Bus vs. Plane

After checking thousands of travel forum discussions I have noticed a trend.  People always wanting to know whether or not to take a bus or a plane during their travels in South America.  Let me be the one to say, BUS!

Unless time is a serious constraint and you have extra money to pay for multiple plane tickets, taking the buses that run cross country here in South America is a super fun experience and there are actually a lot of perks that planes can’t compare with.

Here are my Top 5 reasons why taking a bus across South America is not only more cost effective, but a lot cooler!

First class seats for way less than economy prices

The seats on the cross country buses in South America are just like business and first class seats on some of the planes.  They are spacious, comfy and recline almost 180 degrees with a build in leg/foot rest.  It is much easier to fall asleep in these roomier seats versus the upright and cramped seats on a plane.

Spectacular views- a tour built into the price of a ticket

Travelling from Buenos Aires to Jujuy in the North of Argentina is definitely a long trip – approximately 20 hours by bus, stopping in Salta – but the vast amount of the country that you get to see while passing through on ground level as opposed to high in the sky is unbeatable.  One bus ride I took had us in the middle of nowhere in the middle of the night, and it was the one and only time in my entire life I saw a sky full of stars so bright and vibrant I was almost moved to tears.

Movies from the 90s

For me, a movie buff, there is nothing better than getting to reconnect with some of my favorite bootlegged movies from the past.  Once I was lucky enough to catch The Never Ending Story and White Men Can’t Jump in the same trip.  A 17 hour bus ride also gives you the chance to see some movies you may have never heard of before, but quickly become your favorites.  All in all, the bus ride offers constant entertainment if you haven’t brought your own as they keep the movies playing from the time the trip starts until you arrive, something that planes these days do not.

Fellow travellers

It is quite often that you meet people travelling in the same direction you are on your bus, and are awarded the next 20 hours or so to chat with them.  They may have great travel tips for where you are going that might positively affect the rest of your travels.  The environment is a friendlier one on buses versus planes, making it easier to get to know the people around you.  Who knows, they may turn out to be your new best friend, husband or wife…

Price, Price, Price!

Although lately the pricing has been more competitive between the airlines and the bus companies, a bus will always be cheaper.  This especially goes for out of the country travellers.  While Argentina residents’ plane fares are quoted a certain number in AR pesos, for foreigners, the same price applies, but in USD.  This alone should sway you from impulse purchasing a plane ticket and look into taking the bus the next time.  Give yourself a chance to connect with the earth.

What kind of bus experiences have you had?  Tell us about it…