When Megabus premiered Philadelphia as a hub for their service, one of the destinations that we saw that we knew was a must-visit since neither of us had been there before was Pittsburgh. The total travel time clocks in at just under 6 hours (assuming you don't hit any bad traffic), with a brief stop in Harrisburg and a rest stop in Waterfalls, PA.
The drive both ways was very pleasant and comfortable. The fact that they made a rest stop along the way was definitely pleasing as being stuck on a bus for 6 hours can make one restless. You should definitely remember to bring a blanket with you if you get cold easily, as the air-conditioner will probably be at full blast the whole time. The WiFi was very convenient, as were the electrical outlets to keep our iPods charged.
The drop off spot in Pittsburgh was at 10th Street and Penn Avenue, which is very central to the downtown area of the city. It made it quite easy for us to walk to our hotel, as well as to various activities around the city. It is also located only a block away from the Greyhound station, which has lockers you can use as storage if need be for your trip. We took advantage of this to keep our backpacks in after we checked out of our hotel so that we wouldn't have to drag them around everywhere.
Showing posts with label Bus Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bus Review. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
MegaBus Review - Philadelphia to State College
For our trip to State College, we decided to use the new bus service, MegaBus. The total round trip ticket for 2 people came out to only $4.50. That's a price you really can't beat. Driving there by yourself would cost you significantly more than that in gas alone!
We were able to conveniently pick up the bus at 30th Street Station in Philly, which is the main transportation hub of the city for those who aren't familiar with it. Because we did this on a Sunday, we were able to easily find on-street parking with no cost to us at all. There are plenty of lots available around the area to park your car in if you'd prefer, but those would cost about $20 per day at least. The other option is to take the train in to Philly if you live in the suburbs. Since all trains end up at 30th street station, this can be a good option as well.
The trip itself was pleasant, and everything was on time. If you're someone who gets cold easily though, be prepared for the A/C on the bus to be on full blast and bring a blanket.
One thing Megabus did only a few days before our departure was to change the drop-off location in State College to a Walmart that was about 2 miles away from the Penn State campus. Unfortunately, for anyone who would then only be walking after getting off the bus, this is quite inconvenient. When we first booked the trip, the stop was supposed to be in the downtown portion of State College. By switching this, it made it quite inconvenient to get back to the bus stop after a long day of walking around.
There is a local bus system called CATA you can use, but their service can be very limited at times, so make sure you are fully aware of their schedule when making plans.
We were able to conveniently pick up the bus at 30th Street Station in Philly, which is the main transportation hub of the city for those who aren't familiar with it. Because we did this on a Sunday, we were able to easily find on-street parking with no cost to us at all. There are plenty of lots available around the area to park your car in if you'd prefer, but those would cost about $20 per day at least. The other option is to take the train in to Philly if you live in the suburbs. Since all trains end up at 30th street station, this can be a good option as well.
The trip itself was pleasant, and everything was on time. If you're someone who gets cold easily though, be prepared for the A/C on the bus to be on full blast and bring a blanket.
One thing Megabus did only a few days before our departure was to change the drop-off location in State College to a Walmart that was about 2 miles away from the Penn State campus. Unfortunately, for anyone who would then only be walking after getting off the bus, this is quite inconvenient. When we first booked the trip, the stop was supposed to be in the downtown portion of State College. By switching this, it made it quite inconvenient to get back to the bus stop after a long day of walking around.
There is a local bus system called CATA you can use, but their service can be very limited at times, so make sure you are fully aware of their schedule when making plans.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Megabus Review
For my birthday, we decided to go to Washington D.C. However, Matt was going to stay for a week and I needed to return the following morning. Originally my plan was to drive back, but decided last minute that it wasn't a good idea. I looked at prices for Amtrak, the east coast rail line, and for $46 I could get from Union Station in D.C. to 30th Street Station in Philadelphia.
However, I was reminded by Matt that MegaBus just opened a hub at 30th Street Station, and, while I would have to leave much, much earlier in the morning, I could do the same trip for $3.
Also, right now, MegaBus is doing a a special, where some tickets are FREE when you use the coupon code "LUVPHL" on megabus.com.
I was very impressed with MegaBus, even for leaving at 5:30 a.m., the driver was very nice. The bus was quiet, and when I woke up, I had FREE wi-fi to check my e-mail and get directions back to home.
Each pair of seats has an outlet, so if you are on long bus rides, you can charge phones and laptops. Also, some of the seats are quads, where two seats face two other seats with a small table in the middle. This is great for traveling with children or in groups, as those traveling together can play games or work together.
The buses are also double decker, which gives lots of seats, so buses take longer to fill up.
I HIGHLY recommend MegaBus for your next journey - especially if you can find a cheap ticket. It is almost impossible to beat their prices - flying, with Amtrak, or driving.
In the coming months, Better Than a Travel Guide will be using MegaBus a lot - going to State College and to Pittsburgh. And, believe me, this is NOT the last time you hear about MegaBus!
However, I was reminded by Matt that MegaBus just opened a hub at 30th Street Station, and, while I would have to leave much, much earlier in the morning, I could do the same trip for $3.
Also, right now, MegaBus is doing a a special, where some tickets are FREE when you use the coupon code "LUVPHL" on megabus.com.
I was very impressed with MegaBus, even for leaving at 5:30 a.m., the driver was very nice. The bus was quiet, and when I woke up, I had FREE wi-fi to check my e-mail and get directions back to home.
Each pair of seats has an outlet, so if you are on long bus rides, you can charge phones and laptops. Also, some of the seats are quads, where two seats face two other seats with a small table in the middle. This is great for traveling with children or in groups, as those traveling together can play games or work together.
The buses are also double decker, which gives lots of seats, so buses take longer to fill up.
I HIGHLY recommend MegaBus for your next journey - especially if you can find a cheap ticket. It is almost impossible to beat their prices - flying, with Amtrak, or driving.
In the coming months, Better Than a Travel Guide will be using MegaBus a lot - going to State College and to Pittsburgh. And, believe me, this is NOT the last time you hear about MegaBus!
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