Just wondering on how safe they are as I've heard mixed reports. We're thinking of going to New Orleans after Fest and I was gonna fly but the 2 girls I'm going with seem set on getting the overnight Greyhound and I'm a little worried for their safety. I was hoping those in the know could either put my mind at rest or convince me I need to go with them.

Always an interesting cast of characters on the Greyhound bus, but rarely do incidences occur that merit worry or paranoia about riding them. Of course, when in any kind of out-in-public scenario, be watchful of your belongings and yourself. Really though, I've been on quite a few bus trips and the only thing I can say for sure is that they're rarely comfortable, but often times pretty affordable.

That said, you never know for sure whether or not you'll be sitting next to this guy...

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,396043,00.html

I rode out of Gainesville to North Carolina once, Station in gainesville is kinda sketch but like The pikachu guy said, keep your stuff where you can see it, try to get comfortable and hunker down for a loong ass ride. And dont stray too far from the bus at layovers, they will not come looking for you.

Check megabus before you book anything on greyhound. You might get it for a fraction of the cost!

Megabus/bolt bus are cheap alternatives but I don't know how far their service goes that far south.

Greyhound, in my experience, has not been too horrifying, just cramped and it usually takes way longer than I cared to be on a bus. Like everyone else said, be aware of your things, who is around you and keep close on layovers. I always try to sleep as much as possible and avoid the people talking to themselves or the couples yelling constantly.

greyhounds are perfectly safe man. last time I was on one the woman sitting in front of me had just gotten out of prison but she was nice as hell. if you are lucky enough to score one of the newer buses it is actually quite enjoyable and roomier than most airplanes.

i took the greyhound on thurs last year from Orlando and it was FULL of Festers, so it was great.


How is the MEGABUS? are the stations near / safe??

I did Megabus to Orlando a couple of months ago, and it was awesome.

I think Greyhound is probably perfectly safe, especially if you are traveling in numbers. Though the last time I rode it years ago, it was not very comfortable.

Megabus would be WAY cheaper than Greyhound, BUT it would probably be a longer trip, since you'd have to take a less direct path to get from Gainesville to New Orleans.

Only been on one once, Tim, but this was pretty much our experience - plenty of intriguing individuals but basically fine. And cheap enough. And a bit slow.

do megabus! cheap as hell. goes to gainesville, i believe by the university somewhere.

or if youre coming from NYC you can take a chinatown bus to jacksonville.. $100 round trip. but it smells like piss and takes 18 hours.

sometimes flights are cheaper into atlanta than gainesville, and then you can megabus down to gainesville.

I spent 2 months last summer taking greyhounds (around 8 journeys) not a single problem unless you count inbred amish stinking out the place... (i was sitting next to him) They're even quite fun if you happen to get the right bus, there's a good sense of community.

Well it seems my concern wasn't exactly appreciated but thanks for your replys. The girls are getting the bus and I'm flying as for the sake of 40 quid I can't deal with the hassle and boredom of a 12 hour bus trip. I'm pretty sure after taxi to the bus stop and overnight food stops etc I'll be no worse off money wise anyway. They seem pretty excited about the bus trip so all's good.

Mega Bus has a load/drop off just down the road from registration. and they have wifi

Catching the bus from Orlando to Gainesville with my girl friend on the Thursday morning. Is anyone else planning on doing this?

Is that the greyhound? How long does it take and how much is it? There used to be a shuttle bus that went from Orlando airport straight to downtown Gainesville but it doesn't run anymore. It was cheap and quick though!