What Greyhound is and how to book a trip

Greyhound is a intercity bus company that operates 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 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 choose your departure city, arrival city, and travel date. The website shows available buses, departure times, and prices for that route. 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, and receive a confirmation number by email. Print your ticket or show the confirmation on your phone at the station.

If you prefer to book by phone or in person, call the number above or visit a Greyhound station directly. Station staff can print your ticket on the spot. You can also purchase tickets at some grocery stores, pharmacies, and travel centers that partner with Greyhound.

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 that day.
  • You must arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before departure and bring a valid ID; boarding closes 15 minutes before the bus leaves.
  • Greyhound allows one carry-on bag and one personal item free; additional bags and checked luggage cost extra and have size limits.
  • Buses make scheduled stops along the route where passengers can get off to eat, use the restroom, or stretch; these stops are listed in your itinerary.
  • Refunds and changes to tickets have specific rules depending on the ticket type you purchased.

Arrival requirements and what to bring

Arrive at the Greyhound station at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. Boarding closes 15 minutes before the bus leaves, so if you arrive after that time, you will miss your bus. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Greyhound staff will check your ID and ticket before you board.

If you are traveling internationally (to Canada or Mexico), bring your passport. A passport card is not sufficient for bus travel to these countries; you need a full passport book. Check the entry requirements for your destination country before you travel, as some countries require visas or other documents.

Wear comfortable clothing and bring any medications you need. Buses have restrooms on board, but they are small and not always stocked with supplies. Many passengers bring their own toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and paper towels. The bus will be air-conditioned, so bring a light jacket or sweater.

Luggage allowances and what you can bring on the bus

You can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item (such as a purse, backpack, or laptop bag) onto the bus for free. Your carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. The personal item should be small enough to hold in your lap or fit under your seat.

Checked luggage costs extra. You can check up to two bags on most routes; each bag costs between $15 and $20 depending on the route and how far you are traveling. Checked bags must not exceed 50 pounds and must fit within size limits (typically 28 inches long, 22 inches wide, and 14 inches deep). Oversized or overweight bags may be refused or charged an additional fee.

Do not pack prohibited items: weapons, explosives, flammable liquids, or illegal drugs. You may bring food and drinks on the bus, though Greyhound also sells snacks and drinks at stations and on some longer routes. Alcohol is not permitted on the bus.

Scheduled stops and how long the journey takes

Greyhound buses make scheduled stops along each route. These stops are listed in your itinerary, which you receive when you book. Stops typically occur every 2 to 4 hours, depending on the route. At each stop, the bus parks for 15 to 30 minutes so passengers can use the restroom, buy food, or stretch their legs.

The driver will announce how long the stop will be. You must reboard before the announced time or the bus will leave without you. If you miss your bus at a stop, contact Greyhound customer service when ready at 1-800-231-2222. They may be able to put you on the next bus on that route, though you may have to pay a change fee.

Total travel time depends on the distance and number of stops. A trip of 200 miles might take 5 to 6 hours; a trip of 500 miles might take 12 to 14 hours. Overnight buses are available on some long routes. These buses have reclining seats but are not sleeper cars; you will be sitting upright or at an angle, not lying down.

Ticket changes and refunds

Greyhound offers different ticket types with different change and refund rules. Some tickets are non-refundable but allow you to change your travel date or time for free (or for a small fee). Other tickets are refundable but may charge a fee if you cancel. When you book, the website will show you which type of ticket you are purchasing and what the change and refund rules are.

To change your ticket, log into your account on greyhound.com, find your booking, and select "Change Trip." You can change your departure date, time, or destination, provided seats are available on the new trip. If the new trip costs more, you pay the difference. If it costs less, you may receive a credit toward a future trip (refund rules vary by ticket type).

To request a refund, contact Greyhound customer service at 1-800-231-2222 or visit a station in person. Refunds are processed to the original payment method and may take 5 to 10 business days to appear in your account. If you cancel close to your departure date, you may lose part or all of your fare.

Accessibility and special services

Greyhound buses have wheelchair lifts and designated wheelchair spaces. If you use a wheelchair or have mobility limitations, notify Greyhound when you book so staff can may support an accessible bus is assigned to your route. You can bring a service animal on the bus at no charge; pets are not permitted.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can request a relay operator when you call 1-800-231-2222. If you are blind or have low vision, staff at the station can help you board and locate your seat. Greyhound stations vary in accessibility; call ahead to confirm that your departure station has the facilities you need.

Unaccompanied minors (children under 18 traveling alone) must follow Greyhound's minor travel policy. Children ages 5 to 11 can travel alone on trips under 6 hours; children 12 and older can travel alone on any trip. For trips over 6 hours, a child ages 5 to 11 must be accompanied by someone 18 or older. Call customer service to discuss your child's specific situation.

Common issues and what to do if something goes wrong

Buses are sometimes late due to traffic, weather, or mechanical issues. If your bus is significantly delayed, Greyhound may offer a meal voucher or hotel room for overnight delays. Check your confirmation email for Greyhound's delay policy, or ask a station agent what compensation is available if your bus is late.

If you lose an item on the bus, contact the Greyhound station at your destination or the station where the bus originated. Describe the item and provide your booking confirmation number. Lost and found items are held for a limited time, typically 30 days. If your item is found, Greyhound can ship it to you for a fee, or you can pick it up at a station.

If you have a complaint about your trip — dirty bus, rude staff, safety concerns — contact Greyhound customer service in writing or by phone. Provide your booking confirmation number, the date of travel, and a detailed description of the issue. Greyhound investigates complaints and may offer a refund or credit toward a future trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a ticket on the bus if I didn't book in advance?

No. You must purchase your ticket before you arrive at the station. Tickets are sold online, by phone, and at Greyhound stations. If you want to travel the same day, buy your ticket at a station as soon as possible, though seats may be limited and prices may be higher than advance bookings.

What happens if I miss my bus?

If you miss your departure, contact Greyhound customer service at 1-800-231-2222. Depending on your ticket type and how much time has passed, you may be able to board the next bus on that route. You may have to pay a change fee. If your ticket is non-refundable and you do not rebook, you will lose your fare.

Are there bathrooms on the bus?

Yes, Greyhound buses have a restroom on board. It is small and not always stocked with supplies, so bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer. The restroom may be out of service on some trips, so use the restroom at scheduled stops when possible.

Can I bring my pet on the bus?

Service animals are permitted on the bus at no charge. Pets are not permitted. If you have a service animal, bring documentation (such as a service animal ID card or letter from your healthcare provider) when you travel.

How do I know if my bus is on time?

Log into your account on greyhound.com or call 1-800-231-2222 to check your bus status. You can also ask a station agent. Real-time tracking is not available to passengers, but customer service can tell you if your bus is running on schedule or delayed.