Megabus operates in 500 cities and 34 states in the U.S., with some of their most popular bus routes being New York City to Philadelphia (52 trips per day!), Washington D.C. to N.Y.C. (yes, the route can be as low as $1, depending on when you are booking and if you are first to book), and starting June 1, Megabus is adding a new route from Los Angeles, Calif. to Las Vegas, Nev. And if you’re looking for cheap summer travel, some new routes are going for as little as just $1, but you’ll need to plan ahead, be flexible with your dates, and hope you’re one of the first people booking that route to get the cheap fare.
Depending on when you are booking and the desired travel dates, Megabus promises “cost-effective service,” which means some ride routes can be as low as $1, while others may be go up to $39.99. Note that there is a $3.99 service charge when booking your bus ticket. Based on our research, Megabus offers $1 tickets for the first or second person booking the bus ticket, but after those tickets are sold, the prices do go up, sometimes to $5 – $8, or upwards of $40. But with the average price of gas being $3.579, according to AAA, those low fares can still be a steal for budget-friendly travel ideas.
“Los Angeles to Vegas is a key route for Megabus,” confirms Colin Emberson, VP Commercial for Megabus in a statement. “We’re thrilled to be building upon recent expansions to our network and the timing is great with the one of the busiest travel seasons quickly approaching.”
Here’s everything we know about Megabus’ new route that starts on June 1 and how to save on Megabus, including how to find these rare $1 bus tickets. Download the Krazy Coupon Lady app for more money-saving tips, deals, and coupons.
Megabus is starting a new route between Los Angeles and Las Vegas for travel beginning June 1, and *some* limited tickets will be as low as $1.
Megabus offers limited $1 one-way rides for select destinations, dates and times. However, they only offer a select number of $1 – $2 seats for each route, and the first person to book usually gets that cheap fare. After that, the fares go up as more people start to book it. Your best bet is to book as far in advance as you can, and if you see a $1 route pop up for you, grab it and lock it in your account before you lose it. Besides Vegas, Megabus also offers other travel routes in California.
“Due to an increase in the demand for travel, in anticipation of the upcoming busy summer travel season, Megabus will offer four trips daily between Los Angeles and Las Vegas with additional travel options available to Barstow, CA and Riverside, CA as well,” the company said in a press release on May 22.
It’s important to note that these dates, times and routes can vary, so be sure to plan ahead. Here are the routes you can expect to offer $1 fares, depending on when you book:
- Barstow, California to Riverside, California
- Las Vegas, Nevada to Barstow, California
- Las Vegas, Nevada to Riverside, California
- Los Angeles, California to Las Vegas, Nevada
- Riverside, California to Barstow, California
- Riverside, California to Las Vegas, Nevada
While the fares are listed as $1, there’s also a $3.99 booking fee for every transaction, plus applicable taxes. You can see all bus routes here.
TIP: Your best chance for getting the first-come, first-served $1 fares is booking at least 45 days in advance, which makes right now a great time to book your bus trip for Labor Day travel.
Some Megabus seats are more expensive than others.
Depending on where you want to sit on the Megabus, you may have to pay extra. The fees can vary by bus and destination. Assigned seating isn’t available on every bus or route, nor are extra amenities. That said, the extras may include:
- Reserved seating (so you can sit next to your traveling companion) is an added $3 to $5 per seat.
- A Panoramic Seat in the front row of the top deck is an additional $8 to $12 depending on the ride.
- Extended View Seats with drink trays may cost an additional $5.
- Table Seats may cost an additional $5.
Megabus allows limited luggage.
The Megabus luggage policy allows for one piece of checked luggage per rider, plus a small carry-on bag to fit in the overhead compartments or under their seats. A piece of checked luggage cannot exceed a total of 62 inches when adding the total exterior dimensions (length, width and height) and must weigh less than 50 pounds. These dimensions are significantly smaller than carry-on bags for airlines. Megabus suggests using the size of the average briefcase as a general guideline.
Note that Megabus is extremely strict with their one-bag checked luggage policy. According to their Luggage Policy, they note that “passengers wishing to travel with more luggage than specified above will have items refused” and no refunds will be issued. Absolutely need more than one piece of luggage? They suggest purchasing an additional travel ticket when you book your trip, which will guarantee your luggage space on the bus.
Megabus also notes that passengers cannot bring alcoholic beverages, bicycles, golf equipment, musical instruments, skis or snowboards as luggage unless they’re in a case meeting the size requirements previously listed. One exception: Coach USA-operated buses traveling within Wisconsin will allow bicycles on board.
Related: Check out these packing tips and tricks every traveler should know.
Megabus offers limited amenities, but you can bring your own.
Megabuses all have one restroom on board, and many (but not all) offer power outlets and reclining seats. There is no Wi-Fi on board, though you can use your own Wi-Fi hotspot if you have one.
You’re allowed to bring food and beverages onto the bus, but no alcoholic beverages are permitted.
Megabus does offer a student discount through UNiDAYS, which will save you $3 off your next trip.
Sign up for UNiDays, which offers student discounts, for $3 off your next Megabus trip.
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