Bus Travel

Although I haven't done bus trips with small children, I DID do the two hour bus trip from Philadelphia to NYC. It cost under $20 round-trip (which is cheap). HOWEVER, to be totally honest, they pack you in like sardines, chances of getting a decent seat are pretty bad, it's dark and cramped and generally uncomfortable. It was actually pretty awful and the thought of doing SIX hours of that with a 3 and 5yr old...well, quite frankly, I'm shuddering at the thought (and I've done many, many 14 hour plane rides with 3 children, so I'm somewhat experienced in the whole travel-with-kids scenario). I guess, what I'm saying, is that unless it's your ONLY option, I would sincerely re-think the bus thing. Of course, $15 is hard to beat...

Wow! That's C-H-E-A-P and tempting. But a bus trip is......ugh.....blecch.

I guess it would be tolerable if you are a strong person, can all sit in an entire row, watch 2 movies and take some snacks....can you eat snacks on the bus?

As for the train suggestion--I think it would be WAY more $$$.

where did you find that deal.......i think it depends on the kid my daughter could handle that at 2 because her personality is laid back and quiet her cousin same age at 4 still couldn't do it

I would recommend the train. Trains are leisurely, have food, allow you to get up and move about, way less restrictive; and the ride is part of the adventure. Additionally, many times I have ridden the bus... some of the patrons are less than desirable to sit next to (hygenically displeasing). On a train you can get away from those you are uncomfortable being around (for whatever reason)...and you can kick back with a snack, or a glass of wine. LOVE train rides, and so do my kids!!! We do train trips, bring a DVD player, games, books and the kids love it.

Are you talking Megabus? I know some folks who have done it and LOVED it. There are power outlets for all the seats, so if your DVD players have an AC plug, you should be good to go. The trip from PIT to DC is about 5 1/2 hours-- you could drive it in 3. Also, the prices really depend on when you want to go-- it is cheapest over night. Still, it is a really cheap way to go, but then you have to get from the bus stop to your hotel lugging carseats, etc. If you take a taxi very far, you may end up being cheaper driving.