Megabus announced yesterday that service to and from Columbus will kick off next week.
In 2017, Megabus discontinued service to Columbus without much fanfare at all. It wasn’t the first time the company had left the area. In fact, Megabus stopped offering routes to and from Columbus just two months after they initially opened back in 2006.
Low ridership was the main reason behind the company’s exit from the market both previous times. But now, Columbus is back on the route, along with over 50 other cities throughout the central United States.
The expansion is part of Megabus’ new partnership with Miller Transportation, one of the largest transportation companies serving the mid-west.
“The continued expansion of our network to more than fifty cities throughout the central United States is an exciting opportunity for Megabus,” said Colin Emberson, VP Commercial for Megabus. “We’re pleased to be able to offer the customers in Indiana, Illinois Michigan, Tennessee, and Kentucky additional convenient and safe travel options; with connections to points beyond.”
Rides to and from Columbus begin on January 25th. Destination cities include several cities in Ohio like Dayton, Delphos, Kenton, Lima, Marysville, and Van Wert. In Indiana, you’ll find tops at Elkhart, Fort Wayne, Gary, Plymouth, Richmond, South Bend, and Warsaw.
But likely the most popular destination for travelers from Columbus will be Chicago. Although it’s been longer than I care to admit, I used to take the Megabus in college to visit my best friend in the Windy City all the time. It was convenient and affordable, which I loved as a mostly broke twenty-something.
Megabus still advertises $1 bus rides, but it should be noted that you’ll have to book further out in advance for those low prices. You’ll also have to pay a booking fee of $3.99.
The journey from Columbus to Chicago is about 8 hours long, with stops along the way in both Ohio and Indiana.
To start planning your trip or to learn more about Megabus, you can visit us.megabus.com.
