What OurBus is and who runs it
OurBus is a motorcoach service that operates fixed routes between cities in the Northeast, primarily connecting New York City to destinations in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and upstate New York. The company is privately owned and operated, not a government agency. OurBus runs scheduled departures on set routes rather than on-demand service, and you buy a ticket for a specific date and time before you board.
The service focuses on longer-distance trips — typically 1 to 4 hours — rather than local city transit. OurBus stations are located at street addresses in city centers, not at dedicated bus terminals. In New York City, for example, OurBus uses a pickup location in Midtown Manhattan; in other cities, the stop may be at a parking area or street corner listed on the OurBus website.
Key Takeaways
- OurBus operates fixed routes between Northeast cities on a published schedule, and you must purchase a ticket in advance for a specific departure time.
- Tickets are sold through the OurBus website and mobile app, with prices that vary by route, date, and how far in advance you book.
- You board at a street-level pickup location in each city, not a traditional bus terminal, and must arrive 15 minutes early.
- Luggage allowance is typically one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger, though oversized items may incur extra fees.
- OurBus does not offer reserved seating; seats are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis when you board.
How to book a ticket and what it costs
You book OurBus tickets through the OurBus website or the OurBus mobile app. Enter your departure city, destination, and travel date, and the system shows available departures and prices. Prices are not fixed; they change based on demand, the date you travel, and how far in advance you book. A ticket purchased weeks ahead typically costs less than one bought the day before travel.
Payment is made by credit card or debit card at the time of booking. You receive a confirmation email with your ticket number and a QR code. You do not print anything; you show the QR code on your phone to the driver when you board. If you need to change or cancel your ticket, OurBus policies vary by fare type — some tickets allow free changes, while others charge a fee or do not allow changes at all. Check the terms for your specific ticket before you buy.
Pickup locations and arrival procedures
OurBus does not operate from traditional bus stations. Instead, each city has a street-level pickup location — a specific address where the bus stops to pick up and drop off passengers. The pickup address is shown in your confirmation email and on the OurBus app. Locations are typically in downtown areas or near major transit hubs, but they vary by city.
You must arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time. The driver will not wait beyond the scheduled time, and if you miss the bus, you will need to rebook on a later departure. OurBus does not hold buses for late passengers. When you arrive, wait at the pickup location and watch for the bus; the driver will check your QR code before you board.
Luggage, baggage, and what you can bring
Each passenger is allowed one carry-on bag and one checked bag at no extra charge. A carry-on bag is typically a backpack or small suitcase that fits in the overhead bin or under your seat. A checked bag is a larger suitcase that goes in the cargo hold beneath the bus. Oversized items — such as bicycles, surfboards, or extra luggage — may be charged an additional fee, which you arrange when you book or contact OurBus customer service before your trip.
You are responsible for keeping track of your carry-on bag during the trip. Checked bags are handled by OurBus staff, but you should label them clearly with your name and phone number. OurBus is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage, though the company does maintain insurance. If your bag is lost or damaged, contact OurBus customer service with your ticket number and a description of the bag.
Seating, amenities, and what to expect on the bus
OurBus does not offer reserved seating. Seats are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis when you board — the first person on the bus chooses their seat, and so on. If you have a preference for a window or aisle seat, arriving early gives you more options. Some routes may have seats designated for passengers with mobility needs; ask the driver if you require an accessible seat.
OurBus buses are equipped with Wi-Fi, USB charging ports at most seats, and air conditioning. Bathrooms are available on board. The bus is a non-smoking environment, and outside food and drink are not permitted, though you may purchase snacks and beverages from a small onboard shop on some routes. Pets are not allowed on OurBus buses, with the exception of certified service animals.
Delays, cancellations, and what happens if something goes wrong
OurBus publishes a schedule, but delays can occur due to traffic, weather, or mechanical issues. If your bus is delayed, the driver or OurBus app will provide updates when available. If OurBus cancels a departure, the company will notify you by email and offer you a refund or the option to rebook on another departure at no additional cost.
If you have a complaint about your trip — such as a late arrival, a cleanliness issue, or a problem with the driver — contact OurBus customer service through the website or app. Provide your ticket number and a description of what happened. OurBus customer service typically responds within one to two business days. Keep your confirmation email and any photos or notes about the incident to support your claim.
Routes, schedules, and how to find current information
OurBus operates routes primarily in the Northeast, with the largest network serving New York City and surrounding areas. Common routes include NYC to Philadelphia, NYC to Boston, NYC to Washington DC, and various routes to upstate New York destinations. The company regularly adds or removes routes based on demand, so the routes available today may not be the same next year.
To see current routes and schedules, visit the OurBus website or open the OurBus app. Both show all active routes, departure times, and real-time pricing. You can also sign up for email notifications about new routes or special fares. OurBus does not publish a printed schedule; all information is digital.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a pet on OurBus?
No, pets are not permitted on OurBus buses. The only exception is a certified service animal, which is allowed to travel with its handler at no additional charge. If you have a service animal, mention it when you book your ticket so OurBus can note it in your reservation.
What happens if I miss my bus?
OurBus does not hold buses for late passengers. If you miss your departure, you will need to rebook on a later bus. Depending on your ticket type, you may be able to change to another departure for free or for a fee. Check your ticket terms or contact OurBus customer service to see what options are available.
Can I change my ticket after I buy it?
It depends on the fare type you purchased. Some OurBus tickets allow free changes up to a certain time before departure, while others charge a fee or do not allow changes at all. The terms are shown when you book. If you need to change your ticket, do so through the OurBus app or website, or contact customer service for help.
Is Wi-Fi included on all OurBus routes?
Most OurBus buses have Wi-Fi, but not every route may have it. When you book, check the route details to see what amenities are listed. If Wi-Fi is important to you and it is not shown, contact OurBus customer service before you book to confirm what will be available on your specific departure.
What should I do if my luggage is lost or damaged?
Contact OurBus customer service as soon as possible with your ticket number, a description of the bag, and photos if you have them. OurBus maintains insurance for baggage, but you will need to file a claim. Keep your confirmation email and any receipts for items in the bag to support your claim.