Riding Megabus in the South

Megabus is known for $1 bus fares throughout Europe, but the company has expanded into the United States market and even here in the South.

Comfortable buses have WiFi and big windows. We highly recommend using Megabus as an option for traveling around the South, especially as an alternative to driving or flying.

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Where Does Megabus Go?

Megabus has done a great job of expanding into the south, with hubs in major cities like Atlanta, Charlotte, and New Orleans. You can go to the region very easily. We’ve linked to our destination guides for things to do in each of the relevant stops.

Alabama

• Birmingham
• Mobile
• Montgomery

Arkansas

• Little Rock

Florida

• Daytona Beach
• Fort Lauderdale
• Jacksonville
• Miami
• Orlando

Georgia

• Atlanta

Louisiana

• Baton Rouge
• New Orleans

Kentucky

• Louisville

North Carolina

• Charlotte
• Fayetteville
• Durham

Tennessee

• Chattanooga
• Memphis
• Nashville

Virginia

• Amherst
• Arlington
• Blacksburg
• Charlottesville
• Christiansburg
• Culpeper
• Front Royal
• Hampton
• Harrisonburg
• Lexington
• Lynchburg
• Martinsville
• Richmond
• Staunton
• Warrenton

District of Columbia

• Washington DC

How Much Does It Cost to Ride?

The appeal of riding Megabus is that it starts cheap, with the first ticket sold for each fare starting at $1. Yes, only a dollar! Each additional ticket goes up in price, but will never cost you more than $30 for a standard fare.

Some longer-haul routes may cost more like $100, but this is not typical. You will probably not find airfare or fuel up a rental car for less than the cost of a bus ticket.

What Can I Expect on Megabus?

The Megabus fleet isn’t your typical run-down chicken bus. They are double-decker buses with plenty of seating. In case you were wondering, the best seat in the house is the top deck front row, which makes you feel like you are driving the bus yourself.

The buses have free WiFi, which is admittedly spotty when not at the station, plenty of electric plugs, reading lights and a smartphone app that allows you to book online and show it as your ticket. There’s also a bathroom on board.

There is no traditional boarding process like on planes unless you require special attention or bought a seat. Instead, it’s sort of a free for all once the door opens. There is a line at some stations, but most people rush to give their bags to the porter before boarding.

What Should I Bring on Megabus?

It’s important to pack light while riding Megabus, as you only get two bags, one to check and one to carry on. If you decide not to place your bag underneath the bus, you might have it placed at your feet.

There is not a place to put bags above your head, so you have to hope that there is no one sitting next to you. A duffel bag is ideal for this type of trip.

We recommend bringing any entertainment you might want while onboard, including books, movies, and magazines. A Kindle Fire is the perfect way to keep yourself entertained along the way. If you are taking a night bus, bring an eye mask and earplugs as well as a travel pillow.

The bus typically makes at least one stop for any trip so it is possible to grab a bite to go, but you’re better off bringing a few snacks on board. Just don’t go overboard, as you might get asked to throw it away. And be mindful of the smells as not to affect your fellow passengers.

More Information on Riding Megabus

It’s important to know where your stop is in relation to your destination, as some are still a short drive from the central business district.

For example, the New Orleans stop was at the Passenger Terminal near the Warehouse District. The Atlanta stop is at the Civic Center MARTA station, accessible from the airport and most of the city. Taxis and rideshare are usually available from the stops.

Stops also change regularly based on traffic and construction, so check the website before your trip. Someone might ask for the seat next to you, so it’s good form to leave room for other passengers.

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Have you thought about riding Megabus in the South?

This website is not a booking agent or affiliate of Megabus, so please direct your questions to the official Megabus website. This post simply details my experiences as a traveler using the bus service in the region.