I compared a $180 luxury bus to a $46 coach bus, and the expensive option was almost better than flying first-class (2024)

Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. HOMEPAGE

Newsletters

Travel

Review by Elizabeth Blasi

Updated

2024-04-18T17:50:50Z

I compared a $180 luxury bus to a $46 coach bus, and the expensive option was almost better than flying first-class (1)

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.
I was super impressed by the comfortable seats and the attendants on board The Jet.

NEW LOOK

Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Read preview

Thanks for signing up!

Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go.

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

I compared a $180 luxury bus to a $46 coach bus, and the expensive option was almost better than flying first-class (5)

On the FlixBus, there were two seats on either side of the aisle. But there were a lot more seats, leaving less room in between each row.

Advertisem*nt

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

I compared a $180 luxury bus to a $46 coach bus, and the expensive option was almost better than flying first-class (6)

The Jet had three seats in each row with an aisle in the middle, but overall, it had significantly fewer seats than the standard coach.

Everything was spread out, giving every rider a lot more space.

Advertisem*nt

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

I compared a $180 luxury bus to a $46 coach bus, and the expensive option was almost better than flying first-class (7)

The seats on the standard coach bus were moderately sized.

They provided footrests and enough room to fit a backpack under the seat in front of you.

Advertisem*nt

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

I compared a $180 luxury bus to a $46 coach bus, and the expensive option was almost better than flying first-class (8)

The Jet provided a 45-degree seat recliner and pop-up leg rest. I had enough room to extend my legs without even being close to the chair in front of me, putting some first-class airline seats to shame.

On top of the comfortable cushioning and lumbar support, the seat was designed with technology to help mask any uneasiness on the road. Subtle up-and-down motions gave the illusion of an incredibly smooth ride.

I wish airplane seats would adopt this feature to reduce the movement of unwanted turbulence.

Advertisem*nt

The coach bus didn't have many amenities.

I compared a $180 luxury bus to a $46 coach bus, and the expensive option was almost better than flying first-class (9)

The coach bus provided straightforward service, getting you from point A to point B.

Although there weren't many amenities on board, there were at least convenient trash bags hanging on the aisle seats.

Advertisem*nt

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

I compared a $180 luxury bus to a $46 coach bus, and the expensive option was almost better than flying first-class (10)

My favorite perk was probably the attendants on board.

They passed out hot towels at the beginning of the ride, served drinks, and cleaned up after us. One attendant even offered Jet blankets to make my journey more comfortable.

Advertisem*nt

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

I compared a $180 luxury bus to a $46 coach bus, and the expensive option was almost better than flying first-class (11)

I appreciated the small restroom on the FlixBus.

The Jet's amenities were exceptional for a bus.

I compared a $180 luxury bus to a $46 coach bus, and the expensive option was almost better than flying first-class (12)

The restroom had a sink, counter space, backlit mirror lights, a full-length mirror, and enough space to change into something cozy for the ride.

Advertisem*nt

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

I compared a $180 luxury bus to a $46 coach bus, and the expensive option was almost better than flying first-class (13)

Although there wasn't food on the FlixBus, we got a 15-minute rest-stop break, where I picked up a bottle of water and a Dunkin' iced coffee to fuel me for the last three hours on the road.

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

I compared a $180 luxury bus to a $46 coach bus, and the expensive option was almost better than flying first-class (14)

Each Jet ticket came with two complimentary alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, or seltzer, and a list of food items on sale for as little as $1.

Advertisem*nt

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

I compared a $180 luxury bus to a $46 coach bus, and the expensive option was almost better than flying first-class (15)

As a remote worker who enjoys traveling, it's essential that my mode of transportation has internet access.

The buses were supposed to provide WiFi, but FlixBus' service was down during my ride. Thankfully, the power plugs on board worked, and I used my phone's hot spot instead.

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

I compared a $180 luxury bus to a $46 coach bus, and the expensive option was almost better than flying first-class (16)

The Jet's WiFi worked, and the service speed was fast enough for my fiancé to stream movies while I uploaded and downloaded significant file-size assets to my computer.

Advertisem*nt

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 compared a $180 luxury bus to a $46 coach bus, and the expensive option was almost better than flying first-class (17)

When comparing the bus services, traffic is the great equalizer. Even though the buses departed on time, the 4 ½-hour trip took more than 5 ½ hours in each direction.

If time is your biggest concern, I'd stick with a train or plane. But if you're a remote worker traveling during the day like me, The Jet may be the best option.

I think it was definitely worth the price tag. The fantastic service, luxurious seats, and strong internet connection made it the clear travel winner.

Correction: August 7, 2023 — An earlier version of this story misstated the number of seats in each row on the Jet bus. There are three, not four.

This story was originally published in August 2023 and most recently updated on April 18, 2024.

I compared a $180 luxury bus to a $46 coach bus, and the expensive option was almost better than flying first-class (2024)

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

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

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

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

The coach bus didn't have many amenities.

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

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

The Jet's amenities were exceptional for a bus.

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

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

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

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

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

FAQs

How much is the jet bus from DC to NY? ›

References