In the fast-paced world of modern travel, it’s easy to assume that the quickest way from point A to point B is through the air. However, in many cases, another form of transportation rivals the speed of planes and also offers an array of benefits. We’re talking about bus trips, that in many cases make travel not just faster, but also cheaper and remarkably more sustainable.
In the US and Canada, this mode of transport is rewriting the rules of the game, leaving behind misconceptions and making a compelling case for itself. So, if you’re ready to leave behind the chaos of airport security lines, and the hefty price tags of plane tickets, we’ll show you 21 routes where the bus reigns supreme, proving that sometimes, the quickest route is also the greenest and most budget-friendly.
Full list: 21 times the bus is the cheapest, fastest, & greenest way to travel in the US & Canada
1 – Asheville to Charlotte
Save 92% on travel expenses by traveling with Greyhound from Asheville to Charlotte. A one-way bus ticket costs just USD $30, while the cheapest economy flight costs about USD $227. Sustainability-wise, taking the bus also means 82% fewer CO2 emissions.
Bus companies: Greyhound
Bus fare: USD $19
Duration: 2 hours and 45 minutes
CO2 emissions: 7kg
Flight fare: USD $227
Duration: 3 hours and 56 minutes
CO2 emissions: 40kg
Bus travel savings:
💰 92% cost savings
⏳ 1 hour and 11 minutes time saved
🍃 82% emissions reduction
Book Asheville to Charlotte bus tickets
2 – Austin to Houston
Choosing the bus from Austin to Houston is a smart choice. With carriers like FlixBus, Red Coach, and Greyhound, you can reach your destination in just 2 hours and 40 minutes for a budget-friendly USD $20 fare. This option saves you 71% in costs compared to air travel and reduces your environmental footprint to just 9kg of CO2.
Bus companies: FlixBus, Red Coach, Greyhound
Bus fare: USD $20
Duration: 2 hours and 40 minutes
CO2 emissions: 9kg
Flight fare: USD $69
Duration: 3 hours and 46 minutes
CO2 emissions: 61kg
Bus travel savings:
💰 71% cost savings
⏳ 1 hour and 6 minutes time saved
🍃 85% reduction in emissions
Find Austin to Houston bus tickets
3 – Boston to New York
Four different carriers operate on this route, offering different travel experiences: Greyhound, Flixbus, Go Buses and Ourbus. Save 44% on ticket fares and 87% on emissions. Amtrak train services are also available on this route, so you have another choice for a pleasant flightless trip.
Bus Companies: GoBuses, FlixBus, Greyhound, OurBus
Bus Fare: USD $30
Duration: 4 hours and 15 minutes
CO2 Emissions: 11kg
Flight Fare: USD $54
Duration: 4 hours and 35 minutes
CO2 Emissions: 82kg
Bus Travel Savings:
💰 44% Cost Savings
⏳ 20 minutes Time Saved
🍃 87% Reduction in Emissions
Book your bus tickets from Boston to New York
4 – Calgary to Edmonton
Taking the bus from Calgary to Edmonton is a wise choice. With carriers like The Canada Bus, Red Arrow, Cold Shot, Ebus, and Rider Express, you can reach your destination in just 2 hours and 25 minutes for a cost-effective USD $45 fare. This option not only saves you 49% in costs compared to air travel, but also greatly reduces your environmental impact by 85%.
Bus Companies: The Canada Bus, Red Arrow, Cold Shot, Ebus, Rider Express
Bus Fare: USD $45
Duration: 2 hours and 25 minutes
CO2 Emissions: 10kg
Flight Fare: USD $88
Duration: 3 hours and 52 minutes
CO2 Emissions: 67kg
Bus Travel Savings:
💰 49% Cost Savings
⏳ 1 hour and 27 minutes Time Saved
🍃 85% Reduction in Emissions
Book your bus from Calgary to Edmonton
5 – Chicago to Indianapolis
Greyhound or Flixbus can take you from Chicago to Indianapolis for 63% of the cost of air travel, in a trip that is 1 hour shorter. By choosing the bus, you’re making a more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly travel choice, resulting in an impressive 88% reduction in emissions.
Bus Companies: Greyhound, FlixBus
Bus Fare: USD $31
Duration: 3 hours and 35 minutes
CO2 Emissions: 10kg
Flight Fare: USD $84
Duration: 4 hours and 34 minutes
CO2 Emissions: 78kg
Bus Travel Savings:
- 💰 63% Cost Savings
- ⏳ 59 minutes Time Saved
- 🍃 88% Reduction in Emissions
Chicago to Indianapolis bus tickets
6 – Los Angeles to San Diego
The bus is the clear winner when it comes to traveling from Los Angeles to San Diego. With options like FlixBus, Tufesa, and Greyhound, you can arrive in just 2 hours and 30 minutes at a cost of USD $20, the bus not only saves you a remarkable 89% in costs but also contributes to an impressive 85% reduction in emissions, making it the more economical and environmentally friendly choice for this route.
Bus Companies: FlixBus, Tufesa, Greyhound
Bus Fare: USD $20
Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes
CO2 Emissions: 7kg
Flight Fare: USD $189
Duration: 4 hours and 15 minutes
CO2 Emissions: 48kg
Bus Travel Savings:
💰 89% Cost Savings
⏳ 1 hour and 45 minutes Time Saved
🍃 85% Reduction in Emissions
7 – Montreal to Quebec City
Orleans Express offers bus trips between these two Canadian cities, which is the best way to save on money and carbon emissions on this route. The bus is 60% cheaper than the flights, while the emissions are 87% lower. Add to that the opportunity to see the beauty of Quebec’s countryside and it’s a clear win for the bus.
Bus Companies: Orleans Express
Bus Fare: USD $51
Duration: 3 hours and 15 minutes
CO2 Emissions: 8kg
Flight Fare: USD $128
Duration: 4 hours
CO2 Emissions: 64kg
Bus Travel Savings:
💰 60% Cost Savings
⏳ 45 minutes Time Saved
🍃 87% Reduction in Emissions
Bus tickets from Montreal to Quebec City
8 – Miami to Orlando
If you’re heading from Miami to Orlando, the bus is a solid choice. FlixBus, Red Coach, Greyhound, and Jet Set Express give you plenty of options for schedules, classes, prices, departure and arrival locations. Choosing the bus saves you 78% on costs and cuts emissions by 85% – a good deal for both your wallet and the planet!
Bus Companies: FlixBus, Red Coach, Greyhound, Jet Set Express
Bus Fare: USD $23
Duration: 4 hours and 40 minutes
CO2 Emissions: 13kg
Flight Fare: USD $104
Duration: 5 hours and 25 minutes
CO2 Emissions: 85kg
Bus Travel Savings:
💰 78% Cost Savings
⏳ 45 minutes Time Saved
🍃 85% Reduction in Emissions
Find tickets from Miami to Orlando
9 – Ottawa to Montreal
With carriers like Orleans Express, Maheux, and Tour Express, you can reach Montreal in just 2 hours and 10 minutes at a cost of USD $35, emitting only 7kg of CO2 over the 198km distance. Save up to 90% in expenses and reduce your emissions by 83% by choosing the bus.
Bus Companies: Orleans Express, Maheux, Tour Express
Bus Fare: USD $35
Duration: 2 hours and 10 minutes
CO2 Emissions: 7kg
Flight Fare: USD $365
Duration: 3 hours and 39 minutes
CO2 Emissions: 41kg
Bus Travel Savings:
💰 90% Cost Savings
⏳ 1 hour and 29 minutes Time Saved
🍃 83% Reduction in Emissions
Buses tickets from Ottawa to Montreal
10 – Philadelphia to Washington DC
With services offered by FlixBus and Greyhound, the bus is the way to go if you’re looking for affordable transportation. Going by bus not only saves you an impressive 95% on expenses but also results in an 87% reduction in emissions. So, for both your budget and the environment, the bus is the clear choice for this route.
Bus Companies: FlixBus, Greyhound
Bus Fare: USD $15
Duration: 2 hours and 50 minutes
CO2 Emissions: 7kg
Flight Fare: USD $280
Duration: 3 hours and 50 minutes
CO2 Emissions: 52kg
Bus Travel Savings:
💰 95% Cost Savings
⏳ 1 hour Time Saved
🍃 87% Reduction in Emissions
Philly to Washington DC bus tickets
11 – Phoenix to Tucson
When traveling from Phoenix to Tucson with Greyhound, Tufesa, and FlixBus, you can arrive in just 1 hour and 55 minutes for a cost of USD $20, emitting only 6kg of CO2 over the 186km distance. That means saving a remarkable 92% in costs and an impressive 88% reduction in emissions, making it the more practical and sustainable option for this route.
Bus Companies: Greyhound, Tufesa, FlixBus
Bus Fare: USD $20
Duration: 1 hour and 55 minutes
CO2 Emissions: 6kg
Flight Fare: USD $264
Duration: 3 hours and 12 minutes
CO2 Emissions: 49kg
Bus Travel Savings:
💰 92% Cost Savings
⏳ 1 hour and 17 minutes Time Saved
🍃 88% Reduction in Emissions
12 – Seattle to Vancouver
When it comes to traveling from Seattle to Vancouver on a cross-border trip, hopping on the bus is the way to go. You’ve got options like Quick Shuttle, FlixBus, and Greyhound, and you’ll get there in about 3 hours and 30 minutes, all for just USD $50. Not only will you save a whopping 64% on costs, but you’ll also reduce emissions by a significant 86%. Plus, you get to enjoy the stunning Northwestern scenery along the way—no extra charge!
Bus Companies: Quick Shuttle, FlixBus, Greyhound
Bus Fare: USD $50
Duration: 3 hours and 30 minutes
CO2 Emissions: 8kg
Flight Fare: USD $139
Duration: 5 hours
CO2 Emissions: 56kg
Bus Travel Savings:
💰 64% Cost Savings
⏳ 1 hour and 30 minutes Time Saved
🍃 86% Reduction in Emissions
Find tickets from Seattle to Vancouver
13 – Providence to New York City
If you’re thinking of going from Providence to New York City, taking a flight doesn’t really add up. FlixBus and Greyhound will get you there in about 3 hours and 30 minutes for just USD $25. Plus, it’s lighter on the planet, emitting only 10kg of CO2 for the 284km trip. If you’re up for a change of pace, Amtrak trains are also a solid option.
Bus Companies: FlixBus, Greyhound
Bus Fare: USD $25
Duration: 3 hours and 30 minutes
CO2 Emissions: 10kg CO2
Flight Fare: USD $169
Duration: 4 hours and 28 minutes
CO2 Emissions: 63kg CO2
Bus Travel Savings:
💰 85% Cost Savings
⏳ 58 minutes Time Saved
🍃 84% Reduction in Emissions
Find tickets from Providence to NYC
14 – Charlotte to Raleigh
Greyhound and Flixbus take about 2h40 minutes to travel the 167 miles that separate these two city centers. You can spend USD $44 on a bus trip that emits 9kg of CO2, or USD $244 on a flight that rounds up to 3h30 and emits 57kg of CO2. It’s a no-brainer, right?
Bus Companies: Greyhound, FlixBus
Bus Fare: USD $44
Duration: 2 hours and 40 minutes
CO2 Emissions: 9kg CO2
Flight Fare: USD $244
Duration: 3 hours and 37 minutes
CO2 Emissions: 57kg CO2
Bus Travel Savings:
💰 82% Cost Savings
⏳ 57 minutes Time Saved
🍃 84% Reduction in Emissions
Charlotte to Raleigh bus tickets
15 – Denver to Colorado Springs
Choosing to fly on the 70-mile route from Denver to Colorado Springs doesn’t quite make sense given the short distance. The Limousine Express bus takes just 1 hour and 20 minutes, offers a swift and cost-effective journey at USD $21, conveniently connecting the two city centers Plus, it’s gentler on the environment, emitting only 4kg of CO2.
Bus Companies: Greyhound, Los Limousines
Bus Fare: USD $21
Duration: 1 hour and 20 minutes
CO2 Emissions: 4kg CO2
Air Fare: USD $69
Duration: 3 hours and 49 minutes
CO2 Emissions: 32kg CO2
Bus Travel Savings:
💰 70% Cost Savings
⏳ 2 hours and 29 minutes Time Saved
🍃 88% Reduction in Emissions
Find tickets from Denver to Colorado Springs
16 – Seattle to Portland
The trip from Seattle to Portland is one of the most scenic bus trips in the entire country, and you can travel with Flixbus and Greyhound for only USD $25 which is 88% of the flight cost. The bus will take you from one city center to the other in about 2h55.
Bus Companies: FlixBus, Greyhound
Bus Fare: USD $25
Duration: 2 hours and 55 minutes
CO2 Emissions: 9kg CO2
Air Fare: USD $219 on Delta
Duration: 3 hours and 48 minutes
CO2 Emissions: 57kg CO2
Bus Travel Savings:
💰 89% Cost Savings
⏳ 53 minutes Time Saved
🍃 84% Reduction in Emissions
Find your tickets from Seattle to Portland
17 – Hartford to New York City
When it comes to traveling from Hartford to New York City, the bus offers a swift 2-hour and 15-minute journey at a reasonable cost of USD $22 with carriers like Greyhound and FlixBus. This option emits just 6kg of CO2 over the 113 miles (181km) distance.
Bus Companies: Greyhound, FlixBus
Bus Fare: USD $22
Duration: 2 hours and 15 minutes
CO2 Emissions: 6kg CO2
Air Fare: USD $249
Duration: 4 hours and 16 minutes
CO2 Emissions: 47kg CO2
Bus Travel Savings:
💰 91% Cost Savings
⏳ 2 hours and 1 minute Time Saved
🍃 87% Reduction in Emissions
Find Hartford to NYC bus tickets
18 – Chicago to South Bend
When traveling from Chicago to South Bend, Greyhound offers a convenient bus option with a travel time of just 1 hour and 40 minutes, at a cost of USD $23. This choice results in a modest emission of 5kg of CO2 over the 144km distance. Considering the proximity and efficient bus service, choosing the bus is the best choice for this route.
Bus Companies: Greyhound
Bus Fare: USD $23
Duration: 1 hour and 40 minutes
CO2 Emissions: 5kg CO2
Air Fare: USD $334
Duration: 3 hours and 48 minutes
CO2 Emissions: 37kg CO2
Bus Travel Savings:
💰 93% Cost Savings
⏳ 2 hours and 8 minutes Time Saved
🍃 86% Reduction in Emissions
Chicago to South Bend bus tickets
19 – New York City to Albany
Travel from New York to Albany with carriers like Greyhound, Wanda Coach, and Trailways. Reach your destination in just 2 hours and 30 minutes for a reasonable USD $25 fare. This option also emits a modest 8kg of CO2 over the 234km distance.
Bus Companies: Greyhound, Wanda Coach, Trailways
Bus Fare: USD $25
Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes
CO2 Emissions: 8kg CO2
Air Fare: USD $269
Duration: 4 hours and 29 minutes
CO2 Emissions: 64kg CO2
Bus Travel Savings:
- 💰 91% Cost Savings
- ⏳ 1 hour and 59 minutes Time Saved
- 🍃 88% Reduction in Emissions
20 – Asheville to Knoxville
When traveling the 116 miles between Asheville to Knoxville, Greyhound offers a convenient bus option with a travel time of just 2 hours, at a cost of USD $32. This choice is 90% cheaper than taking the plane, which costs about USD $330. It also results in a modest emission of 6kg of CO2 over the 185km distance.
Bus Companies: Greyhound
Bus Fare: USD $32
Duration: 2 hours
CO2 Emissions: 6kg CO2 (based on 185km in distance)
Air Fare: USD $330 on American
Duration: 3 hours and 55 minutes (including arrival time)
CO2 Emissions: 37kg CO2
Bus Travel Savings:
💰 90% Cost Savings
⏳ 1 hour and 55 minutes Time Saved
🍃 84% Reduction in Emissions
Find Asheville to Knoxville tickets
21 – Austin to Dallas
When it comes to traveling from Austin to Dallas, hopping on a bus is a practical choice. Red Coach, FlixBus, and Turimex provide this service, with a travel time of 3 hours and 45 minutes, all for a reasonable USD $25 fare. This mode of travel emits approximately 11kg of CO2 over the 323km distance, and it’s also 84% cheaper than flying.
Bus Companies: Red Coach, FlixBus, Turimex
Bus Fare: USD $25
Duration: 3 hours and 45 minutes
CO2 Emissions: 11kg CO2
Air Fare: USD $159
Duration: 3 hours and 50 minutes
CO2 Emissions: 84kg CO2
Bus Travel Savings:
💰 84% Cost Savings
⏳ 5 minutes Time Saved
🍃 87% Reduction in Emissions
Find Austin to Dallas bus tickets
Why people are choosing the bus
- Travel Times: For many shorter routes, taking into account the commute to the airport, waiting time, and security procedures, bus travel can prove to be more or just as time-efficient as flying. Consider the popular journey from Los Angeles to San Diego—not only is traveling by bus 89% more affordable, but it also eliminates the hassle associated with boarding a flight and saves 1h45 of travel time.
- Budget-Friendly Travel: compared to flights, the financial benefits of taking the bus are evident. The bus allows travelers to stretch their dollars further while exploring new destinations.
- Reliability and Flexibility: Ground transportation eliminates the uncertainty associated with changes and cancellations that can frequently disrupt air travel plans. By opting for the bus, travelers can enjoy greater peace of mind, knowing that their journey is less likely to be affected by last-minute disruptions.
- Sustainable Choice: As concerns regarding climate change continue to mount, the environmental impact of travel choices has become an important consideration for many. Bus travel emits fewer carbon dioxide emissions compared to air travel, making it an environmentally friendly option for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint while exploring the beauty of the United States and Canada.
- Night Buses and Comfort: Many bus routes now offer overnight services, allowing passengers to relax and even sleep while en route to their destination. With spacious seating arrangements and the ability to stretch out, travelers can make the most of their journey by enjoying a peaceful night’s rest, something that is often elusive during air travel.
Start planning your next trip
When it comes to travel, there are times when taking the bus can be a more affordable, convenient, and enjoyable option compared to flying. Whether you’re looking to save money, avoid airport hassles, or simply embrace the scenic journey, these 21 trips offer compelling reasons to consider traveling by bus.
To book your bus or train tickets easily and conveniently, Busbud provides a one-stop platform that allows you to compare prices, schedules, and amenities, making your travel planning a breeze. Go to Busbud.com and start planning your next trip.
*Methodology: All prices are in US dollars and were determined as if traveling one-way on September 12th, 2023. All prices were researched as if booking four weeks prior to travel. Travel times were calculated using Google Maps as if traveling to and from airports to the city centers during rush hour. Airline-recommended early arrival to airports were also factored into travel time. For U.S. domestic flights, the TSA’s recommendation of arriving two hours prior to take-off was calculated into travel time and for U.S. international flights, the TSA’s recommendation of arriving three hours prior to take-off was calculated into travel time. For Canadian domestic flights, Air Canada’s recommendation of arriving at the airport two hours ahead of take-off was calculated into travel time. Greentripper was used to calculate emission comparisons.