Author: Sarah Jampen Almazan

Planning a Bus Tour of Downtown Chicago’s Architecture
Chicago jam-packs some of America’s most significant architectural masterpieces. From William Le Baron Jenny to Daniel Burnham and Mies Van Der Rohe, many of the architectural greats have left their mark on the Windy City, making it a veritable wonderland for modern architecture fans.
With so many iconic buildings spread out over Chicago’s 234 mi² surface, renting a coach bus, school bus, shuttle bus, sprinter van, or minibus in Chicago for your group’s architectural visit will provide you with the flexibility of creating your own itinerary. Whether you’re an urban-planning or architecture buff, here’s how we suggest you plan your bus tour of Chicago’s most iconic buildings in the downtown area.
Sight-seeing in the Chicago Loop
The Chicago Loop is one of the best places to observe American modern architecture. Photo courtesy of @yazbadri via Twenty20
The Loop is Chicago’s central business district, and gains its moniker from the cable cart system that looped around the area in the late 1800s. Its blurred boundaries encompass many famous landmarks making it one of the most famous areas in the city, and definitely where first-timers should spend the majority of their visiting time.
While sightseeing in the Loop is perfectly manageable on foot, groups with a limited amount of time might choose to travel between points of interest by bus.
If you’re planning a bus tour of Chicago’s financial district, hop off and get a closer look of the following landmarks:
Chicago Sky Deck at the Willis Tower
The Sky Deck offers a stunning view of Chicago. Photo courtesy of @mattspencerdavey via Twenty20
- Visit Time: 1 to 1.5 hours (depending on lines!)
- Sky Deck Admission: $24 for ages 12 and up, $16 for ages 3 to 11
Built in 1973, The Willis Tower (also known as the Sears tower) is the second tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. The beautifully designed building’s main appeal is the glass-floor boxes protruding from its facade at 1,353 feet off the ground, from which visitors can observe a spectacular view of Chicago. While it provides a worthy visit for first-timers and urban-planning buffs, height-fearing visitors might want to skip the $24 entrance to the Sky Deck and move on to more earthen structures.
The Carbide and Carbon Building Lobby
The gilded tower on the Carbon & Carbide building makes it look like a bottle of champagne. Photo courtesy of @sytphotos via Twenty20
Visit Time: 15-20 minutes
The Carbide and Carbon Building, a gleaming reminder of Chicago’s most opulent decade, was built in 1929 when Americans still took their architectural cues from the old continent. The building’s facade is made of polished black granite and dark-green terracotta with gold-leaf Art Deco accents, and now houses the Hard Rock Hotel.
The building’s tapered cap is covered in 24K gold, making it look like a champagne bottle. Despite how this Art Deco masterpiece looks on the Chicago skyline, its lobby is what takes the cake in terms of lavish extravagance, so try to sneak a peek inside!
The Rookery Light Court
The Rookery’s Lobby is one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most iconic designs. Photo courtesy of @ginarossi via Twenty20.
- Visit Time: 15 to 30 min
- Frank Lloyd Wright Trust Guided Tour: $10 adults, $8 students, seniors (65+), and military.
One of the oldest standing high-rises in Chicago, the Rookery, was built during the architectural boom that ignited from the ashes of the Great Chicago Fire. While architects, Burnham and Root’s, created techniques and eclectic motifs that can be observed from the outside, it’s the Light Court designed by Frank Lloyd Wright that brings lovers of modern architecture flocking to its gilded doors. Hop off your Chicago bus tour for 15 minutes to take either a picture of this architectural icon, or invest in a $10 tour by the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust.
The Chicago Board of Trade
The Chicago Board of Trade carves an impressive shape on the Chicago skyline. Photo courtesy of @photomintie via Twenty20
- Visit time: 1h, arrive 5-10 min early for the tour
- Chicago Board of Trade Tour: $15, Reservations recommended.
Before being dethroned by the Richard J. Daley center in 1967, the Chicago Board of Trade was the highest building in Chicago, and is still known for its large trading floors. Topped by an iconic sculpture of the Roman goddess Ceres, the Art Deco behemoth stands as if it was a temple to capitalism. Ironically, construction on the Chicago Board of Trade ended in 1930, right at the beginning of the great depression.
The Sullivan Center
The Sullivan Center is trimmed with Art Deco ornamentation.
- Tour time: 45min
- Sullivan Center Architectural Tour: 15$
The Sullivan Center was built in 1899, and is situated on State Street, a commercial hub known as the birthplace of the modern department store. The building’s white terracotta facade reveals its underlying structure, and is trimmed with Sullivans famed organic ornaments. A stop at this famous department store and office building is not only a treat for Louis Sullivan enthusiasts, but also the perfect occasion to indulge in a little shopping.
Get a Full View of Chicago’s Iconic Lakefront
A boat tour is one of the best ways to get a view of the architectural masterpieces lining Chicago’s waterfront.
- Tour time: 1h15
- Shoreline sightseeing: $37 to $43 for adults, and $19 to $24 for Children (Free for children under 2)
While the Chicago waterfront can be seen on-foot from the riverfront, the best way to see it is undoubtedly by boat! A Chicago architecture boat tour will allow you to fully appreciate the density of landmarks in Chicago’s city center.
- Visit time: 45 min
- Instagreeter tours: Free
Of course, no visit of downtown Chicago would be complete without the mandatory tourist snapshot of the Cloud Gate. Visitors can learn all about the history, architecture, and art of the park by talking with one of the volunteers from Millennial Park Greeters.
If you’re planning a tour of Chicago’s iconic downtown architecture, make sure to check out our guide on renting a bus to figure out which bus type is best for your group!
May 17, 2018
17 Niagara Wineries a Short Drive from Toronto
The Niagara Region is the birthplace of Ontario’s modern wine industry, and boasts some of the country’s most sought-after wine producers. It’s also just a stone’s throw from Toronto — making it an ideal destination for bonafide vinophiles and casual connoisseurs alike.
And since a glass of wine is always better enjoyed with friends, renting a charter or minibus in Toronto is the perfect (and safest) way to enjoy a tour with groups, both big and small. A sprinter van might also be a great option for your team. A sprinter van is a type of luxury passenger vehicle that can comfortably accomodate up to 15 passengers. Bus.com offers sprinter van rentals in Toronto that come with a professional driver.
Here are our picks for the 17 must-visit locales.
1. Pearl Morissette
Enjoy traditional French dishes made with seasonal ingredients in the warm glow of Pearl Morisette’s restaurant. Photo courtesy of Pearl Morisette.
Distance: 103 km – 1h 17min Bus Ride from Toronto
Like any craft, sometimes it takes discipline in knowing when to do nothing at all. That’s the idea behind Pearl Morissette’s offerings. Hand-picked grapes are picked solely on the basis of skin maturity, which enables each grape to impact its unique character in every glass.
While Pearl Morissette loves visitors, their website states the crew is often out tending the vines, so, to avoid disappointment (both yours and theirs), tastings are booked by appointment only. They also host private functions. Anyone interested in scheduling a pop-in can call 905-562-4376, or email [email protected].
2. Fielding Estate Winery
Enjoy the fresh air and cozy up by the fire pit, while sipping on a a lively Riesling. That’s the life! Photo courtesy of Fielding Winery.
Distance: 92.8 km – 1h 20min Bus Ride from Toronto
Fielding Estate Winery’s Wine Lodge is open seven days a week, year-round, welcoming visitors to the tasting bar, offering a variety of vintages, and artisanal cheese plates and snacks to pair with them. Tours run daily at 2PM at a cost of $10, led by one of the winery’s guest service ambassadors, and includes a walk through the vineyards and winemaking facilities, as well as the barrel cellar. Private and group tastings are also available by reservation, and can be booked by emailing [email protected] or dialling 1.888.778.7758.
3. Tawse Winery
Indulge all of your senses by visiting Tawse Winery. It’s facilities are surrounded with buccolesque beauty! Photo courtesy of Tawse Winery.
Distance: 100 km – 1h 22min Bus Ride from Toronto
Found on the lower slopes of the Niagara Escarpment, Tawse is a family-owned organic and biodynamic winery and was voted Canada’s Winery of the Year in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2016. Featuring a state-of-the-art winery, complete with a six-level, gravity-flow design, geo-thermal system, and a wetland bio-filter, the inspiration for this Niagara property came from the owner’s love of Burgundian Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. For enquiries on wine tastings, tours, and corporate events call Angela Vallee 905-562-9500 ext. 328.
4. Domaine Queylus
Domaine Quaylus’ tasting corner is a cozy nook to exchange playful banter about your wine’s body and aroma. Photo courtesy of Domaine Queylus.
Distance: 111 km – 1h 32min Bus Ride from Toronto
Located in Ontario’s renowned Niagara Peninsula, Domaine Queylus utilizes their strong terroir to attain an exceptional elegance in their wines. They are dedicated to a select, limited number of varieties, identified as perfectly adaptable to the vineyard’s soils and microclimate. Groups of eight or more are invited to contact the winery ahead of time at 905-562-7474 or [email protected].
5. Château des Charmes
Château des Charmes’s tastings offers a selection of sweet and salty treats, expertly paired with their selection of wines. Photo courtesy of Château des Charmes.
Distance: 121 km – 1h 34min Bus Ride from Toronto
Proudly owned by the Bosc family, whose winemaking prowess began seven generations ago in the Alsace region of France, Château des Charmes is steeped in tradition. Today, the family farms four vineyards in Niagara-on-the-Lake, totalling 280 acres located in two distinct sub-appellations – St. David’s Bench and Four Mile Creek. They offer private tours, and the possibility of hosting private events. Contact them to reserve your visit at 905-262-4219 or [email protected].
6. Vineland Estate Winery
If you’re equal parts foodie and wine enthusiast, then a visit to Vineland Estate is for you. Photo Courtesy of Vineland Estate.
Distance: 119km – 1h 35min Bus Ride from Toronto
Open year-round, Vineland Estates Winery is more than a home of fine wine and cuisine, but also a touring facility and wine country destination. Guests can enjoy a picturesque venue, along with extensive vineyards just off the Niagara Escarpment, including a collection of restored historic buildings. From a girls’ day out, to a blind sip from a black glass, Vineland Estates Winery offers a wide range of tours and tastings, ranging from $8-$40 per person, including a master class of wine, cheese, and charcuterie.
7. Southbrook Vineyards
Enjoy life’s simple pleasures? Ask about Southbrook’s picnics in the vineyard. Photo courtesy of Southbrook Vineyard.
Distance: 122 km – 1h 35min Bus Ride from Toronto
At Southbrook Vineyards, the owners make every effort to live in harmony with the land. Their biodynamic, organic vineyard is known for producing fine, aged wines — most notably Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, classic Bordeaux blends, and Chardonnays. Tours range from $15-$25, and must be booked in advanced by calling 1-888-581-1581, or emailing [email protected].
8. Megalomaniac Winery
The team at Megalomaniac deserve extra props for their super bold, Instagrammable branding. We love their surrealist labels! Photo courtesy of Megalomaniac Winery.
Distance: 101 km – 1h 41min Bus Ride from Toronto
Original, bold, and audacious — these are the key words behind Megalomaniac Winery, who bill themselves with creating wines of distinction, but with a touch of sass. What started out with a single vintage in 2007 has grown into a 40,000 case, 110 acre operation.The winery offers tastings for both individuals and groups, as well as private and public tours by reservation. Dial 1.888.MEGALO1 to book your tour.
Megaliomaniac Winery also host fun events like live jazz music sessions and outdoor yoga, which you can book spots for on the event section of their website.
9. Kew Vineyards
Kew serves its pairings with impeccable presentation, making it a perfect choice for a bachelorette or bridal shower activity.
Distance: 110 km – 1h 46 Bus Ride from Toronto
A noted hidden gem in the heart of Niagara’s wine country, Kew Vineyards had earned the moniker of Grande Dame of the vineyards, due to the fact that its original 1975 plantings are among the oldest in the region.Though the site welcomes all guests, reservations are recommended in order to provide each visitor with a rich, one-on-one experience. Groups of six or more are encouraged to call 1-905-563-1539 or email [email protected] to reserve.
10. Redstone Winery
Redstone Winery hosts seasonal events, like $1.50 oysters and sparkling wine pairings. Follow them on their social accounts to keep up-to-date! Photo courtesy of Redstone Winery.
Distance: 112 km – 1h 47min Bus Ride from Toronto
Named 2017 Winery of the Year by Wine Align, Redstone Winery is the latest venture by Moray Tawse and his award-winning winemaking team. In addition to sprawling acres of vines, the land is also home to a newly opened hospitality centre and locally-inspired restaurant.
Redstone also caters to events for groups from eight to 100, and offers amenities fit for anything from day meetings to wedding celebrations. Those looking to plan a visit with a group and are hoping for a tour and tasting experience only can drop them a note at [email protected].
11. 13^th Street Winery
13th Street Winery hosts a slew of events that are perfect for serious wine conoisseurs, like their Wine & Food Seminar series.
Distance : 108 km – 1hr 56min Bus ride from Toronto
Founded in 1998, 13^th Street Winery celebrates 20 years of winemaking in 2018. Originally started by four amateur winemakers, the winery was purchased in 2008 by two families with deep roots in the Niagara community.
Featuring a tasting bar and guided sampling, guests are encouraged to relax on the seasonal veranda, and enjoy the relaxing surroundings or explore the grounds. The 13th Street Bakery also offers an assortment of baked goods, jams, jellies, and preserves. To book a tasting at 13th Street Winery, contact them at 905-984-8463 or email at [email protected].
12. Trius Winery
Trius Winery boasts the largest sparking wine cellar in Canada. Photo courtesy of Trius Winery.
Distance: 140 km – 1h 56min Bus Ride from Toronto
For more than 30 years, Trius Winery has been creating fine VQA wines from premium grapes grown in the four appellations of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Daily events include the Trius Winery’s Into the Vault experience, which for $30 per person guides guests into the cellar with a senior wine consultant, tasting each wine and taking a step back in time.
The new Tasting Stars: The Sparkling Experience, moreover, allows tasters to sip the award-winning Trius Brut, as well as tour the underground sparking cellar, for only $25 per person.
13. Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery
Learn about Ontario’s viniculture by visiting Ravine Vineyard’s.
Distance: 138 km – 2h 3min Bus Ride from Toronto
Steeped in family legacy and agricultural heritage, Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery is currently enjoying its incarnation as a fifth-generation family farm, run by Norma Jane (Lowrey) Harber and Blair Harber. Home to an organic winery and vineyards, as well as a sprawling kitchen garden boasting award-winning culinary concoctions, the estate has been proudly farmed by the family since 1867.
Tours and tasting experiences run from $17.70-$25 per person, ranging from a look at the history of the farm, to back vintage sampling. Book a tour at [email protected] or by dialling (905) 262-8463
14. Frogpond Farm
Learn about Frogpond Farms’ sustainable winemaking practices. Photo courtesy of Frogpond Farms.
Distance: 145 km – 2h 13min Bus Ride from Toronto
According to the folks at Frogpond Farm, harmony in nature is the prerequisite for truly authentic wine. Ontario’s first certified organic winery, Frogpond Farm was founded in 2001, and has since continued their mission of crafting premium organic wines using only environmentally sustainable practices. In addition, since 2006, Frogpond Farm has been run on 100% green electricity.
Open year-round, the winery offers a tasting room with a selection of styles and vintages to choose from.
15. Two Sisters Vineyards
Guests can enjoy Two Sisters’ elegant wines at the vineyard’s beautiful facilities. Photo courtesy of Two Sisters.
Distance: 149 km – 2h 18min Bus Ride from Toronto
Unique, beautiful, and timeless – that was the mantra behind the Marotta sisters’ setting down roots in the Niagara region. Producing ultra-premium whites and reds using superior viticultural practices, Two Sisters Vineyards tends, bunches, and thins the leaves of all fruit by hand, allowing the grapes to hang well into the fall.
In addition to a tasting and wine boutique, the grounds are available to explore during 45-minute tours, which are priced at $20 per person, allowing guests to experience all elements that go into an exceptional bottle of wine. Reservations are a must, and can be made by emailing [email protected] or calling 1-905-468-0592.
16. Peller Estates
Peller’s uses their estate grounds to host fantastic parties with live music and great food. Find out more about their “Party in the Vineyard” event series on their website. Photo Courtesy of Peller’s Vineyard.
Distance: 147 km – 2h 19min Bus Ride from Toronto
A self-described special place where winemaker Katie Dickieson and winery chef and CityLine personality Jason Parsons work together to create Canada’s most innovative wine and food experiences. Peller Estates is where people come to awaken their palate by celebrating and learning about the many nuances of wine: growing and tasting, pairing and serving, buying and cellaring.
Peller Estates offers a number of tours ranging from $30-$45, as well as ticketed events throughout the season. Wine Club members also receive the added bonus of complimentary tastings at the tasting bar and the Estate Room, plus half-priced seated tastings on the retail patio.
17. Inniskillin Wines
Inniskilin’s icewine makes a wonderful gift, from one of Niagara’s finest wineries. Photo courtesy of Inniskillin Winery.
Distance: 146 km – 2h 19min Bus ride form Toronto
Billed as the country’s original estate winery, Inniskillin has remained an industry pioneer committed to the production of premium wines made from quality grapes grown in Canada for over 40 years. They were also the first winery to receive a license after prohibition and were instrumental in developing Canada’s VQA system.
Guests can take part in three outings, ranging from $20-$35 per person, which include a classic tour, or the addition of ice wine selections and food pairings, all while enjoying an idyllic view of the Niagara Escarpment.
Road Tip, Road Trip
While our list touches on a number of excellent wineries, any trip to Niagara comes with dozens of choices to satisfy any palette. And for groups wanting to hit the road without worrying about who will play the role of designated driver, a charter or school bus rental from Toronto is the perfect way to enjoy the ride and the vino responsibly.
Are you a rookie when it comes to bus booking? Our Ultimate Guide to Bus Rentals tells you everything you need to know.
May 11, 2018
5 Outdoor Adventures 3 Hours or Less from Toronto
Escape the city for a day, or even just a few hours! These outdoor adventures near Toronto are only a quick drive away.
Who said that by moving to the city you’d be missing out on nature? If you’re a city-slicker who wants to take some time to get back to nature this summer without committing to a full-blown camping trip, these 5 activities near Toronto are for you.
Want to plan an outdoor team-bonding activity for you and your friends? A bus rental can get you there easily, safely, and on budget. Trips involving a lot of gear but few participants may benefit from the rental of a sprinter van. Bus.com offers sprinter van rentals in Toronto that can be driven by a member of your group. All you need is a regular driver’s license. Learn more about our Toronto bus rentals.
Tubing in Elora Gorge
1 hour 24 min. bus ride from Toronto
Get ready for a refreshing adventure at Elora Gorge.[/caption]
Less than 2 hours away from Toronto, Elora Gorge is like the fanciest of hotel’s water-works pool… only way better. While not exactly relaxing, Elora Gorge Tubing Adventures is an exhilarating way to experience this breathtakingly gorgeous natural area. Since tubing activities might close according to water-level and other weather conditions, we suggest planning for a back-up activity such as hiking, just in case!
Treetop Walk & Ziplining near Collingwood
1 hour 59 min. bus ride from Toronto
Credit: Horseshoe Resort
Imagine yourself gliding through a lush canopy of boreal vegetation, with fresh air filling your lungs. Now, how’s that for stress-management? This adrenaline-spiking adventure can be an awesome way for you and your colleagues to bond away from your computer screens, or to organize a wholesome (and healthy!) alternative for a bachelorette party. For more information about a tree-top Guided Eco Tour, visit the Scenic Caves website.
Kayaking in Woodbine Beach
18 min. bus ride from Toronto
Credit: Trip Advisor
The largest of all the beaches in Toronto, Woodbine offers a variety of fun aquatic activities like Stand Up Paddle Boarding and Kayaking. Peacefully gliding on calm waters is probably the best way to celebrate sunny weather after having endured a harsh Canadian winter, but we won’t blame you if all you feel like doing is lounging on the beach’s sunny shores.
Hiking in Rattlesnake Point
51 min. bus ride from Toronto
Credit: Conservation Halton
From manageable 2km boardwalks to 19km trails, Rattlesnake point offers a variety of beautiful trails through lush vegetation. You’ll be able to choose family-friendly trails where you’ll spot beautifully carved sculptures and Canadian wildlife, or challenge yourself with more advanced itineraries culminating in awe-striking views.
Biking in Algonquin Park
2 hours 58 min. bus ride from Toronto
Credit: Explorer’s Edge
A day-trip to Algonquin Park from Toronto is totally possible, as long as you’re willing to leave early enough. From scenic trails that follow the historic path of the long decommissioned Parry Sound Railway, to adrenaline-spiking mountain bike trails filled with challenging rocks, roots, and obstacles, Algonquin park has something for every level of cyclist.
There is no doubt that Ontario offers a wealth of options for the city-dweller yearning to spend a few hours away from the bustling streets of Toronto. If you hear the calling of the wild but don’t want to wander out there on your own, we suggest renting a bus and bringing all of your nature-loving friends along for the ride.
First time renting a bus? Read our ultimate guide to bus rentals to get started!
May 3, 2018
How to Plan your East Coast College Bus Tour
Campus visits are probably the most (if not the only!) fun part of the college application process. But, they can also be daunting for parents with limited time and budget to shuttle their teens around the country.
Planned bus tours can help parents manage their kids’ Boston college tour schedule by allowing them to clump several schools together. More importantly, fewer chaperones means that teens will be able to picture what their campus experience will be like as an independent young adult!
If you’re thinking of planning a college and university bus tour for a group of prospective students, here are a few tips to get you started.
Planning a college bus tour in the Boston area? Learn more about Boston bus rentals and minibus rentals.
Decide on your group size
The amount of teens you’re moving is a very important factor for college bus tours. As a rule of thumb, assume that the bigger your group gets, the more complicated it will become to organize your itinerary.
5 to 15 people
If you are simply traveling in a small group made up of close friends and peers, then it might make more sense to rent a passenger van. Bus.com offers sprinter van rentals that can be either driven by a member of your group or by a professional chauffeur.
15 to 29 People
Planning your itinerary will be fairly simple, as some universities don’t even require reservations for a group this size! (But verify on each school’s website to be safe.) To keep your trip economical, we suggest looking into renting a school bus or a mini-bus.
With any group bigger than 10 people, you will need to make sure you book every single visit ahead of time. Consider renting a school bus for shorter trips and a mini coach bus for longer ones.
30 People or More
Once your group hits 30 students, you might run into scheduling challenges. Some schools like North Eastern won’t let you schedule a visit for a group of 50 people, and will suggest that the group split up and register to tours campus visits separately. Harvard only allows you to register visitors 5 at a time for information sessions, and have limited of spots per time slot.
If you are organizing a tour for a large group of students, we suggest renting two vehicles and staggering your groups’ college visit itineraries.
Plan for chaperones
Some schools like Boston University require that there be a chaperone present for every 15 students, so make sure you plan the proper adult-to-teen ratio ahead of time.
As for any group trip involving unaccompanied minors, you will need to make sure that each teen has a legal guardian fill out a permission slip detailing which adult is legally responsible for them during their travels, and make sure that the chaperones also accept legal responsibility for the group in writing.
Decide on when to visit
The ideal moment to visit a college would be a high-school holiday during which colleges are still in session.
Most campuses don’t accept visits on the weekends, making the summer slightly more practical for extensive college touring itineraries. However, fall and winter months are great to get a better idea of college life, and avoid unrealistic expectations of eternal good weather on campus.
Map out your itinerary
New England might seem small, but mapping your trip out and being aware of commute time will ensure you can make all of your appointments.
To create your itinerary, map out all your stops, and then arrange your itinerary in a “loop” with as little double-backs as possible. We recommend keeping it to 6 stops or less, and limiting yourself to 2 colleges per day to keep the trip manageable.
Planning your Boston Metropolitan Area College Bus Tour
Boston city is the perfect starting point to your East Coast college bus tour. And, with Boston University, MIT, and Harvard in such close proximity, it will be easy for you to plan several visits in one day, or to split up your group based on the students’ interests. If the weather permits it, we suggest docking the bus and making your way between schools afoot for your students to get a better idea of what student life in Boston can be like.
Lincoln’s Inn Fields, Harvard University
Planning your Rhode Island College Bus Tour
Rhode Island is a two hour bus ride from Boston, making Brown University your next logical stop on the East Coast college campus circuit. Depending on how many schools you want to visit in the area, you might end up pairing this visit with a campus in Providence or New Hampshire.
Brown’s campus in Rhode Island
Planning your Connecticut & New Hampshire College Bus Tour
This is a three hour bus ride from Boston, so we suggest blocking a full day for visits to Yale and University of New Haven. Since New Hampshire is a half hour away from Connecticut, you could plan a Dartmouth visit on your way to Connecticut.
Yale’s campus in New Haven
Planning your New York Metropolitan Area College Bus Tour
Packing New York college visits into your itinerary might be ambitious, but it is doable if you’re ready for the 5 hour bus ride from Boston to the Big Apple.
Many students are attracted to NYU and Columbia because they are situated in a vibrant city. To let the teens on your tour figure out if they would prefer attending school in NYC rather than a university town, we suggest docking your tour bus and moving your student group from school to school by subway.
NYU’s urban campus
Book everything in advance
The more ambitious your student bus tour is, the more important it becomes for you to proactively book your visits and accommodations ahead of your trip.
Most colleges and universities have comprehensive websites with easy to use sign-up forms, and near-campus accommodation recommendations. If you’re visiting during the summer, we suggest inquiring about on-campus accommodations in dorms, which will add to your group’s college experience!
We also suggest taking advantage of our flexible cancellation policy, and reserving the tour bus you need for your group. To find out how much renting a school bus, mini bus, or coach bus would cost for your East Coast college campus tour, you can request a bus rental quote here.
April 26, 2018
5 San Francisco Craft Breweries Worth the Day Trip
Planning a bar-hop for your buddy’s last day as a bachelor, or a corporate craft brewery tour? These San Francisco Peninsula joints are only a quick bus ride away from the city.
If California is the holy land of specialty brews, San Francisco is without a doubt the mecca. No longer considered a popular and common place drink, beer has gained a following of passionate connoisseurs and collectors. There are over 100 craft breweries and brewpubs in the Bay Area boasting productions of everything from traditional beers inspired by hundred-year-old recipes, to irreverently new and experimental flavours.
To get you started on your beer-fuelled pilgrimage across the Peninsula, we’ve compiled a list of 10 breweries within reach of San Francisco.
Make sure you have a designated driver for your San Francisco craft brewery bus tour! Learn more about our charter bus companies in San Francisco.
Pro travel tip: if your craft brewery tour group is made up of 15 or fewer passengers, you will all fit on a comfortable sprinter van rental. Bus.com offers sprinter vans for rent in San Francisco that can fit up to 15 passengers comfortably.
Freewheel Brewery – Redwood City
40 minutes Bus Ride from San Francisco
Courtesy of Freewheel Brewing Co.
This laidback (dog-friendly!) space serves up a smooth and flavourful Cask Ale. Traditionalists will appreciate the naturally carbonated beverage, as the Free Wheel team uses traditional British brewing to concoct their beers. Their pub-grub with a Californian twist includes many vegetarian options, and they have great live shows every weekend.
The Free Wheel Brewery is great for hosting a low-key event or grabbing lunch with some friends.
Blue Oak Brewing – San Carlos
30 minutes Bus Ride from San Francisco
Courtesy of Blue Oak Brewing Co.
A friendly hangout off the beaten path, Blue Oak is basically a beer counter in a warehouse space. This gem of a craft brewery specializes in Belgian Ales and experimental flavors with intriguing names like “Hannibal Nectar”, “Inky and the Grain”, and “Razmanian Devil”.
Within the next couple of months, they plan to expand into their unit next door adding up to 800 square feet of tasting room and adding 2 more bathrooms to their current indoor plumbing.
With little seating and only a snack bar to hold you over, Blue Oak makes a great pit-stop on a bar-hopping itinerary, or on your way to an event.
Half Moon Bay Brewing Co. – El Granada
30 minutes Bus Ride from San Francisco
Courtesy of Half Moon Bay Brewing Co.
Could there be anything better than savouring a frosty beer and staring out at the ocean while waiting for your waiter to bring over a deliciously creamy clam chowder? Situated near Maverick’s Beach and Rancho Corral de Tierra, a beer and gourmet seafood extravaganza at this beach-side brewery can be perfectly paired with a surfing or hiking adventure.
This awesome venue is a 30 minutes drive from San Francisco, and can host anything from a beer-making team-building activity, to rehearsal dinners and receptions for up to 250 people.
Loma Brewing Company – Los Gatos
30 minutes Bus Ride from San Francisco
Courtesy of Loma Brewing Co.
With its mouth-watering menu made from locally sourced ingredients, and refreshing beer selection, Loma guarantees a pleasant beer-sampling experience.
About an hour drive from San Francisco, Loma’s high-ceilinged warehouse vibe is perfect for hosting private events for up to 50 people. They have been known to host eclectic activities like terrarium building and beer-yoga.
Armstrong Brewing Co – South San Francisco
20 minutes Bus Ride from San Francisco
Courtesy of Amstrong Brewing Co.
This underground spot caters to adventurous palates with cheeky concoctions like the Strawberry Milkshake IPA, Coffee Stouts beer-floats topped with vanilla ice-cream, and fun snacks like sourdough pizzas. A 20 minute drive from downtown San Francisco brings you to this party-ready brewery where they host Trivia Night on Wednesday and Game Night on Thursdays.
Armstrong Brewing Co. can seat up to 70 people, and can be outfitted with projectors for a low-key private events.
Ready to plan a brewery-hop in the San Francisco Bay Area? The best way to do so safely and efficiently is by bus rental. Find out how much a tour bus rental from San Francisco to Palo Alto, San Carlos, or El Granada would cost by requesting a San Francisco bus rental quote.
April 21, 2018
Bus Tickets and Bus Rentals for March for Our Lives
With an estimated 500,000 protesters flocking to the nation’s capital, Washington is about to get crowded! As we learnt from last year’s Women’s March, getting protesters to D.C. by bus can get complicated.
Whether you’re travelling to the official march in D.C., or to one of the many sister marches sprouting up all over the country, here are some tips on how to get there by bus solo, or with a group of fellow protesters.
Shuttle Tickets to Washington D.C.
The bus rideshare model is a great way to travel to the march if you are going solo. You’ll meet other participants along the way, and benefit from our award-winning customer service through our in-app chatrooms. It’s the best way to feel safe, and interact with like-minded travellers!
We have already set up the following bus routes from 9 different cities, and have pledged to donate all the profits from the ticket sales to the victims of the Parkland attack and their families, via the National Compassion Fund. You can purchase your coach bus tickets to Washington here. Both round-trips and one-way tickets are available.
March 24 Bus Departures
- Baltimore – 7:00AM, $54 Round Trip
- Boston – 11:00 PM, $88 Round Trip
- Newark – 5:30 AM, $78 Round Trip
- Philadelphia – 5:30 AM, $58 Round Trip
- Providence – 12: 30 AM, $88 Round Trip
- Raleigh – 2:00 AM, $82 Round Trip
March 23 Departures
- New York Grand Hyatt – 6:00 PM, $78 Round Trip
- Charlotte – 11:00 PM, $70 Round Trip
- Cleveland – Departure at 5:50 PM, $90 Round Trip
Drop off address in Washington D.C.
2400 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA
* Pick-up addresses in all cities will be updated in the next 24 hours. You can request stops on these routes by filling out this form.
Bus tickets to March For Our Lives Colorado
We’re also running buses to the Colorado sister march. You can purchase your bus tickets for Denver, Colorado here.
- Boulder Safeway – 2798 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80302, USA 12:30 PM, $30 Round Trip
- Fort Collins – 11:15 AM, $44 Round Trip
Drop off address in Denver, Colorado
Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse520 W Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80204, USA
* Pick-up addresses in all cities will be updated in the next 24 hours. You can request stops on these routes by filling out this form.
Bus Rentals for March for Our Lives
Sponsoring a bus rental for your community is a great way to get to D.C. or any other sister marches around the country, as a group. If you’re thinking of chartering a bus, here a few things you need to consider:
Bus Rental Price Surges
Securing a bus early is key, particularly during a busy weekend. During the Women’s March, the price for charter buses experienced a 60% price surge. Find out how much a bus rental would cost you by requesting a bus quote here.
Splitting the Bill with your Group
Coach buses can seat up to 55 people, which is a lot of people to run after! During our easy online booking process, you’ll be able to split the bill with your group. If you’re traveling a shorter distance, we suggest requesting a school bus, which is a more budget-friendly option.
Challenging Bus Parking Situation
With the large amount of people expected in D.C., bus parking lots will get booked fast. Our experts can help you plan alternative parking situations, and make sure that you don’t have to deal with the logistical gymnastics involved with booking group transportation!
Bus Rental Cancelation Policies
Bus.com offers a cancelation policy that is more flexible than most bus rental companies. We offer 100% refund on 10 day before departure cancellations for coach buses, and 3 days before departure for school buses. Other bus rental companies usually refuse to issue refunds after 15 days.
Requesting a quote and securing a bus rental is easy with our simple online booking process. Just fill out a quote request here, and one of our experts will be in touch to help you set up bus transportation to March for Our Lives in D.C., Colorado, or any other sister around the U.S.
March 1, 2018
Startup Open House – Round 2
Last year, we held our first Startup Open House.
We invited friends, had a little photo booth, and sponsored shuttles to get attendees to startups throughout the city.
There were some hiccups. It turns out, providing people with a schedule of departure locations and times is tough (we see you, STM). But we learned a lot, and still managed to move a lot of people.
This year, we grew really fast.
Our team is now 25 strong thinkers, coders, designers, writers, and planners. We’ve deployed technology that’s never existed before in the charter bus space, and we’re continuing to solidify our position as the best bus transportation partners for the best events across North America.
Again, we partnered with Real Ventures, to sponsor shuttles for Startup Open House in Montreal. The buses moved between the Mile End, Notman House, and the Old Port.
Instead of a schedule, we provided public access to our Trip Viewer, allowing participants to see the buses at any given moment. We even had Alex Shee lead conversations about the startup community on several shuttles.
And the feedback we received was exceptional.

People loved our mobile friendly Trip Viewer. They enjoyed hearing our story, and an incredible amount of people (especially the students) had already ridden with Sharethebus before.

Our team thanks everyone that stopped by our office to say hello, to everyone that tested our shuttles, and to all the wonderful individuals that we met throughout our journey.
February 16, 2018
How to Create an Awesome Bus Experience
This is going to come as a surprise to some of you, but at Sharethebus we’re all about buses. I know, I know – shocking. But what I’m hearing these days is there’s no such thing as a good blog post without shock value. But seriously, we’re so accustomed to awkward, uncomfortable bus trips from city to city that we forgot how much fun we used to have back in the day in the back of the bus (cue OutKast song).
Over the last 12 months we’ve worked with hundreds of event organizers and the fact remains: buses are the best way to get to an event. Hands down. No questions asked. Truth is, when you have a bus that’s designated for a specific event it’s different than any other way of getting to an event. Why? Because what happens is you get on a the bus, maybe with a group of friends, and meet a lot of strangers, and by the end of the trip you’ve made 40 new friends. A (rather large) wolf pack, if you will. This all happens because you’re traveling to an event with a common cause, and that denominator makes all the difference.
There’s a lot that we’ve seen, and I think it’s time that we let you in on a few secrets. Without further ado, here’s five things you can do to make an awesome bus experience:
1. Have a competition
A competition? On a bus? Yep.
Here’s what we’ve seen. FounderFuel’s Demo Day runs buses from Toronto, Ottawa, and Quebec City to Montreal for entrepreneurs and startup peeps. On the way there they have a pitch competition for entrepreneurs to pitch their companies in front of an audience of tech enthusiasts. Why’s it great? Because the buses also have journalists, angel investors, and freelancers from the area. As an entrepreneur, it’s insanely difficult to get some time with an angel investor or a journalist so this is your shot.
What’s more is the winners on each bus’s pitch competition gets to pitch for 30 seconds on Demo Day in front of a crowd of 1,000 people. That finalist gets a spot in the following year’s FounderFuel cohort.
On one bus ride you could literally change the entire direction of your business.
2. Give your attendees some swag
As an attendee, there’s nothing better than those great unexpected surprises. It improves the experience and leaves a positive impression of the organizer. Republic Live’s WayHome provided attendees with a grab bag filled with some sunglasses, sunscreen, and an event map.
This did a couple of things. First, attendees were able to get acquainted with the festival grounds: figuring out where they’d be camping, where the stages are, and getting insanely hyped for the upcoming sets.
3. Speakers on a bus
You can often request that a bus has a microphone system. This opens up the floor for all sorts of relevant talks.
We’ve seen this work great for student conferences where they’ll invite speakers on buses to give Q&As on relevant subjects before the event. It’s also terrific for larger conferences where attendees may travel between various venues for different experiences. A speaker could prep their moods for the change in ambience.
Speakers on a bus
4. Prep your buses for a proper nap
Under many circumstances, your travellers may hope to catch some shuteye on their bus trip, either to or from the event. Sure, sometimes reclining in your seat and closing your eyes is enough, but often you can go a step above. Providing travellers with a sleeping mask and earplugs can set the scene for the most perfect nap. You can take it a step further by playing white or brown noise in the background. This is great for things like hackathons or night trips home from music festivals.
5. Feed the people!
You’re probably thinking this is the most obvious one, but it must still be mentioned.
Hack the North and Sharethebus provided travellers arriving from the airport with Starbucks Frappuccinos, granola bars, and bottled water. If you’re flying in all the way from Italy, like some attendees did, something as simple as a refreshment and a snack to kill the hunger can go a long way.
On FounderFuel’s Demo Day, they also make it a point to get everyone a couple of slices of pizza. On the bus. Not to mention several baskets filled with fruits and water bottles.
People enjoying pizza on a bus during Founders Fuel’s Demo Day
There are other things that can be done, too. Partnering with local food trucks at departure or arrival points is an awesome way to promote local businesses and hook travellers up with a taste of something different. And, in the summer, delighting passengers with a surprise ice cream stop goes a long way too. Imagine on the way back from a team-building hike for your company you get everyone a cone of soft serve? Awesome.
Hand holding an ice cream cone in the middle of a deserted highway road
We believe that buses are awesome.
The way people get to your event shouldn’t be underestimated. Buses, and the ride there, is an extension of your event. Make sure you’re leaving your travellers with a lasting impression.
If you liked this post, be sure to hit the “share” button and get the word out to your friends!
April 21, 2017
We became the top bus company ever on Product Hunt
Here’s what that meant for us.
We thought about submitting on Product Hunt for a while, but never got around to it because we weren’t entirely happy with our tool. But, by the time of the submission, that had changed entirely.
At the time we were testing our Simple Booking Tool for booking charter buses anywhere in North America. Right before the Hunt, we completed the first version of our learning algorithm that provided instant quotes for buses.
Instant pricing anywhere in North America was a first of its kind in the charter bus industry.
We weren’t expecting anything crazy from our Product Hunt launch, to be honest. There’s a lot of great products hunted every day, and we knew that it would be tough to stand out. We were confident that we’d get a bit of use and traffic, but didn’t think it would be much more than that.
We were wrong.
The launch drove a lot of traffic, specifically 913 sessions in one day. We continue to see remnants of Product Hunt traffic to this day, proving itself as a legitimate, though unsustainable, lead source for our team.
What’s very interesting is out of all our referral traffic, Product Hunt drove the second most significant push of traffic in a single day than any other source in Sharethebus history. While this may not seem that surprising to some of you, it was to us.
Often, when a festival partners with us, we see a growth in traffic in the first year. The second year, if they work with us again (as of now we have a 0% churn rate from festivals), we see a large spike during their lineup announcement. For instance, when WayHome announced their epic lineup we saw a huge push, same goes for Osheaga, Amnesia Rockfest, and others.
Traffic is good and great, but the key here isn’t that just anyone was checking out our product. It’s that relevant people who have a keen eye on great product design, usability, and concept were messing around with what we’ve built. This demographic is one that we’re building for.
From this traffic 112 people completed our funnel and received quotes for their trips.
We were surprised to see approximately 5% of individuals converting to paying customers. This was least expected.
Introducing TJ from Miami
“Your tool relieved all the paint points of group travel organization. The bus companies I previously worked with really don’t understand the tech space or the modern day customer. You guys provided us with a real modern day experience.”
TJ, a Product Hunter, saw what we were offering and immediately realized that our tool would solve a need for him right away: transportation for a friend’s bachelor party that he was organizing.
Initially, their group booked with a different company for the first leg of their trip. They were forced to use fax machines to send invoices, lots of calling, and overall had a very difficult experience. It took hours and caused a lot of frustration.
For the remainder of their weekend getaway, they went with Sharethebus. TJ was surprised how quickly he was able to book a whole bus for him and his crew.
What’s more, is the overall experience on the bus was an improvement. Since Sharethebus selects their bus partners carefully, and work hard to ensure our drivers are not just safe, but also friendly and provide riders with the service they deserve.
Conclusion

What’s important here is Product Hunt allowed us to test something that was new to us, and validate it.
For the last year we had worked with many large scale events offering top knotch logistical support. Of our riders, many had began asking us, “Can we use this for smaller trips?”
Yes. Now you can.
Today, we’re able to support any event moving tens of thousands of people with the same reliability, attention to detail, and experience as was required for a 10-person getaway for a bachelor party. For a team that’s just a year old, that’s one hell of an accomplishment.
April 21, 2017
Sharethebus joins Y Combinator
The team at Sharethebus is very excited to partake in this experience yet at the same time incredibly humbled by the opportunity. We’re working hard to alleviate the pain points between event organizers, travellers and bus companies when it comes to booking and filling a charter bus. We want to change the way North Americans perceive riding a bus or figuring out how to rent one by providing the best experience possible for everyone involved in the process.
We especially want to thank the Montreal Startup Community for being incredible in our journey thus far. We wouldn’t have got to where we are now if it weren’t for the help and support of our fellow entrepreneurs, investors, and ultimately the rad bunch of people we met along the way.
Last but not least, big shoutout to the entire Sharethebus family (who grew 5x in size over the past few months!) for being part of this inspiring yet at times bumpy ride, and doing what they do best: hustle, hustle, hustle!
We’re now ramping things up and counting down the final days until YC’s Demo Day – a familiar but just as thrilling road as it once was when we first pitched at FounderFuel a year ago.
March 16, 2016