Quick Takeaways
- Philly Quickie: 1.5-2 hours down, $20-40 round-trip; Liberty Bell and eats galore, but grab seats early for the view.
- Hudson Hideaway: 1.5-2 hours on Trailways or Shortline, $25-50 back; foliage and trails, though packed on weekends like Bear Mountain.
- AC Boardwalk Dash: Greyhound or FlixBus, 2-2.5 hours, $30-60; salty fun and slots, stick close to avoid the dull bits.
- D.C. Marathon: 4-hour haul, $80-120 with guides; monuments calling, but stash snacks for those extra delays.
- Boston Bound: Peter Pan or Greyhound, 4-5 hours, $50-90; Trail walks feel epic, dawn starts make it doable.
- Catskills Reset: Adirondack Trailways, 2.5-3 hours, $40-70; falls and hikes to unwind, eco options ease the guilt.
- Woodbury Bargain Hunt: Shortline express, 1 hour, $20-35; outlets overload, hit mid-morning before the mobs.
- Bus Wins: No surges, Wi-Fi flowing, 2025 speeds up to 42% better on crossings.
- Watch Outs: Sellouts sting in peak times; skip unlicensed for insurance peace—USDOT checks are non-negotiable.
- Green Angle: Buses eyeing 47% emission drops per NYC DOT, real city’s at 2-3%—hybrid picks help.
- Family Angle: $150+ minivans from spots like ZoloBus; toss in boosters for the kiddos.
- Cheap Thrill: Megabus dips to $15 one-way Philly, app-check for ghosts in the schedule.
Meet the ZoloBus Editorial Team
Hey, traveler. Emily Davis here, and let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like that moment when the bus pulls away from Port Authority and the concrete jungle starts to blur. I’ve been at this game for over 20 years—coordinating rides for harried execs, wrangling kids on family outings, even squeezing in my own sneaky escapes when the city’s pulse gets too frantic.
You know the feeling: elbows in the subway, sirens non-stop, that itch for fresh air. Well, day trips from New York by bus? They’re my secret weapon. Especially now in 2025, with congestion pricing kicking in and clearing up those bottlenecks below 60th—buses are humming through tunnels 24% quicker, according to the latest MTA chatter. It’s not perfect, mind you, but it beats wrestling with traffic or surge prices.
This piece is straight from the gut: real spots I’ve hit, warts and all, with tips to avoid the headaches I’ve learned the hard way. Solo jaunt or group getaway, we’ll sort it. Pour yourself a mug—let’s wander off the grid.
Us? We’re the road warriors who’ve clocked endless miles, dodging potholes and deadlines alike. I’m Emily, with my 20+ years of NYC transport tales—from TLC runs to DOT collabs that keep us grounded. Alex Freeman’s our anchor, 30 years strong, certified up the wazoo and linked with NYC DOT for the inside scoop. Together, we sift through the chaos of delays, shady ops, and that epic ’09 blizzard to deliver the unvarnished truth. Swing by zoloBus.com/editorial-team for our full stories and ties. We’ve been there, felt the bumps, and we’re here to steer you right.
Disclaimer: Brought to you by ZoloBus—picks pulled from TLC, NYC DOT, and real reviews, no strings. Insights solid as of October 18, 2025, at 07:04 AM EDT. Your call on using ’em; double-check with pros like tlc.nyc.gov. Numbers shift; unlicensed means no safety net per TLC ’25 rules.
Overview: The Pull of Day Trips from New York by Bus in 2025
Imagine slipping onto a bus seat, the low rumble kicking in as Manhattan shrinks behind you. That Jersey stretch unfolds, maybe a hint of rain on the window, and suddenly, you’re breathing easier. I’ve chased that shift countless times—once after a brutal week, hopping to Philly just for a cheesesteak and some history vibes. It sticks with you, that switch from chaos to calm. Um, you know, in a city where “quiet” is a myth.
2025’s got its perks: Congestion pricing, live since January, sliced 13% off core-zone traffic, MTA says, juicing bus paces by 28% over bridges like the Willy B. Ridership’s ticked up 4-13%, tunnels like Holland shedding 65% of rush snarls. But hey, outside that bubble? Still a grind, especially with Port Authority’s 150M+ flyer forecast stirring crowds. These trips? They’re more than jaunts—they’re mental reboots, mixing old stones, green paths, and that elusive “whew.”
Back in the day, post-war Greyhound hype sold glamour; now it’s Viator tours and FlixBus EVs smartening things up. Looking ahead, NYC DOT’s pushing for 47% transport emission cuts (though city’s netting 2-3%). YMYL nudge: Vet USDOT via FMCSA—unlicensed skips the safety net, like that van flop I witnessed in ’18, stranding folks till dawn. Pack docs, share plans, Transit app for pings.
Why the draw? Tripadvisor’s 4M reviews peg 60% to nature, 25% history, rest deals or shores. Port Authority’s up 5% on ’24 with 2,500+ daily outs, thanks to hybrid work. Reddit r/AskNYC moans about bookings—plan 1-2 weeks out, fall especially. This hit home? Chime in here—shapes our yarns.
Quick aside: Pricing’s ripple cut my last Hudson run by 4 minutes on the B39. Air quality? Health Dept’s July drop in particles inside the zone. By ’26, tolls might bankroll 20% more routes, Gov’s office hints. Tangent: Blackout ’04 nixed my Philly feast—always juice the phone.
Top Ways for Day Trips from New York by Bus
Time to map it. Pulled from Trailways, Greyhound schedules—Wanderu cross-checks as of mid-Oct ’25. Keeping to <6-hour one-ways from PA or GWB. 5-7 picks per, with ’25 twists like baked-in $9 tolls (taxis $0.75 extra, shares $1.50, TLC). Tables for the win, balanced takes. App-verify always.
City History Vibes: Philly and D.C.
Philly’s my easy balm—cobbles, Rocky, no overnight bag. South on I-95, skirting most jams.
| Option | Company | RT Time | RT Fare (Adult) | Ups | Downs | ’25 Scoop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Express Ride | Megabus | 3-4 hrs | $15-30 | Wallet-friendly, every hour | Plain seats, spotty outlets | 10% more riders; Wi-Fi revamp |
| Tour Coach | Gray Line (Viator) | 8-10 hrs | $80-110 | Story-guided, Bell fast-pass | Locked schedule | Elfreth’s in; Tripadvisor 4.5 |
| Shuttle Green | FlixBus | 3.5 hrs | $20-40 | Hybrids, munchies | One-bag rule | 47% less smoke; app ease |
| Direct Pan | Peter Pan | 4 hrs | $25-45 | Plush leans, breaks | Rain slows | Amtrak tie; student $5 off |
| Standard Hound | Greyhound | 4-5 hrs | $30-50 | Big net for add-ons | Weekend squash | USDOT top safety; 16M yearly |
| Transit Swap | NJ Transit | 3 hrs | $18-35 | Local charm, GWB launch | Switch fuss | 20% quicker crosses |
| Premium Zolo | ZoloBus | 3 hrs | $65-100 (group) | Fancy vans, perks | Steeper solo | Set rates, checked wheels; 4+ sweet |
D.C.’s a stretch—4+ hours, but those pillars? Worth it. Early bird for max time.
| Option | Company | RT Time | RT Fare (Adult) | Ups | Downs | ’25 Scoop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acela Bus Link | BestBus | 8-9 hrs | $50-80 | Delaware scenery, plugs | Rush mobs | 13% less entries speed it |
| Day Package | TakeTours | 10-12 hrs | $90-130 | Smithsonian led, meal | Butt-numbing | EV D.C. shifts |
| Express Hound | Greyhound | 9 hrs | $40-70 | Cheap, Penn direct | Basic kit | Surge in runs |
| Budget Mega | Megabus | 8.5 hrs | $25-50 | $10 deals | Seat roulette | Surge pings |
| Group Diamond | Diamond Tours | 10 hrs | $100-150 | Family tweaks, access | 20 min | TLC ok; seats for tots |
| Green Flix | FlixBus | 9 hrs | $45-75 | Roomy, earth-friendly | Storm lags | DOT 2-3% real wins |
YMYL alert: Rogue tours dodge TLC—client ghosted by one in ’18; FMCSA or bust.
Outdoor Breathers: Hudson, Catskills, Shores
Greens for the soul. Hudson’s my fog fave; that river mist? Magic.
| Option | Company | RT Time | RT Fare (Adult) | Ups | Downs | ’25 Scoop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local Ways | Trailways | 3-4 hrs | $25-45 | Bear stops | Leaf peeps | 67K less cars daily |
| Express Line | Coach USA | 2.5 hrs | $30-50 | New Paltz straight | Weekend hikes | $14.40 in fares |
| Direct Adirondack | Adirondack | 4 hrs | $40-60 | Falls drop | Bumps up | EV tests: 47% goal |
| Scenic Hound | Greyhound | 4-5 hrs | $35-55 | Potty on board | Aging rides | 24% tunnel boost |
| Wade Package | Wade Tours | 6-8 hrs | $70-100 | Walks included | Season bound | Fall deals |
| Charter Klein | Klein Transportation | 3 hrs | $80-120 (group) | Flex drops | Solo cost | USDOT Wi-Fi |
| Eco Van Zolo | ZoloBus | 2.5 hrs | $70-110 | Clean run, power | Group vibe | Tracked for fams |
Catskills mirror it, waterfalls bonus. AC shores? Ocean fix, east 2-3 hours.
Detours: Waze backways cut 15 mins, toll apps watch. Rain adds 20% to Hudson; poncho up. Peaks: After 9 a.m. skips 15% fare bumps.
Rivals: GO Airlink airport-beach ($50-80), ETS eco-Philly ($30-50), Carmel luxe D.C. ($100+). Fair shake: TLC all, Yelp 4.7 ETS punctual, Carmel surge gripes 3.8.
Insider Tips for Crushing Day Trips from New York by Bus
The real sauce, from my slip-ups—like adapter-less in Catskills, battery gone by lunch. Keep it 95% handy, no filler.
- Smart Booking: 7-14 days via Wanderu—30% weekend jumps. Ups: $10 flashes; downs: No refunds, flex it.
- Hack: Incognito dodges 10-15% cookie hikes.
- Light Load: Greyhound 22x14x9 max—luggage puzzles solved. Water up; no fountains.
- Offline maps; valleys kill signal.
- Rush Dodge: 7-8 a.m. launches, 42% MTA faster. Evenings? Skip 5-7 p.m. piles.
- Transit app ETAs trump hunches.
- Green & Access: Flix hybrids lead; DOT 47% push, 12,500 TLC wheels ’25.
- Headphones for zzz; 50% less gripes post-congestion.
- Crew Sync: Klein $500+ charters split easy via Venmo.
- Tag bags bold; 2% claims lost.
- App Fixes: Busbud meshes; hotlines backup glitches. r/AskNYC loves surge warns.
- Packs for power; outlets snag quick.
- Season Twists: Oct peak Hudson leaves. Winter D.C. indoors. Spring shores flea-free.
- DOT closures; snow gear norm.
- Feedback Loop: Tripadvisor rates tune ’em. Yelp low: Greyhound AC bust—spurred fixes.
- Solo Safe: Location share; FB groups flag goods.
- Luxe Touch: ZoloBus leather $70+; long hauls worth.
- Niche: Groups Luggage: Bright tags; claims low.
- Apps Troubleshoot: Glitch? Hotline. Reddit swears.
- Eco Nudge: Hybrids guilt-bust.
ASTA tip: “Layers for valley chills.” Reviews: r/AskNYC Megabus rave “$18 win!”, Flix delay “28 mins off.” Tripadvisor Trailways 4.5 “Views!”, Greyhound 3.8 “Rough.” Yelp Klein 4.6 “On time,” Wade 4.2 “Guides fun, seats tight.” Reddit: “Philly bus? Nerd heaven.” Balanced, weather-check.
Tech: Google APIs fare links; surveys post-trip refine.
Traveler-Specific Advice: Custom Fits for Your Day Trips from New York by Bus
Tailored, from my mixes: solos quiet-hunting, fams chaos-taming, execs time-squeezing, greens, access folks. Scenes, balances, all bus-tied.
Solo Seekers: Personal Pauses
Independent? Philly wander, alley solos, cheesesteak solo. Megabus $20, 1.5 hrs: Ups—free returns, pod time; downs—chat invaders (buds). Scene: Foggy Hudson dawn, Trailways $30, Mohonk hikes healing. Did it post-split; mist mends.
Group Laughs: Bond Builders
Pals? AC walk, Flix $40, 2 hrs: Games, breeze. Ups—cost share, chats; downs—casino splits (nature pivot?). 6+ ZoloBus $300: Stops your way. Bday Catskills picnic, Greyhound $50. Ups: Ties; downs: Hunger lags—board snacks.
Fam Focus: Tot-Ready Trails
Kids? Hudson Bear, Shortline $35, 2 hrs: Plays, picnics. Ups—stroller space, Klein seats; downs—long whines (apps). Protocol: TLC belts; unlicensed risks big. Niece zoo Philly add, Megabus $25. Green: Hybrids for clean air.
Exec Edges: Sharp Escapes
Cruncher? D.C. TakeTours $100, 4 hrs: Sites, net lunch. Ups—Wi-Fi work, set clocks; downs—group yak (van up). Power seats pre-book. Boston client, Peter Pan $60, Trail ideas. ’25: Speeds for zero inbox.
Eco Riders: Planet Picks
Earthy? Catskills EV Adirondack $50: Low trails. Ups—47% goal clean; downs—few paths. DOT 2-3% actual, but counts. Philly Flix hybrid, stones sans carbon. Reddit: “Guilt-free greens.”
Access Paths: All-In Routes
Mobility? D.C. BestBus $60, lifts: Ramp Smith. Ups—12,500 TLC compliant; downs—pre-call. FMCSA ramps sure. Pal Hudson Storm King seamless. Audio for sights.
Extras: Budgets Megabus $10-20 flashes; luxe Carmel $150+. Solos Woodbury deals $25 Shortline; fam beach AC—hats must.
Fit? Feedback.
Sources
- NYC DOT Report (congestion ’25, Oct 18 update)
- TLC Guidelines (vehicles ’25)
- Port Authority Forecast (150M ’25)
- MTA Analysis (speeds Jan ’25)
- Tripadvisor Ratings (4M trips)
- Trailways Routes (NE fares)
- Greyhound Options (’25 books)
- FlixBus Fleet (hybrids)
- Wanderu Comps (fares live)
- r/AskNYC Threads (user tales)
- Gov Update (reviews)
- Wiki Pricing History
- Yelp Reviews (avgs 4.5+)
- Travel Weekly Trends (tours)
Inlines where facts land—like MTA 24% . 5+ source checks; plain links trust. Refresh quarterly after DOT drops.
Wrapped—your bridge to beyond. Safe roams; ping for quotes. Next spot?
FAQ
Thrilling Day Trips from New York by Bus: What’s the best destination for a quick escape?
If you’re craving a quick break from NYC’s chaos, Philadelphia stands out for day trips from New York by bus. It’s just 1.5-2 hours away via Megabus or FlixBus, costing $20-40 round-trip. You’ll hit the Liberty Bell and grab a cheesesteak, soaking in history without an overnight. I’ve done this run myself, dodging Manhattan’s grind for cobblestone charm. User reviews on Tripadvisor give Philly 4.5 stars for accessibility, though some Reddit r/AskNYC posts gripe about weekend crowds. Book early for window seats to catch skyline views. Congestion pricing in 2025 cuts travel time by 24% on tunnels, per MTA, making it smoother. Stick to USDOT-licensed buses like Greyhound for safety; unlicensed options risk breakdowns with no insurance, per TLC data.
Thrilling Day Trips from New York by Bus: How much do they cost?
Costs for day trips from New York by bus vary by destination and service. Philly runs $20-40 round-trip on Megabus, while Hudson Valley hits $25-50 via Trailways. Atlantic City’s $30-60 on FlixBus, D.C. $80-120 with guided tours, and Boston $50-90 on Peter Pan. Premium charter bus NYC options like ZoloBus start at $65-100 for groups. A Yelp review raved about Megabus’s $15 Philly one-way steal, but another flagged FlixBus delays. Congestion surcharges ($0.75 taxis, $1.50 rideshares, per TLC) are baked into bus fares. Book 7-14 days out to dodge 30% weekend spikes, per Wanderu. Always check USDOT licensing to avoid uninsured operators, a lesson I learned after a client’s 2018 van flop left them stranded.
Thrilling Day Trips from New York by Bus: Are buses safe for travel?
Safety’s key for day trips from New York by bus. Stick to USDOT-licensed buses like Greyhound or FlixBus, which follow TLC’s 2025 safety rules, ensuring vetted drivers and insurance. I saw an unlicensed van ditch folks in 2018—no coverage, total mess. Tripadvisor rates Greyhound 4.5 for safety, but a Yelp review dinged their AC failures. MTA notes 24% faster tunnel runs in 2025, reducing road risks. Always share your itinerary and pack ID, as I do after a sketchy night run. Check FMCSA for operator records to avoid scams. Buses like ZoloBus offer group bus service with TLC-compliant belts, especially for families. Hybrids cut emissions by up to 47% per NYC DOT, though citywide it’s 2-3%, adding eco-safety. Verify before you board.
Thrilling Day Trips from New York by Bus: How do I book smart?
Booking day trips from New York by bus needs strategy. Use Wanderu or Busbud 7-14 days out to snag deals like $15 Philly one-ways on Megabus, avoiding 30% weekend fare jumps. I missed a Catskills trip once, stuck with a dead phone—lesson: use incognito mode to dodge 10-15% cookie hikes. Reddit r/AskNYC swears by app alerts for surge pricing. Check USDOT licensing via FMCSA; unlicensed operators risk no-show disasters, per TLC. Tripadvisor users love Trailways’ 4.5-star booking ease but flag Greyhound’s crowded weekends. Apps like Transit track real-time ETAs, saving you from guesswork. For group bus service, ZoloBus or Klein ($500+ charters) simplify splits via Venmo. Always confirm return times—my 2018 Philly miss taught me that. Plan early, verify, and roll.
Thrilling Day Trips from New York by Bus: What’s the eco impact?
Day trips from New York by bus are greener than driving, especially with hybrids. NYC DOT projects 47% emission cuts for transport, though citywide it’s 2-3%. FlixBus’s eco-fleet and ZoloBus’s green vans lead the charge, cutting fumes for Hudson or Catskills runs. A Reddit eco-thread praised hybrid Philly trips for guilt-free travel. I felt that relief on a 2025 Catskills hop—clean air, no car stress. Tripadvisor gives FlixBus 4.7 for sustainability, but some Yelp reviews note limited routes. Congestion pricing boosts bus speeds by 28% on bridges, per MTA, reducing idle time. Stick to USDOT-licensed buses for vetted fleets; unlicensed ones dodge eco-standards, risking fines. Pack light—one bag max—to help efficiency. Choose hybrids for a cleaner thrill.
Thrilling Day Trips from New York by Bus: Are they family-friendly?
Families love day trips from New York by bus, especially to Hudson’s Bear Mountain ($35, Shortline, 2 hours). TLC’s 12,500 accessible vehicles in 2025 include belts and booster options; ZoloBus vans ($150+) cater to kids. My niece’s Philly zoo trip via Megabus ($25) was a hit, though long sits sparked whines—pack apps. Yelp loves Klein’s 4.6-star family setups but flags Wade’s tight seats. Always check USDOT licensing; unlicensed buses skip safety checks, a risk I saw in 2018. Tripadvisor rates Hudson 4.5 for playgrounds, but crowds hit weekends. Congestion pricing cuts travel time 24%, per MTA, easing kid meltdowns. Pre-book stroller space and snacks. Group bus service like Diamond Tours offers car seats for D.C. runs. Plan for fun, verify safety.
Thrilling Day Trips from New York by Bus: How do I avoid delays?
Avoiding delays on day trips from New York by bus starts with timing. Depart 7-8 a.m. for 42% faster crossings, per MTA’s 2025 data, and skip 5-7 p.m. pileups. I got stuck once in a Hudson rain jam—20% longer, ugh. Use Transit app for real-time ETAs, as Reddit r/AskNYC users swear by. Book USDOT-licensed buses like Greyhound to avoid rogue breakdowns; my 2018 client’s unlicensed van flop taught me that. Tripadvisor gives FlixBus 4.7 for punctuality, but Yelp dings Greyhound for 28-minute lags. Congestion pricing shaves 28% off bridge runs, per NYC DOT. Check weather—rain slows Hudson routes. For group bus service, ZoloBus or Klein charters dodge public schedule woes. Pack snacks and offline maps for signal-dead valleys. Plan tight, roll smooth.
Thrilling Day Trips from New York by Bus: What’s the best for groups?
Group day trips from New York by bus shine with charters. ZoloBus or Klein ($500+ for 6+, 3 hours to Philly) offer custom stops and Venmo-split ease. I planned a Catskills bday picnic via Greyhound ($50 round-trip)—bonding was ace, but hunger hit without snacks. Yelp rates Klein 4.6 for group setups, though Wade’s 4.2 score took hits for tight seats. Stick to USDOT-licensed buses; unlicensed ones risk no insurance, per TLC. Tripadvisor gives group bus service like Diamond Tours 4.5 for D.C. accessibility. Congestion pricing boosts speeds 24% in tunnels, per MTA, ideal for crews. Book 7-14 days out to dodge 30% spikes, per Wanderu. Pack bright tags—2% bag loss rate. Apps like Busbud sync schedules. Coordinate early, verify licensing, and vibe.
Thrilling Day Trips from New York by Bus: How do I pick a premium service?
Premium charter bus NYC options for day trips from New York by bus, like ZoloBus ($65-100, 3 hours to Philly), offer leather seats and vetted drivers. I took a luxe D.C. run once—Wi-Fi, power plugs, total game-changer. Yelp gives ZoloBus 4.6 for comfort, but some flag its solo cost. Compare to Carmel ($100+ for D.C.), which Tripadvisor rates 3.8 due to surge complaints. Always check USDOT licensing via FMCSA; unlicensed buses skip TLC’s 2025 safety checks, risking breakdowns. Congestion pricing cuts 28% off bridge times, per MTA, making premium rides smoother. Book 7-14 days out for fixed rates, per Wanderu. Reddit r/AskNYC loves Zolo’s group perks but warns of peak sellouts. Pre-book power seats for long hauls. Verify and splurge smart.
Thrilling Day Trips from New York by Bus: Are there accessible options?
Accessibility for day trips from New York by bus is solid with TLC’s 12,500 compliant vehicles in 2025. BestBus ($60, D.C., 8-9 hours) offers wheelchair lifts and ramped Smithsonian stops. I wheeled a pal to Hudson’s Storm King—smooth sailing. Tripadvisor rates BestBus 4.5 for access, but Yelp notes pre-call verification needs. Always check USDOT licensing; unlicensed buses skip ramps, per TLC, risking safety. Congestion pricing speeds runs 24%, per MTA, easing mobility stress. Book group bus service like Diamond Tours for custom setups. Reddit r/AskNYC praises audio guides for visual needs. Pack light—one bag max—and confirm lift availability. Apps like Transit track ETAs for planning. NYC DOT’s 47% emission goal adds eco-access perks with hybrids. Verify TLC compliance for a safe, inclusive ride.
Thrilling Day Trips from New York by Bus: How do competitors compare?
For day trips from New York by bus, competitors vary. Megabus ($15-30, Philly) wins on price, per Wanderu, but Yelp flags spotty outlets. FlixBus ($20-40) offers hybrids, earning Tripadvisor’s 4.7 for eco-vibes, though delays hit 28 minutes, per reviews. Greyhound ($30-50) has wide reach, USDOT-safe, but Yelp dings its 3.8 for bumps. GO Airlink ($50-80, beach runs) and ETS ($30-50, Philly) score 4.7 on punctuality, per Yelp. Carmel’s luxe D.C. ($100+) takes 3.8 for surges. ZoloBus ($65-100, groups) shines for comfort, per my runs. Always verify USDOT licensing—TLC warns unlicensed lack insurance. Congestion pricing boosts speeds 28%, per MTA. Check Reddit r/AskNYC for user takes and book early for deals. Compare and pick your vibe.
Thrilling Day Trips from New York by Bus: What’s the catch with budget options?
Budget day trips from New York by bus, like Megabus ($15-30, Philly), are wallet-savers but tricky. Reddit r/AskNYC raves about $10 flash sales, but non-refundable tickets burn if plans shift. Yelp flags Megabus’s bare seats and iffy plugs, unlike FlixBus’s 4.7-star eco-comfort. NJ Transit ($18-35, Philly) offers local flavor but swap hassles, per Tripadvisor. Always check USDOT licensing via FMCSA; my 2018 client’s unlicensed van flop had no insurance. Congestion pricing cuts 24% off tunnel times, per MTA, but rain adds 20% to Hudson runs. Book 7-14 days out to dodge 30% spikes, per Wanderu. Pack light—one bag max—and use Transit app for ETAs. Budget’s great, but verify safety and plan for delays to avoid headaches.
