- Most websites first found on the internet are national brokers or “networks” adding on average, a 25% commission to the cost of your trip.
- You can verify that a company owns buses, check safety rating, inspections and insurance status at.
- The bus industry is made up of about 3,200 local and regional bus companies accross the US and Canada. There are no national services that own buses (Greyhound charters in 15 markets
- About 450 US bus companies have gone through the rigorous process of becoming Department of Defense certified. Companies with this certification are marked “DOD” in the magicbuscompany.com free directory. Or you can view the list here: www.defensetravel.dod.mil/Docs/BusAgreementPOCs.pdf.
- Unlike the airline industry, no site providing multiple instant quotes and availability exists in the bus industry (The best way to get the lowest quotes is to contact each company individually.)
- Prices do not typically rise as the travel date draws near or in times of low availability.
- The average deposit to book a bus is 22%, however the current trend in the industry is to require 100% payment up front.
- Operators cannot drive more than 10 hours following 8 consecutive hours off-duty.
- Charters are typically priced by the hour for local use, or by the mile for out-of-state trips averaging more than 275 to 300 miles per day.
- The Better Business Bureau provides customer service ratings on most bus companies: search.BBB.org.
Top 10 Questions to Ask Before Chartering a Bus →