Greyhound vs. Flying

[ZeroToHero]

Three of my friends and I are going to Florida (we're from Boston) for our senior trip in June, and - not to mince words - we're poor, so we're basically doing everything as cheaply as possible. We also have parents who aren't letting us drive down. So we're left with Amtrak, flying, or Greyhound. Amtrak costs about as much as a cheap plane, and is actually longer than the bus ride, so that's out. Greyhound prices are about 500$ total for all of us, roundtrip, whereas flying (probably JetBlue) would be about 94-200$ each, one way. So we're looking at 100-400$ each for a few hours in the air, as opposed to a day and a bit in a bus.. is it worth the huge price difference? Are there any other options? Basically I'm asking for your opinion and for any advice that you might have. Thanks everyone!

 

[Edd]

A few hours in the air is a whole lot easier than taking a trip on a bus. The difference in price is well worth it, but if you are poor and can't afford it why spend the money. There are other expenses once you get in Florida that you will have to pay and they will make the plane fare seem cheap.

 

[sue Z]

allow two days for travel by bus and once you get to orlando you are going to need a way to get from the terminal on John young parkway.

there is also a terminal in kissimmee but you need to transfer in orlando to go to kissimmee.

either way you go on greyhound you will be transfering in New York City. there are meal stops along the way

sleeping on the bus is ok but not something that is for everyone!

I know from experience as the last three yrs I have gone from Boston to North Dakota via greyhound and this coming yr I am flying as I am going in April and dont want to get caught with any surprise snowstorms

 

[ZeroToHero]

Good to know, thank you... is there a taxi stand or a way to get taxis at either Orlando or Kissimmee? I would assume so, but I haven't done buses before, only flying with my family.

 

[MrsNick]

Good to know, thank you... is there a taxi stand or a way to get taxis at either Orlando or Kissimmee? I would assume so, but I haven't done buses before, only flying with my family.

Either way you go (bus or plane) don't forget to factor in all expenses. For example, the amount you pay for a taxi to Disney (and back to the bus terminal when you leave) could be very expensive, eating up any $ you might save over flying. Additionally, on the bus, you will need to factor in the amount of money that you will spend on meals (in both directions).

If you stay in a hotel on Disney property and you fly, you will have the advantage of free transfers between the airport and Disney. Whether or not you fly, if you stay on property, you will have the Disney transportation available to you at no additional cost. Since you are on a budget, you may want to look into one of Disney's Value resorts.

Additionally, lots of people on these boards are pretty savvy about snagging Ding fares on Southwest airlines, making it quite cheap to travel that way. Many of them are flexible in travelling out of an alternate airport (on one recent thread, a woman mentioned that she was saving over $1000 for her family by flying Southwest out of an airport that was a bit further away than the closest airport.

Also, look into travelling at off peak times (early in the morning or late at night) and also in the middle of the week (Tues. or Weds.). That's usually when you can snag the cheapest airfares (like $59 OW on JetBlue).

Good luck and enjoy your senior trip, whether you fly or bus it.

 

[ducklite]

DO NOT get off at the Orlando bus depot. It's in a nasty and somewhat dangerous area. Get off in Kissimmee.

Have you looked at flying from someplace other than Boston? Bradley, TF Green or Manchester all are within a couple hour drive, and can often save you hundreds on your plane fare.

Something else to consider, if you take Greyhound you're going to have to buy food for two extra days in each direction.