2023 PASSENGERS' CHOICE AWARDS
Best by Region
Although some ground travel providers provide cross-country service, most carriers stick with routes in just one or two geographical regions. We looked closer at each region of the U.S. to highlight the ground travel providers offering dependable service in your area.
Best Ground Travel Provider in New England
#2 HONOREE
Amtrak Ethan Allen Express
See more reviews“Very smooth trip. Try Amtrak instead of using your own car, you can save more money!”
Sofronio Jr. (Wanderu user)
#3 HONOREE
Amtrak Downeaster
See more reviews“Fantastic value and convenience. Well worth investigating.”
Roberto (Wanderu user)
#4 HONOREE
Amtrak Northeast Regional
See more reviews“Peaceful and adventurous experience. Train trips are a must-do experience!”
Ana (Wanderu user)
#5 HONOREE
Best Ground Travel Provider in the Mid-Atlantic
#1 WINNER
Martz Trailways
Martz Trailways scored the best ratings for the bustling Mid-Atlantic region. This family-owned bus company provides exceptional service from its headquarters in Pennsylvania to top destinations in the region like New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC.
See more reviews“It was a pleasure traveling with them.”
Deborah (Wanderu user)
#2 HONOREE
Amtrak Maple Leaf
See more reviews“The compartment was spacious, seats were comfortable. I would love to travel by this train again.”
Gulam (Wanderu user)
#3 HONOREE
Amtrak Keystone Service
See more reviews“It was a great trip, plenty of overhead luggage space, comfortable seating and I arrived safely to my destination.”
Elizabeth (Wanderu user)
#4 HONOREE
Tripper Bus
See more reviews“The bus wasn’t crowded at all, the seats were comfy and tons of leg room.”
Elira (Wanderu user)
#5 HONOREE
Amtrak Vermonter
See more reviews“Very pleasant and comfortable ride. Easy access to outlets. Would definitely use it again!”
Roberta (Wanderu user)
Best Ground Travel Provider in the Southeast
#1 WINNER
Amtrak City of New Orleans
Amtrak’s City of New Orleans not only shares a name with one of the most iconic cities in the Southeast — it also provides excellent service from its departure in Chicago, down through Southeastern states including Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, and of course Louisiana.
See more reviews“I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable the train was. I enjoyed my morning coffee sitting in the observation car looking out over the countryside as we whisked along to our destination.”
Deborah (Wanderu user)
#2 HONOREE
Amtrak Piedmont
See more reviews“Easy for someone who had not done this before. On-time with plenty of helpful people. The wifi worked well, lots of legroom.”
Joan (Wanderu user)
#3 HONOREE
Amtrak Carolinian
See more reviews“I was able to keep my phone charged and get a safe quiet nap in.”
Joseph (Wanderu user)
#4 HONOREE
Amtrak Palmetto
See more reviews“The trip was very comfortable and the staff was very helpful.”
Eric (Wanderu user)
#5 HONOREE
Jet Set Express
See more reviews“It felt really fast despite the almost 3hr commute. The bus driver spoke Spanish and English, and was very efficient.”
Sabrina (Wanderu user)
Best Ground Travel Provider in the Midwest
#1 WINNER
Amtrak Hiawatha
The Midwest is crossed by several Amtrak lines and countless bus companies, so it is no small feat to win this gold. Amtrak’s Hiawatha line, which runs from Milwaukee to Chicago, earned the highest average rating from passengers in the Midwest thanks to its unparalleled service and comfort.
See more reviews“Pleasant journey, everything as it should be. Staff on the train were the best!”
Clare (Wanderu user)
#2 HONOREE
#3 HONOREE
Amtrak Saluki
See more reviews“Very pleasant trip, conductors were very nice. Very easy and safe way to travel.”
Megan (Wanderu user)
#4 HONOREE
Amtrak Illini Service
See more reviews“It was quiet. Nice people, clean environment, and friendly staff. They were nice and helpful.”
April (Wanderu user)
#5 HONOREE
Amtrak Pere Marquette
See more reviews“The train is comfortable, relaxed, and all at a fair price.”
Michelle (Wanderu user)
Best Ground Travel Providers in the Southwest
#1 WINNER
Amtrak Thruway
Amtrak Thruway is the bus service connected to Amtrak’s nationwide train network. While it’s not concentrated within a specific route or region, Amtrak Thruway’s service in the Southwest has garnered it the number one spot in the region. Praise for Amtrak Thruway includes references to its friendly staff and comfortable seats.
See more reviews“Driver was friendly and personable. Take the bus, it’s a way to travel stress-free.”
Maryé-Elizabeth (Wanderu user)
#2 HONOREE
RedCoach
See more reviews“Polite and friendly driver who went above and beyond to please his passengers.”
Fru (Wanderu user)
#3 HONOREE
Amtrak Heartland Flyer
See more reviews“Loved the price and the convenience of getting to a major city without having to take my car.”
Lavaughn (Wanderu user)
#4 HONOREE
El Expreso Bus
See more reviews“I had a very comfortable and spacious ride. I would recommend Amtrak as the best form of travel possible.”
Modupe (Wanderu user)
#5 HONOREE
Amtrak Texas Eagle
See more reviews“The staff were excellent and deserve a raise!”
Javier (Wanderu user)
Best Ground Travel Provider in the West
#1 WINNER
Quick Shuttle
Although it faced heavy competition from several of Amtrak’s train lines, Quick Shuttle snagged the victory for Best Ground Travel Provider in the West. While traveling from Seattle to Vancouver, passengers enjoy the free, reliable WiFi, the cleanliness of the bus, and the accommodating drivers.
See more reviews“I travel a lot from Vancouver to Seattle and from now on, I don’t think I’ll use any other service. Thank you so much!”
Basma (Wanderu user)
#2 HONOREE
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner
See more reviews“It was wonderful! I saved money on gas too! I love riding the train…so relaxing.”
Meg (Wanderu user)
#3 HONOREE
#4 HONOREE
#5 HONOREE
Amtrak Cascades
See more reviews“An efficient and easy trip. Good staff and information. Comfortable and on time.”
Mona (Wanderu user)
PCAs HomeLearn about the awards and how winners are selected.
Best of the BestThe overall best bus & train carriers in the U.S. and Canada
Best By FeatureCarriers that offer the industry's best value, safety, and more.
Best by Passenger TypeThe favorite travel providers for different kinds of travelers
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