Choosing between train and bus travel can save you serious money—or cost you hours of discomfort. After riding thousands of miles on Amtrak, Greyhound, and FlixBus across the country, I’ve learned exactly when each option makes sense for your wallet and your sanity.
Quick Answer: FlixBus typically offers the cheapest fares ($15-45), Greyhound provides the most routes (2,400+ destinations), and Amtrak delivers the most comfortable experience with more space and amenities. Your best choice depends on your route, budget flexibility, and comfort priorities.
Price Comparison: What You’ll Actually Pay
Let’s talk real numbers. I’ve tracked fares across popular routes to show you what budget travel actually costs.
Average Fare Comparison by Distance
| Route Distance | FlixBus | Greyhound | Amtrak Coach |
| Under 100 miles | $8-15 | $12-25 | $15-35 |
| 100-300 miles | $15-35 | $25-50 | $35-80 |
| 300-500 miles | $25-50 | $40-75 | $60-120 |
| 500+ miles | $40-80 | $60-130 | $100-250 |
Prices based on advance booking (14-30 days). Last-minute tickets can cost 40-60% more.
Real Route Examples
New York to Washington DC (225 miles):
- FlixBus: $15-30 (4-5 hours)
- Greyhound: $25-45 (4-5 hours)
- Amtrak: $49-130 (3-4 hours)
Los Angeles to San Francisco (380 miles):
- FlixBus: $25-40 (7-9 hours)
- Greyhound: $35-65 (7-8 hours)
- Amtrak: $60-100 (12 hours via Coast Starlight, but scenic)
Chicago to St. Louis (300 miles):
- FlixBus: $20-35 (5-6 hours)
- Greyhound: $30-55 (5.5-6.5 hours)
- Amtrak: $29-75 (5.5 hours)
The pattern is clear: FlixBus wins on pure price, but Amtrak sometimes surprises with competitive fares on specific corridors, especially if you book early.
Comfort and Space: Where Your Money Goes
Price tags don’t tell the whole story. I’ve spent enough overnight trips on buses and trains to know that comfort directly impacts whether you arrive refreshed or exhausted.
Seat Space Comparison
Amtrak gives you the most breathing room. Coach seats offer 50 inches of pitch (legroom) and recline significantly. You can actually get up, walk to the café car, and stretch without climbing over people. The seats are wider too—roughly 23 inches versus 17-18 inches on buses.
Greyhound seats provide about 38 inches of pitch with moderate recline. You’ll feel the difference on trips over four hours. The newer buses have outlets and WiFi, but older coaches can feel cramped, especially for taller travelers.
FlixBus matches Greyhound on most comfort metrics with 39 inches of pitch. Their fleet tends to be newer with reliable outlets and USB ports. Seats are reasonably comfortable for medium-distance trips, but overnight journeys get uncomfortable.
Amenities That Matter
| Feature | FlixBus | Greyhound | Amtrak |
| Free WiFi | Yes (limited) | Yes (spotty) | Yes (reliable) |
| Power outlets | Every seat | Most seats | Every seat |
| Bathrooms | Small onboard | Small onboard | Large, accessible |
| Food service | None | None | Café car |
| Baggage included | 1 carry-on + 1 checked | 1 carry-on + 1 checked | 2 carry-ons + 2 checked |
| Can walk around | No | No | Yes |
The ability to move around on Amtrak makes a huge difference on journeys over six hours. I’ve done the overnight bus trip exactly once—never again when trains are available.
Routes and Destinations: Where Can You Actually Go?
Having cheap tickets means nothing if the carrier doesn’t go where you need to be.
Greyhound dominates rural America with over 2,400 destinations. If you’re heading to smaller towns or college campuses, Greyhound often provides the only intercity option beyond driving. They’ve built connections over decades that newer competitors haven’t matched.
FlixBus focuses on popular routes connecting major cities and college towns. You’ll find excellent service on the Northeast Corridor, Texas Triangle, and California coast. They’ve expanded rapidly since entering the US market, but coverage in rural areas remains limited.
Amtrak serves about 500 stations nationwide, concentrated along major corridors. The Northeast Corridor (Boston-New York-DC) and California routes offer frequent service. Mid-sized cities often see just one train daily. Rural coverage is sparse—if Amtrak doesn’t go there, you’ll need a bus or car.
Best Route Coverage by Region
Northeast: All three compete heavily. Amtrak dominates speed and comfort; buses win on price.
Midwest: Greyhound provides the most comprehensive network. Amtrak connects major cities but with limited frequency.
West Coast: FlixBus and Greyhound battle for coastal routes. Amtrak’s Coast Starlight and Pacific Surfliner offer scenic alternatives.
South: Greyhound leads by far. FlixBus covers major cities. Amtrak service is limited outside the Crescent and Texas Eagle routes.
Rural areas: Greyhound is often your only option beyond driving.
Travel Time: Speed vs Savings
Budget travel requires patience, but some delays hurt more than others.
Amtrak usually matches driving time on dedicated passenger rail corridors like the Northeast Corridor and Michigan routes. The Acela (though not budget) covers New York to DC in under three hours. Regular Northeast Regional trains take 3-4 hours—competitive with driving when you factor in traffic and parking.
On long-distance routes, trains take significantly longer because they share tracks with freight trains and make multiple stops. The California Zephyr from Chicago to San Francisco takes 52 hours—beautiful, but only worthwhile if you’re treating it as the journey itself.
Buses typically take 15-25% longer than driving due to stops, traffic, and posted speed limits. A 6-hour drive might become 7-8 hours by bus. FlixBus and Greyhound run similar schedules on most routes.
When Speed Matters
If you’re traveling under 300 miles and time is tight, Amtrak often justifies the extra cost by shaving 30-60 minutes off bus times. Beyond 500 miles, speed differences become negligible compared to the comfort advantage of walking around on a train.
Booking Strategies: How to Get the Cheapest Tickets
I’ve learned the hard way that when you book matters as much as what you book.
Best Time to Book
FlixBus: Prices start low and creep up as departure approaches. Book 3-4 weeks out for best rates. They occasionally drop prices for undersold routes a few days before departure—risky but possible if you’re flexible.
Greyhound: Similar pattern. Book 14-21 days ahead. They offer economy fares (cheapest, no changes) and flexible fares (more expensive but changeable). Economy fares can be 30-40% cheaper.
Amtrak: Saver fares (lowest price, limited refunds) disappear quickly on popular routes. Book 2-3 months early for best rates. Tuesday and Wednesday departures often cost less than weekends. Avoid Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings when prices spike.
Money-Saving Tips
Compare departure times: Early morning and late-night buses and trains often cost 20-30% less than prime-time departures.
Be flexible on dates: Shifting travel by one day can save $10-30. Tuesday through Thursday typically offers better deals.
Check connecting routes: Sometimes booking two shorter segments beats one direct ticket, especially on Amtrak. Chicago to Seattle via Portland might cost less than the direct Empire Builder.
Use price alerts: Google Flights, Wanderu, and Busbud track bus and train prices. You’ll get notified when fares drop.
Look for promotions: Amtrak runs seasonal sales (Veterans Day, New Year’s). FlixBus offers student discounts. Greyhound has companion fares (bring a friend for cheap or free).
Consider multi-ride passes: If you’re taking several trips, Greyhound’s Road Pass and Amtrak’s USA Rail Pass can save money. Do the math first—they only work if you travel frequently.
Safety and Reliability: What to Expect
Let’s address the elephant in the room: safety perceptions and reality.
Amtrak has an excellent safety record. Trains are statistically safer than cars or buses per mile traveled. Delays happen—freight trains get priority on most tracks outside the Northeast Corridor, so expect 30-60 minute delays on long-distance routes. Weather affects schedules, especially winter in the Midwest and Northeast.
Greyhound safety has improved significantly over the past decade with better driver training and newer buses. Stations in some cities have security concerns, particularly late at night. The bus itself is generally safe, but stay aware of your surroundings at stations and during stops.
FlixBus benefits from a newer fleet and modern safety features. Their app-based system and cashless transactions reduce some security issues. Station quality varies since they use existing bus terminals and curbside stops.
On-Time Performance
Based on my experience and industry data:
- FlixBus: 75-85% on-time arrival (within 15 minutes)
- Greyhound: 70-80% on-time arrival
- Amtrak: 65-75% on-time for long-distance routes, 80-90% for corridor trains
Traffic affects buses more during rush hours and summer travel. Amtrak delays come from freight train interference and mechanical issues with aging equipment on some routes.
Special Considerations for Budget Travelers
Overnight Travel
If you’re trying to save on accommodation by traveling overnight, Amtrak wins hands-down—if you can afford it. Coach seats recline more, you can stretch your legs, and there’s less motion than a bus.
Overnight buses work for some people, but I’ve arrived bleary-eyed too many times to recommend them unless you’re desperate to save money. Bring a good neck pillow, eye mask, and noise-canceling headphones if you attempt it.
Traveling with Luggage
Amtrak’s generous baggage policy (two carry-ons and two checked bags free) makes it ideal for college students, people moving between cities, or anyone with more than a backpack.
FlixBus and Greyhound each allow one carry-on and one checked bag free, with fees for additional luggage ($15-20 per extra bag). FlixBus is stricter about enforcing size limits.
Accessibility
Amtrak stations and trains are generally wheelchair accessible with staff assistance available. Newer Greyhound and FlixBus coaches have wheelchair lifts, but older buses may not. Call ahead to ensure accessibility accommodations.
WiFi and Productivity
If you plan to work during travel, Amtrak’s WiFi is most reliable, though it slows down with heavy usage. Bus WiFi ranges from decent to nonexistent depending on route and passenger load. Don’t count on it for video calls or large downloads. Cell signals along highways are usually adequate for hotspot use.
Environmental Impact: The Green Angle
If carbon footprint matters to your budget calculations (it should), trains win significantly.
Amtrak produces about 46% less carbon per passenger mile than driving alone and substantially less than flying. Buses fall in the middle—more efficient than single-occupancy cars but less green than trains.
For environmentally conscious budget travelers, paying slightly more for Amtrak can feel worth it, especially on routes with high passenger volume where efficiency peaks.
The Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
Here’s my honest recommendation after years of riding all three:
Choose FlixBus if:
- Price is your absolute priority
- You’re traveling popular routes between major cities
- Your trip is under 5 hours
- You’re young and flexible about comfort
- You don’t have much luggage
Choose Greyhound if:
- You need to reach smaller towns or rural areas
- FlixBus doesn’t serve your route
- You need last-minute tickets (sometimes cheaper than FlixBus when booking within 48 hours)
- You want maximum destination flexibility
Choose Amtrak if:
- Your trip exceeds 5-6 hours
- You value comfort and space
- You’re traveling with lots of luggage
- You want to work or relax during travel
- The route has frequent service with competitive pricing (Northeast Corridor, California corridors, Michigan services, etc.)
- You don’t mind paying 20-40% more for significantly better experience
My Personal Strategy
For trips under 4 hours on routes with frequent bus service, I take FlixBus and pocket the savings. Between 4-8 hours, I strongly consider Amtrak if the price difference is under $30—the comfort pays off. Over 8 hours, I only take Amtrak unless buses are dramatically cheaper or trains don’t serve the route.
I avoid overnight buses when possible. If I must travel overnight on a budget, I’d rather pay a bit more for Amtrak coach than arrive exhausted from a bus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Greyhound is usually cheaper, typically costing 25-50% less than Amtrak for the same route. However, Amtrak occasionally offers competitive fares on specific corridors, especially when booking far in advance. FlixBus often undercuts both by 10-30%.
Trains are significantly more comfortable. Amtrak coach seats offer 50 inches of legroom compared to 38-39 inches on buses, wider seats, better recline, and the ability to walk around freely. For trips over 5 hours, this comfort difference becomes substantial.
Book 2-3 months in advance, travel Tuesday through Thursday, choose early morning or late evening departures, and sign up for Amtrak’s email alerts for promotional sales. Saver fares offer the lowest prices but have restrictions on changes and refunds.
No. Greyhound serves over 2,400 destinations including many smaller towns and rural areas. FlixBus focuses on major cities and popular routes, with particularly good coverage in the Northeast, California, Texas, and between college towns.
Overnight buses save on accommodation but rarely provide quality sleep. They work better for younger travelers on very tight budgets or trips under 8 hours. If you can afford it, overnight Amtrak coach offers much better rest, or consider adding a budget hotel to your bus fare for better overall value.
Amtrak generally offers the most reliable WiFi, especially on Northeast Corridor routes, though it slows during peak usage. FlixBus and Greyhound WiFi quality varies significantly by route—adequate for browsing and email but often too slow for streaming. Bring a hotspot or download entertainment in advance.
Yes, all three allow you to bring your own food. Amtrak has café cars selling snacks, sandwiches, and drinks. Buses have no food service—you’ll rely on quick stops at rest areas or stations. Bringing your own food saves money on all options.
Statistically, trains are the safest form of ground transportation per passenger mile. Both Amtrak and modern bus fleets have strong safety records. Your biggest safety considerations are station locations (some Greyhound stations are in sketchy areas) and staying aware during stops.
Final Thoughts
Budget travel doesn’t mean miserable travel. I’ve had amazing trips on $20 FlixBus tickets and regretted expensive last-minute Amtrak fares. The key is matching the service to your specific trip.
Run the numbers, consider your comfort threshold, and remember that the cheapest ticket isn’t always the best value. Sometimes paying $25 more saves you three hours or delivers you refreshed instead of exhausted.
Whatever you choose, book early, pack snacks, bring entertainment, and embrace the journey. Budget travel opens up adventures that flying or driving alone never could—you just need to pick the right wheels for your road.