Table of Contents
Greyhound buses are one of the most affordable ways of traveling within the United States. Stretching across numerous major and minor cities, getting from point A to point B as a traveler simply involves using your Student Advantage Card for ticket purchases, packing essentials for the journey, and stepping aboard.
1. Affordable Travel with Greyhound
As a student, you’re entitled to a 20% discount on any ticket, and additionally, 40% off shipping if you need to send a package. This makes overland travel significantly more affordable.
2. Student Travel Discount
Gaining access to the 20% discount is straightforward: simply obtain a Student Advantage Card. The card’s benefits extend beyond Greyhound, offering discounts at various places such as Eurail, Amtrak, HostelWorld, Timberland, and more. For students planning to travel, this card proves particularly beneficial.
You can acquire this card at any Greyhound bus station. Once you have it, applying the discount is easy; simply use the promotional code GRY48L9002 when checking out online or show it at a Greyhound ticket office when purchasing your tickets.
3. Companion Fare Discounts
If you’re traveling with a friend who isn’t a student, you can take advantage of Greyhound’s 10% discount on companion fares. However, note that several restrictions apply, such as needing to travel in a group of two or three, and the offer is not valid during peak or holiday seasons.
4. Preparing for Your Greyhound Experience
While the Greyhound experience requires minimal preparation, packing additional items can enhance your journey. A long bus ride can often be tedious, particularly if you are taking an overnight trip.
5. What to Pack for the Journey
Consider bringing a book or Kindle for entertainment, or pre-load your laptop, phone, or tablet with movies and TV shows. A physical guidebook, like a Lonely Planet, can also be helpful once you arrive at your destination.
If you enjoy road trips, a pocket-sized road atlas is a good idea to track your journey, or you could utilize Google Maps if you have data access during the trip.
Long travel days are ideal for journaling. With minimal distractions, you’ll find plenty of time to document your thoughts, making this a great opportunity for reflection. A variety of travel-themed journals can be found on online marketplaces.
If your journey takes place in the evening or during overnight travel, consider a small book light to read discreetly while others are sleeping, which can be beneficial whether you’re reading a physical book or an older Kindle model.
Lastly, it’s wise to include earplugs and an eye mask to ensure a more comfortable trip, as you may encounter various fellow passengers along the way.
This article has been edited and updated by Lauren Juliff.
