bus tour companies

TTC family of brands

My Trafalgar

Destinations

Get Inspired

866 513 1995

Shop The Seasonal Sale

Today's Best Travel Deals

Last minute deals, unlock italy in 2024.

These deals won't last long

Save on tours departing soon

Save upto 20% off select tours.*

See All Italy Tours

Popular searches

Domestic Trips

See America in a new light

Vacations under 14 days

Limited availability. Selling fast.

Today's best travel deals

Save now. Don't miss out. 

Offers for travel groups of 9+

Save when you book 9+ guests

Past guest benefits

Savings with Global Tour Rewards

Tours under $2000

Browse our value vacations

All Last Minute Deals

Simply the best and most relevant way to travel

Everything Taken Care of

Value for Money

100+ Years of Travel Expertise

We MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Looking for inspiration?

Order or download your free brochure

The top 10 'travelling solo' myths debunked

The power of shared experiences: how travel bonds us together

7 reasons why fall is the perfect season for travelling

Got questions? Find your answer in our popular FAQs >

See All Destinations

See happy guests traveling now #simplyTrafalgar

We are the world's most loved tour company.

Ready to be inspired?

Get your free brochure and plan your next escape.

Request a Brochure

5 million happy guests...

...and counting. See what our past guests have to say.

Read Reviews

Help & Info

WE MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Unedited Reviews

Our Destination Management Companies

Frequently Asked Questions

Travel Updates

Media & Press Room

Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

Travel Planning

Get Your Free Brochure

Travel Insurance

Booking Conditions

Trip Deposit Level

Recommendations

Trafalgar is a proud member of  The Travel Corporation  family of companies.

#SimplyTrafalgar

Selected Region

United States

United Kingdom

New Zealand

South Africa

Copyright 2024 Trafalgar. All rights reserved.

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy

Cookie Policy

609-587-0626 Request a Quote

Choose Starr for Your Transportation Needs

Reliability, don't take our word for it.

Starr is a proud to be a member of these organizations:

Get started with all that Starr has to offer!

Looking for a rewarding career? Consider driving for Starr!

• Great Compensation and Benefits
• Travel and Meet Great People
• And Much More!

Signup to Receive Special Offers Today :)

Signup to receive special offers today.

Custom Tours

As travel experts, Coach USA has planned and operated thousands of successful private tours all across America. These custom tours of local and national destinations are perfect for corporate outings, church groups, students, family reunions and more. Our fleet of modern motorcoach tour buses provide comfort and accessibility for groups of all sizes and interests. A customized private tour of a significant destination will create meaningful and lasting memories for you and your corporate or private group. Contact us today and we will ensure you get the perfect custom tour bus that fits the needs of your group.

Our large organization of affiliates has information available for local and national destinations, plus an extensive range of private tour buses. Select from a variety of tour buses that offer luxury or standard travel for a group of any size. All you have to do is choose a vehicle that accommodates the needs, interests and budget of your organization or travel group. Connect with one of our friendly, accommodating guides and rest assured knowing you have booked a worry-free private tour to the destination of your choice.

Private Tours A re Completely Customizable

Even when at rest, your custom tour bus will be the root of many happy memories. Through a private tour with one of our knowledgeable guides, you may come to see a historic place in a new, more personal light. You can choose to pick a date and enjoy the private tour, or personalize an existing tour to reflect the needs and desires of your group. Make one stop for all the travel needs of your group: our tour experts have years of experience personalizing tours all over the country and can arrange hotel rooms, meals, sightseeing tours , famous attraction stops, entertainment, unique events, airport transportation , guides and more. No matter your group size or destination interests, we have the expertise to create an unforgettable private tour adventure.

Coach USA would like to make your next trip as unique as your group. A custom tour with family and friends can create a sense of wonder surrounding a new destination, anchoring great memories to a set place and time. Book a private tour with Coach USA, and you’ll foster lasting friendships and incredible memories from the comfort of your motorcoach seat. We offer competitive pricing and take pride in offering the best services for our travelers. Contact us today with your interests and together we will create an exclusive trip just for you.

Why Book A Private Tour With Us

We offer the industry’s best and most experienced drivers & tour guides.

Our custom tour buses offer competitive pricing you can’t beat.

We use a modern fleet of clean and comfortable buses.

Our company has a long history of providing fun and entertaining travel options.

Each private tour is completely customized to your needs.

To serve you best, you will be redirected to another website.

• USA Vacation
• Canada Vacation
• Private Group Travel

Guided Bus Tours & Packages

California Tours offers single and multi-day tours and air packages from San Francisco and Los Angeles.

All tours are fully guided by a professional tour guide or a driver guide. Transportation is based on deluxe motor coach or minibus, depending on the group size. Day trips visit favorite sightseeing locations within and surrounding the departure city with daily departure. Guided overnight trips have specific departure dates.

Air and Land packages are available for cities that are further away. Air packages include round-trip airfare and hotel accommodations. Land packages do not include flight, but hotel accommodations and local guided tours are provided. Book your own flight and let California Tours arrange the rest of your vacation! Air and land packages are available any day of the year, but advanced reservation is encouraged.

San Francisco/Berkeley

Los angeles/anaheim, san francisco, napa valley, los angeles, california group travel, san francisco group travel, los angeles group travel, napa valley group travel, las vegas group travel, new york group travel, washington group travel, hawaii group travel, deep south group travel.

Get the Hottest Deals First!

Colors of New England

About this tour.

Be charmed by the colors of New England from the heart of historic Boston to the farms, mountains, and coast of the North. Begin your journey in historic Boston. Explore Woodstock, Vermont, a quintessential New England village. Watch apples transform into cider before your eyes at Cold Hollow Cider Mill. Learn about the maple sugaring industry of New England on a farm tour of the Rocks Estate. Relax as you cruise along Lake Winnipesaukee and admire the splendid views. Dig in at a traditional New England lobster dinner. Travel up the winding Auto Road to see the stunning views from the summit of Mount Washington. Marvel at Maine’s dramatic coast and discover the seaside communities of Portland and Kennebunkport. This is New England at its finest.

Your Tour Includes

• 4 Handpicked Accommodations
• 1 Choice on Tour Options

Included Highlights

• Simon Pearce
• Quechee Gorge

Your Tour at a Glance

7 Breakfasts

1 - Light & Leisurely

Travel Style

Fall Foliage Tours

Activity Level

• Level This Tour

For specific details about this tour's activity level and other info to know before you book your trip, click here.

Extension Style

Travel styles, highlights and inclusions.

Must-See Inclusions:

Drive the Kancamagus highway, known to have some of the best foliage views.

Embark on a cruise of stunning Lake Winnipesaukee.

Travel along Auto Road and enjoy views from the summit of Mount Washington.

Cultural Experiences:

Explore the Rocks Estate and learn the importance of maple sugaring in the region on a farm tour.

Learn the history of the famous von Trapp Family during a visit to their lodge in Stowe.

View the most photographed lighthouse in America, the Portland Head Light.

Culinary Inclusions:

Taste the essence of New England at a dinner featuring succulent fresh lobster.

Enjoy lunch prepared from fresh, local ingredients at the Simon Pearce restaurant.

Watch apple cider made the old-fashioned way.

• Cold Hollow Cider Mill
• Trapp Family Lodge
• Rocks Estate
• North Conway
• Kancamagus Highway
• Choice on Tour: Nature Walk or Lecture with Local Naturalist
• Mount Washington
• Lake Winnipesaukee Cruise
• Kennebunkport
• Lobster Dinner

Book with Confidence

* With Insurance Purchased

• *No Hassle Refunds
• Traveling Well Safety
• No booking fee, *no change fees
• Top Rated Travel Protection

Share This Tour

Looking to add your itinerary for friends and family? Share your Itinerary

Getting Prepared

Know before you go, travel tips, enhance your tour.

• Choice On Tour

Pre and Post Night Stay

Unique Experience

Cultural Experiences

Enhance Your Trip

• Tour Extensions

Hotel-Marriott Copley Place Boston

Accommodations

Arrive earlier.

Pre Night: Marriott Copley Place Boston From $240 per night

Marriott Copley Place Boston

Stoweflake mountain resort, white mountain hotel & resort.

Courtyard Portland Downtown/Waterfront

Trip reviews.

Live, Unedited, & Independent Traveler Reviews

Filter Reviews: All

Fellow Travelers on Tour

Related blog content, america's music cities tour just got an upgrade, keep the summer spirit alive with collette’s season 106 sale, awe-inspiring alaska: beyond cruising, let the national parks of utah pull you in, quick tips for spotting the northern lights in finland, alaska, and iceland, tap into nature and discover more of america’s national parks, similar tours.

America's National Parks & Denver

National parks of america.

Spotlight on New York City

Canyon Country featuring Arizona & Utah

Islands of New England

Pacific Northwest & California featuring Washington, Oregon and California

Not seeing the date you want? We can help!

Call our Customer Care Team to inquire about dates beyond what's currently listed and to make an advanced reservation. You can find our full terms and conditions here .

Request a Quote

Please fill out the form below, and a Collette Expert will contact you shortly.

• Yes, I'm a Travel Professional
• Yes, I am working with a Travel Professional
• I am traveling with 8 or more travelers

Find a Travel Agency

Once you've found the perfect Collette tour, your local travel agent can assist you in making reservations. To find a preferred travel agent in your area, please enter your 5-digit zip code, then click Search.

Enter a Whole or Partial Zip Code

Please tell us everything, we want it all.

We really value your feedback, please be open an honest. Tell us where we can improve, how we can get better. This feedback is anonymous, but if you would like us to get in touch with you regarding an issue provide your email address as part of your feedback and we will get right back to you.

Talk to an Expert

View or download.

This article was updated on July, 2023.

In the United States, bus travel is often seen as a cheaper and more convenient alternative to flying or driving. Bus companies offer a variety of services, from long-distance trips between cities to short-distance shuttle services between airports and hotels.

When it comes to bus travel in the USA, the biggest icon is  Greyhound , America’s flagship service. Yet, particularly in rural areas and the heart of the USA , travelers will come across other bus providers.

The companies can be differentiated according to the areas they serve, their target clientele, and their pricing.

In the Northeast, Ourbus , Flixbus , Adirondack Trailways, New York Trailways and Megabus dominate the landscape. Jefferson Lines ‘ and Southeastern Stages’ buses can majorly be found in the heart of the US, as they serve routes between regional cities and rural areas. In Florida and Texas, a premium bus provider, RedCoach , offers rides in three different classes. And there are many more add to that list.

Some of those companies operate the same route. Free Wi-Fi, power outlets, a restroom, air conditioning and reclinable seats are now standard features on most buses.

But if they seem to have the same amenities and serve the same route, what makes one bus line better than another? In general, there are a few things to consider when choosing which bus line is best for you.

Here is a comparison of the coverage, booking options, and amenities for the major bus companies in the USA:

Known for:  Its iconic logo and vast coverage, Greyhound is the biggest bus company in the United States. They cover all states except Alaska and Hawaii.

Coverage: Nearly 2300 destinations in the US, Canada, and Mexico (combined with Flixbus)

Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, power outlets, restrooms, air conditioning, reclining seats.

Are tickets refundable?: Tickets can be fully or partially refunded in the form of a voucher. Refund percentage varies based on cancellation time: less than 1 day (25%), 1 to 6 days (50%), 7 to 29 days (75%), 30 days or more (100%). Maximum deduction is $35 USD from the ticket price. Booking & service fees are not refundable.

Boarding requirements: show your ticket on your phone or print it for the driver to scan it. You also need a valid photo ID.

The company was acquired in late 2021 by Flix SE, a global mobility provider that started services in the USA in 2018. The Greyhound brand will be a part of this global company.

Known for: being a prominent intercity bus service provider that offers affordable, comfortable, and eco-friendly transportation across Europe and the United States, with an extensive network of routes and modern amenities for passengers. In 2021, Flixbus acquired Greyhound Lines, incorporating the BoltBus brand into the Flixbus fleet and keeping Greyhound buses running normally across North America.

Coverage : The company has over 400.000 routes around the world. Combined with Greyhound, the company serves over 2.300 cities in North America.

Amenities : in general, Flixbus offers air conditioning, bathrooms, reading lights and comfy seats. On most buses, you can also find Wi-Fi, power sockets and snacks and beverages sold by the drivers.

Are tickets refundable? You can cancel your ticket and get a full or partial voucher refund depending on how far in advance you cancel. Under 1 day (25%), 1-6 days (50%), 7-29 days (75%), and 30+ days (100%). Deductions max out at $35 USD. Booking & service fees are not refundable.

Boarding requirements: show the driver your printed ticket or your online ticket on your phone. You must also show a valid photo ID.

Known for: its low-cost trips offered in the US, Canada, and Europe. Travelers can often find tickets for as little as $1 when booking in advance.

Coverage : hundreds of destinations in the US, with a particular focus on the Northeast (Washington to NYC, Philadelphia to NYC) and Florida (Miami to Orlando).

Amenities : Megabus buses are equipped with free Wi-Fi (on most routes), comfortable reclining seats, bathrooms, air conditioning, power outlets and panoramic windows.

Are tickets refundable? No, but Megabus does provide an option for modifying reservations. You can make changes online, but only if it’s done more than 3 hours before your scheduled departure. Keep in mind that there are trade-in fees, ranging from USD $3.00 to USD $7.50, depending on the proximity to the departure time. Additionally, there’s a USD $2.99 fee for new reservations (or USD $7 if made by phone) for altered bookings, contributing to the overall cost.

Boarding requirements: you can board after showing the driver your reservation number, which you’ll get after the booking is confirmed.

Adirondack Trailways

Known for:  Their popular  Montreal – NYC  route and for their customer service.   Clients can easily reach the company by email, phone, Facebook, or Twitter and will receive a quick response.

Coverage:  49 cities, with routes between rural areas and major cities in the heart of New York state, as well as Montreal and Toronto, in Canada. The company is part of Trailways of New York.

Amenities:  Reclinable seats, reading lights, Wi-Fi, power outlets, restrooms on most buses, air conditioning, wheelchair lift, and extra leg room.

Are tickets refundable? No, but the date & time can be changed. A $20 fee may apply.

Boarding requirements:  Printed ticket & a valid photo ID.

If you travel with Trailways, know that this is an association of about 60 regional bus companies. They are mostly recognizable through a similar logo – the Trailways logo. If booked online, the refund and exchange policy remains the same. If you book at a bus terminal, it may be different for each bus company. When changing from one provider to another, fees may incur for baggage within the usual limits of the first provider.

• Jefferson Lines

Known for:  Being a major bus provider in the heart of the US, serving 14 states from North Dakota down to Texas.

Coverage:  Arkansas, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Amenities:  Wi-Fi, power outlets, restrooms, air conditioning, reclinable seats.

Are tickets refundable?:  No, but the date & time can be changed. A $20 fee may apply.

Known for:  Its premium bus rides in three different classes.

Coverage:  Major destinations in Florida (Miami, Orlando, Ft Lauderdale, etc.) and Texas (Austin, Dallas, Houston and more).

Amenities: All Classes:  High-speed Wi-Fi, power outlets, restrooms, air conditioning, lap trays.  First & Business Class:  Reclinable leather seats (140 degrees), footrests, LCD screens.  First Class only:  Snack boxes.

Are tickets refundable?:  Yes, in the form of a voucher. Standard tickets can be refunded with a 30% service fee, while flexible tickets can be refunded without fees, with both fares refundable up to three hours before departure.

Boarding requirements:  To board the bus, you must provide photo identification matching all information provided during booking. Presenting a physical or electronic ticket is optional.

Known for : their comfortable buses connecting main cities in the Midwest.

Coverage : Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

Amenities:  Wi-Fi, reclining seats, power outlets, GPS tracking, footrest, restrooms and flatscreen monitors

Are tickets refundable?  Generally, no, but the company might be flexible in case of emergencies. You can reissue your tickets before travel time by paying a fee.

Boarding requirements:  printed ticket and photo ID.

Known for : providing comfortable rides between NYC and DC.

Coverage:  New York City and Washington, DC, with stops in Northern VA (Franconia-Springfield, Vienna-Fairfax and Manassas).

Amenities : Wi-Fi, power outlets on most buses, restrooms, air conditioning.

Are tickets refundable?  The company does not offer refunds, but you can change your reservations up to 12 hours before the trip at no cost.

Boarding   requirements : E-ticket and valid photo I.D

Known for:  its flexible rescheduling policy and good customer service.

Coverage : New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC, Massachusetts, Illinois, Indiana, and Florida.

Amenities : modern buses, estimated time of arrival tracking in real-time, free Wi-Fi, power outlets, reclining seats, sanitized restrooms and free bottled water.

Are tickets refundable:  Yes .  Customers can get all their money back up to 24 hours before the departure and full credit up to 30 minutes before the trip.

Boarding requirements:  online tickets and photo ID.

Known for:   providing first-class inter-city bus service between Boston, New York City (Midtown Manhattan) and Washington, DC

Coverage : Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, Massachusetts, Rhode Island & Connecticut, New York & New Jersey, Manhattan

Amenities : clean bathrooms, reclining seats with footrests, reading lights, temperature control system, overhead luggage storage compartments and free Wi-Fi.

Boarding requirements:  e-tickets and photo ID.

• Southeastern Stages

Known for:  their friendly and courteous staff.

Coverage:  Major destinations in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina

Amenities:  Wi-Fi, power outlets, restrooms, air conditioning

Are tickets refundable?  Tickets are fully refundable if you cancel up to 14 days before your trip. If you wish to change the date of your trip, you’ll be charged a small fee.

Boarding requirements:  To board the bus, you  must have a printed ticket.  You also have to provide photo identification matching all information provided during booking.

What can you expect from most USA bus companies:

Free Wi-Fi, power outlets, a restroom, air conditioning, and reclinable seats are the standard on most buses in the USA. Also, they all offer the possibility to book online.

Rescheduling:

The date and time of tickets can usually be changed against a fee, though some companies are flexible and reschedule tickets for free prior to 24 hours before departure.

Boarding requirements:

Printed tickets are becoming a thing of the past, but some companies still require them for boarding the bus, so don’t forget to check that when planning your trip.

Also, remember that you’ll always need a photo ID to board the bus.

To compare baggage allowances in the US, check out our  article on luggage policies in the USA .

Luxury bus companies:

Numerous luxury bus companies are revolutionizing the bus scene in the USA with their extra comfortable and hassle-free services, redefining standards of convenience. Find out who they are in this article. 

Additional US bus companies

A trip through  America  may lead you to board one of the following companies.

• ACN Autobuses
• Burlington Trailways
• Express Arrow
• Indian Trails
• Jet Set Express
• Lamers Bus Lines
• Turimex International
• Wanda Coach
• Yankee Line

Looking for the best way to travel affordably in the United States? Search and book your bus tickets to and from the United States directly on Busbud.com

Book your bus tickets

My mother, father, brother, and two sisters traveled by bus over most of the USA from the time I was seven to 12 years of age. We were a vagabond family, traveling from town to town. Not for fun, but out of necessity. Greyhound was the company we were almost always on, with Trailways in some situations. From 1950 to late 1955, this was our life. There were no amenities such as wifi, power outlets, However, the seats did recline, there was air conditioning, there was heat in the cold. No TV screens, no lap trays. Small restrooms in the back of the bus. Friendly drivers who also invoked authority. Regular rest stops for resting, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. As a kid, I loved it!

You forgot about Vonlane!

Very informative for visitors. Such updates are really a blessing when you are unsure about the travelling services.

Thanks again, Sandeep http://bit.ly/2nqVAqe

WOW ! Amazing Bus Pictures . Great article, thanks!

You may want to check out Rally – they do charter to events and they have been great. Also you don’t have to charter a whole bus you can crowdshare if you want. The website is https://rally.co for those interested

I want to travel from NYC to Pittsburgh by bus, so could you pleased give me the information about which bus company I can book a ticket?

Thank you very much for your helpful information.

Brgds, Thuy

• Pingback: All Aboard: 125 Legit Bus Company Name Ideas

Thanks Admin to shared a nice description with us. Most luxurious buses is really suitable for our long tours like friend and family tours. Stay with you. Keep going and shared with us some new content about luxurious bus.

• Pingback: cheap honeymoon destinations in september - Kobo Guide
• Pingback: bahamas wedding and honeymoon packages - Kobo Guide
• Pingback: best places to honeymoon in november december - Kobo Guide
• Pingback: affordable winter honeymoon destinations - Kobo Guide

The Grayhound sucks because my son is stuck LA CA. The are telling him he has to wait until 2:30 am on Sunday 12-26-21. I am not a happy mother.

• Pingback: affordable family vacations california – Gegu Mall
• Pingback: vacation packages in usa for families – Gegu Mall
• Pingback: warm places to visit in november in usa – Gegu Mall
• Pingback: Buses In Brazil: Tips For Safe Travel – travelweeksaopaulo.com

I have good impressions of the baron bus. In general, the interior and amenities are quite good and I like this car the most

Excellent resource for site visitors. When you don’t know what to expect from your travel services, having access to such updates is a godsend.

Greyhound and Jefferson Lines are my favourites

• Pingback: You Can Ride Fred The Bus From Stafford To Washington D C – DestinationPackwood.com
• Pingback: Why You Should Consider A Career As A School Bus Driver – List Foundation

Accessible access? (Wheelchairs)

• Pingback: Do Buses Have Wi-Fi? (All Major Brands) - Vehicle Help

Thanks Admin to shared a nice description with us

I found so many interesting articles in your post, especially in its discussion part. It was very well explained and easy to understand for anyone. Thanks a lot to you for sharing this type of content with us.

Which bus do you like the most?

Amazing information for frequent travelers. These updates make happy for long distance travelers in luxurious buses.

Thanks for sharing wonderful information. I really enjoy reading your blog.

When comparing these bus providers, consider factors such as ticket prices, route availability, departure frequency, amenities, and customer reviews. Each provider might have different levels of comfort, service quality, and coverage. It’s also recommended to check for any updates related to COVID-19 protocols, as they might impact services and amenities.

Some popular bus tour companies in the United States include Gray Line, Big Bus Tours, and City Sightseeing. These tours provide an organized and hassle-free way to discover the beauty and diversity of the United States.

How is the service of Greyhound bus company in 2023?

Thanks for your article, I love the bus. I usually go to school by bus. It’s save for the environments.

• Pingback: Thanksgiving travel: tips for a stress-free and budget-friendly holiday | Busbud blog

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

How to see the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse

Nyc to montreal: how to travel for $108 & see 4 trending towns along the way, turn bus travel into savings with busbud’s rewards program, luxury buses in the usa: why they’re becoming the top choice for travelers.

THE 5 BEST Cupertino Bus Tours

Bus tours in cupertino.

• Private Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Silicon Valley Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour for Technology Lovers

2. Silicon Valley Private 2-Hour Driving Tour

3. Private Silicon Valley Tour from San Francisco

4. Silicon Valley Tour Private Day Trip from San Francisco

5. SUV Tour To Silicon Valley Including Stanford Walking Tour

6. Private Tour to Silicon Valley

7. Silicon Valley Charter - Google Apple Meta Stanford University

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

San Francisco Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoias Tour from San Jose

Private Santa Clara University Tour

Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Tour

San Francisco CityPASS®

Private Walking Tour in Stanford University

17-Mile Drive,Carmel & Monterey Day Trip from San Francisco

Stanford's Art and Architecture: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Black Food Tour - Downtown Oakland

Santa Cruz, California Scavenger Hunt

Big Sur Monterey California Coast McWay Falls from San Jose

San Jose Scavenger Hunt: The Heart of Silicon Valley

Private Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur Day Trip from San Francisco

San Jose Brew Bike Bar Tour

Mission District Food Tour

San Jose Shuffle Scavenger Hunt

San Jose Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game

Silicon Valley Private Tour from San Francisco

Whale Watching Monterey Bay semi-private limited to 6 people max

Self Guided UC Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Unlock Secret Stories

Capitola Private 2-Hour Walking Tour

Half Moon Bay Hustle Scavenger Hunt

Airplane San Francisco Private Night Tour

What travelers are saying.

• Silicon Valley Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour for Technology Lovers
• Silicon Valley Private 2-Hour Driving Tour
• Silicon Valley Tour Private Day Trip from San Francisco
• Private Silicon Valley Tour from San Francisco
• Private Tour to Silicon Valley

Now Hiring Professional Motorcoach Drivers. CDL Training Available. See Details

• Charters For Groups
• Charters For Travel & Tour Operators
• Wedding Transportation
• Tour Schedule
• Custom Tour Planning
• Why Choose Elite?
• About Elite Coach
• Safety & Affiliations
• Bus Repair & Maintenance
• News & Articles
• FAQs Charters
• Group Travel Ideas
• Join Our Mailing List

Scheduled Tours

Come along with us and join the adventure!  Grab a friend or the whole crew and join us on one of our fun, worry-free trips to popular destinations. Elite Coach offers scheduled departures on a variety day-trips and multi-day trips throughout the year.   With lots of inclusions, interesting sights, great meals, plenty of fun, and enough free time to explore on your own, you are sure to have a great experience on one of our worry-free Elite Coach adventures.

We are actively planning a wonderful slate of tours for 2024!  Check back often for new and exciting additions to our tours line up.

• Destination

We're sorry. Our site does not support your browser.

In order to view this site, you will need to upgrade your browser. Choose one of the free upgrades below.

Guided Bus Tours California Coast

For one incredibly low price, our affordable California travel tour bus packages include all planned excursions, California tour accommodations and all itinerary meals. No other California tour company can come close to matching the value of Caravan’s California guided bus tours.

The Best California Travel Tour Bus Experience

Caravan bus tours in southern california – one way, guided bus tours california travel highlights include:, san francisco & sonoma wine country, yosemite national park, san joaquin valley & monterey bay, big sur, california redwoods & santa barbara, california coast bus tours for all ages, book caravan california bus tours today, why travel with caravan, excellence since 1952, caravan care, caravan's proud history, great hotels, complete sightseeing, fully guided by tour directors, all-inclusive, shopping freedom, great value, book early, how does caravan tours sell these tours for such a low cost, trade association memberships.

11 Best Bus Tour Companies in the US

By: Author Values Bus Tour

Posted on Last updated: October 1, 2023

The United States is a big country known for its colorful history, attractions, and cultural heritage. Sometimes you want to see and explore more of it than just what’s around your house. A bus tour might be the perfect option if that sounds like you. Lucky you, I gathered the best bus tour companies in the US for your vacation. All you have to do is choose!

Bus tours are an affordable way to see the country. You can spend money on something other than gas or parking. Instead of sitting in traffic jams, you can enjoy the beautiful sights along your route.

Touring the US by bus has never been easier than it is today. There are several tour companies to choose from, each offering different tours depending on your interests and budget. Some companies offer luxury buses that are equipped with all the travel essentials. Others will be more affordable but still offer you great service for your money.

The best part about taking a bus tour is that you don’t have to worry about anything except having fun! Below are some of the best bus travel companies for tours in the USA.

Table of Contents

Best Bus Tour Companies in the US

The mission of FlixBus is to be the easiest, cheapest, and most convenient bus service available. With FlixBus, you can save a lot of money while having a fantastic, stress-free trip to your destinations.

FlixBus US is the American branch of the FlixBus bus operator in Germany. Popular routes on FlixBus US include Philadelphia to Washington DC , and Miami to Orlando.

Long-distance train and bus rides are also available through FlixBus. They partner with transportation and tour operators in each area where service is to be provided. The company does not own many of the buses they use.

FlixBus US’s lime green buses have plush seating. Each has USB ports and free WiFi, so passengers can work or relax on the road.

Booking tickets for bus tours through either their app or website is possible. Their expert drivers will bring you safely to your destination as you sit back and relax.

FlixBus Destinations

See the dancing fountains of Bellagio and visit Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area on your trip to Las Vegas , Nevada. You can also have fun in San Diego Zoo Safari Park, SeaWorld San Diego, and LEGOLAND California !

Ride Flixbus if you want to photograph the Golden Gate Bridge or have a night tour of Alcatraz Island in San Francisco ! Flixbus is also there if you want to rejuvenate in the Lower Eagle Falls in South Lake Tahoe.

If the Beehive State is on your bucket list, Flixbus will gladly take you there. Listen to the stunningly moving music performed by The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square in Salt Lake City. You may also enjoy the sights of Arches National Park in Moab!

Hop on a trip to New York ! Experience the cultural richness of New York City and see the breathtaking sights of Niagara Falls with Flixbus!

Flixbus is also perfect if you’re planning to see the White House in Washington, DC. Experience the French Quarter of New Orleans in LA, or watch a show at the Boston Opera House! There are many places to go, and Flixbus can take you there.

See Related : Trips to San Francisco from Los Angeles: Your Ultimate Guide

2. Greyhound

One of the finest options is Greyhound Bus, which has the largest network in North America. Greyhound’s low fares and extensive route network is great for budget-minded travelers.

Greyhound is the largest intercity bus service in North America. Aside from its regular bus routes, Greyhound offers charter bus rides. Rides on the Amtrak Thruway, rides to and from work, and parcel delivery is also offered. Greyhound connects 230 terminals with 1,600 stops.

Greyhound buses include all the standard amenities that American travelers have grown to expect. Keeping comfortable on a bus ride is not a concern because they all have air conditioning. There are toilets, reclining seats, and window tinting on board. Some buses on high-traffic routes may have televisions and video players for your pleasure.

Greyhound has various fare and discount options, such as those for students, seniors, and members of the armed forces. If you are a member of the armed forces or a student with a valid ID, you can get a discount of up to 10% on your ticket price. You can get the best price by pre-purchasing tickets online. Tickets are always available for purchase at the terminal.

See Related: How to Book Cheap Bus Tickets [Step-by-Step]

Greyhound Destinations

Greyhound offers many trips you can join! Some of their most popular trips include New York to Boston and New York to Washington. Las Vegas to Los Angeles, Los Angeles to San Diego, and Los Angeles to San Francisco are also popular routes.

With Greyhound, you can go on an adventure on Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs, Colorado. You can have authentic cultural experiences in Downtown Rapid City in South Dakota. You may also explore New Orleans (LA), Niagara Falls (NY) , or Salt Lake City (UT) on a long trip or excursion.

You can check more destinations on Greyhound’s website .

See Related: Best Day Trips from Baltimore, Maryland

Traveling across North America has never been more affordable, thanks to MegaBus USA! It has daily point-to-point route network bus tickets starting at just a dollar. Every aspect of the business is geared toward the consumer.

Megabus is a bus service that runs between cities in the United States, Canada, and Europe. Their services are known for their inexpensive prices. Megabus is the most cost-effective way to see some of the most exciting places in the United States.

Megabus also caters to those who would rather use the bus than an airplane for longer distances. The majority of their long-distance trips link major cities in America with those in New England .

The company’s trained drivers ensure the safety of all Megabus passengers. A bus attendant helps the driver with passengers’ bags. You can stay online for free because they have Wi-Fi in nearly all their buses.

Megabus will make brief stops at convenience stores and gas stations on long trips. These excursions also serve as opportunities to buy refreshments and visit the restroom. You’ll ride in style and comfort on one of their double-decker buses. All the buses are spotless and have a restroom on board. All seats recline, and there are power outlets available.

Megabus offers many trips to different destinations. Some of its most popular trips are New York to Boston , New York to Washington, Philadelphia to Baltimore, Washington to Atlanta, Atlanta to Madison, Madison to Florence, and Milwaukee to Minneapolis!

Visit Megabus’ website to discover the routes their buses take.

See Related: Best Christian Travel Groups to Know

4. Coach USA

You can go on guided excursions on a motorcoach, train, plane, or boat with Coach USA! They are fantastic opportunities to learn about new places, people, and traditions while making new friends.

Enjoy one-day excursions on their bus/ charter bus tours and weekend getaways by train with Coach USA! You can travel across America by boat or plane with them, too! Their skilled bus tour operators will ensure your vacation is memorable and enjoyable. This tour company has tours that are both reasonably priced and truly unforgettable.

You can book private coach tours that you can customize! Coach USA offers the best drivers and tour guides. They have competitive prices, clean and comfortable buses, and entertainment! Check their website to know more about this tour company.

Coach USA’s regular routes include Los Angeles (CA), Las Vegas (NV) , New Orleans (LA), Boston (MA), Columbia (MD), and several other places. You can find Coach USA’s tours on its website’s tours page.

See Related: Best Day Trips from Fort Lauderdale, Florida

5. GOGO Charters

GOGO Charters is available to assist if you’re looking for charter bus tours. They provide regular employee shuttle service for your company, university, or senior community. The charter bus service will determine the best route for you if your departure and arrival locations are within the USA. You may sit back and enjoy the ride as they handle everything for you.

You can rely on GOGO Charters for safe, reliable, and comfortable charter bus transportation. You can contact this bus tour company day and night to find out if you are in their service area. Whether traveling in a large or small group, GOGO Charters is for you. They will work with you to create a personalized itinerary that considers all your transportation needs and travel style.

Plan your trip, and let GOGO Charters handle the arrangements for getting you there and back again. Depending on how many people are in your group and the conveniences you’d like, they will find the best motorcoach for you. They will coordinate with your driver after they have your bus number and itinerary.

Popular destinations include the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Colorado Convention Center is also a favorite. The Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., and Times Square in New York are also popular for group travelers.

See Related: Bus Tours From Los Angeles To Yellowstone

6. Coach America

Coach America has you covered if you need transportation for a business conference, a school function, or a month-long band tour. They specialize in providing secure and convenient group transportation.

Coach America provides reliable transportation options. Finding the appropriate service may seem difficult, but they make the process as easy as possible.

You can count on a fleet that was customized just for your requirements. This is why their fleet adapts to various occasions and transportation demands. They rent out buses for various occasions, including school field excursions and sporting events.

See Related: How to Take a Bus from Boston to Burlington, Vermont

7. Peter Pan Bus

Peter Pan Bus Lines operates at more than 100 locations in Northeast US. It is one of the country’s largest privately held motorcoach firms.

Peter Pan buses have Wi-Fi, power outlets, climate control, a lavatory, reclining seats with headrests, and window tinting. Peter Pan Bus can substitute equipment that may or may not come with the advertised features. The bus doesn’t make any unscheduled stops or drop-offs throughout the route for passenger safety and security reasons.

Peter Pan Bus Lines’ business is transporting passengers between cities in Northeastern US. Its main office is in a Massachusetts city. Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey , New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island are served by this company. They provide express service daily in large cities, including Baltimore, Boston, Hartford, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.

See Related : Explore Los Angeles – Discover the Best Tours of LA

Over 300 North American cities can use Shofur’s high-quality bus reservation services. Shofur accommodates the transportation needs of a wide variety of groups of any size. It operates in over 300 locations throughout North America.

Each of the buses they provide is outfitted with various convenient conveniences. Air conditioning, reclining seats, overhead bins, WiFi, and power outlets are available on their charter buses. Luxury seats with extra legroom are available on minibuses and shuttle buses. You can request buses with particular facilities!

No matter where you are in the United States, whether a big city like Houston, Austin, Miami, or Chicago or a little suburban community, Shofur can accommodate your vacation and party size.

See Related : Best Bus Tours From Columbia, South Carolina

9. RedCoach

RedCoach provides high-end bus service across the United States. The company has a reputation for its reliability and professionalism across the board. Its modern fleet of buses has elevated the busing industry in the United States.

RedCoach was initially established in Florida . It has expanded and now provides luxurious coach tours to other states.

Travel in style and comfort in one of Red Coach’s lavish buses. RedCoach’s passengers can recline their seats and enjoy much more space between their knees than a standard motor coach. Each bus is equipped with free WiFi, so you can get some work done or watch a movie while on the road. You can charge your electronics without getting up from your seat since power outlets are placed throughout the cabin. RedCoach makes fewer stops along the way so that you may reach your destination promptly and without unnecessary delays.

Top RedCoach destinations in Florida include Miami, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Tampa, Tallahassee, Gainsville, and West Palm Beach. Meanwhile, its top destinations in Texas are Austin, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio , Richardson, Katy, and College Station.

See Related: Discover The Best Bus Tours in the USA – An Ultimate Guide

OurBus is an intermediary that sets up passenger transportation via motor coach companies. In 2016, the firm opened its first route in New Jersey.

OurBus tours always use high-tech charter buses. Each has free WiFi, restrooms, recliners, power outlets, water bottles, and GPS tracking systems. This will ensure you have a comfortable and great trip to your destination!

New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, Massachusetts, Illinois, Indiana, and Florida are all serviced by the company’s intercity and commuter bus routes.

See Related: How to Take a Bus from Fort Lauderdale to Miami

11. Jefferson Lines

Jefferson Lines makes it easy to travel to 14 states in the Midwest every day. This bus tour company has low fares and flexible schedules. Charter services for large or small group travel are also available. They’re prepared to make your or your group’s trip memorable. Their knowledge, skilled drivers, and luxurious coaches make them one of the best bus tour companies!

There are several comforts available on their buses. Each has Wi-Fi, electrical outlets, toilets, and reclining seats. Their buses are spotless and well-maintained, and their drivers are punctual and polite. Look no further than Jefferson Lines for low-cost, hassle-free bus travel. Get a free online charter quote, plan your trip, and buy bus tickets today!

You can also book charter buses for your trip from Jefferson Lines! Visit their website to know more!

Get that dream trip!

USA is the land of opportunities, and these companies would help discover one such opportunity, that of a lifetime. A vacation in USA is one you truly won’t forget and will cherish for a lifetime. These bus tour companies have helped countless tourists enjoy their vacations without restrictions. Of course, every person has their own needs, desires, and interests. These companies have made sure that every aspect is catered to and every possible concern is thought of. All you need to do is reserve a spot or a ticket. You are one call away from your dream vacation!

Related Resources

• Bus Companies to Book Your Journey
• How to Find Christian Vacation Rentals
• Vacations for Singles Over 40

Related Posts

• 16 Best Places to Visit in Texas
• How to Take a Bus from Flagstaff to Phoenix
• How to Take a Bus from Indianapolis to Chicago
• Plan Your Commute: A Guide to the 545 Bus Schedule
• How to Take a Bus from Seattle to Portland
• The Ultimate Guide to Navigating the x27 Bus Schedule
• How to Take a Bus from Pittsburgh to NYC
• Vamoose Bus Schedule: Timetables & Routes

• Park History
• Giant Sequoias
• Rock Formations & Cliffs
• Accessibility Information
• Bear Information
• Cellular Service & Internet Access
• Food Storage Facilities
• Health & Safety
• Getting Here
• Cornell Lab Bird Tracking
• Leave No Trace
• Yosemite Lodging Experience
• History & Architecture
• Yosemite Valley Lodge
• Housekeeping Camp
• White Wolf Lodge
• Glacier Point Ski Hut
• Tuolumne Meadows Lodge
• High Sierra Camp Lottery
• High Sierra Camp Lottery FAQs
• Trip Preparation
• RV & Campgrounds
• Yosemite Dining Experience
• The Ahwahnee Dining Room
• Wawona Hotel Dining Room
• Curry Village Dining
• Yosemite Village
• High Sierra Camps
• Food and Wine Events
• Experience Yosemite National Park
• *NEW* Sample Itineraries
• Backpacking
• Cross-Country Skiing
• Guided Bus & Tram Tours
• Horseback & Mule Riding
• Ice Skating
• Naturalist Walks & Programs
• Photography
• Rock Climbing
• Shopping & Supplies
• Shop Online
• Snowshoeing
• Food & Wine Events
• Holiday Events
• Upcoming Events
• Yosemite Winter Experience
• Curry Village Ice Skating Rink
• Badger Pass Ski Area Webcam
• Winter Travel Conditions
• Backcountry Ski Tours
• Cross-Country Ski Trip to Glacier Point
• Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding
• Season Passes & Discounts
• Ski School & Lessons
• Snow Tubing
• Travel Trade Group Tours
• Reunions & Socials
• Request Information
• Photos & Videos
• Email Sign Up
• Retrieve Reservations

Guided Bus Tours

• Things to Do

See it All, Guided by Experts

Yosemite Guided Bus Tours are the best way to experience all the wonders that the park has to offer. Our expert tour guides will share their knowledge about this remarkable place, with tours that focus on natural history, indigenous peoples, the first non-indigenous settlers and wildlife.

Important Information | Bus & Tram Options

Important Bus & Tram Information

For bus & tram options, tour availability and reservation information, please view below.

Yosemite Grand Tour

This tour is currently pending, please stay tuned for an announcement on dates.

The full-day Yosemite Grand Tour combines Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias for a memorable day in Yosemite National Park. Bring your camera for numerous photo opportunities! 

Tour Information

Tour pricing, glacier point tour.

Virtually every visitor who comes to Yosemite National Park spends at least some time at Glacier Point, drawn to the breathtaking views. On this four-hour tour, you’ll go from Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point—a 3,200-foot elevation gain.  Be sure to bring your camera to capture awe-inspiring photos of Yosemite’s famous waterfalls and the distant High Sierra mountains. 

Tour Information:

Tour pricing:, yosemite valley floor tour.

Available year-round, the Yosemite Valley Floor Tour is approximately 2 hours long and can be enjoyed during the warm months in an open-air tram, and during the colder months from the comfort of a heated motor coach with panoramic windows. Led by park rangers and Yosemite Hospitality naturalists, you’ll get to see all of the highlights at Yosemite, as you learn about the history, flora, and fauna throughout the Park.

Yosemite Valley to Tuolumne Meadows Hikers Bus

Please Note: This bus does not operate until Tioga Pass is open.

Ticket Retrieval 

Tickets will need to be retrieved at the Yosemite Valley Lodge Front Desk at least 15 minutes prior to your tour departure time. Traffic and parking can be challenging in Yosemite Valley during the summer season, so we recommend allowing extra travel time as the tours leave promptly at the scheduled time.

The Hiker's Bus stops at many locations in Yosemite Valley and at all major trailheads along Tioga Pass, and can be flagged for pickup at any trailhead as long as the bus has enough room to pull over. Please indicate your desired pick-up location when making your reservation. If you do not see your desired drop-off location in the list of available tickets, please select the nearest available trailhead and inform the bus driver of your preferred drop-off location upon boarding.

We offer a few easy ways to book:

• Click the " Check Rates " button in the upper-right hand corner of your browser
• or Call  888.413.8869

Cancellation Policy

24 hour cancellation notice required to receive full refund. Cancelling within 24 hours of tour departure will forfeit full value.

Deals of the Week   European Long Weekends   Up to 50% OFF

North America Tour Companies

Looking for an unforgettable North America tour? Book a fully-organized trip with the best tour companies in North America and let the tour operator take care of everything for you. Check out the tour details and read 195365 reviews from our customers to help you choose the perfect tour for you.

List of North America travel companies & tour operators with 195365 reviews

G Adventures

• Excellent - 19,077 reviews for North America tours

the tour itself was amazing. The national parks do not disappoint. The travel accomodations were very cramped and uncomfortable. I am only 5 foot tall and I was cramped in this 14 passenger van. Food opportunities were limited.

Fantastic experience - efficient use of time, great itinerary. Well-informed and interesting guide who is also just a great person.

Receptivo Aborigen Tours

• Good - 92 reviews for North America tours

We have chosen the tour specifically because it was in German and also in other languages shown. Also on our voucher was again confirmed the tour with professional, German-speaking tour guide. Unfortunately, the tour guides did not speak German. We were able to help ourselves a bit with the translation app but we also missed a lot of information. We are very disappointed about this and expect compensation. The tour guides have tried and were very nice also the tour was very nice.

Bindlestiff Tours

• Excellent - 1,451 reviews for North America tours

Amazing trip to see some of the best of US National Parks. Very educational and fun to learn about the history of the area and meet the locals on various tours and restaurants.

Awesome spring break trip! My husband and I had the absolute best time while visiting some of the prettiest country in our nation. The guide, Hogan was extremely professional, knowledgeable and prompt. Hogan knows history, and was able to share so much amazing information about the area and the sites we visited. We were the only two out of group that camped in the tent and Hogan stayed with us at the camp ground, just in case we needed anything, which put a whole other twist to the care that was provided. We were able to see the stars so brightly at night and wake up to a breathtaking sunrise. I can’t express enough how amazing that experience was. Every single stop offered something unique, yet equally stunning. Antelope Canyon was my favorite and Monument Valley was my husband’s favorite. The helicopter ride was out of this world. We shared the tour with total strangers, which became our new friends very quickly. Everyone on this tour was super respectful.

Intrepid Travel

• Excellent - 11,690 reviews for North America tours

My son and I had a great hiking adventure on the Sedona tour! The scenery was stunning, the hikes were fun! Tolman was an excellent guide, who was very knowledgeable about the area, he had great hiking tips, and he picked some enjoyable challenging hikes for us! He was also an excellent cook! He prepared us some great meals! His positive outlook on everything helped the group of strangers on the trek quickly bond which led us all to have a great hiking experience!

Overall: Overall, the Canadian Rockies are spectacular. All of the people in our group were fun to be with, and we made some great friends. Our tour guide was knowledgeable, patient, and flexible given the physical abilities (or inabilities) of the members of the group and tried to tailor the tour to accommodate as many people in the activities as possible. My issue was with Intrepid's misrepresentation of the physical activity level rating, the inaccurate pricing of optional activities, the required travel insurance policy, the sub-par lodging, and the labeling of the trip as a Northern Lights trip when there were only 2 nights out of 10 listed in the itinerary that gave us an opportunity to see them. Lodging: The hotels were sub-par. The Metterra in Edmonton didn’t have a functioning hair dryer and the TV didn’t work (during the SuperBowl) The Holiday Inn Express in Slave Lake didn't have a functioning fireplace in the lobby, where we gathered to eat dinner. It was cold as it was adjacent to the front doors the were constantly opening and closing. The TV in the breakfast room and where we met to eat take out dinner was on a political station and the volume was loud. The person working at the front desk stated that the remote control had been stolen, so we couldn't turn it off or adjust the volume. The Lake Louise Inn had disgusting carpeting that we didn’t even want to walk on with bare feet. The Rundlestone Lodge in Banff did not have any food or drink options in the hotel and we had to walk to another hotel to get our included breakfast. The breakfast at that hotel was also sub-par. The eggs were powdered eggs. The bread, bagels, and pastries were all stale and hard. Everyone had a room where the window looked DIRECTLY into the pool area. It was noisy with kids screaming at the pool. One of the members of our group had to pay to upgrade her room, so she wouldn't have to hear the noise from the pool area until 10:30 PM. Intrepid Activity Level rating: Intrepid listed this physical activity level rating as a 2/5, which is one step above sunbathing. It said that the activities were easy and no prior physical fitness was necessary to do most of the activities. First, many of the activities were done at higher altitudes than most were accustomed to, which makes any activity more challenging. Second, walking on ice, hiking on steep mountain trails, and snowshoeing in deep snow require a much higher level of fitness than casual walking. Itinerary: The itinerary was labeled a Canadian Rockies and Northern Lights tour. There were only 2 nights listed on the itinerary (in Slave Lake) that there was even an opportunity to go out to see them. The northern lights and weather conditions are unpredictable, so it should not be listed as a “northern lights tour” unless there would be an opportunity to see them every night. The tour guide had drive time restrictions and couldn’t take us out every night to remote areas to get the chance to see the northern lights. On an Iceland tour, we had our lodging (with restaurant and bar) in remote areas with minimal light pollution, so I could set my alarm a few times throughout the night to go outside to see if the lights were visible. The quality of northern lights can change on an hourly basis and it is not reasonable to expect to stay outside in a remote area without light pollution all night to see them. All the hotels we stayed at had significant light pollution preventing us from going outside the hotel to check the quality of the northern lights. Don’t label it a northern lights tour. It was a Canadian Rockies tour. Slave Lake activities: The ice fishing listed as a possible alternate activity was never discussed. No one said the lakes were safe or not safe for fishing. It was not discussed as an option at all. Snowshoeing was also listed as an activity at this location, but was not given as an option. Jasper activities: Walking on ice in the Maligne Canyon was challenging and risky for people who aren’t physically fit. There were a few people that had to skip the grotto for fear of injuring themselves by going further. Similarly, on the drive along the Icefields Parkway, none of us were able to hike all the way to the toe of Athabasca Glacier due to the level of fitness required. Lake Louise activites: Difficulties with the level of fitness required also impacted the hike at Johnston Canyon. Some people struggled but managed to make it to the lower bridge, but many could not go further due to the fitness level needed to hike up the steep trails. Snowshoeing was offered as an option and one group member had to insist to go snowshoeing here, since the terrain was flat. Otherwise, it was also not included as an option. Banff activities: This was the snowshoe hike at Sunshine Mountain. Despite it being listed as an option twice before on the itinerary, this was the first day we went as a group. It was challenging to say the least. Half of the group were not able to participate due to the level of fitness required that was misrepresented in the tour description rating. The next day the grotto ice walk was listed, but not offered and instead we went on a hike. Optional Activities: There was a SIGNIFICANT discrepancy of the prices listed for the optional activities on the tour description and the actual prices. It seems the prices listed by Intrepid were pre-COVID prices and had never been updated. I understand if there would be a minor difference in prices, but they were 40-70% higher than Intrepid quoted. Here are examples of the activity and price per person. Dogsledding (an anticipated highlight of the trip, which we ended up not going on due to price): Intrepid price $200 CAD and actual price was $315CAD. Lake Louise Sleigh ride: Intrepid price $37CAD and actual price was $52CAD Lake Louise Ice Skating including hockey stick: Intrepid price $20CAD and actual price was $29CAD Banff Hot Springs: Intrepid price $8CAD and actual price was $17.50CAD Travel Insurance: I have the AmEx Platinum card that has very good travel insurance coverage. Intrepid forced me to buy a separate policy stating that I needed a “policy number” and not just claims made coverage that my credit card supplies. I had to pay an extra $174USD to get travel insurance when my credit card already covers travel insurance. Then I found that one of the guests in our group used her credit card policy and did not require a separate travel insurance policy to go on this trip. That was infuriating! White Mountain Adventures: White Mountain Adventures was coordinating this trip and I felt they were at a disadvantage to plan a trip when the Intrepid itinerary and physical activity level was misrepresented prior to the trip. Scott, our tour guide, was very kind, knowledgeable, patient, accommodating, and flexible to try to meet the expectations and physical abilities of those on the tour.

Moose Travel Network

• Excellent - 166 reviews for North America tours

I took the 5-day Coho tour starting in Vancouver. Our tour guide Kiera was just great and has always given us with a lot of interesting information about Canada in general, our surroundings, nature and trains. In general, you could ask her anything and thus got a life coach or Canada expert! Also our group was great! We were only 7th at the beginning and became a group of 11 in Banff, due to the fact that we were the last tour for the year. Together we had fun bus rides and marveled at the beauty of Canada. I really recommend everyone to do this tour! We saw so much that otherwise would not have been possible for one independently in the short amount of time! We also did a lot of great things as a group (campfires, cooking, game night, going out) and became great friends that definitely keep in touch! Keira also always asked us about our preferences, which also allowed us to decide for ourselves what we wanted to focus on! I really loved this flexibility! My expectations of the trip were definitely exceeded and I am overjoyed to have chosen it. The hostels were also all very pleasant and clean. The Wildness Hostel was definitely a highlight, which made the experience even more special. I would gladly give it more stars as I am absolutely convinced and can recommend it to everyone!

If you're looking to see the most beautiful parts of BC and Alberta without any of the hassle and cost of organising/driving then this tour is for you. You are taken through the most stunning parts of Canada, all the while making new friends and being as daring as you please with optional activities such as bungee jumping in canyons, ziplining down mountains and kayaking on glacial lakes. Is there lots of time spent on the road? Sure! But chatting to your fellow explorers and even just looking out the windows to marvel at the jaw-dropping landscape will pass the time quickly. There are only a few days of the tour that are heavy on travel and Moose have ensured that there are pit-stops at stunning locations along the way to keep you in the adventurous spirit. Travelling by bus also gives you access to places that are not as easily seen by car; Moraine lake for example (one of the most beautiful places on the trip) was only open to busses when we arrived, the car park having filled up for the day at 6am. Hostel accommodation was the perfect medium - I wasn't keen on camping but nor did I want to shell out on a tour with hotel stays at twice the price. Most of the hostels were brand new and immaculate (HI Banff, HI Whistler, HI Jasper). It was my first time in hostels and I was pleasantly surprised. Just remember to bring your flip-flops for the showers and some earplugs to block out any snorers! Also be aware that Rampart Creek (Rustic hostel stay in the mountains for 1 night only) has no flushing toilets or running water so prepare adequately for that one! For me, most things in life are about the people you experience it with and Moose didn’t disappoint. I know it’s pot-luck who you get in your group, but I think this tour does pull in like minded people and it was a pleasure to travel with everyone on my tour. Our Guide, Bruno, was also amazing and completely made our trip. He was knowledgeable, kept things fun and was every part a one-of-the gang as the rest of us. Only other thing to note, is that if you’re looking for a hiking-centred trip then perhaps this tour might disappoint. But if you’re willing to trade in a few hikes for incredible scenery, other outdoor activities (additional costs but great fun) and meeting like minded new people, then I promise you won’t regret it.

• Excellent - 1,886 reviews for North America tours

Excellent. Great guide, driver, weather, hotels, food. Great itenirary. Love love this trip.

Very nice tour. Would have liked more time in a place or two but, overall, good.

• Excellent - 19,641 reviews for North America tours

Could have had more included activities

The tour had a few bumps. It would have been better if there were some included meals. There was no information about some of the excursions such as where the island tour stopped.

• Excellent - 863 reviews for North America tours

This was a fast but nice tour and Dave was a good guide. Only in LA i thought we should have had more time but it was perfect for a Solo Travler

I enjoyed this trip . The coach is good.Hyannis first day break fast was good.coverage is good.Hyannis golf resort stay is superb.providence city halt in hotel graduates is excellent.Fall colours coverage is very good.coach guidance is okay.overall the trip is very good.

• Excellent - 985 reviews for North America tours

Great tour, good group size too

Great experience!

Discover Canada Tours

• Excellent - 376 reviews for North America tours

The staff was wonderful. The excursions were so fun. Everything is so well planned we never had to think about a thing. It is beautiful and relaxing. Food was very good.

Fabulous staff, food, activities!!!

Southwest Adventure Tours

• Excellent - 95 reviews for North America tours

Just couldn’t have been better. Extremely professional guides Robin and Sarah were highly knowledgable, friendly and organised. Accomodation was excellent in every location (most hotels even had hot tubs and pools!) and the food options were always good. Lovely comfortable Mercedes minibus. Highly recommended to everyone - would do another tour with South West Adventure Tours in a heartbeat.

Guide was knowledgeable and helpful. It was a good group

Infinite Adventures

• Excellent - 118 reviews for North America tours

It was my first group trip and also my first camping trip. I have to say it was one of the best trips I've been on. It was an adventure! We were lucky enough to see the Northern Lights at Remote Camp. Tory and Dave took care of everything and made sure everyone had a great time. No matter what problem you had, they always helped each other! Dave cooked delicious food, we had marshmallows by the fire in the evening and it felt like family. It's a great tour and I can only recommend it to anyone! It certainly wasn't my last tour with Infinite Adventure! Many thanks to Tory, Dave and Natalie (who you could ask any question you wanted to know beforehand) for this unforgettable time! :)

Jump on the bus with Infinite Adventures for a magnificent Alaskan expedition! Dave and Tory are excellent guides and will keep you informed about the areas you visit and give expert advice. I found this to be a truly joyful experience!

National Geographic Journey…

• Excellent - 255 reviews for North America tours

Good time with lots of riding in the van going to interesting places

We had a wonderful time. The tour was well planned and well managed. The CEO was excellent ..good driver, good communicator, had good knowledge of the local attractions and made great recommendations for restaurants. The group we were with was also a very pleasant group which made the experience that much more enjoyable. That said, would have loved to see the accommodations updated.. most except the Denali cabins were old and "weathered".

• Excellent - 74,884 reviews for North America tours

This was our second trip on Globus and both experiences were fantastic.

It was an excellent trip!

Insight Vacations

• Excellent - 625 reviews for North America tours

My first experience with an organized tour like this. Expense alone will limit future trips. Much more walking than my wife was prepared for. This alone reduced her enjoyment. Tour guide was very knowledgeable and thorough with his planning and execution. Andrew has a fun personality and very personable. One item that disappointed me was the shuttle from airport to resort at both ends of the

Insights Tours are always amazing and this one was no exception. Nice balance of free time to relax and experience Hawaii on your own with visits to places on the islands to experience the culture. Learned a lot of Hawaii’s history throughout our visit. Overall a lovely experience and would highly recommend if you want to visit Hawaii and learn more about the islands.

List your company on TourRadar

Popular tour operators in:.

• Caribbean (14)
• Central America (62)
• Canada (54)
• Greenland (12)

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

NASA Picks 3 Companies to Help Astronauts Drive Around the Moon

The agency’s future moon buggies will reach speeds of 9.3 miles per hour and will be capable of self-driving.

By Kenneth Chang

NASA will be renting some cool wheels to drive around the moon.

Space agency officials announced on Wednesday that they have hired three companies to come up with preliminary designs for vehicles to take NASA astronauts around the lunar south polar region in the coming years. After the astronauts return to Earth, these vehicles would be able to self-drive around as robotic explorers, similar to NASA’s rovers on Mars.

The self-driving capability would also allow the vehicle to meet the next astronaut mission at a different location.

“Where it will go, there are no roads,” Jacob Bleacher, the chief exploration scientist at NASA, said at a news conference on Wednesday. “Its mobility will fundamentally change our view of the moon.”

The companies are Intuitive Machines of Houston, which in February successfully landed a robotic spacecraft on the moon ; Lunar Outpost of Golden, Colo.; and Venturi Astrolab of Hawthorne, Calif. Only one of the three will actually build a vehicle for NASA and send it to the moon.

NASA had asked for proposals of what it called the lunar terrain vehicle, or L.T.V., that could drive at speeds up to 9.3 miles per hour, travel a dozen miles on a single charge and allow astronauts to drive around for eight hours.

The agency will work with the three companies for a year to further develop their designs. Then NASA will choose one of them for the demonstration phase.

The L.T.V. will not be ready in time for the astronauts of Artemis III, the first landing in NASA’s return-to-the-moon program , which is currently scheduled for 2026 .

The plan is for the L.T.V. to be on the lunar surface ahead of Artemis V, the third astronaut landing that is expected in 2030, said Lara Kearney, manager of the extravehicular activity and human surface mobility program at the NASA Johnson Space Center.

“If they can get there earlier, we’ll take it earlier,” Ms. Kearney said.

The L.T.V. contract will be worth up to $4.6 billion over the next 15 years — five years of development and then a decade of operations on the moon, most of it going to the winner of this competition. But Ms. Kearney said the contracts allow NASA to later finance the development of additional rovers, or allow other companies to compete in the future.

The contract follows NASA’s recent strategy of purchasing services rather than hardware.

In the past, NASA paid aerospace companies to build vehicles that it then owned and operated. That included the Saturn V rocket, the space shuttles and the lunar roving vehicles — popularly known as moon buggies — that astronauts drove on the moon during the last three Apollo missions in 1971 and 1972.

The new approach has proved successful and less expensive for the transportation of cargo and astronauts to the International Space Station. NASA now pays companies, notably Elon Musk’s SpaceX, fixed fees for those services, more akin to plane tickets or FedEx shipments.

For the company chosen to build the L.T.V., the vehicle will remain its property, and that company will be able to rent it to other customers when it is not needed by NASA.

“It’s commercially available for us as a commercial business to sell capacity on that rover,” said Steve Altemus, the chief executive of Intuitive Machines, “and do that for international partners and for other commercial companies and space agencies around the world.”

The competition created alliances between small startups and larger, more established aerospace companies, as well as car companies. The Intuitive Machines team includes Boeing, Northrop Grumman and Michelin, the tire maker. Lunar Outpost added to its team Lockheed Martin, Goodyear and General Motors, which had helped design the Apollo moon buggies.

Astrolab is working with Axiom Space of Houston, which has sent private astronauts to the space station and is building a commercial module to the International Space Station. Astrolab announced last year that it had signed an agreement to send one of its rovers to the moon on a SpaceX Starship rocket as early as 2026. That mission is independent of whether it is selected by NASA, a company spokesman said.

While Lunar Outpost is competing with Intuitive Machines on this contract, it plans to work with the company separately, sending smaller robotic rovers to the moon on the company’s lunar landers.

Kenneth Chang , a science reporter at The Times, covers NASA and the solar system, and research closer to Earth. More about Kenneth Chang

What’s Up in Space and Astronomy

Keep track of things going on in our solar system and all around the universe..

Never miss an eclipse, a meteor shower, a rocket launch or any other 2024 event  that’s out of this world with  our space and astronomy calendar .

Scientists may have discovered a major flaw in their understanding of dark energy, a mysterious cosmic force . That could be good news for the fate of the universe.

A new set of computer simulations, which take into account the effects of stars moving past our solar system, has effectively made it harder to predict Earth’s future and reconstruct its past.

Dante Lauretta, the planetary scientist who led the OSIRIS-REx mission to retrieve a handful of space dust , discusses his next final frontier.

A nova named T Coronae Borealis lit up the night about 80 years ago. Astronomers say it’s expected to put on another show  in the coming months.

Is Pluto a planet? And what is a planet, anyway? Test your knowledge here .

A new discount bus route from Toronto will help you explore Ontario

Latest Videos

Discount bus company FlixBus has expanded with a new route from Toronto to help residents better explore Ontario without breaking the bank.

Leading up to the province's prime hiking, camping and outdoor exploration months, the brand has just launched service between downtown T.O. and Sudbury, connecting the province's biggest city with its northeast (and everywhere in between).

Buses run twice per day, every day except for Tuesdays, starting at Union Station with stops at Toronto Pearson International Airport, Parry Sound, Port Severn, Waubaushene and two points in Sudbury.

The departure times from Toronto are at 8:30 a.m. (from Union) and 9:05 a.m. (from Pearson), and from Sudbury, at 2.30 p.m. (from the Ontario Northland Terminal) and 2:50 p.m. (from the Four Corners). Tickets for the four-to-five-hour trip run from $49 to $59 one-way.

New discount bus routes will let you explore Ontario for less than the average bar tab https://t.co/DZ5qWTv6H1 #Ontario — blogTO (@blogTO) August 2, 2022

For those coming to the big city from up north, FlixBus offers a ton of connections to places like Niagara Falls , the U.S., Alberta, B.C., Quebec and all across Ontario , with service to and from cities like London, Kitchener, Hamilton, Peterborough, Oshawa, Kingston, Ottawa, Windsor, St. Catharines and Mississauga.

Though it only recently arrived in Canada in 2022 , the low-cost travel line was founded in Germany in 2011 and has long been huge in and around Europe.

It now boasts more than 400,000 routes across 43 countries including Canada, the U.S., India, all over the EU, and more. Last year , it integrated its Flix North America arm with Greyhound, which it acquired in 2018.

Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Travel

WestJet now offering controversial paid 'early access' to overhead bins

Prince Edward County in Ontario is a top spot for a getaway from Toronto

These small towns in Ontario have some of the most unusual roadside attractions

Toronto is getting a new direct flight to a picturesque European city

Toronto Pearson Airport warns of flight delays after earthquake rattles New York

Canadians aren't impressed with WestJet's new paid seat option

Hotel prices in Niagara Falls are totally out of control for solar eclipse