Buses are an easy way to get between the destinations of the South, especially if you don’t want to rent a car or fly. Taking the bus is also your best option for keeping on track of your budget as most fares are half that of flights.
Most bus companies that service the region include reclining seats, on-board restrooms, and WiFi. You can book most of these buses on their respective websites.
Red Coach
Red Coach is a bus company that services most of Florida, including stops in Fort Lauderdale, Fort Pierce, Gainesville, Miami, Naples, Ocala, Orlando, Tallahassee, Tampa, West Palm Beach and Pompano.
It’s great for students of the many nearby universities, as many of the stops are close to campuses. The bus has first-class, business class and economy class seats with varying degrees of comfort. Plugs and WiFi are available.
States Covered: Florida, Georgia, Texas
Megabus
My experiences with Megabus have been almost exclusively positive, apart from one delayed bus. The services are easy to use and you can get a fare for only $1 if you book early enough. The buses have reclining seats, restrooms, plugs, and somewhat spotty WiFi.
The only downside is that many of the bus stops outside of bigger cities are still a far distance from the destination, usually in suburban shopping centers. Read our guide to taking Megabus.
States Covered: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, Washington DC
Greyhound
Greyhound is one of the most well-known bus companies in the United States and reaches nearly every corner of the region. Connect services and regular services access most states and include cities not covered by other bus operators.
Amenities vary by buses, but some feature free WiFi, $1 fares, express routes, outlets, and extra legroom. At many stations, there are kiosks to print off tickets.
States Covered: Arkansas, Alabama, North Carolina, Louisiana, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida
Southeastern Stages
Southeastern Stages is both a coach company for hire and a bus operator through Atlanta and the region. Stops in Georgia include Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, Fort Gordon, Thomson, Madison, Conyers, Norcross, Monroe, Washington, and Athens.
North Carolina stops include Asheville, Fayetteville, and Lumberton. South Carolina stops include Aiken, Greenville, Columbia, Fort Jackson, Camden, Sumter, Orangeburg, North Charleston, Summerville, Georgetown, Myrtle Beach, Florence , and Dillon. All buses have free WiFi.
States Covered: Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina
Peter Pan
Peter Pan buses go all up the coast from Washington DC’s Union Station to New York. Their buses are both green in color and in their environmentally friendly practices, which use efficient fuel. They also have an app for easy ticket access.
States Covered: Washington DC
Vamoose
Vamoose covers stops further north, including Washington DC and Bethesda, but also Lorton and Arlington, Virginia. Some of their buses, known as the Gold Bus, have plush leather seats instead of the standard cloth seats and additional legroom. WiFi and outlets are standard.
States Covered: Virginia
Tripper Bus
Tripper Bus covers mostly New York and Bethesda but also has a stop in Arlington, Virginia for those going to Washington DC. Stops are located near public transportation, making transfers and further travel easy.
Fares are usually $27 each way, a much more affordable option than planes or trains. The buses include restrooms, WiFi, and plugs.
States Covered: Virginia
Sprinter Bus
Sprinter Bus serves a handful of places through Virginia and its routes also go to New York City and Washington DC. Stops include Newport News, Hampton, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach .
The buses typically leave from shopping plazas rather than bus stations. Plugs, water, and WiFi are free on board.
States Covered: Virginia, Washington DC
Vonlane
The Texas-based company Vonlane launched added routes between Atlanta and Nashville in 2022, later adding Knoxville and Memphis. They operate from luxury hotels in each city.
Perks include 22 first-class leather seats, ample workspace, complimentary Wi-Fi, and an onboard attendant offering premium cabin service with snacks, meals, and beverages included.
States Covered: Georgia, Tennessee
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