Spring break is just around the corner, and college students on a fixed income may need help finding an affordable yet fun getaway. With economical lodging, outstanding cuisine, and abundant activities, Busbud identified 10 great destinations for spring break from colleges across the country that are within four hours of travel and cost around $50 to get there by bus or train.
Virginia Beach:
4 hours and 20 mins – $45 by bus from Washington, DC
Located near Washington, D.C. and its 75+ colleges, Virginia Beach offers plenty for spring breakers. Students from Georgetown University or George Washington University students, for example, can get to Virginia Beach in just 4 hours and 20 minutes. With hotels starting at $50 a night, it’s an ideal destination for budget-conscious students.
The area provides a blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences, though bring a sweatshirt as temperatures in March often only reach the high fifties. Enjoy the stunning white sandy beaches and stroll the famous boardwalk lined with shops and restaurants. Don’t miss the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center or the nearby zoo, featuring thousands of animals, including sharks, rays, tigers, and bears. The aquarium also includes an adventure park with a zip-line course and the area offers many parks and hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
Washington, DC:
3 hrs 19 mins – $22 by train from New York City
For students from New York University, Columbia University, Barnard College, or other colleges in the New York City metro region, the nation’s capital offers a rich educational experience largely free of charge. The Smithsonian Institution boasts 19 museums with free admission. Must-see spots include the Air and Space Museum, the Vietnam Memorial, and the National Zoo. Students can also visit the White House or take a tour of the Capitol Building. If you’re there toward the end of March you might be lucky enough to see the breathtaking cherry blossoms that adorn the National Mall.
Tijuana, MX:
3 hrs 15 mins – $23 by bus from Los Angeles
For students at the University of Southern California (USC), UCLA, and UC Riverside seeking an exotic adventure, travel just over the border to Tijuana, Mexico – it is just a quick trip across the border. Immerse yourself in local culture by visiting markets and museums, and enjoy stunning nearby Rosarito Beach. The vibrant nightlife includes a plethora of bars and dance clubs, and the food scene is renowned, especially for street tacos and seafood specialties.
Las Vegas:
4 hrs 20 mins – $32 by bus from Los Angeles
Springtime is considered the best time to visit Las Vegas, and Los Angeles and Orange County universities like UCLA and UC Riverside have convenient bus stops right on campus, making it easy to get there. Known as the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” Las Vegas offers an exciting mix of entertainment and activities. Take in the iconic Strip, lined with grand casinos, hotels, and a plethora of entertainment options. If gambling isn’t your thing, check out the Meow Wolf, a combination of theme park and art gallery, visit the ice rink at the Cosmopolitan, or take a ride on the High Roller Observation ferris wheel for a birds eye view of the area. For those wanting to escape the glitz and enjoy nature, nearby state parks or the Valley of Fire or Red Rock Canyon provide stunning natural beauty.
Panama City, FL:
2 hrs 10 minutes – $27 by bus from Tallahassee
For a classic spring break, Florida State University students will enjoy Panama City’s soft sandy beaches, abundant water sports, and vibrant nightlife. Numerous beach resorts and clubs host concerts and parties throughout the season, ensuring there’s always something happening. Other activities include snorkeling, a sunset cruise, or the Scream Machine 2 Double Xtreme Thrill Ride, a roller coaster type experience on water. The area also offers budget lodging and dining options to support a student budget.
Miami:
3 hrs and 40 mins – $25 by bus from Orlando
Miami is a quintessential spring break destination, attracting thousands of students each year for fun in the sun. With stunning beaches and lively nightlife, students from University of Central Florida and other Orlando institutions might find Miami the perfect place to kick back this March. You may need to search harder for budget-friendly lodging and dining, though. Consider renting a vacation home with friends to save on accommodations and prepare meals together. Many hotels host pool parties for visiting students, and March is the prime season for outdoor events including a number of music festivals.
Nashville:
4 hrs 25 mins – $40 by bus from Atlanta
Nashville is a lively and fun-filled destination for college students from Emory University, Georgia Tech, Georgia State, and other Atlanta-based universities this spring break with its rich music heritage, exciting nightlife, and diverse activities. Known as “Music City,” it promises memorable experiences, fantastic food, and a vibrant atmosphere. If country music isn’t your thing, you can find other genres around the city. Students should head to Broadway to find many bars, including honky tonk, dive bars, and bluegrass. Many are open-air so you can enjoy the music without racking up a bill and with a little research, you can find affordable lodging and an array of food trucks to keep costs down.
Savannah:
4 hours and 10 mins – $37 from Atlanta by bus
Savannah, Georgia offers a blend of history, culture, and Southern hospitality for students this spring break. Atlanta-based students from schools like Emory, Georgia Tech, and Georgia State are just a four hour ride away, making it convenient and affordable. In March, students can take part in the Savannah Music Festival or one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the U.S. The city’s culinary scene features classic Southern dishes, including shrimp and grits, friend green tomatoes, and peach cobbler.
In addition to a vibrant nightlife, Savannah is known for its haunted history, with several ghost tours offering a glimpse into its spooky past. While hotels can be on the pricey side, vacation rentals often provide more affordable options, especially for larger groups looking to enjoy this historic and charming destination.
New Orleans:
12 hrs 15 mins – $18 from Baton Rouge by bus
With a bus stop right on campus, Louisiana State University students looking for a short trip and a fabulous spring break can easily get to New Orleans. The city features scrumptious French Creole food, eclectic live music, and rich history and culture. Mardi Gras is the most famous festival in New Orleans and takes place on March 4 in 2025 but the Jazz Festival and the French Quarter Festival also take place in March. If hotels don’t fit your budget, you can explore vacation rentals or look to neighboring Chalmette, which is just a 20 minute ride away by public transit and it features many hotels that are half the price of staying in New Orleans.
San Diego:
1 hrs 35 mins – $22 from Los Angeles by bus
Many LA, Orange County area colleges, including UCLA, UC Riverside, and Cal State San Bernardino, have bus stops on campus making travel to San Diego a breeze. Once there, San Diego offers some of California’s most beautiful beaches for sunning, surfing, or swimming. The San Diego Zoo, one of the most famous in the world, is a must-see with more than 3,500 animals, including giant pandas, koala bears, and elephants.
There are also hiking and biking routes with spectacular ocean views and street fairs and music festivals to keep visitors entertained. Nightlife offers a wide array of options including laid-back beach bars to high-energy nightclubs. There are plenty of budget-friendly eateries specializing in seafood and Mexican cuisine. Visit the Liberty Public Market for a wide array of food vendors. Affordable lodging during spring break can be hard to find but students could consider vacation rentals or even hostels.
Daytona Beach:
1 hr and 5 mins – $22 from Orlando by bus
For students at the University of Central Florida or other Orlando colleges, Daytona could be the perfect choice for spring break because it’s only one hour away and has much to offer. With
23 miles of stunning coastline, there are endless opportunities for water sports. For a break from the sun, the Daytona International Speedway or the Museum of Arts and Sciences are both popular destinations. The Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier features amusement rides, arcades, and shops. Budget motels are available and group rentals can bring down the rates.
Siesta Key/Sarasota:
3 hrs and 45 minutes – $29 from Orlando by bus
For students looking for a laidback spring break, Siesta Key/Sarasota might be the best choice, especially for students from the University of Central Florida and other Orlando-based colleges because of the $60 roundtrip bus ticket. It’ll cost more for University of Florida students traveling from Gainesville ($164) but the travel time is under four hours. Consistently ranked for having some of the best beaches in the U.S., Siesta Key is a stunning, low-key vacation destination. The Siesta Key/Sarasota area provides a perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences, and budget-conscious students can find reasonably priced accommodations and restaurants. Public transportation is available.
Orlando:
1 h and 25 minutes hrs – $33 from Gainesville by bus
Known worldwide for its world-class amusement parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld, students have many options for adventure, but Orlando has much more to offer spring breakers. It’s an attractive choice for University of Florida students since there is a bus stop on campus, the ride from Gainesville is less than two hours, and the bus fare is $100.
International Drive downtown offers a variety of nightlife options, ranging from dance clubs to laid-back lounges. Beautiful parks and outdoor spaces like Lake Eola Park offer paddle boating and a great place for picnicking. There are many budget-friendly dining options. But accommodations can be pricey during spring break. Vacation rentals and hostels offer cheaper alternatives. There are many ways to save money for amusement park admission, including student discounts, multi-day passes, and group rates.
As the countdown for spring break begins, there are many affordable and exciting destinations that won’t strain your bank account. So gather your friends, grab your bags, and start your adventure – book your tickets on Busbud for your perfect spring break.