Anyone do Megabus to NYC?

I_love_cupcakes · January 2012

A few girlfriends and I are taking the Megabus to NYC in two weeks for a girls' weekend. We've never taken the bus, and have an early trip scheduled. Anyone have any tips? Know where we go at Union Station to catch the bus? etc? Any and all tips appreciated!

Pam&John · January 2012

my son takes it all the time (his GF is there) -- FYI, I don't think that the bus depot is actually at Union Station, but down North Capitol Street a few blocks...and that's the extent of my knowledge. (and yes, there could have been a change, or that could be a different bus company...)

a co-worker takes the bus a lot, too, and she recommends bringing snacks and water, as you are not likely to stop at a rest area. Most buses also have free wifi, but that's not guaranteed to work so be sure to bring reading material. She brings an inflatable neck pillow and small blanket (like airplane size) that she can roll up tightly into a backpack for the rest of the day, in case she wants to nap/it's cold on the bus. Her recommendations may not be applicable since you're in a group, of course (she goes up at 6am and returns home at 1am, bc she likes to shop in a day up there... ).

sarahelisabethm · January 2012

Pam is right...the station is down the street from Union Station, in a parking lot. It's very close to the Greyhound station. GPS or Google Maps can find it for you if you have the address. There is nowhere to wait inside, just a little awning to stand under, so don't be there too early if it's cold. Also, there aren't really any good parking spots in the area, so be prepared to park farther away if someone is dropping you off. I'd honestly just recommend taking Metro to Union Station and walking from there.

Mrs.Handy · January 2012

I've taken it many times to and from NYC. They did change the location recently and the neighborhood is really not very nice so be careful if you're walking at night.

Also, I love getting there early and getting a seat on the top level in the front if it is a double decker. The view is kind of cool, you have more space and you're isolated from the rest of the bus so it is a little quieter. These are usually the most popular seats.

I_love_cupcakes · January 2012

Thanks ladies! We're definitely planning to bring reading material, and thanks for the tips on water/snacks. The megabus website says the bus stop is AT Union Station, on the "bus deck", and the stop on K and N.Capitol is no longer in use (in case any of you are interested!) Any idea how crowded it gets? Or how early we should arrive if we have to stand in line?

sarahelisabethm · January 2012

I_love_cupcakes:
Thanks ladies! We're definitely planning to bring reading material, and thanks for the tips on water/snacks. The megabus website says the bus stop is AT Union Station, on the "bus deck", and the stop on K and N.Capitol is no longer in use (in case any of you are interested!) Any idea how crowded it gets? Or how early we should arrive if we have to stand in line?

Good to know! That must be a very recent change--the last time I was there was just in October.

I_love_cupcakes · January 2012

Mrs.Handy:
I've taken it many times to and from NYC. They did change the location recently and the neighborhood is really not very nice so be careful if you're walking at night.

Also, I love getting there early and getting a seat on the top level in the front if it is a double decker. The view is kind of cool, you have more space and you're isolated from the rest of the bus so it is a little quieter. These are usually the most popular seats.

How early do you get there, and how soon before departure do they start boarding? We have an 8:00 bus.

Mrs.Handy · January 2012

I_love_cupcakes:
Mrs.Handy:

I've taken it many times to and from NYC. They did change the location recently and the neighborhood is really not very nice so be careful if you're walking at night.

Also, I love getting there early and getting a seat on the top level in the front if it is a double decker. The view is kind of cool, you have more space and you're isolated from the rest of the bus so it is a little quieter. These are usually the most popular seats.

How early do you get there, and how soon before departure do they start boarding? We have an 8:00 bus.

It really does vary based on the day, popularity of the bus, and even the bus driver. We would usually get there 30 hour - 45 min early. But I wouldn't want to wait out in the cold that long. So it's up to you. They can board 15-20 minutes early or will board at 8am exactly if they're running behind. It's not the most organized of operations.

cheekywife · January 2012

my friends did DC2NY and had a really good experience both ways. it is more expensive but might be worth it to be more comfortable. they booked a few weeks ahead.

i've done megabus from NY to someplace in MD and it was ok. not great.

I_love_cupcakes · January 2012

cheekywife:
my friends did DC2NY and had a really good experience both ways. it is more expensive but might be worth it to be more comfortable. they booked a few weeks ahead.
i've done megabus from NY to someplace in MD and it was ok. not great.

I'll have to remember that for next time. We booked our megabus tickets weeks ago and got a really low rate. I wasn't expecting GREAT since it's a bus. As long as we get there and back safely and in a relatively decent time frame, I'll be happy!

KCH0906 · January 2012

I_love_cupcakes:
A few girlfriends and I are taking the Megabus to NYC in two weeks for a girls' weekend. We've never taken the bus, and have an early trip scheduled. Anyone have any tips? Know where we go at Union Station to catch the bus? etc? Any and all tips appreciated!

That sounds like so much fun! Wish I could go! Oh wait, I am

PS - haven't been on here in forever but hopefully you know who I am

I_love_cupcakes · January 2012

KC0906:
I_love_cupcakes:
A few girlfriends and I are taking the Megabus to NYC in two weeks for a girls' weekend. We've never taken the bus, and have an early trip scheduled. Anyone have any tips? Know where we go at Union Station to catch the bus? etc? Any and all tips appreciated!

That sounds like so much fun! Wish I could go! Oh wait, I am
PS - haven't been on here in forever but hopefully you know who I am

Ha! I was wondering if you'd chime in! Hope you're feeling better!!

KCH0906 · January 2012

Starting to feel normal again, thanks! Which is weird considering how pregnant I am... haha... obviously I'm too lazy to change my ticker!

I can't believe we're leaving so soon! I hope the weather is still warm by then!

Burgandy05 · January 2012

I've only taken Megabus once, and it was when they were at the H street parking lot. We arrived about 30 minutes early, and the line had about 10 people, the bus arrived close to the departure time, and it seemed more people went to the bottom then the top - I liked the top. They stop at Baltimore on the way their and back. Have fun! I would definitely ride Megabus again.

Anyone do Megabus to NYC?

Re: Anyone do Megabus to NYC?

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