I compared a $180 luxury bus to a $46 coach bus, and the expensive option was almost better than flying first-class

Elizabeth BlasiApr 19, 2024, 00:54 IST

Insider's author rode two buses from New York City to Washington, DC.Elizabeth Blasi

I rode on a $180 luxury bus and a $46 standard coach bus from New York City to Washington, DC.
The regular bus got me from point A to point B, but there weren't many amenities.

As somebody who frequently travels between New York City and Washington, DC, I'm thankful for the many transportation options available.

Traditionally, planes are time savers, trains are the most comfortable, and buses are the most cost-effective. But there's another luxury option: The Jet.

As a true travel nerd, I had to see just how different this $180 bus service was from a traditional $46 FlixBus coach offering. Eleven hours of travel later and a notebook full of pros and cons, here's how the buses stacked up.

The coach bus was almost exactly as I expected it to be.

There were four seats in each row with an aisle in the middle.Elizabeth Blasi

There was really no comparison when it came to comfort and space.

The seats on The Jet were very comfortable.Elizabeth Blasi

I had just enough room for my things on the regular coach bus.

I put my purse and my backpack under the seat in front of me on the regular coach bus.Elizabeth Blasi

I couldn't believe how great the seats were on The Jet.

I could recline back in my seat on The Jet.Elizabeth Blasi

The coach bus didn't have many amenities.

There were trash bags attached at the end of each aisle.Elizabeth Blasi

When paying more than $100 for a bus ticket, you hope for a few added perks, and The Jet delivered.

I barely had to lift a finger on The Jet.Elizabeth Blasi

The bathroom on the regular bus wasn't fancy, but it was functional.

It was nice to have a bathroom on the bus.Elizabeth Blasi

The Jet's amenities were exceptional for a bus.

The bathroom was spacious and well-lit.Elizabeth Blasi

We made a rest stop on the regular bus to stretch our legs and refuel.

There wasn't food on the bus, but I picked up an iced coffee at the rest stop.Elizabeth Blasi

I was offered free drinks and cheap snacks on The Jet.

The snacks on the bus were very affordable.Elizabeth Blasi

Although both services promised WiFi, only one worked for me.

The FlixBus WiFi was unfortunately not working during my ride.Elizabeth Blasi

I was able to comfortably get some work done on The Jet.

I worked and my partner streamed movies during the ride.Elizabeth Blasi

Trains and planes are still probably the better option for most, but I'll splurge on The Jet if I'm riding the bus.

I was blown away by the amenities on The Jet.Elizabeth Blasi

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