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Best by Region

Most ground travel providers keep their operations limited to a specific geographical region, so we zoomed in a little closer to shine a light on the companies that offer reliable service in the communities close to you.

Best Ground Travel Provider in New England

The hometown hero from Concord, New Hampshire, takes the win as the Best Ground Travel Provider in New England. Concord Coach Lines’ impeccable service to top destinations like Portland, Boston, and the White Mountains in New Hampshire earned it the highest ratings for trips in the region.

“This is the easiest and most relaxed way to visit Boston.”

“Great company to travel with for a bargain price.”

“The price, cleanliness, and convenience were top-notch.”

“The scenery on the trip was amazing, and the train was in great shape.”

“What a great experience, having a cafe in the back was the cherry on top.”

Best Ground Travel Provider in the Mid-Atlantic

1. Amtrak Ethan Allen Express & Amtrak Thruway

Tied for #1

In the busy Mid-Atlantic region, spanning New York to the Virginias, Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express tied for the highest average rating. This regional train line primarily serves the Hudson River Valley and offers routes from NYC to upstate New York’s most significant cities.

“It was a very pleasant trip and the staff was very helpful and friendly.”

Amtrak Thruway is a nationwide system of intercity buses operated by Amtrak to extend their travel destinations beyond the limits of railroads. With steep competition, Amtrak Thruway ties for the highest average rating in the Mid-Atlantic region that includes cities like New York, Washington, and Philadelphia.

“I will definitely ride the bus again in the future.”

“Smooth ride and easy to find the bus stop.”

3. Acela & Amtrak Vermonter

Tied for #3

“Smooth ride, efficient and especially on time.”

“The trip was excellent, very comfortable and stuck strictly to schedule."

Best Ground Travel Provider in the Southeast

Several Amtrak train lines and many bus companies offer ground travel service in the Southeast United States, but Amtrak’s City of New Orleans line rose above the rest. Though the line starts in Chicago, the bulk of its service traces through Southeastern states including Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana.

“I could go on and on, loved everything about the train ride.”

“Everything much better than expected!”

“Very comfortable and spacious! I really loved it.”

4. Amtrak Crescent & Jet Set Express

Tied for #4

“The trip was relaxing and the views were nice.”

“This is an easy and affordable way to travel, definitely recommend it!”

Best Ground Travel Provider in the Southwest

RedCoach got its start in Florida, but this bus company’s excellent service on its Texas routes earns it the title of Best Ground Travel Provider in the Southwest. Passengers’ praise for RedCoach include references to its spacious, lounge-like seats and the helpful service from drivers and crew.

“This bus was insanely comfortable!! Highly recommend.”

“A good way to travel within the U.S., you get to see a very unique view of different towns and the suburbs.”

“Great service - a quick, easy, economical and pleasant way to travel.”

“Ride was very comfortable and so easy.”

“Nice and quiet on the bus. Felt very safe traveling on Tornado Bus.”

Best Ground Travel Provider in the Midwest

Among the numerous ground travel providers across the expansive Midwest region, the Amtrak Pere Marquette line earned passengers’ highest appreciation. Consistently high ratings for comfort, timeliness, and condition of the train characterize the Pere Marquette’s route from Chicago to Grand Rapids along Michigan’s West Coast.

“I liked everything, I was very comfortable. Highly recommended.”

2. Amtrak Hiawatha & Amtrak Saluki

Tied for #2

“The crew was stellar, and went out of their way to make me feel comfortable on my travels.”

“Safe, comfortable, quiet and on-time.”

3. Burlington Trailways & OurBus

Tied for #3

“Such a great bus company!!”

“Excellent service. I recommend it 100%”

Best Ground Travel Provider in the West

Amtrak’s services dominate in the region that comprises the West Coast and its neighbors, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Nevada. With a near-perfect score for timeliness, the Capitol Corridor train line earned the highest ratings from passengers. This line offers incredible service to Northern California, from the Sacramento region to the Bay Area.

“I loved the trip and enjoyed the scenery passing by.”

“Safe and fast to your destination.”

“I love my trips to the coast with this bus line!”

“​​Great staff, roomy seats that are comfortable. Love the observation car, too.”

“Everything was perfect and relaxing.”

Check out the other categories:

Best of the Best

The top ground travel providers in the United States & Canada.

Best by Feature

Carriers that offer the industry's best value, safety, WiFi, and more.

Best by Passenger Type

The favorite carriers for different kinds of travelers – from students to professionals.

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