USA Bus Lines

Greyhound bus, first time, travel questions?

Alright, Ill be taking the greyhound bus in about a 2 weeks from the new Milwaukee terminal, to Cleveland Ohio, with a layover in Chicago for 50 minutes at 11am. I scheduled it to go through Chicago in daylight hours (for obvious reasons) I dont want to know about how I should take megabus, or fly, Im going greyhound bottom line. Its my first time ever traveling alone or not by car. I have my tickets in hand from the mail. What I would like to know from those who have actually taken greyhound before is: How long in advance should I get there? Do I really need an hour, or do I need more time? How do I "check" my baggage? Is it mandatory to get off at a stop that has a 30 min layover if its not a transfer? How big can a carry on bag be? I know these are basic questions, but like I said, Ive never flown or travelled commercially before, so the whole process is kinda new and Id like to at least know what to do so theres less hassle later. Thanks in advanced! =D

Public Comments

1. I dont tryst greyhound anymore -they lie to you Oh yes we have a second section coming -yea 24 hours later! and then sometimes the bus is so crowded you have to stand plus havent you see the reports of greyhound busses catching fire? I suggest you try another company for sure (megabus or amtrak) why are avioding megabus? (it could even been cheaper too!) (you still would have to change in Chicago)
2. An hour is appropriate time to get there in advance. Especially if you are not an experienced rider. When you get the station if you don't have luggauge tags already, get some from the desk. You will have to show tickets and they will give you tags. This will make sure your luggage is transferred appropriately. It may or may not be mandatory to get off at the stop. It depends on if you will change buses or stay on the same bus. The bus driver will let you know. Generally the carry-ons on Greyhound must fit in the overhead compartments. I would recommend a midsized duffle bag at the most (knapsack).
3. Yeah, I'd show up an hour early. Maybe slightly more to be careful, but you shouldn't have to. You'll have to check your luggage and get it tagged at the desk, and you may have to wait in line for that, plus usually a line forms at the gate for the bus thats leaving, and you don't want to have the last pick of seats. Make sure you have the right gate number. Some layovers you can stay on the bus, but if they're cleaning it or whatever they may make you get off. Remember that your luggage does not transfer automatically, you have to get it off your first bus and put it on the next yourself. The luggage guys don't make sure the luggage goes to the right person, they usually just toss it on the ground, so pay attention.
4. An hour before your departure is good, but you should make it earlier than that if you can. To get your bag(s) checked, you need your ticket in addition to have filled out luggage ID tag(s). Get in the line at the ticket desk, where they will check your ticket prior to issuing check(s) after which, you'll have to to take them to the side of the bus after the driver for your trip takes the first portion of your ticket. Since you mentioned being in Chicago at 11:00am, it wasn't hard to find your schedule :-) You change buses in Chicago, so you'll want to claim your bags there, and re-check them (same checks that were put on your bags in Milwaukee) when the next driver takes the next part of your ticket. You'll then be on the same bus the rest of the way to Cleveland, with a 30 minute meal stop along the way. As for your question of "Is it mandatory to get off at a stop that has a 30 min layover if its not a transfer?" the answer is both yes and no, as it depends on whether or not the bus is going to be serviced. In your case, the answer's most likely no, as your meal stop appears to be at a truck stop (aka "Travel Plaza") and not at a depot. You'll also want to check the following link to the most current info Greyhounds baggage policy. http://www.greyhound.com/travel_information/baggage.shtml Questions? (800) 231-2222 Fares & Schedules (214) 849-6246 Baggage Claims & Service