So Im trying to go visit my girlfriend up in Grand Rapids, MI for next weekend, and im looking at bus tickets to go to chicago where I can pick up my car and drive the rest of the way. But they are well priced over $20 each way, just to chicago. Seems pretty pricey to me, so is this standard fare? am I getting ripped off? is there a secret promo I can use? any advice? Thanks guys.

$20 doesn't seem like that much

My freshman year I took the bus to Woodfield Mall and got picked up. Did this maybe 3-4 times because I didn't have a car at school that year. It was pretty solid and fairly priced considering the cost of gas. I think it was maybe around $25 when I was doing it. I never thought it was outrageous, but maybe it's just me. Picks you up on campus and then an easy ride home. Drops you off in the same fashion.

 

You can also take the train, though I've never done that. I know some people that have done it though and it seemed alright. Little more of a hassle though, as you need a ride there, harder pickup if you don't live in the city, need a ride back to campus, etc.

Edited September 18, 200817 yr by IlliniKrush

I think im just being cheap, but its $29 each way thru Suburban Express; $26 each way thru LEX express

You probably are a bit, I mean if you were to hitch a ride with a friend home, what do you think would be a fair price to pay them considering the cost of gas, and the fact that they are doing you a favor getting you home? At least $20?

 

You could try that route as well - find someone that could give you a ride (you're welcome SnB). I'm unsure if there's a setup other than say Craigslist that arranges rides. I thought I remember something like that existed though...

Edited September 18, 200817 yr by IlliniKrush

Well, its about 140 miles depending on where in Chicago you are going. IF you get 35 mpg, you are still looking at 4 gallons of gas at about $3.70 so it about would cost $15 in gas to drive. $20 doesn't seem too bad.

 

even at $26, it's not that much more than driving

Edited September 18, 200817 yr by Leonard Zelig

Alright, thanks guys, appreciate it alot, I think I was just hoping there were cheaper rates out there, oh well, I guess I'll go with it.

Alright, thanks guys, appreciate it alot, I think I was just hoping there were cheaper rates out there, oh well, I guess I'll go with it.

 

I used to date a girl who went to U of I and there was a bulletin board somewhere (can't remember what building) where people would could look rides or riders to help with gas.

I just came in here to say that I am an Illini. Though, I have no help as I haven't been home yet. I take it you're a freshman? Where you living at?

I used to date a girl who went to U of I and there was a bulletin board somewhere (can't remember what building) where people would could look rides or riders to help with gas.

 

Some of the dorms have this.

 

When I went there, I used Amtrak and Suburban Express.

Amtrak was the way to go for me. Or the Ride Board. Although when I was there in the late 20's and gas was a nickel a gallon...the ride board was in the Union. But, yes, the dorms had them too.

Seems like you are going to take the bus, but if you or anyone decides to drive, remember that Illinois is upping their speeding picture units in construction zones. So if some a-hole is tailgating you don't worry about, it's better than getting stuck with a ticket for speeding in a construction zone

Also, if you are driving and depending on your final destination, it may be faster to take rt. 47 instead of I-57. This was before the new 355 extension was open, though.

the busses are all going to be about 25-30

 

the train is a cheaper altnerative if you get your tickets a little early on, i think it was like 15 roundtrip.

Also, if you are driving and depending on your final destination, it may be faster to take rt. 47 instead of I-57. This was before the new 355 extension was open, though.

Route 47 is too slow with too many cars and stop lights/signs

 

There is a better route my dad has taken for 20+ years and it is more direct than 47

Route 47 is too slow with too many cars and stop lights/signs

 

There is a better route my dad has taken for 20+ years and it is more direct than 47

 

Yeah, but you get to tour scenic Straw, population 100.

I just came in here to say that I am an Illini. Though, I have no help as I haven't been home yet. I take it you're a freshman? Where you living at?

Im in Saunders over at PAR, not ideal but atleast we have the new cafeteria How about you, are you a freshman also?

Yup, I'm in Bromley.