Cheap Buses

If you're like most, you don't have wheels at school -- and with gas prices in the stratosphere and planes fares not far behind, you may be looking for less pricey ways to get around this fall. How about the bus? Yeah, seriously -- it's a fine way to fly, and there are a few alternatives to Greyhound these days (and Greyhound's actually a good, comfortable, cheap travel option).

Chinatown Buses

Chinatown buses have been around for over 15 years now -- they serve the East Coast and Southern California to San Francisco (and do a leg to Las Vegas, too). With curbside stops and not a lotta amenities, they're a super cheapie option for seaboard hops. Learn more:

• Chinatown Buses

Megabus

Megabus rolled from the UK to the US in spring, 2006, tried and left the left coast, and is now firmly established in 13 Midwestern-Northeast states and Ontario, Canada, around a Chicago hub. Seats can go for as little as a buck on the limited luggage, stationless cruisers. Learn more:

• Megabus.com
• Megabus Opens in Midwest

BoltBus

BoltBus is a budget alternative partially parented by Greyhound and serving the Northeast US. Like its rivals, Boltbus offers little in the way of luxuries, but does have wifi (wow). Learn more:

• BoltBus.com
• Gadling: "Boltbus Tweaks Onboard Wifi"

Greyhound

Greyhound still rules the road in the US, with far more routes and potential flexibility for you than any of the mega cheap buses. And it's not all that expensive if you apply a student discount. Look into it right alongside the budget buses-- you may be pleasantly surprised.

Learn more:

• Greyhound Student Discounts

Enjoy the journey -- and while you're packing for a bus trip, remember to bring along some goodies to make the ride twice as nice, like an itty bitty book light.

^{Related reading: Greyhound bus travel, student Greyhound discounts | Guide to US airport bus service}

_{Student Travel blog home | Share on Facebook | | Photo courtesy Megabus}