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Schedules (York)

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The York bus system is made up of 16 routes serving the city of York and its surrounding suburbs, and 3 routes serving Hanover. Read on for information about the York bus schedules, Fares and Passes, the GIANT Shuttle, routes to ES3 and FedEx, and more.

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Travel in york.

York is a compact city with plenty of things to do within the city walls and beyond. This ancient city is best explored on foot, and it’s easy to get from one side of the city centre to the other in just 20 minutes.

View details of all current temporary road closures in place in York , including closures due to major events.

iTravel York

Operated by the City of York Council, iTravel York is a fantastic resource packed with useful information on travelling around York. You can easily plan your journey and get more information on walking, cycling, buses and driving in the city. Additionally it provides real time news and updates to help you travel around York. For more information please visit iTravel.

York buses and Park & Ride

If you're travelling into York by car, use one of the six ideally located Park & Rides sites surrounding the city for a hassle-free journey. Just leave your car safe and secure at one of the free parking spaces and hop on the bus to York city centre. www.itravelyork.info/park-and-ride

First buses also run their services in York . For full timetables please visit www.firstgroup.com/york . For up-to-date customer and service information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) please see here .

First Bus Space Checker - the brand new tool from First Bus to help you plan ahead and travel with confidence. Space Checker allows you to see when your favourite bus stop and service is typically at its busiest and choose a quieter time to travel. Designed using recent passenger data, this new platform acts as a prediction of how much space will be available on your service - up to 7 days in advance.

TIER e-scooters

For a different way to explore the city, or simply get from A to B, why not do it in a climate-neutral way. Simply download the TIER app, and head over to one of several charging points across the city to jump on a TIER e-scooter. For more information, please click HERE .

To access many of York's out of town attractions and the coast use the local Coastliner service which runs regular services including Leeds, Malton, Pickering, Scarborough, Filey and Whitby. For more information please click HERE . For up-to-date customer and service information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) please see here .

Stephenson of Easingwold buses run services to Castle Howard – where you can also get a discounted entry into the house on presentation of your ticket. Buses also have routes to Ampleforth Abbey, Easingwold and Helmsley. For timetables and information please check www.stephensonsofeasingwold.co.uk

Best of Britain Holidays offer great day trips from York , and include routes to the Yorkshire Dales, Castle Howard, North Yorkshire Moors Railway and Whitby. Tickets are available to buy from the Visit York Visitor Information Centre or online.

Taxis and car hire in York York is serviced by many taxi companies. Find out more about taxi services and car hire H ERE .

Cycle hire in York

You can enjoy an active holiday for all the family with a cycling break in York! York is the perfect base for all kinds of biking adventures, from leisurely rides around the city to exciting rural routes over moorland and through forests. Explore York by bike with a guided cycling tour to experience the city’s rich history, or hire one yourself for a solo adventure. York has plenty of choice for bike hire, with companies offering something for everyone from road bikes and mountain bikes to children’s bikes and specially adapted bikes. Please click HERE for all the options.

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York Bus Tour Review + Photos

There are two York bus tour options both with hop on and hop off features giving you a quick view and key information about York for tourists.We tried them both and wanted to share with you our personal experience of using them.

We used The Sightseeing Bus for day 1 and Golden Tours for day 2 of our York Pass and this is our review + photos + why one was so much better than the other.

Please note the ads cover the high costs of running Trip Meets Travel and keeps it free for you to enjoy. We also have affiliate links. If you purchase something we recommend, we may receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases.

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York Bus Tour

I have not been on a tourist bus tour since I was about 10 years old and visiting London with family. Yet here I am in York, excited that there are two different bus tours included in my York City Pass .

You have the bright red and very tourist looking Sightseeing Bus and then you have the navy blue Golden Tours bus.

Both of the York bus tours are included with the York Pass and we decided to do one on each day just to see how they compared.

Would both York bus tours be the same or would one be better than the other? And what would they both be like.

All we really knew ahead of time, is that they both had open top i.e. no roof, was double deckers (kids are going to be so happy), would take you around York and you could also hop on and hop off and therefore also use them as transport to get to your York attractions.

York Hop On Hop Off

If you are new to the idea of the hop on hop off bus service, let me explain how York’s (and other cities) run the tourist buses.

Basically, hop on and hop off means that you can go on the bus as many times as you want and have a 24 hour ticket.

Therefore, if you get a ticket at 1pm on your first day of your York pass, you can then use it until 12.59pm of your second day and keep hoping on and hoping off as you place. Basically turning your York bus tour into a regular bus service too.

York Sightseeing Bus Hack

Because you are paying for 24 hours instead of just a 1 day pass, you can start using it later in the day, then it can become a 2 day pass for you.

For example, get on the bus for the first time at 1.45pm and then the next day you have until this same time the next day to use it. Then you can do the full sightseeing tour on day 1, then use it as a hop on and hop off to get to your attractions for day 2.

Is York A Great City To Visit By Bus?

Yes, York is an amazing city to visit by bus and if you want to take in all the great information York has to offer, then the York city bus is a great way of doing so.

For example, with the red sightseeing bus the lady will talk you through all the main attractions and history of York as you are driven around and also included some things we didn’t know. Plus if you want that amazing picture of York Minster the top of the double decker bus is a great place to get it.

How Long Does York Bus Tour Take?

We were told that the York Sightseeing Bus takes 40 minutes, and we went on it to the full tour an hour before our next attraction (the cocoa works) and we ended up being late and it was 1 hour 10 minutes in total.

But of course, it is a hop on and hop off York service so you can leave at any time. BUT choose wisely when to get off as you don’t want to be getting off quite a walk from where you are going.

York Sightseeing Bus

As you know, there are two sightseeing buses for York. The beautiful red one and the navy blue one. Let’s start with the red sightseeing bus which we did on day 1 of our York Pass experience.

There are various places throughout York city centre where you can hop on and get your ticket.

We got on the sightseeing bus at Clifford Tower, though I know many people prefer the memorial gardens or the museum gardens as the best places to hop on.

Then once on (we went on the top deck of course) you have a lovely lady with a microphone, talking to you about York and all its beautiful history and then telling you when a good time is to take a picture or when a photo opportunity is coming up.

It also felt like as you were doing the tour, you nearly always had York Minster in the distance so if you did want the minster photographed this was a great place to do so.

Even better, there was plenty of space on the bus tour and we were spoilt for choice with where to sit. We were also very tired because we had just got lost and it was nice to have just over an hour, of someone telling us about the great history of York whilst we just admired the view.

Overall, for York sightseeing you are in an absolute prime position and can sit down and relax and get a real tour of York and learn so much. We also love that you can hop on and hop off the sightseeing bus and use it as much or as little as you want.

Golden Tours York

For hop on and hop off York you also have the Golden Tours York, which I must admit I didn’t have the best of experiences with.

We planned to jump on and do the last tour of the day, on the 2 nd day of our York Pass.

As we jumped on the city tour bus in front of Clifford’s Tower, I was told he didn’t have the equipment to convert our York Pass to bus tickets and in the end, he didn’t charge us to come on but warned us we would not get the full tour.

We realised that he had started the last round of the city tour bus earlier than the timetable said and obviously wanted to finish early. So, it was a real shame we only got half a service. 

Also compared to the red sightseeing bus, there was nobody talking, just a machine that was filling you in on everything. But it wasn’t synced to where you were at the time and then he would talk over it with his opinion and then you couldn’t hear what was being played and of course, as he drove it kept stopping and starting.

A real shame and nowhere near the league of the red sightseeing bus.

So, if you are thinking about doing the York open top bus, then make sure you choose red and not blue.

York Bus Tours: Red Or Blue?

For the BEST city tour bus, we recommend that you use the red service. City sightseeing York aka the red bus, has a personal touch with someone speaking as you do the tour and she is also very knowledgeable on the city of York.

The blue York open top bus, known as York Golden Tours didn’t have a person there for the tour and instead was a pre-recorded speaker system. This was such a shame in comparison.

We also felt the red bus covered more of the areas as we went from one place to the next and we felt like we learnt things about York that we didn’t already know. Whilst the blue bus covered general touristy things.

But where the blue bus excels is that it has drop offs to some popular tourist places that the red bus doesn’t have.

If you want to learn about York then we recommend the red bus, whilst if you just want a hop on and hop off service to quickly get you around York then the blue Golden Tours bus is more suitable for you.

Then from a prices point of view, it is cheaper to go on the red York tour bus. The red service is £35 for the 4 of us and £41 if using the blue service. Though this was of course included in our York Pass.

If it wasn’t included in the York Pass, we would have been disappointed paying for the blue city bus tour.

York Hop On Hop Off Bus Stops

As you can imagine, there are a lot of stops around the city as you do the hop on and hop off service.

On the red sightseeing bus tour, you have 21 stops including:

• Exhibition Square
• Peasholme Green
• Clifford’s Tower
• Margaret Stret
• Walmgate Bar
• Barbican Centre
• Bishopthorpe Road Shops
• Southlands Methodist Church
• The Winning Post
• York Racecourse
• Blossom Street
• York Rail Station
• Memorial Gardens
• Museum Gardens

On the blue golden tours bus tour, you have 19 stops including:

• Union Terrace Coach Park
• Monk Gate (Monk Bar)
• Monk Gate (NHS Health Centre)
• Nunnery Lane (Bish Road End)
• Nunnery Lane (Carpark)
• Queens Street
• York Railway Station
• Museum Street

As you can see from this list, there are a few that double up for both buses but I like that the Golden Tours service does to Piccadilly as that is where you go for the Jorvik Centre and for Hole In Wand .

Bus Tours Of York Review

We just love the idea of the bus tours of York. That like other cities around the world you can see the city via the top of a bus. We liked the red sightseeing bus the most, and loved the pictures we could take as the bus drove us around the city and all the local history we got to learn about at the same time.

If you are on the York Pass like us, then I recommend adding it to your schedule.

Bus Tours In York Visitor Information

• Rainy day policy. We love that if you have pre-booked your bus tour, that if it rains you can change the date. I.e if you have pre-booked York hop on hop off bus for the Tuesday and it rains, you can easily just turn up and use the bus on the Friday instead.
• York sightseeing bus prices. If you are using your York Pass then the price is included in the pass. Otherwise, for a family of four you are looking at £35 for the red bus vs £41 for the blue bus.
• How long do people spend on the bus tour? If you wanted to you could spend all day sat on the bus and do the full tour several times. Most to one full round of the tour, and then use it to hop on and off to for getting to attractions.
• What is York Pass? I have mentioned our York Pass a few times. Basically, it’s a York ticket where you have access to loads of York attractions for a set price. Kind of like when you get a special pass for theme parks. I recommend you read our York pass review here because we explain how to do it and save money as its easy to waste money on it. Plus, we run through all the attractions we did for the pass including our bus tours.

Pin York Bus Tours For Later!

Well, that’s a wrap, do you have any questions then do ask below and if you want to refer back, to this later for planning your York day out then don’t forget to pin it to your travel board or days out board on Pinterest.

Run by Sam, Dom, Kyle, Sofia & Jorge it documents our family’s love for eating out, day trips, road trips and great holidays.

We just love a trip, we love to travel, and here we will show you with a little planning, how to have a great adventure and create new memories along the way!

York Minster Review + Photos

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Coach travel to York

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Getting cheap coach tickets to York

As soon as you board your coach to York, you’re already on your way to a trip filled with incredible scenery, history and classically English culture.

Things to do in York

Where to eat.

If you’ve set aside a good budget for a nice meal out, Skosh is the restaurant for you. Quality but informal, Skosh serves up little plates for grazing or a course by course experience for larger dining appetites. It’s an ideal first stop as you take in the York nightlife.

Looking for something more casual? The Block is one of the premier independent pizza places in the city. Catering for everyone from carnivores to veggies and vegans, locals were quickly charmed by The Block’s fresh, street-style pizza, fair prices and friendly atmosphere. Order by the slice, or go all out, it’s your choice!

Penny’s Bespoke Foodhouse

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so ensure you fuel up before exploring the city with a trip to Penny’s. This sweet little cafe and coffeehouse boasts locally sourced produce in order to create some of the city’s finest breakfasts. No matter your order, it all comes at a great price too.

Where to drink

House of Trembling Madness

A staple of York nightlife for locals and visitors alike. This medieval-themed bar offers so many rare German and Belgian beers, it’s become an ale connoisseur’s paradise! Plus, with a shop in-house, you can take a souvenir away too.

The Drawing Board

This bar takes its name from the chalkboard covered walls that house it. Visitors are encouraged to doodle, sketch and scribble to their heart’s content, making each night’s decor entirely unique! For a fun and quirky atmosphere, The Drawing Board ticks all the boxes.

More into spirits? ...In the beverage sense that is. Evil Eye is on the Guinness book of records for most gins available to purchase! Sample a wide range of flavours with your favourite mixers or in speciality cocktails. There are plenty of mocktails for non-drinkers too! Be sure to enjoy your drink of choice on their colourful outdoor terrace for maximum enjoyment.

Top tourist attractions

York Minster Cathedral

Regarded as one of the world’s most incredible cathedrals, you don’t have to be religious to appreciate the majesty and creativity that fills its walls. From the beautiful stained glass windows to the classic stonework, you’re sure to find a sense of peace and tranquility as soon as you arrive.

Clifford’s Tower

See the sights of the city in a way like no other with a trip to Clifford’s Tower. This is almost all of the remnants of the old York Castle, still offering amazing panoramic views of York, and on a clear day, as far as North York Moors! Don’t miss your chance to step inside a true relic of English history.

York Art Gallery

With a constant stream of fantastic exhibitions, events and collections on show, York Art Gallery is the ideal destination for art lovers both big and small. Explore everything from paintings and pottery to ceramic decorations and the impressive automaton clock.

Where to shop

The Shambles

The street said to inspire the infamous Diagon Alley in Harry Potter, The Shambles features a host of unique shops and eateries along its cobbles. Long have the days passed since it was known as the place for locals to buy meat, you can now purchase anything from chocolate to jewellery and more.

Coppergate Shopping Centre

For something a little more contemporary, Coppergate is the modern shopper’s place to be. Home to the biggest names on the highstreet, including some delicious options for a bite to eat, you can easily find something special to treat yourself to.

Independent streets

From Stonegate to Fossgate and beyond, you’ll find a huge amount of hidden gems to keep the keenest of shoppers busy. If you’re willing to venture out far enough you’ll find Bishopthorpe Road (affectionately known as Bishy Road) a former winner of Best Local Parade in the GB High Street Awards. This popular area houses a number of award-winning shops and cafes and even has hosted its own Bishy Road Summer Party in the past.

Things to do for kids

York Dungeon

Part of a group of dungeons throughout the country, York Dungeon is a spooky journey into the city’s murky past. You’ll find yourself on the run from Saxon raiders, hunting for a witch and even taking a look at a few internal organs! Kids will love the over-the-top acting and audience participation.

Jorvik Viking Centre

Discover what life was really like during the Viking Age, from the boats and tools they used to the places they occupied. Kids will find out some amazing facts to share with their friends and see genuine Viking artefacts up close.

Although only available in the summer months, York Maze is worth the well-timed visit. Constructed from over 1 million maize plants, over a plot the size of eight football pitches, the maze is one of the largest in the world! With everything from dinosaurs on the loose to illusions to trick your mind, are you up to the challenge of finding your way out?

York in one day

Get cultural

Once you’re off your coach to York, you can begin exploring some of the fascinating museums on offer, such as York Castle Museum, Yorkshire Museum and York St Mary’s. Or to see one of York’s biggest cultural attractions, head straight to York Minster to visit one of the UK’s finest cathedrals.

Find a unique treat

Once you’ve had your fill of York’s rich history and culture, explore the independent shops of the city and find the ideal souvenir. The Shambles is the perfect place to start, with a number of great shops and eateries to tempt you inside once you need to refuel.

Enjoy an evening of food & drink

Enjoy a hearty meal on the go with a slice (or two!) of pizza at The Block. Then make your choice from the incredible ales at The House of Trembling Madness, or sample some creative cocktails at Evil Eye.

Hidden gems

York Cold War Bunker

Operating from the 1960s to 1990s, this outdoor bunker was used to measure the impact of a nuclear attack and it’s fallout. Take a tour of the bunker, discover how it operated and delve into a whole new side of York’s past.

Kiosk: Project Space

Located on Fossgate, this tucked-away coffee shop is more than meets the eye. Kiosk is one part coffee house, combined with a seasonal kitchen and topped off with an art gallery, all in one cosy space! A feast for the senses, don’t miss out on the incredible breakfast options in particular.

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall

This former base for charity, religion and business is now a Grade 1 listed building as well as an engrossing museum of local history. Explore the beautiful timber-framed building, see the impressive collection of silver, furniture and paintings and finish off with coffee and cake in the medieval guildhall.

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For visitors to York, there is no need to worry about parking while in the city – the six well located Park & Ride sites on the outskirts of the city make travelling to the shops and attractions easier than ever, with buses running back and forth every 10 minutes.

Student and Young Adult Discounts

For a city with such a large student population, we know that it's important to be able to get around as easily as possible. Thanks to our regular services in York here’s no better way to get around the city than by bus. For university students we offer a discounted bus to and from the University of York and York St John, to help you make the most of your time and studies.

On top of this we offer discounted fares for children, all young people aged 11-16 and young adults aged 16-18. Perfect for families who want to travel cheaply and with ease through the area. Enjoy the journey.

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Our website and app make it easy to plan your journey, find the cheapest bus fares, and purchase your bus tickets securely. Whether you're planning or booking a last-minute trip, FlixBus makes buying bus tickets a breeze. Plus, with our convenient e-ticket system, you can board your bus without the hassle of paper tickets as your phone will serve as your ticket!

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With FlixBus' extensive network of routes, you can easily explore some of the most popular cities in the US , as well as travel to Canada and Mexico. And thanks to our integration with Greyhound, our network is even more expansive, giving you even more options for intercity travel. Whether you're exploring New York City , spending a weekend partying in Las Vegas , soaking up the culture in Boston , or discovering the hidden gems of Los Angeles , FlixBus makes it effortless to experience all that the US has to offer.

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Travel in Comfort and Style with FlixBus

FlixBus not only prioritizes comfort and convenience for your journey, but also ensures that you can travel with all your necessary luggage. Each passenger is allowed to bring one carry-on and one stowed luggage with them on the bus. In addition to the luggage allowances, our buses offer amenities like on-board WiFi, extra legroom, power outlets, and toilets, making your trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible. With our user-friendly app and simple booking platform, planning your bus travel has never been easier. Book your bus ticket with FlixBus today and travel in comfort and style with all your luggage in tow.

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A Guide to 10 ‘Luxury Bus’ Lines You Can Take Instead of Amtrak

A nationally recognized reporter, writer, and consumer advocate, Ed Perkins focuses on how travelers can find the best deals and avoid scams.

He is the author of "Online Travel" (2000) and "Business Travel: When It's Your Money" (2004), the first step-by-step guide specifically written for small business and self-employed professional travelers. He was also the co-author of the annual "Best Travel Deals" series from Consumers Union.

Perkins' advice for business travelers is featured on MyBusinessTravel.com , a website devoted to helping small business and self-employed professional travelers find the best value for their travel dollars.

Perkins was founding editor of Consumer Reports Travel Letter, one of the country's most influential travel publications, from which he retired in 1998. He has also written for Business Traveller magazine (London).

Perkins' travel expertise has led to frequent television appearances, including ABC's "Good Morning America" and "This Week with David Brinkley," "The CBS Evening News with Dan Rather," CNN, and numerous local TV and radio stations.

Before editing Consumer Reports Travel Letter, Perkins spent 25 years in travel research and consulting with assignments ranging from national tourism development strategies to the design of computer-based tourism models.

Born in Evanston, Illinois, Perkins lives in Ashland, Oregon with his wife.

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Yes, you can travel in luxury on a bus: A few bus lines around the country are providing luxury bus service on intercity routes up to about 300 miles, especially in areas where air and rail service is either sparse or expensive. To qualify as “luxury,” my primary requirement is that a line must provide one-by two seating, with extra legroom, in a full size intercity bus, along with an onboard lavatory, Wi-Fi and/or streaming TV, snack/drink service, and no-fee baggage checking. That’s all typically much more comfortable than a plane, and sometimes more comfortable than Amtrak. Fares are around double regular bus fares, because the lines fit only 22 to 35 seats into buses that nominally hold 55 to 60 seats, in addition to extra passenger amenities.

I found 10 lines that qualify, listed here alphabetically, with samples of posted one-way fares. Most lines employ capacity-controlled pricing: As buses fill up, fares for remaining seats increase. Most lines also offer a variety of round-trip, multi-ride, frequent-traveler membership, student, and similar discounts. Most require reservations, and pick up and leave travelers on public-street loading zones, or sometimes at hotels.

Editors’ Note: Included fares are accurate at time of publication.

9 Tips to Finally Stop Overpacking

BestBus is one of the many bus lines that operate between New York City and the Washington, D.C. area. Although most of its trips use conventional intercity buses, one or two daily trips feature “Prime” service that offers the necessary luxury mix. At least one trip operates most days nonstop between New York Penn Station and Washington-area drop off points at DuPont Circle and Union Station and three stops in suburban Virginia. The Prime fare for February starts at around $47 one-way, compared with $38-40 for the regular service; trips take four hours and more.

Amtrak offers frequent competition, with trips taking from a bit under three hours (Acela, from $155) to 3:30 hours (Northeast Regional, hovering around at $115 with fares below $100 available on specific dates).

C&J Bus Lines

C&J operates at least two daily trips, all with luxury buses, on two main routes:

• Connecting Boston with Dover, Portsmouth, and Seabrook New Hampshire. Trips take 55 minutes to Seabrook, at $13.99, to 1:30 to 2 hours to Dover at $14.99, and on average 1:15 to 1:30 to Portsmouth at $14.99.
• Connecting New York with Andover, Massachusetts as well as Seabrook and Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Trips take 4 hours to Andover, fares are $74. Trips to Seabrook take between 4:30 and 4:45 and trips to Portsmouth take roughly 5:15, fares for both are $84.

Concord Coach Lines

Concord operates several trunk routes, but offers its luxury “Plus Bus” on one daily round trip each on its route connecting New York City with Portland, Maine (6 hours, $79).

Amtrak connects New York with Portland, but a train trip requires changing trains and stations in Boston. The shortest connection for a trip in early March takes six hours and costs $84, including bus transfer between stations in Boston. Competitive air service to Portland for a similar time frame starts at $45 one way.

10 Tips for Long-Distance Amtrak Trips

Dartmouth Coach

Dartmouth Coach operates luxury bus trips at least once daily with extra weekend service between New York City and Hanover/Dartmouth and Lebanon, New Hampshire. Trips take about five hours; fares start at $89. This company is affiliated with Concord Coach Lines and appears to offer a similar luxury product. Dartmouth also operates from the Boston area, but only with conventional buses.

Amtrak does not go near Dartmouth or Lebanon. Flights from New York to Lebanon start at around $134 one way, and require about four hours with a plane change at Boston.

Hampton Jitney

The Hampton Jitney operates between New York and the main eastern Long Island centers, including three to four daily luxury “Ambassador” service trips to/from Montauk, with additional trips to/from Amagansett. Montauk trips take 3:15; fares start at roughly $45.

The competition to the Hamptons is the Long Island Rail Road Montauk line. Montauk trips take 3:15 and cost $22.25 off-peak, $30.50 peak.

Red Coach operates a complex network linking Miami with Tallahassee while also serving key intermediate stops. Although it also operates conventional buses, Red Coach operates luxury First Class runs several times daily between Miami and Tallahassee via Orlando. Miami-Tallahassee trips take about nine and a half hours, with fares starting at $99; Orlando-Miami trips take about 4 hours with fares starting at $45.

Red Coach competes with Amtrak, Brightline, and Tri-Met between some South Florida stops, but no rail line operates to/from Tallahassee or between Atlanta and Florida. Miami-Tallahassee nonstop flight fares start at roughly $150 round trip, taking two hours nonstop or over five hours with a layover.

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Tripper Bus Elite

Tripper Bus is one of the many lines that operate between New York City and the Washington DC area. The line runs between two and seven trips each day, and on most days one of those trips uses a luxury “Elite” bus. Trips run between New York City Penn Station area and stops in suburban Bethesda and  Arlington. Travel time is 4:00 hours; Elite class fares start around $60, compared with regular fares which start at $27. See “BestBus” entry for Amtrak and airline competition.

Vamoose Gold

Vamoose is yet another New York-to-Washington bus line that operates a luxury service. “Gold Bus” trips operate three to four times per day between midtown Manhattan and stops in Bethesda, Maryland, and Arlington and Lorton, Virginia. The trips take 4:00 to 4:30 hours to/from Bethesda; 4:40 to/from Arlington; and 5:00 to 5:30 to/from Lorton. Gold Bus fares start at $79, depending on time of day; regular fares start at $49. See “BestBus” entry for Amtrak and airline competition.

Vonlane operates an extensive network of all-luxury bus routes connecting Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Atlanta, and San Antonio. All stops are at city-center hotels except for Dallas, where the terminal is at a Love Field hotel. Sample fares from Houston to Fort Worth are $129; the trip takes four hours.

All Vonlane routes are serviced by multiple airlines, including Southwest. Sample nonstop airfares for Houston-Dallas in late February start at $154 one way, decreasing to under $100 for select dates in March. Amtrak operates one train daily between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth and one train daily Dallas-Austin-San Antonio. Coach fares Dallas-San Antonio start at $37 for a 10-hour trip.

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Washington Deluxe

Washington Deluxe is the fourth (on my list) New York-Washington bus line that offers a deluxe option. “LUX” buses operate less than daily between New York/Penn Station and Washington/DuPont Circle. The trip takes 4:00 to 4:30; the fare starts at $35. See “BestBus” entry for Amtrak competition.

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TPG's guide to luxury bus travel

Given the ongoing challenges surrounding air travel — ranging from flight delays and cancellations to lost luggage and long airport queues — staying on the ground may be the easiest (and least stressful) way to get from point A to point B. While taking a road trip or traveling by train may take longer than flying, land travel has its benefits.

To start, the slower journey makes it possible to truly appreciate your surroundings, whether you're traveling between forested mountains or past beautiful city skylines. Not to mention, overland options are generally more environmentally friendly and less expensive than flying.

Sticking to ground transportation doesn't mean you have to make major sacrifices on comfort. Even previously cramped options like buses are evolving to attract all kinds of travelers, including those who enjoy a dose of luxury.

Gone are the days of standard buses being the only option for intercity travel. In recent years, luxury buses have emerged to provide travelers with a stylish take on the classic bus journey.

How exactly are luxury buses different from traditional options, and are they a good fit for you? We took a closer look at this elevated transportation option, including a few noteworthy routes, to find out.

Get the latest points, miles and travel news by signing up for TPG's free daily newsletter .

What is a luxury bus?

Luxury buses offer a "first-class travel experience that combines the luxury and personal space of a private jet with the affordability and convenience of a motorcoach," according to The Jet , one of several luxury bus companies that launched in recent years.

Unlike regular buses, luxury options provide several comforts and services more commonly found in the first-class cabin of an airplane.

For example, more space is available between seats, as they're typically arranged in a 1-2 setup across aisles. As a result, you'll enjoy plenty of legroom and space for reclining your seat and using fold-out tables for work or snacking.

Additionally, luxury buses come with a number of conveniences, including free high-speed Wi-Fi as well as complimentary snacks and beverages. You'll also have access to a clean bathroom facility, plus various TV-viewing options and attendant services (on select routes).

Related: Why you shouldn't sleep on bus loyalty programs

Why should you take a luxury bus?

There are several reasons why a luxury bus may be the way to go the next time you travel.

To start, there's the price. A bus ride (even a luxury one) generally costs a fraction of what you would pay for a flight and transportation to and from an airport.

Then there's the convenience of using buses. Intercity buses typically depart from depots in city centers and often offer additional connections at rail and airport terminals, making them easy to reach. Plus, there are no security lines to endure, and you are not required to check in an hour before departure. If you're traveling with luggage, all you have to do is place your bag in the cargo area before you board.

Depending on where you're traveling, you may also find that buses are a more efficient way to reach your destination, as some cities do not offer flight or rail service. They're more environmentally friendly than driving your own car or flying, too, so you can feel good about your journey.

Why should you consider a luxury bus specifically? There is plenty of space as well as amenities on board. If you value having extra elbow room, enjoy creature comforts like snacks and drinks while in transit and want to pay the cheapest price possible, then you'll likely find a luxury bus appealing.

Which luxury bus routes should you consider?

The majority of luxury buses operate between major metropolitan areas and popular tourist destinations. While New York City is a hub for many luxury bus routes, others depart from places such as Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Miami, Houston and Dallas.

There are numerous routes to consider for luxury bus travel, but three in particular stand out from others currently available.

The Jet: New York City to Washington, DC

The Jet luxury bus service runs its route between New York's Hudson Yards and Washington 's Metro Center six days a week. Offering enough space to accommodate a maximum of 14 people, The Jet provides passengers with lots of legroom at their wide seats. Each seat features a specially designed "motion-canceling" technology called HoverSeat designed to absorb all the bumps you may encounter during the ride.

While traveling to the nation's capital, you'll have access to free high-speed Wi-Fi and a restroom with high-end details reminiscent of what you'd find in a hotel bathroom (such as white subway tiles and black brass fixtures). Plus, you'll receive complimentary beverages (think: sodas, coffee, beer and wine) as well as snacks such as chips and trail mix from an onboard attendant. Bus tickets also include two free checked bags and two carry-on bags .

Traveling from New York to Washington takes about four hours and 15 minutes, and prices start at $99 for a one-way trip. Specific seats are available for reservation in advance.

Vonlane: Houston to Austin

Vonlane offers 22-person luxury buses for travel within Texas. While you'll find routes connecting several major cities in the Lone Star State — including Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio — the Houston-to-Austin itinerary is an especially popular option.

As you ride on a Vonlane bus, you can stay connected with free Wi-Fi from the comfort of an oversized leather seat that also features an extended recline and leg rest. You'll also enjoy complimentary food and drinks served by an onboard attendant; keep in mind that alcohol costs extra. Loaner noise-canceling headphones are free to borrow, as are items such as eye masks, neck pillows, blankets and phone and computer chargers.

The trip from Houston to Austin typically takes two hours and 45 minutes, and it costs at least $114 one-way.

Napaway: Washington, DC, to Nashville

For travel between Washington and Nashville, there's Napaway — a luxury bus operator with overnight sleeper coaches. Passengers book one of 18 "personal suites," which feature two seats that convert into lie-flat beds with memory foam mattress pads. Napaway also provides pillows and blankets for the trip.

Standard amenities include high-speed Wi-Fi, a selection of movies and TV shows to watch from personal devices, fold-out desks and sleep kits with eye masks, toothbrushes and earplugs. Complimentary bottled water is also available, though that's the extent of Napaway's onboard food and beverage options.

The 11-hour overnight Napaway itinerary departs Washington at 10 p.m. on Fridays and arrives in Nashville at 8 a.m. on Saturdays. Tickets cost a minimum of $125 for the one-way trip.

Bottom line

Most people don't consider bus travel to be a luxury experience thanks, in part, to the extra time it adds to the journey. However, several recently launched companies now provide more comfortable and upscale ways to hit the road.

Sure, you'll need to pay a little more for a luxury bus ticket than one in a regular coach, but the service is still an affordable option when compared to flying. Plus, you'll enjoy many of the same amenities you would receive at the front of a plane. So, you don't have to worry about squeezing into a tight space without the necessities to keep you comfortable.

Featured photo by Life Journeys/Getty Images.

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Photo of hamas terrorists parading shani louk’s body wins top award, sparking outrage.

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A sickening image of Hamas terrorists parading a slain woman’s near-naked body through the streets of Gaza has been awarded a prestigious photo-of-the-year prize — sparking fierce outrage from those who slammed the win as “an outrageous desecration of Jewish life.”

The grim photo featuring Shani Louk’s body was among a collection of 20 images that helped the Associated Press secure first place in one of the Pictures of the Year International award categories earlier this month.

The awards, which are run by the Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute at the Missouri School of Journalism, are self-described as being the world’s oldest photojournalism competition.

News of the AP’s win in the “Team Picture Story of the Year” category prompted widespread backlash on social media, with some slamming the accolade and the use of Louk’s image as an “outrageous desecration of Jewish life.”

“I am DISGUSTED, SHOCKED and ENRAGED that this @AP image of a murdered Shani Louk from October 7th was given picture of the year,” one social media user posted on X. “This is the value of Israeli women to you?”

“This is just wrong and sick,” another user raged of the award.

Louk, a 23-year-old German Israeli tattoo artist, was among the scores of innocent music festival-goers taken hostage when Hamas terrorists carried out its deadly Oct. 7 onslaught.

She quickly became one of the faces of the war after the shocking images of her lifeless body on the back of pickup truck started going viral.

Israeli authorities later confirmed the young woman had tragically been beheaded by her captors.

In announcing the AP’s win, the award organizers posted the unblurred image of Louk’s lifeless body on its Instagram page.

The photo, though, appears to have since been deleted in the wake of the backlash.

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As the outrage over the AP’s award win mounted on social media, some users argued the competition was dishonoring Louk’s memory by dredging up the photo.

“The family of Oct 7 victim Shani Louk want her to be remembered alive & smiling. One of the world’s biggest photojournalism prizes, ran by @RJI, trampled on their wishes, awarding an @AP photo of her mutilated body,” one user wrote on X.

Another tweeted: “This is how we choose to remember the beautiful Shani Louk. We will not allow her memory to be trampled by the inhuman thugs celebrating the AP photo of her tragic murder.”

Meanwhile, many took aim at Ali Mahmud, the freelance photojournalist who snapped the image, arguing he shouldn’t be celebrated over such a tragedy.

Several Israeli American and American Nova survivors sued the AP last month for using freelance photojournalists believed to be “longstanding Hamas affiliates and full participants in the terrorist attack.”

They are suing for damages under the Antiterrorism Act, according to the federal complaint filed in the Southern District of Florida.

“He is being celebrated for taking this photo of murder-rapist-terrorists with the brutalized and contorted body of Shani Louk,” one X user noted.

Pictures of the Year International organizers didn’t immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.

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Review: The Big Bus Tour in New York City

I absolutely loved the Big Bus Tour in New York City. It’s the best way to go sightseeing in an open-top, hop-on hop-off, top-rated tour and explore the best New York attractions !

If this is your first-time visiting New York and you want to see all the top landmarks, this double-decker tour bus will take you there.

The Big Bus Tour in New York

You may be wondering if a hop-on hop-off bus is worth it. Absolutely, yes!

If you consider the time and money spent on transportation costs, waiting for buses, navigating the subway (which can be confusing for visitors), and getting from one point of interest to another, it is worth every dollar!

I had a great visit to New York City on Big Bus Tour. My goal was to show the city to some friends from Italy who were visiting the US for the first time.

Since we only had about two days to spend together, the hop-on hop-off was undoubtedly the best decision.

From our experience, we’ll answer commonly asked questions about the Hop-on Hop-off bus while visiting New York City.

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Why take the big bus tour in new york.

While seeing New York from the open-top deck of the double-decker bus, the city unfolded block by block with panoramic views from every angle.

As we traveled through the streets, the sights were unobstructed and new visual backdrops were revealed.

The towering skyscrapers and colorful billboards filled the air with excitement and as the cityscape continued to change, it gave a grand feeling to the experience.

I especially enjoyed being able to relax from the upper deck of the bus while taking in the energy of city scenes.

Because I also live in a large city, the rhythm felt familiar from the elevated vantage point .

Car horns were honking, crowds traversed through the streets and there was an endless hum of activity.

Best of all, the tour gave me the chance to interact with other travelers who were seeing New York while waiting for the tour to began.

We struck up conversations and exchanged stories, insights, and recommendations during our stay in New York.

How Much is the Big Bus Tour in New York

The regular price of an adult and child ticket is $60.00 and $50.00, respectively. However, you can use the link below for discounted fares.

Get discounts for the Big Bus Tour NYC  here .

How Long is the Big Bus Tour in New York

The round-trip New York City Big Bus Tour takes about two hours from start to finish.

The bus is the perfect solution for visitors worldwide because they offer pre-recorded audio narratives and translations in five languages — French, German, Spanish, Italian, and English.

Are There Toilets on the Big Bus

No. Unlike charter buses, you won’t travel long between stops. So the best thing to do is exit at a stop, find a public restroom, see an attraction, if desired, and then catch the next bus.

If you are not sure where to find one, ask a Big Bus guide on the street. The driver may also have some suggestions.

Charter buses come equipped with a bathroom because travel is expected to be for a much longer period.

How Does the Big Bus Tour Work in New York City

The tour offers three options for purchase — 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day.

When you decide the number of days of your tour and purchase your ticket, the clock starts when your ticket is scanned while boarding the bus for the first time.

The ticket is good for 24, 48, or 72 hours. So, if you have a 1-day ticket and board the bus at 11:00 AM on Monday, it can still be used until 11:00 AM on Tuesday.

We found a ton of touring options for sightseeing in New York.

Aside from the extended period, the 2 and 3-day tickets also offer discounted bike rentals.

The buses run every 20 minutes on average. However, the first stop at the M&M store can be a long wait during peak season.

You can exit or board at any of the designated stops as much as you want.

The only exclusion is the one-loop tour Night Tour which is a panoramic non-stop tour.

Where to Catch the Big Bus Tour in New York City

During the tour, the buses only stop at designated stops.

Your ticket is good for as long as the buses operate during the day and it may be used on both the red and blue routes.

When you board, make sure you get a hop-on hop-off New York bus route map!

Big Bus NYC Red Route

The red route sightseeing tour covers lower Manhattan and you’ll see many landmarks like St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Wall Street, the Chrysler Building, and General Grant’s Tomb.

You can catch a tour at any one of the following bus stops and you can get your tickets in advance of boarding.

1 – M&M’s World – 7th Ave & W 48th St (Outside M&M World & Majestic Deli)

2 – Times Square East – W 42nd St & Broadway (at Knickerbocker Hotel)

3 – Empire State Building / Korea Town – 5th Ave & W 32nd St (at CVS Pharmacy)

4 – Flatiron District – 5th Ave & W 23rd St (at Eisenberg’s Sandwich Shop)

5 – SoHo – Broadway and Spring Street (at Nike Store)

6 – Chinatown / Little Italy – 100 Lafayette Street (near the corner at Walker St)

7 – Brooklyn Bridge – Park Row & Beekman St (across from 33 Park Row)

8 – Wall Street / Charging Bull – Broadway & Wall St (Southwest corner near Rector St)

9 – Statue of Liberty / Battery Park – State St and Bridge St (at Subway Entrance)

10 – Circle Line Sightseeing – 12th Ave & 40th St (opposite Pier 81)

11 – Times Square North – 7th Ave & W 50th St (at Majestic Deli)

Big Bus NYC Blue Route

The blue route covers upper Manhattan, and half of the ride is mostly views of Central Park. You can switch to the blue route at red stop #2.

We recommend changing routes at stop #11 (the Majestic Deli) where you can take a break and have a nice lunch.

12 – The Metropolitan Museum of Art – 5th Ave & E 83rd St (near 83rd St)

13 – Central Park Zoo – 5th Ave & E 66th St (opposite 845 5th Ave)

14 – Columbus Circle – Central Park & Columbus Circle (SW corner of Central Park)

Tips and Things to Know Before You Go

The bus has two levels, the upper level offers panoramic views of the city but be careful of overhanging traffic lights and trees. Don’t stand while the bus is in motion.

• After you find a seat, check the audio to confirm it is working.
• Snacks are allowed. Bring a frozen bottle of water and protein bites to keep you energized.
• When on the upper deck, cover up with sunscreen to protect your skin on hot sunny days.
• If you are a family of 3 or more, take seats across from one another so you’ll have views and photos from both sides of the bus.

Tourists were lined up at stop #1 at least an hour before departure and the line extended the entire block and rounded the corner.

We decided to see other points of interest and returned around 11:00 AM.

The wait to board the bus was about 20 minutes. It was a relaxing ride and there we saw so much!

By the time we reached stop #9, we were pumped and ready to exit the bus so that we could explore the city! And you probably will be too.

Here’s the secret sauce that really made the experience memorable. Exit at stop #9 and take a FREE ferry to Staten Island.

To see the Statue of Liberty, stand on the left side of the boat. When returning, stand on the right side.

Traveling on a budget? Read my review of the Westside YMCA Hotel !

Final Thoughts About the Big Bus Tour in New York City

Overall, the tour was a pleasant way to see New York city and when you are on the upper deck, you hardly notice the traffic.

Some other advantages of seeing the city by bus include:

• Avoiding parking hassles. I mean, who actually drives in New York?!
• Photo opportunities. With the open-top or large windows, you have excellent photo opportunities as you pass by iconic landmarks and cityscapes.
• Comprehensive sightseeing of major landmarks and attractions within two hours.
• You can get local recommendations from the guides who operate the bus.

I usually opt for a hop-on hop-off bus when I am short on time or to get my bearings in the city before deciding what to do.

Either way, when you take the tour bus, it doesn’t appear impossible to take a bite out of the Big Apple.

Happy Travels!

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Bus plunges off bridge in South Africa: 45 killed, only an 8-year-old survived

by GERALD IMRAY | The Associated Press

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — A bus carrying worshippers headed to an Easter festival plunged off a bridge on a mountain pass and burst into flames in South Africa on Thursday, killing at least 45 people, authorities said.

The only survivor of the crash was an 8-year-old child, who was receiving medical attention, according to authorities in the northern province of Limpopo. They said the child was seriously injured.

The Limpopo provincial government said the bus veered off the Mmamatlakala bridge and plunged 164 feet into a ravine before bursting into flames.

Search operations were ongoing, the provincial government said, but many bodies were burned beyond recognition and still trapped inside the vehicle.

Authorities said they believe the bus was traveling from the neighboring country of Botswana to the town of Moria, which hosts a popular Easter pilgrimage. They said it appeared that the driver lost control and was one of the dead.

Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga was in Limpopo province for a road safety campaign and changed plans to visit the crash scene, the national Department of Transport said. She said there was an investigation underway into the cause of the crash and offered her condolences to the families of the victims.

The South African government often warns of the danger of road accidents during the Easter holidays, which is a particularly busy and dangerous time for road travel. More than 200 people died in road crashes during the Easter weekend last year.

The Zionist Christian Church has its headquarters in Moria and its Easter pilgrimage attracts hundreds of thousands of people from across South Africa and neighboring countries. This year is the first time the Easter pilgrimage to Moria is set to go ahead since the COVID-19 pandemic.