). Westjet is fairly cheap if you needed to get to various destinations. If your out in Alberta during the summer try to make it out to one of the rodeos, it's hickish but fun.

Guru Maith Agut

idontknowmyname wrote:

Depends on where you're going in Canada for using the buses. Not many people realise what a large country it is....it's bigger than the US, so if you dont mind 12 hour + journeys between some cities, then you're a brave person!!!

If anytime during the trip you're going from Calgary to Vancouver I'd take the train, it goes through the Rockies and is fantastic......u can stop in Jasper and Banff en route so I'd definitely do that.

I know you don't know your name lol but have you taken this journey yourself as I'm going to Calgary for a month in mid June and fancied heading over to Vancouver for a few days but had been told to fly (too expensive...) but was considering other options. Its a long journey to drive and I spend my life driving for a living in this country so feet up would be great and let someone else do the work.

Sushi

I know you don't know your name lol but have you taken this journey yourself as I'm going to Calgary for a month in mid June and fancied heading over to Vancouver for a few days but had been told to fly (too expensive...) but was considering other options. Its a long journey to drive and I spend my life driving for a living in this country so feet up would be great and let someone else do the work.

The drive from Calgary to Vancouver is about 10-12 hours by car. Spectacular scenery all the way, even from the highway. You might consider stopping in between (Kelowna, etc) if you have the time. It's a long distance and you may enjoy yourself a bit more if you weren't cramped up in a bus for hours on end. If your in Vancouver try to get to the night markets in either Chinatown or Richmond. Have fun:)

idontknowmyname

I've never taken the train but I use to live in Vancouver and I know people who have. I'd definitely recommend it just for the scenary.

In Vancouver go to Kitsalano Beach and sit on the sea wall by the outdoor swimming pool- amazing view and really peaceful even though you're in the city.

Bri

I've used Greyhound from Banff to Vancouver, having taking the scenic (non-bus) route on my way there. Maybe you could do something similar? Pay more for one good journey and save cash by driving right through the night to get back to wherever is next. It's a good trade-off IMO.

Eitherway; don't miss out on this route - it's fantastic. I'd recommend Jasper over Banff is you can only get one, Banff itself is a bit too touristy. Depends on your needs I guess.

Guru Maith Agut

Bri wrote:

I'd recommend Jasper over Banff is you can only get one, Banff itself is a bit too touristy. Depends on your needs I guess.

Was out there last year for two weeks with the missus. Her Sis lives out there so we didn't get around to far as she hadn't seen her in years but going out this June for a month and will definitely take in the Stampede as we're based in Calgary (have a house rented for the month). Went on a day trip with her to Banff (was a bit touristy alright but hey, I was a tourist so it was fine) but wanted to venture a bit farther a-field this time round and heard Vancouver was a nice spot. I want to keep the budget in tow, what with the rental cost and all but I may fly just to get straight to the desired location and have more time there.

Plinket e Plonk

I always had it in my head to cross the US on a greyhound bus.So one night after a few beers i decided to take off,New york to Los angeles was the plan.
I never made it all the way.I gave up in Amarillo Texas.It nearly killed me.

I met some very nice people,regular folks.I will never forget it,a great experience.

I would advise you to do it but don't stay on the bus too long,you can get a motel for the night as your ticket will be good for any greyhound on that route.check to make sure.

Allways have your wits about you...I spent a number of years driving a truck in the states and parts of canada so let me tell you theres no need to pack a weirdo as there will be a few everywhere you go.

Anyway greyhound is a piece of americana (canadiana)and is a good thing to experience,good or bad.

Enjoy your trip.

caracal

you can't take the train from calgary to vancouver, it is only a supply route now, or it incredible expensive for once off trips. You would have to go to Edmonton which is two hours north of Calgary and a bit out of the way. Edmonton is a nice city, not a lot to do, could visit the biggest mall in the world over 800 shops, rollercoasters, a submarine. The trip from calgary to vancouver is not that bad. I mean a guy (on the way to vancouver) who had been on the bus since Toronto, which was a good 5 day bus run.There were no showers on the way either he kindly informed me. I would love to drive across the country but I sure as hell would not take the bus. If you go during the winter all the homeless people are going to Vancouver to escape the -30,40 degree temps, have a great time and stop in Kelowna if you can to sample some Okangonan wine.

Guru Maith Agut

caracal wrote:

Edmonton is a nice city, not a lot to do, could visit the biggest mall in the world over 800 shops, rollercoasters, a submarine.

Cheers for that. I had heard about that Mall alright when we were over last but didn't get to go.. Must check it out this time for sure. Sounds like a good day out. Thanks!