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Trip Planning > Walt Disney World > Travel: Bus
The Ins & Outs of Travel: BusJump to:
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Greyhound Bus Travel to Orlando For short-haul trips, bus travel can be significantly cheaper than flying. When considering a bus trip to Orlando, be sure to compare train fares. A bus leaving the New York City Station (same May 2009 dates as our Amtrak example) takes approximately 26 hours or about 3 hours longer than Amtrak, and surprisingly, an Adult ticket costs $5 more ($239 for Greyhound vs $234 for an Amtrak non-discounted ticket). A child's fare, ages 2 to 11, pays a significantly less companion fare of $71.70 (non-refundable) or $80.20 (refundable). Amtrak coach tickets are 100% refundable as long as they haven't been printed in advance, but Greyhound increases ticket prices for the ability to get a refund. The above Greyhound ticket would have costed $266 with the refundable option. Greyhound online advance-purchase tickets can drop the price significantly and beat Amtrak prices in most cases. In some cases, advance-purchase tickets can even be printed online as etickets. Pay 7 days in advance and the above Adult ticket drops to $144 for roundtrip fare; pay 14 days in advance and the price goes to $130. These tickets, however, can not be refunded under any circumstances and there is no discount for companion fares. An accompanying child will pay the same adult advance-purchase price. Note: Non-refundable fares, can be exchanged for another ticket for the exact same trip on a later date. Refundable fares are subject to a 20% cancellation fee but can be refunded. Unlike Amtrak coach seat tickets, Greyhound does not give you the flexibility to change to a lower fare should you find one. Refundable tickets must be refunded minus the 20% cancellation fee and a lower fare ticket can then be purchased should you find one. Greyhound does offer a number of discount options:
Amtrak has the advantage in amenities, offering dining and lounge cars and the ability to move about. Kids often think the train is just more fun! Greyhound, however, offers more flexibility in departure cities and schedules, with service from many suburbs and small towns, as well as major cities. Outside of the east coast corridor, Amtrak will also have slightly longer travel times and higher fares than Greyhound in many cases. Amtrak baggage fees are nonexistent. On Greyhound, passengers are responsible for transferring their own bags. One piece of baggage is checked free of charge for adults and children. One additional piece of baggage may be checked for a charge of $10.00 for adults only. Baggage carried beyond two pieces will be charged based on Greyhound Package Express rates. One small bag up to 25 pounds can be taken aboard for each adult or child. Carry-on bags must fit in the overhead compartment or under your seat. Weight and size restrictions for checked bags are similar to those of airlines. According to the Orlando Sentinel, travel to Orlando by Greyhound was on the upswing in 2008 along with increasing gas prices. Purchase Greyhounds Priority Seating service for $5, and you can reserve your own seat and pre-board without waiting in line first. Priority Seating is for one-way travel only and must be purchased in-station at the designated ticket line. Priority seating is now offered for the Orlando, Fl destination. Greyhound Bus Lines operates bus service from dozens of U.S. cities to downtown Orlando and Kissimmee, Florida. The Greyhound Station in Orlando is not located as close to Walt Disney World as the station in Kissimmee, but it has recently been upgraded and now features a food court. Typical taxi fares from Greyhound's Orlando station run from $35 to $45 plus tip, depending upon the location of your hotel. Typical taxi fares from the Kissimmee station run from $28 to $37 plus tip, depending upon the location of your hotel. Taxi fares can be calculated using Yellow Cab's fare calculator. Just pick the nearest landmark to your hotel (Epcot, Magic Kindom, Blizzard Beach for All Star Resorts, and Disney Institute for Port Orleans) from the drop-down menu. The phone number for Yellow Cab (407-422-2222). Greyhound's Station Information
Driving Directions From Greyhounds Orlando Station to Epcot Resort Area Driving Directions From Greyhounds Kissimmee Station to Epcot Resort Area The Orlando Station is reported to be located in an unsafe section of the city. If at all possible, use the Kissimmee station, which is located in a better neighborhood. It has the added benefit of being located closer to Walt Disney World. Here are a few practical tips when taking the bus:
Sightseeing Tours Departing Walt Disney World and Surrounding Area To venture off Disney property, consider using on of the local Bus sightseeing tours such as GotoBus or Gator Tours. Half-day, all-day and overnight tours are available to destinations such as Clearwater Beach, the Everglades, Kennedy Space Center, Miami and more. Both tour companies pick up at select locations on International Drive, Lake Buena Vista and Kissimmee (Hwy 192), as well as Disney's All Star Music Resort and The Swan Hotel. Walt Disney World Resort guests can use Disney's free transportation system to get to either of these resorts from any Disney theme park or Downtown Disney. All Gator Tours excursions & transportation services are guided in English. Upon request , they are able to guide in the following languages Dutch, French, German, Italian, Portuguese & Spanish. Videos for many Gator Tour destinations are available on specific tour information pages on Gator Tours web site. For more information on Gator Tours, visit their Reservation Terms page or call toll free 1-800-537-0917.
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