#boltbus

💦 misty night shots - just off the bus in downtown Seattle, Wa. 

@seansullivan

BoltBus (from Greyhound) was the newest LA/SF bus service in town, following in the footsteps of Megabus and California Shuttle Bus. It’s about $30 each way (the price varies). BoltBus has some nice features, including new buses with comfy seating, the ability to buy tickets online and a rewards program (go on four roundtrips, earn a free trip). Note, Bolt Bus no longer serves LA or the Bay Area.

It’s not always clear where to board the bus. In LA, go to Union Station and exit the station on the side that faces Olvera St. and look for the apartments to your right. In San Jose, look for the Megabus sign. For some reason BoltBus doesn’t have its own sign in San Jose. The San Francisco stop at the Transbay terminal isn’t as convenient as Megabus’s stop at the Caltrain station.

The buses are single level with overhead storage. Most seats have power outlets but a few on the right side do not for some reason. The free wi-fi works better than on Megabus. The seats recline and the bathroom is in the back. There are little can/cup holders, trash bags by each pair of seats, overhead storage and foot rests. You can bring one suitcase that goes under the bus and two small carryon items.

The LA-SF bus stops in the middle of nowhere, in a town called Avenal where your only food options are Subway, Asadero’s (Mexican) or the gas station’s convenience store.

If you want to change your departure date, there is a $4 rebooking fee unless you go standby on the same day as your original ticket. Remember tickets are date and time specific.

People on the bus were respectful and it was pretty comfortable because it wasn’t crowded.

4 out of 5 stars