What Greyhound is and how to book a ticket

Greyhound is a bus company that operates long-distance routes across the United States and into Canada and Mexico. You buy a ticket for a specific route and departure time, board at a Greyhound station or an authorized stop, and travel to your destination. Tickets are sold online at greyhound.com, by phone at 1-800-231-2222, at Greyhound stations, and through some travel agents.

When you book online, you enter your departure city, destination, and travel date. Greyhound shows available buses, departure times, and prices. Prices vary by how far in advance you book and how busy that route is on that day. You pay with a credit card, debit card, or prepaid card. After you pay, Greyhound emails you a confirmation number and a receipt. You do not need to print anything — you can show the confirmation number on your phone at the station.

If you book by phone, a representative walks you through the same process and takes your payment information. If you book at a station, you pay in person and receive a printed ticket. Greyhound does not refund tickets, but you can exchange your ticket for a different date or route on the same booking, usually without extra charge if the new ticket costs the same or less.

Key Takeaways

  • Greyhound tickets are sold online, by phone, and at stations; prices depend on how far ahead you book and how busy the route is.
  • You need a valid photo ID to board, such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card.
  • Greyhound allows one carry-on bag and two checked bags per ticket; extra bags cost additional fees.
  • Buses make scheduled stops along the route where passengers can get off and on; the total trip time is longer than driving the same distance.
  • Greyhound stations are located in most major cities, but some smaller towns have only a curbside stop with no building or staff.

What to bring and what ID you need

You must bring a valid photo ID to board any Greyhound bus. Acceptable forms include a driver's license, state ID card, passport, military ID, or tribal ID. Greyhound staff will check your ID against your ticket before you board. If your name on the ticket does not match your ID exactly, you may not be allowed to board.

Bring your confirmation number or printed ticket. If you booked online and have the confirmation number on your phone, that is enough — you do not need to print it. Arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Greyhound closes the boarding door 15 minutes before the bus leaves, so if you arrive after that, you miss your bus and cannot board a later one on the same ticket without paying a change fee.

Bring any medications, glasses, or medical devices you need during the trip. Bring snacks and water if you want them — Greyhound buses do not have food service, though some longer routes stop at rest areas or stations where you can buy food. Bring a phone charger if your phone battery matters to you; most buses have USB ports or power outlets, but not all seats have access to them.

Baggage rules and fees

Your ticket includes one carry-on bag and two checked bags. A carry-on bag is something you keep with you on the bus — a backpack, purse, or small suitcase that fits in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. Checked bags go in the storage compartment under the bus and you retrieve them when you arrive at your destination.

Each checked bag can weigh up to 50 pounds and measure no more than 62 inches when you add the length, width, and height together. If a bag is heavier or larger, Greyhound charges an oversize fee. A third checked bag costs extra. Fragile items, weapons, hazardous materials, and animals (except service dogs) are not allowed in checked baggage or on the bus.

Service dogs travel free and do not count toward your baggage limit. Pets other than service dogs are not allowed on Greyhound buses. If you need to travel with a pet, you will need to use a different transportation method or arrange for someone else to care for the animal while you travel.

How long the trip takes and what happens at stops

Greyhound buses make scheduled stops along every route. A trip that covers 300 miles might take 6 to 8 hours because the bus stops in multiple cities to pick up and drop off passengers. The exact time depends on the route, the number of stops, and traffic conditions. When you book, Greyhound shows you the estimated arrival time, which includes all scheduled stops.

At each stop, the bus pulls into a station or designated curbside location. Passengers getting off at that stop exit the bus. Passengers waiting at that stop board. The stop usually lasts 10 to 30 minutes. You can get off the bus during a stop, but you must be back before the driver closes the door. If you miss the bus, Greyhound does not hold your seat or refund your ticket.

On longer routes — typically those over 6 hours — Greyhound includes a meal stop or rest break. The driver announces how long the stop will be. Use this time to use the restroom, stretch, or buy food. Restrooms on the bus are small and basic; many passengers prefer to use the restroom at a station stop instead.

Greyhound stations versus curbside stops

Major cities have Greyhound stations — buildings with ticket counters, waiting areas, restrooms, and sometimes a small café or shop. You board and exit the bus at the station. Smaller cities and towns may have only a curbside stop, which is a marked location on a street or parking lot with no building. At a curbside stop, the bus pulls up, passengers board and exit, and the bus leaves. There is no waiting area, ticket counter, or staff member on site.

If your destination is a curbside stop, you still need to arrive early to make sure you are there when the bus arrives. Greyhound provides the address of your stop when you book. If you are unsure where the stop is, call Greyhound customer service at 1-800-231-2222 to confirm the location and get directions. Some curbside stops are in unsafe areas or difficult to find, so plan your arrival carefully.

If you are picking up a passenger, ask them for the exact address of their stop. Curbside stops do not have a phone number or staff, so you cannot call ahead to ask the driver to wait. The bus arrives and departs on schedule regardless of whether anyone is waiting.

Cancellations, delays, and what to do if something goes wrong

Greyhound cancels or significantly delays buses due to weather, mechanical problems, or driver availability. If your bus is cancelled, Greyhound emails you a notification and offers to rebook you on the next available bus to your destination at no extra charge, or to exchange your ticket for a different date or route. You do not receive a refund, but you can use your ticket value toward a future trip.

If your bus is delayed, Greyhound updates the estimated arrival time on its website and in your email. You can check the status of your bus by entering your confirmation number at greyhound.com. If the delay causes you to miss a connection or appointment, Greyhound does not compensate you for that loss — the ticket price is your only cost.

If you have a problem during your trip — the bus breaks down, you are treated disrespectfully, or something is damaged — report it to the driver or to Greyhound customer service as soon as possible. Keep your confirmation number and any photos or notes about what happened. Call 1-800-231-2222 or visit greyhound.com to file a complaint. Greyhound reviews complaints but does not always offer refunds or compensation.

Discounts and special fares

Greyhound offers discounts for military members, students, seniors (age 62 and older), and children. Military members need a valid military ID. Students need a valid student ID. Seniors and children do not need special documentation — you just tell Greyhound your age when you book. The discount amount varies by route and date; some routes have no discount available.

Greyhound occasionally runs promotions where certain routes cost less than usual. These are advertised on greyhound.com and change frequently. Booking far in advance — sometimes 2 to 4 weeks ahead — usually results in a lower price than booking a few days before travel. Booking very close to departure, such as the day before or day of travel, typically costs more.

Children under 2 years old travel free if they sit on an adult's lap and do not occupy a seat. Children 2 and older need their own ticket. There is no "child ticket" price — children pay the same fare as adults, though discounts may be available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my ticket to a different date or time after I book?

Yes. You can exchange your ticket for a different departure date or time on the same route, or for a different route entirely. If the new ticket costs less, Greyhound keeps the difference. If it costs more, you pay the difference. You cannot receive a cash refund, but you can use the ticket value toward a future trip if you do not use it.

What happens if I miss my bus?

If you miss your scheduled departure, your ticket is no longer valid for that bus. You can exchange it for a later departure, but you will likely pay a change fee. Greyhound does not hold seats or offer refunds for missed buses. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to avoid this.

Are there bathrooms on the bus?

Yes, Greyhound buses have a restroom on board, but it is small and basic. On longer routes, the bus stops at stations or rest areas where you can use a larger restroom. Many passengers prefer to wait for a stop rather than use the on-board restroom.

Can I bring food and drinks on the bus?

Yes. You can bring your own snacks and drinks. Greyhound does not sell food on the bus, so if you want to eat during your trip, bring something with you or buy food during a scheduled stop. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the bus.

What if my bus is very late and I miss an important appointment?

Greyhound does not compensate passengers for missed appointments, connections, or other consequences of delays. The ticket price is your only cost. If timing is critical, consider booking an earlier bus or using a different transportation method.