Travel Via Rail Train or Greyhound Bus cross-canada?
Well not exactly ALL the way across... Im travelling from Ottawa to Saint John, NB in a few weeks. The cost of both train and bus is about the same. The train will actually take a few more hours than the bus, including a 2 hour layover in Montreal. (its about 16 hrs for the bus vs 20 hours for the train).
So- which should I take. Is the bus sooo much less comfortable that its better to have a longer trip on a train? What about washrooms? Scenery? Stop overs....? Also: they will probably both be over night trips....)
thanks!
Update:Wow! I thought at least someone would have something good to say about the bus! Interesting....
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
I have done trips to Vancouver from Toronto on both, and when I worked in Nova Scotia I took the train to saint John before they stop the route through the US from Montreal, I would say the train is the better way, more comfortable, bigger washrooms, food when you want it, a nice comfortable reclining seat, less smell and hassle.
The bus can be long and tiring, plus they stop for meals when the driver wants or during driver changes, they can be crowded and noisy, especially if there are children or someone with a cough on board, plus when they turn the lights off and people sleep, the snoring can be deafening. For the extra few hours and a more comfortable ride, the train is my choice all the way, your body and mind will thank you for it, and you will arrive much more rested and relaxed.
I have had longer trips than that on both Via and Greyhound. And yes - if time wasn't a factor, I'd take the train. With more leg room, wider aisles and being able to get up and stretch and walk around whenever is definitely an advantage. Plus usually options like dinner cars or bar cars, etc. with more timing options. Where you can dine and still be travelling verses stopping, rushing off the bus and lining up with all the other passengers at a predetermined stop time. You might have been hungry an hour ago, or not hungry at all, but that is still when the bus stops.
Train is by far the more comfortable for a long trip - there is a bathroom on the back of the bus, but thre are no stopovers as a rule. On the train you can book a berth and sleep the night away on a horizont plane, rather than trying to doze while sitting up on the bus.
The train is so much better! I travelled halfway across the country on the train and loved the trip. The scenery was great and it was a lot more comfortable.
Avoid Greyhound...they are horrid...train is much better.