Can you really ride Megabus for $1? Here’s what a California trip actually costs

Traveling on a ride-share bus service through California can be an affordable way to get around the Golden State — the key is to book in advance to snag the best possible rate.

Companies like Megabus advertise fares starting as low as $1 for a one-way ticket. But how soon do travelers have to book a trip to secure low travel rates?

California Megabus announced in a May news release, it would provide daily trips between Anaheim, Los Angeles, Bakersfield, Fresno, San Francisco, Oakland and Sacramento.

Here’s how the cost actually breaks down for Megabus as you get into the booking process:

Last-minute tickets

We get it — life happens and it can be difficult to plan ahead.

If you find yourself needing to book a bus ticket within the month of your travel plans, prices with Megabus seem to be consistent whether you decide to book tickets the same day or even 30 days out.

A reporter at The Bee checked ticket pricing on the Megabus website on May 17. Here’s a breakdown on one-way pricing for cities you can get to in California with Megabus from Sacramento as of Wednesday:

• Anaheim: Traveling to Orange County? From Sacramento, a trip with Megabus will take up to 12 hours and 30 minutes, depending which time of day you hit the road. One-way tickets will run you $79.99, whether you purchase it the same day or within the month.
• Los Angeles: Plans to visit L.A.? From Sacramento, a trip with Megabus will take up to 11 hours and 45 minutes, depending which time of day you leave. One-way tickets will run you $69.99, whether you purchase it the same day or within the month.
• Bakersfield: Headed to Central California? From Sacramento, a trip with Megabus can take up to 8 hours and 45 minutes, depending which time of day you leave. One-way tickets will run you $49.99, whether you purchase it the same day or within the month.
• Fresno: From Sacramento, a trip with Megabus can take up to 6 hours and 35 minutes, depending which time of day you leave. A one-way ticket will run you $49.99, whether you purchase it the same day or within the month.
• San Francisco: Taking a trip to the Bay Area? From Sacramento, a trip with Megabus can take up to 2 hours and 10 minutes, depending which time of day you leave. A one way ticket will run you $14.99, whether you purchase the same day or within the month.
• Oakland: From Sacramento, a trip with Megabus can take up to 1 hour and 40 minutes, depending which time of day you leave. A one-way ticket will run you $14.99, whether you purchase the same day or within the month.

We compared Megabus and Greyhound’s ticket prices, and discovered you can find cheaper tickets with Greyhound if you have flexibility with your travel plans. Otherwise, Megabus is more consistent across the board.

Greyhound tickets from Sacramento to Los Angeles, leaving the Friday before Memorial Day weekend, are priced at $69.99 for its 10:15 a.m. departure. Greyhound offers more departure times but prices range from $91 to $143, for a one-way ticket.

The Bee reached out to Megabus for comment and did not immediately receive a response.

How to get a $1 ticket from Megabus

When you book more than a month in advance through Megabus, that’s when you’ll start to find the advertised $1 travel fares a few times per week. When you book at about two months in advance, the $1 travel fares become available daily, for at least one of the advertised travel times.

What’s my total at checkout?

Once you’ve secured your tickets you’ll be asked to select a seat for your journey. General seating is free, but panoramic seats, extended view seats and table seats all require an additional fee.

Upgraded seat prices vary depending on day, time and demand of travel, according to the Megabus website.

At checkout you’ll also see an additional $3.99 booking fee added to your total.

This story was originally published May 17, 2023 at 2:04 PM with the headline "Can you really ride Megabus for $1? Here’s what a California trip actually costs."