Megabus

Honestly I have taken this bus a couple of times and I am pretty understanding on being late. This last time something broke down and we waited 3 hours, even then I was like things happen but yesterday was something else. We started out in Chicago, the bus was 35 minutes late. We finally got on the bus and told not to sit on the tables because they were reserved, as well as the front seats which is understandable except that these 6 seats were empty for the rest of the ride to Detroit. Even then, the bus was loud, people kept swearing and using inappropriate words the whole ride but no one told them to stop. The bus driver was asked questions maybe 3 times and each time she flipped. During a stop I was charging my phone near the table chairs and she came to make sure my stuff wasn’t on those seats and even bumped into me and didn’t apologize. From Loves we had an hour and a half left. when I woke up at that time we hadn’t even reached at Ann Arbour. Needless to say we were supposed to reach at 12:50 am and we reached at 2:50 am. By the end of it she was using her phone to find where Rosa Parks was. I was definitely not happy with this experience especially since I had to cross the bridge to get to Canada. Not respectful at all.

Thank you for your driver (Greg) today on the Detroit to East Lansing route.
An emergency came up that needed me on the 7am bus versus a reserved later one. I began calling Megabus at 2AM # 1 (877) 462‑6342 — The phone rang and rang with messages to «hold due to high call volume» & then 5 minutes later said «Please call back again later.»
I kept calling up until 7am & just arrived at the bus stop to seek in person help since nothing was happening over the phone. Greg was hesitant at first but once I explained my scenario, he made up for the lack of phone support for the last 5 hours.
Thank you for your employee — but in the future please be more accessible during a holiday weekend and a reservation change. The bus was empty when I was first denied access.

Easy and cheap way to explore places beyond Michigan! The stop itself was easy to find and the staff are ready to assist!

I took Megabus for the first time on 3÷9÷15 from Chicago to Detroit. Every other time I travel I take Amtrak which is NEVER on time. This trip I took Greyhound there and Megabus home. Megabus has, without a doubt, the least amount of leg room. My power outlet did not work and the wifi gave up halfway through the trip. What it does have is HUGE windows, comfortable seats and a great view from the upper deck. The drivers are professional and run a tight ship. They make a rest stop at an actual place. Mine was for half an hour and considering it was a full bus the whole time was needed considering the lines for the restroom.
While waiting for the bus in Chicago, another passenger approached me and asked me to help her with her luggage. She had two large suitcases, a carry on and a couple bags. We had a language barrier but I assumed she just wanted me to help her wheel it over to the loading area, which I did. I then tried to get her to take her suitcase as I was going to get in line and discovered she wanted me to claim it was mine so it could be stored in the back. As a light traveler I didn’t know you are only allowed one piece of luggage to be stored. I gave her the suitcase and got in line. Watch out for crazies.
Great view with comfy seats and a price that can’t be beat. Just don’t talk to strangers, fully charge your electronics before you leave and bring a book just in case!

I like this bus system its easy to use and the prices if you book on time cannot be beat. The bus drivers run a tight ship and makes sure the rules are followed. They ALWAYS leave on time! The bus system offers wi-​fi which is really nice but my experience with the wifi is that is slow and often time unresponsive so it’s better sometimes to just use your phone’s Internet.
The buses are spacious and clean and they provide trash bags so that it stays that way. They make a rest stop which is nice because it allows for bathroom breaks and a quick snack pick up. There is a restroom on the bus if you just cant hold it. I looked inside it was clean enough for what it was but if you can wait you should.
You will run into people who are blocking multiple seats it’s frustrating but usually if you ask them to move thier items they will. Megabus should come up with a policy on the amount of bags allowed on the bus. After a certain size they should have to go in the luggage holding area under the bus due to the amount of people on the bus.

Economical way to travel the midwest. I found it easy to reserve a seat online and not pricey. If you are one of the first ones then you get a cheaper ticket. I traveled to and from Chicago from Detroit with no problems. You don’t have much room to move, but it is a cheap ride. They have wireless, but it was in and out when I was trying to use it several times. It was a decent ride and they had electrical outlets available, but mine was broke:(

I wish I could give this company zero stars. Every time I have used them I have either had a problem with another passenger, a driver, a time delay, or a customer service agent.
One time we were stuck at a rest stop for an hour because a woman decided to lay on the floor and couldn’t speak english but NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH HER. And the service was so slow to respond I didn’t get to my stop till hours after. My parents thought the bus had crashed.
I’ve been called a liar by customer service agents, then when I inquire in to it I get a response back MONTHS later saying I pretty much deserved it.
Oh and I was on the bus that had the DRUNK DRIVER.
Overall, Megabus is gross.

I recently received rude and condescending customer service while talking to Megabus via phone. Megabus was uninterested in correcting a problem that caused me to miss my scheduled bus, but instead was quick to make me pay in full for a new ticket which included an extra $ 3.00 fee. To make matters worse, the new trip they advised me to take would take 4 hours longer than originally scheduled to get to my destination rather that a direct route.
I was willing to overlook that during my last trip that the row of seats I was sitting in was not attached to the floor properly and would rock back and forth every time the bus stopped, the temperature was unbearably hot above and extremely cold below, and how dirty and stained the seats were. But now, I will not be recommending them nor riding with them again.

I’ve used the Megabus for travel between Minneapolis, Chicago and Toledo. An excellent way to travel for us poor budget conscious folks. It doesn’t make all of the stops that either Greyhound or Amtrak would make and it gets you there on time. I like the challenge of getting a great rate if you are flexible when you book and when you travel. Thanks Megabus for providing me an alternative option to getting back home to the Detroit/​Toledo area and to Chicago to see friends.

You pay for the service that you get. I have traveled using Megabus on a variety of occasions and the service that I received has been exactly what I expected. I’ve been fortunate to not have arrived/​departed late — this seems to be a common thread in many of the other reviews.
Cons — Overall, the experience is not very pleasant for a long trip. You cannot stand for long periods of time like the train, seats are uncomfortable, breaks are inconsistent, wireless does not work very well, some passengers lack respects for others (body odor and loud headphones).
Pros — The overnight trip is quick and easy for getting from one city to the next. Bus typically arrives and leaves on time from destination. And last, but definitely not least: PRICE, PRICE, PRICE is incredible.

Let me clarify this for you, unless you have no other choice: DO NOT TRAVEL ON MEGABUS. The last time i traveled on megabus I was 5 hours late. This time their «bus broke down» and I had to wait in the bus terminal for the next one they claimed they sent for 9 HOURS. They are by far the worst bus service I have ever been on, I watched probably 5 Greyhounds go to my destination in the time I sat there waiting for a megabus. They are TERRIBLE, they don’t even deserve a zero, they are so bad, they are running a star deficit.

Overall, it gets the job done. I have taken it about 5 times from Chicago to/​from Detroit.
Pros: It’s cheaper (usually) than Amtrak or Flying. More weekend departures than Amtrak. Slightly faster (usually) than Amtrak. Fellow passengers are quieter and less crazy than Amtrak.
Cons: You wait outside for the bus. The seats are small. If it’s late to pick you up, there’s no way to figure out whats going on. Some of the drivers make you feel like you are a passenger in Crazy Taxi.
Overall: Amtrak is much more comfortable. You can’t get up and walk around the bus like the train. There is no tray table like the train. But its cheaper, and usually about an ½ hour faster, and get into Detroit at better times than Amtrak. Depending on my needs, I will take Amtrak or MegaBus, but the bus many times wins due to price. But don’t expect anything glamorous… this is a discount bus.

Amtrak drops you off in a part of town where you’re likely to be accosted at night by a stranger coming after you and saying, «I got a joke! It’s so funny I can’t help but laugh just thinking about it! C’mere!» Megabus not only stops more sensibly at both Wayne State and downtown, but it shaves an hour or two off the trip. And it’s cheaper.
On one trip from Chicago, the woman in front of me in line was beaming with joy to recognize a favorite busdriver. «It’s Charles… He’s a character!» she told me.
It turns out that we only got the smallest dose of Charles’ dry, understated humor. «We are supposed to be Wi-​Fi friendly,» he announced before departing. «I hope it works for you.» The efficient 5-​hour ride featured a short lunch break at a roadside station in Marshall, Michigan. «It’s not a resort or anything,» he warned us, «so we’ll try to get out of there as quick as possible.»
The Marshall stop really isn’t that bad. There’s no alcohol allowed on Megabus, but if you’re flaskin’ it, there’s a fire water store not *too* far away. The cashier at Love’s had to lean over the counter to take a look at my long legs before telling me, «Yep, you can make it. You’d better run though.» It turned out to be just over a half mile down the road Detroitwards.
I really have no complaints about my ride… the seats are comfortable, but unsurprisingly there really wasn’t enough space for an oversized stringbean like myself to operate a laptop computer– which is why I still sometimes take Amtrak when I got work to do.

Megabus! Coming from Pittsburgh was pretty rough. I guess if you can take into consideration when leaving. For instance rush hour! I didn’t have a choice but the trip ended an hour late because of the delay. Now these buses are advertised to have wifi and outlets. On the way there we did NOT! Thankfully I had charged my computer but I had to charge my phone from my computer to make sure the battery didn’t kick it.
I watched one movie then all went dark. I was so bored and playing on my phone didn’t cut it. The bus wasn’t full so I had the two seater to stretch my legs but I was still cramping and very uncomfortable. I don’t know how I would do it sharing the space.
We did take a twenty minute break at a rest stop so it was nice not to use the bathroom on the bus, and get a twix and a side of swedish fish!
The way home I was happy as a clam! I had my computer plugged in, wifi was activated but I could not surf, not sure why because I was connected. I anticipated that and rented REDBOX. I also brought a pillow plus the blanket I had the ride there. Again not crowded so I had the two seats. Made my nest, brought my lunch and a drink plus the candy! The ride back was incredibly improved. We stopped again but I just used the restroom. One thing to take note, the driver does not lock the doors during the stop so be careful with your things. MUST haves, computer, movie, candy, pillow, blanket, and headphones.
One bag for under the bus but only one carry on. They do have compartments above the seats. I had a huge bag so I know it would not have fit if there were one per seat. When going to Philly or NY you probably won’t get two seats so be prepared super busy. The best part of Megabus SAVINGS! My trip was originally $ 2.50 round trip purchased a month ahead of time. I decided to come back a day early and my ticket price was $ 7.00. How great is that! I will keep using the Megabus to many new destinations from now on! It is so easy to travel this way.

Megabus, you are officially on my shit list.
I took the bus from Chicago home to Detroit on Sunday, April 10. We were on the road for about an hour when the driver announced we would be going back to pick up the other 20 or so passengers that didn’t get on the bus the first time around. (I’m sorry, how is this our problem that your workers didn’t have people in the correct place and make sure everyone that was supposed to be on the bus was??).
So, instead of it being the standard 5 or so hour ride, we were on the bus for nearly 8 hours and the wifi didn’t work after about 45 minutes and our driver let us know at the start not to bother him about it if it didn’t work, and just said «call customer service, it’s not my problem».
But my real complaint is with customer service and how they handle things. I sent an e-​mail on Monday, April 11, to complain about the service. Figuring it would do nothing more then be tossed into the trash of cyberspace, I forgot about it, until April 25 when I received an e-​mail back saying they were sorry for the trip and delays I experienced, and had issued a full refund back to my card.
I called last week to see where my refund was because it still wasn’t showing up (I used my debit card) and was told «it takes up to 14 business days, so call back when 14 business days are up».
Today, May 12 (A MONTH AFTER I SENT THE INITIAL E-​MAIL), I called Megabus again to check when I could expect the refund. The woman on the other end could not have hid her annoyance if she tried, and said «it says it was sent, so call back in another 5 business days if you haven’t gotten it». I’m sorry, but when you tell me it takes UP TO 14 business days, I expect it to be completed, now you’re telling me to call back in another 5 business days? Why, so you can tell me then to call back in ANOTHER 5 days? I then asked if she could send an inquiry again (because she explained that they payments go through another company, so that’s on them and they do things when they do things) and she said «I just did» (which I think is total BS).
This is what I get for trying to save a few bucks by not driving.

I agree with Kaylee’s review. Try to buy your ticket early to get a good fair. It is really easy to take it from the D to Chicago. Especially since you get dropped off right next to Union Station. Plus, Ogilvie Transportation Center is a close walk as well for those who need to get to the suburbs via Metra Rail.
What better than a 5 hour bus ride to make a new friend. I have made many new friends on my Megabus trips. It is my observation that people on the first floor tend to be more talkative. Feel free to bring your electronic devices. Wifi free and they have power outlets on most buses now. The wifi can be a slow once you get to Ann Arbor because everyone is on there computers. Overall its a great ride and lot easier then taking your own car to Chicago.

Mega-​bus is a great cheaper and quicker alternative than AmTrak… ugh, just sends chills through my spine uttering/​typing the word «AmTrak… *shudder*
But… let’s get back on track (pun intended), this review is about Mega Bus. Depending on when you book, you can get your ticket as cheap as $ 1.50, or so they claim, but the cheapest I’ve ever got them is about $ 15 each way. Maybe I wasn’t booking early enough :-\ I have only taken Mega Bus from Detroit to Chicago and back, and one time from Toledo to Chicago (which was scary, cuz the stop was in an old closed/​abandoned mall parking lot).
Most of my experiences have been pretty good, sometimes you see people you know or meet new people on the bus. I usually travel to Chicago with my bf and we try to take the seats on the main floor with the table so we can prop up our laptop and watch a movie during the long ride. They have a DVD player on the bus but you’d have to have a DVD on you in order to watch one, Mega Bus doesn’t supply you with the entertainment. Once we even pregamed on the bus on the way there… that was fun ;-)
But there have been a few mishaps. Once during a hot 90 degree July day we were heading back from Chicago on a PACKED bus, and the AC didn’t work :(it was worse than being in the amazon! And once our mega-​bus was canceled entirely due to heavy snow/​ice, which was good in a way but that also meant I would be trapped in Chicago :(Once, the bus almost left me at the rest stop. The driver didn’t even do a head count before leaving! I step outside after buying some munchies, and the bus is taking off!!! So me and this other girl SPRINT, toward the front of the bus, and thankfully the driver saw us and stopped!
So i have mixed feelings about mega-​bus. It’s like you’re best friends Huck Finn, you know you’re gonna have a lot of fun on the journey, but you’re taking a gamble because you might end up in a pickle!

I don’t think I’m quite the addict Kaylee claims to be, but I most definitely turn to Megabus time and time again.
Unfortunately, I often end up next to someone with flying elbows and a very different idea of personal space. But guess what? I can deal. It’s so cheap (particularly if you plan ahead) that you get at least what ou pay for, if not more.
There are far fewer delays on Megabus than on Amtrak, and now they also have the bonus of free wifi. (For awhile a network would show up, but not work, and the drivers had no idea what to do to fix/​access it)
The drivers are a trip — I’ve had some great ones, and some super-​sketchy ones. But again, I can’t really expect that much more.
I usually pick up the bus in Ann Arbor — and you should note that it can be hard to find multiple seats together after the Detroit stops. However, finding 2 seats together is usually still possible depending upon the day.
After too many 4+ hr train delays, I’ll take a possible 1 – 2 hr. Megabus delay any day. And honestly, I’ve only had a significant delay one time out of dozens.
For the relatively quick trip to Chicago — unless I’m carting furniture in my car or planning on doing some major thrifting along the way, Megabus is usually my best bet!

I am a guilty Megabus addict. It must come from my raging desire to have more public transportation options in Metro Detroit that can get us around locally and/​or reach major Midwest hubs.
Tips:
*If you’re taking a spur of the moment trip to the Windy City and plan to use CTA while you’re in town, take the bus! It drops you off right at Union Station — you can go right inside in front of the Amtrak ticket counter to buy your visitor pass for unlimited rides/​transfers. From there, it’s only a few blocks walk to the Loop — or jump on the 126 for a ride longer than the walk would have been).
* Depart from Rosa Parks instead of Wayne State. You’ll get the first pick at seating. My favorite spots are most seats (with tables) on the lower level or right in front or behind stairwells on the upper deck.
* Bring your wireless technology — the bus has free wi-​fi… completely amazing for a long bus ride.
* After picking up the last crew in A2, the bus makes one stop for 30-​ish minutes in Sawyer, Michigan. You can score a variety of fast food choices (BK, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut are a few) or some gas station-​like chow. I bring fruit and granola bars with me to supplement.
* Book early if you can. You’ll get a way cheap discount (sometimes $ 1).
* Don’t depend on being on time (like any/​all public transportation). I’ve been 30 minutes early into Chicago and an hour late coming into Detroit (bus driver mixups are not fun). Be flexible.

Megabus is well-​known for its low fares, and when I was able to hitch a ride to Chicago and back for free (well, aside from a $ 0.50 booking fee), I seized the offer.
Finding the bus stop is a bit like «Where’s Waldo,» but if you use the map given on the megabus website, finding the stop is a cinch. The signage is not very prominent (a small sign affixed to a lamp post, see picture). Have a friend (or a cab) drop you off; I don’t think there is anyplace to long-​term park around here.
If you are taking the bus in the dead of the winter, you probably won’t like the idea of sitting out in the cold waiting for the bus’s arrival. Fortunately, the transit center has a heated building that you can wait inside. Megabus says to be at the stop fifteen minutes before departure. I wanted to get a front-​row seat on the second level, so I headed back outside to brave the cold twenty minutes before the scheduled departure time. To my luck, the bus pulled up just as I arrived at the stop (score!).
I was met by a stern driver who bore a striking resemblance to the cartoon mascot who appeared on the side of the motorcoach. He validated my confirmation number before allowing me to board (megabus, does not issue formal «tickets», they just give you a confirmation number that is verified upon boarding).
Being the second one to board, I got my pick of the front row (sweet!). People naturally distributed like magnets, so the seat next to mine remained free (double sweet!)
We departed Rosa Parks Transit Center and made the short drive to the campus of Wayne State University for another pickup. There was about a ten-​minute boarding period before we were off on our way to Ann Arbor (~1 hr drive) for the final pickup stop. The seventy-​some person capacity double-​decker bus didn’t even become half-​full. One hour after Ann Arbor, we made a 25-​minute meal stop at a gas station/​burger joint (It was a Love’s truck stop with a Hardee’s – not as many variety as Kaylee H. had on her trip), and from then-​on, it was three more hours of non-​stop driving at 70 mph to Chicago. When we made the meal stop, everyone left their things on the bus. Just make sure you conceal any valuables, and I think you’ll be fine.
The clientele were vastly college students, with some older computer-​literate passengers interspersed among the students. Megabus differs from Greyhound in that riders must have Internet access (it is the only way to purchase a fare), so some of the shadier Greyhound-​would-​be-​megabuse clients naturally get weeded out via this requirement.
The ride was pretty quiet. On the whole, other riders were respectful with headphone noise levels, etc… The seats were bucket-​shaped, and comfortable. They reclined considerably and included seatbelts (although nobody took advantage of them). Climate control on the bus was erratic. Sometimes it was nice and cozy, other times I could have used a sweater. Advice: wear layers.
There is a toilet on-​board, although it doesn’t handle solid waste. Go when the bus makes the meal stop or hold it in!
Our driver was a bit of a crazy driver, making some close merges and often sharply hitting the brakes at the last second. This makes it pretty clear why the bus has seatbelts! Regardless, we made it to Chicago safe. We arrived right on time at the stop, a half block away from Union Station (you can buy city transit passes at kiosks inside, just past the food-​court area).
My return trip went just as well, if not better. This time, the bus had arrived a 25 – 30 minutes early, so I wasn’t among the first to board. Regardless, I scooped up the rear row of seats on the upper level, which make for a comfy bed. Slept through half of the trip! It was awesome! Our driver, Robert, was pretty cool, as well.
I really have no complaints about megabus and would definitely ride again!