I’m going to caveat this by saying that I have no clue about Western Europe, but here in the East (and particularly the Balkans) bus travel is a world away from the American experience. Thank goodness!
In the U.S., bus travel has become a thing for not the lower class, but the underclass. Illegal aliens appear to be making high use of busses, while those who can’t drive or fly because of legal issues (much less cost) join them. Seating and rules are not enforced (at least on the hound) and altercations appear to be the norm based on my experiences last year. Again, the employees of the hound presume everyone on the bus is underclass and it is rare and nice to find one that is polite, helpful, etc.
Here, my experience with long-distance bus travel is pretty much the exact opposite. On both long-hauls there were retired couples just out traveling, a number of apparently middle-class people out and about, and a smattering of younger people. I will note that in both border crossings, it was a younger passenger that apparently had some questions asked of them and were checked out before being allowed to proceed. About a 20 minute delay both ways for them to make inquiries and such.
With one exception (who got a word from the driver) everyone was polite and well behaved. There was none of the drama you get on the hound. The exception was an older lady who was VERY in charge of her apparent husband and special-needs son who joined the bus at one of the last stops before the border, apparently no reservation, and tried to be a diva. A quick word from the driver had her in a seat and quiet almost instantly. Like I said, night and day difference.
Another huge difference was that the busses were comfortable and clean. The seats can recline, are well maintained, etc. You also can, for a small fee, ensure that the seat next to you is free — which came in handy given that my shoulders overlap standard seats a fair bit. The bus company I used (Flix Bus) has a number of low-cost optional extras that I made use of. Instead of about $15 each way, I paid app. $25 each way (four+ hour trip each way) and had a very comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Oh, and no government-mandated lectures or warnings, or general announcements at all. The only time one would have been needed was on the way back when the police closed the “interstate” and put traffic onto side roads — which came to a standstill. We sat there an hour, and the best guess of the two drivers (as I overheard them talking at one point) was that there had been an accident on a stretch that was just two lanes. With the exception of one person (possibly an American from voice, young) who complained once about the delay as she was on the way to the Sofia airport, nobody got excited or upset. The young American got told there was nothing that could be done, no alternate routes, and an implied sit down and shut up. She did.
While you can buy tickets at the local station (usually part of the central train station), I highly recommend buying online and in advance. Better prices, better English, more options, etc.
I do think that there is an international regulation requiring a certain number of bus drivers be characters. The first driver I had was such, and clearly was having fun with the tourists. He pretty much ordered me to de-ruck (think he actually may have used those words in Bulgarian) and relax when I first came up. He also double-checked my ticket (on the phone) and made sure I got on the right (his) bus and settled in. Even used some hand signals, and I have to admit I’m wondering if he wasn’t an NCO at some point. None of my gear was military and my hair is now very unreg, but…
One thing I will mention is that quite often the drivers either don’t speak English or may not admit they do. Learning some basics of the local language helps. That said, even if they don’t most of them will guide you and make sure you get on the right bus at the right time, etc. The person in the bus office most likely can speak some English (along with a bit of other languages) and can be help even if you bought online. For example, the nice young lady in the Thessaloniki bus office (a tour company that was also agent for several bus lines) told me where to go grab a last Greek coffee (and breakfast) and to come back and wait in the office as it was a little wet and nippy.
I’m headed up to the train station in a bit to see about getting to Troyan and a surprise trip if I can pull it off. Romania is not going to happen this trip, sadly; but, it should still be there when I get the chance to head back this way. If train service is on par with bus service so far, I will be a happy camper. If no trains available, I will not hesitate to take the bus again.
Again, can’t speak to Western Europe, but here I will not hesitate to take the bus. It was a far better experience than in the U.S., was efficient, and at a very good price. If you are coming to Bulgaria or the Balkans, do keep it in mind.
If you would like to help me with this trip, seminary courses, and more, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. I’ve added Cash App ($CliffPow7) and Venmo (@Clifford-Powers-5). There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. Getting hit by lightning is not fun! It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.