long distance bus, what to expect

[ChezaRose]

In light of my mental health I'm taking a bus out of tuscon out to north dakota to house up in MN for a bit.

That's a long ass bus ride. I'm just wondering if anyone has experience. How much food should I have, how will the ride be, am I able to sleep on bus cause bitches can't be affording motels and fancy as shit.

Are buses safe going to cold snowy climates?
How often are layovers and what promotes them?

Longest bus I ever took was from Santa Barbara to San Diego. So. This one I think is like 4-5 days.

 

[Kim Chee]

It will suck more than the worse train ride ever.

Make the most of it!

Drink a gatorade bottle down half way and top off with vodka.

Have ear plugs.

Have music with ear phones.

The bus will be fine in ice and snow.

The layovers will be on your ticket.

I usually bring cash if I can and dumpster dive on stops that have fast food nearby (nothing like scoring a frozen whopper when everybody else stands in line and pays).

It will really suck.

 

[ChezaRose]

Hahaha I love that explanation so much. Maybe ill get lucky and make friends on the way? I have Netflix and money for food buy I need to get a warm pair of clothing and stuff like that too.

 

[Archon Haz]

If you are taking Greyhound, they aren't neerly as bad as people make them out to be, but they aren't a party either.

The stops are about 2:30 - 3 hours in between, and they last for about 10-30 mins.

The chairs are pretty big, unless you sit next to someone huge. However, if you get on and its relatively empty sit in the back, there will be less chances of someone sitting next to you.

Many times, you will need earphones to fall asleap because of annoying loud people. Most of their busses have outlets on the back of the seats or on the wall - look around if you don't see them imidietly, I've never seen a bus that didn't have at least some.

Always arrive 15 mins before you need to take the bus, you'll be happier. Most Greyhound workers are super helpful, and mostly nice so always ask questions if you have any.

The Bus tickets are WAAAAAY cheaper online, also they will be cheaper if you buy them 7-14 days in advance.

Good luck!

 

[ChezaRose]

I'm getting one shot to me, but probably tomorrow and I'm leaving Friday. Thankfully there are people out there who love me and I dont have to pay for the ticket.

What is allowed on me on the bus? I can't really remember. My rucksak is empty right now and my backpack is basic and only has survival gear like charcoal in it.

But I want to snag a blanket if I can.

 

[Archon Haz]

No weapons or pets on the busses, but I've never had any trouble if my Knife was out of sight. They are pretty strict about alcohol (actualy saw someone get caught once and he had to throw out a case of beer) and have heard horror stories of people getting left on the side of the interstate just for a little ting of Vodka.

I've actually smoked a joint right in front fo the driver in the smoke-stops (though that;s your own risk of course) but I would not advise smoking in the bathroom, they are pretty clear they wont fuck with that. Other than that, you get to put one bag below and bring the rest of your shit up. I think it's up to six bags or something like that. Point is, if you have a normal amount of shit I don't think you'll have a problem.

Nothing else comes to mind, but ask if something specific comes up

 

[FrumpyWatkins]

They are pretty strict about alcohol (actualy saw someone get caught once and he had to throw out a case of beer) and have heard horror stories of people getting left on the side of the interstate just for a little ting of Vodka.

This couldn't be more opposite of my experiences on buses. I've openly drank all sorts of alcohol on all sorts of buses in all sorts of places. I couldn't ride any bus if I couldn't drink, I hate long distance buses so much, unless I get lucky and get a almost empty bus, it's always terrible. I had a scheduled less than a day trip of road time according to the ticket from PHL to Toronto in 2010 turn into 3 days on buses and in depots because of border problems, passenger problems, breakdowns, and no show drivers.

I'd rather walk.

 

[FrumpyWatkins]

My rucksak is empty right now and my backpack is basic and only has survival gear like charcoal in it.

Is this a troll account? Your posts are seriously getting weirder and weirder...

 

[ChezaRose]

I've been on here for years dude. I have PTSD and my mind isn't sharp anymore so, but i am sorry my posts bother you in your dirty kid elite.

The charcoal is activated. Used correctly it can make dirty water filtered. It serves a purpose and with my luck it ain't gonna hurt to be prepared.

 

[FrumpyWatkins]

I've been on here for years dude. I have PTSD and my mind isn't sharp anymore so, but i am sorry my posts bother you in your dirty kid elite.

The charcoal is activated. Used correctly it can make dirty water filtered. It serves a purpose and with my luck it ain't gonna hurt to be prepared.

Didn't mean any ill will by it, not sure how I am being elitist either, but ok, sure. I simply meant you post some seriously off the wall shit on here sometimes, and I wasn't sure if your posts were satire or not. Don't be so easily offended, life isn't that serious.

 

[Dmac]

On a long trip like this I would take a pillow with me, Those bus seats can get uncomfortable, and it sure makes sleeping a lot easier. Last spring I rode from Ft Worth to Omaha. I knew something was up when I was at my first transfer, in Dallas, and 1/2 of the folks waiting had pillows (many had a blanket too). By the time we got to Texarkana I bought an over-priced travel pillow. It made the trip much more comfy especially when the bus had problems en route from Joplin to KC, got in late and missed a transfer causing a delay of about 12 more hours and a detour to Des Moines . Also the big mixed drink (or 5) help a lot. Hope you have fun, but expect a delay or so.

 

[Archon Haz]

Is this a troll account? Your posts are seriously getting weirder and weirder...

Well I was speaking specifically about the Greyhound, can't tell you about anything else really. And in speaking to people that have travled Greyhound for years, it really is an issue if you get caught. Met this older black lady, said they didn't let her on the bus because she SMELLED like alcohol. of course mind you she was clearly an alcohalic.

I myself got smashed in a 45 min layover in Minneapolis once, but I was super casual about it and drew no attention from my self. YMMV.

 

[Grand Vizier]

gh sucks. bring books, lots of them. and a bottle of sominex. and noise cancelling headphones.

 

[Princesspeppers]

Ive ridden greyhound cross country twice and from Michigan to florida and back.
Ive put in over 150 hours greyhounding.
My top tips:
-dont talk to or make eye contact with anyone but the bus driver unless you are really vibing on people. People get irritable and bored after long rides and the last thing you want to do is get stuck in a conversation with someone who will not shut the fuck up and insisted on sitting next to you because you gave them the time of day. But thats just me.
-travel light and bring everything carryon if you can. It is a BITCH to have to wait to get your shit out from under the bus at transfers. This way you can keep an eye on your stuff all the time. And get on and off the bus fast. I used to put my bag overhead and leave straps the hanging down so i always knew it was up there.
-go straight thru. Do not stop and stay at a hotel. Get it over with!
- bring healthy food and as much of is as you can carry (i would bring bring a hand bag type deal FULL of food in addition to my carry on pack that had my clothes.) Greyhound food sucks.
-keep hygenics in this bag as well. And wet whipes and a change of underwear. Believe me you will be SO GLAD you did.
-a litre bottle of water that you can refill
-extra pairs of headphones just incase!!!
- HAVE FUN and just try to relax and enjoy the scenary.
-if the bus isnt full yet and the seat next to you is empty, put your feat on the seat and pretend like your sleeping when people get on so they will go sit elsewhere.
- sit as close to the front as you can. It is the quietest and furthest from the bathroom and you can get on and off faster. Greyhound drivers do not put up with loud ass motherfuckers.

I hope this helps you!! Enjoy

 

[Hypnofrog]

Ive ridden california to miami 2x now gh is fucking shit. I rode a ldb in venezuela and the seats are like twun beds that recline all the way back nearly and is comfortable as fuck and they dont stop every 2 hours when you're asleep. Id amtrack if i was gunna pay to travel lol

Sent from my LGLS770 using Squat the Planet Mobile mobile app

 

[todd]

I rode the dog from Boston to Memphis 30 hours. bring a book or two and plenty of trail mix and water.
a hat to pull over your eyes to help you sleep helps.

 

[FrumpyWatkins]

Well I was speaking specifically about the Greyhound, can't tell you about anything else really. And in speaking to people that have travled Greyhound for years, it really is an issue if you get caught. Met this older black lady, said they didn't let her on the bus because she SMELLED like alcohol. of course mind you she was clearly an alcohalic.

I myself got smashed in a 45 min layover in Minneapolis once, but I was super casual about it and drew no attention from my self. YMMV.

I think you quoted the wrong post. Ive seen people get thrown off for flipping out, don't know if alcohol was a factor.

 

[Kuchi Kopi]

Well, I've ridden greyhounds across the US quite a few times. NY to FL. NY to CA. Multiple times. Usually when i get on I bring alcohol. They will toss you off or not let you on if they smell it or if you act drunk but that depends on you really. I love the greyhound but it has its ups and downs. Bring a blanket for sure. I've had greyhounds break down multiple times, seen people get physically violent over multiple things, spent 12 plus hours on layover. Pay attention to your ticket, ask questions if you're confused, don't forget your re-board passes etc. The food is mad expensive but you can get free meal tickets if you say they layed you over sob sob don't has no monies and it's all their fault. They can and will give that delicious yellow cheese substance and french fries up...you just gotta want it. The wifi never works so dont bother. I can never load a wiki page so I cant imagine getting youtube or something to load. I ride greyhounds for one thing, people. I've met so many awesome and weird folks. I usually hook up with someone on the bus. Don't judge me. Also, what you put under the bus stays there for a bit so bring a sachel of things you need with you. You're allowed a carry on. The charcoal is fine just don't tell them that you have it. If it ignites under the bus then thats probably bad karma for a bit but just play dumb. Just have fun. Enjoy it. Side note: Its cheaper to book on tuesday or wednesday and in advance just for future reference. As well, I have never ridden greyhound without watching a woman complain and get their money back. It may take 3 hours on hold but greyhound will refund you if you give them a good enough reason. I hope that helps. Good luck

 

[Heath Bar]

Didn't mean any ill will by it, not sure how I am being elitist either, but ok, sure. I simply meant you post some seriously off the wall shit on here sometimes, and I wasn't sure if your posts were satire or not. Don't be so easily offended, life isn't that serious.

I dont think anyone on this website is classified as elite anything hahaha. Calling someone elitist in the theead about riding a greyhound bus is pretty silly.

 

[ChezaRose]

I'm just saying if you're gonna be a cunt suck it up your ass.

Anyhow to the people who aren't whiny bitches trying to start drama and talk shit, thank you