NY1.com

  28º

11/26/2008 04:56 PM

Trains, Buses Offer Holiday Travel Deals

By: Valarie D'Elia

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Train and bus services are offering many discounts for the holiday season. NY1's Valarie D'Elia filed the following Travel With Val report.

Air travel gets a lot of attention this weekend, but according to AAA, 81 percent of Thanksgiving travelers are getting behind the wheel.

Gas prices are down over a dollar over the same period last year, and the number of people hitting the road is also down 1.3 percent. Air travel has also declined by 7.2 percent since last year.

The one area that is showing growth is train and bus travel, which is seeing a 6 percent increase over last year.

An express bus service named Megabus.com.com is advertising fares for as low as $1, which routes from New York City to 12 east coat destinations. Travelers will never be bumped, because there's always another bus to board based upon demand.

Greyhound and Peter Pan are offering the option to choose your own seat and priority board for an extra $5.

On the rails, Amtrak is now selling train passes. A 30-day pass for $579 is good for 12 route segments through Christmas. Also, children always get half-price discounts on Amtrak.

Finally, tipping a redcap a few bucks to escort you and your luggage to the platform can give you first dibs on seats.


Now here's a D'Elia's Deal you don't want to miss on Greyhound. Travel between New York City and Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse can cost as little as $45 each way when tickets are bought at least 14 days in advance. Check out the New York State special at Greyhound.com.

For more travel news, visit www.travelwithval.com.

As is common practice in the travel industry, Travel With Val often receives complimentary travel or reduced "media" rates at hotels, resorts and attractions, including those that may be featured in these reports. Such consideration is not taken in exchange for any express or implied promise or understanding of any nature, particularly regarding the content of these reports. These reports only feature travel providers personally recommended by Valarie D’Elia in the exercise of her independent editorial judgment, and do not represent the endorsement of Time Warner Cable or any third party.