Greyhound is one of the most affordable ways to travel long distances by bus, and there are even ways to pay less or, in some cases, nothing at all. Free Greyhound bus tickets are primarily available through specific partnership programs for people in crisis situations, such as runaway youth or patients needing medical treatment.
Fortunately, several programs and organizations will help you get your Greyhound bus ticket for free or at a discount. Read on to find out what those programs are and how to apply for them
Best Ways to Get Discounted Greyhound Bus Tickets
1. Book Early — It Saves a LOT
One of the best ways to save money on Greyhound tickets is to book in advance. Fares are typically lower several weeks before departure. The earlier you book, the cheaper the tickets will be.
2. Use the Greyhound app or website
Buying tickets online usually offers lower prices than buying them at the station. Download the app or use the website: early bird deals and digital fares are often more affordable.
3. Travel on weekdays for lower fares
Tickets on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are cheaper because fewer people travel on those days. You can get discounts of 20% to 40% if you choose these days.
4. Join the Road Rewards program
Greyhound’s Road Rewards is a free loyalty program. Everyone who joins gets:
- 10% off their first ticket
- Points for every trip they take
- Future discounts and potential free companion tickets
You can sign up when you book or on the Greyhound website.
5. Take advantage of discount programs
Greyhound offers specific discounts for certain groups:
Military and veterans: If you are active-duty military, a veteran, or a military family member, you can get a 10% discount on select fares through the WeSalute+ program.
Students: Students can get about 10% off tickets with the Student Advantage discount card. You must register before purchasing your ticket and use it when booking.
Seniors: If you are 62 years or older, you can get about 5% off with a valid ID.
Group bookings: Booking for 10 or more people allows you to get a group discount; contact Greyhound via email through their deals page.
6. Travelers Aid International
If you are experiencing financial difficulties, Travelers Aid can help you obtain a discounted ticket (for example, a 25% discount). Speak with a Travelers Aid representative, and they will issue you a letter that you can use when purchasing your ticket.
7. Look for Promo Codes
Greyhound sometimes offers promotional codes for additional discounts when booking online. These codes aren’t always active, but you can check for them on the official Greyhound website or their social media channels. If you find a promotional code, enter it when booking online to reduce the price of your ticket.
How to Get Free Greyhound Bus Tickets
Visit Local Homeless Shelters
I think the best way to get free bus tickets is to visit a homeless shelter and talk to a social worker. A social worker or case manager at the shelter will know what programs are available in your area. They may be able to help you get free Greyhound bus tickets or at least inform you about discounts you may be eligible for. Be sure to provide them with details of your situation and why you need help so they can assess your eligibility for travel assistance.
Family Reunification Programs
If you are a young person or adult who needs a Greyhound trip to reunite with your family, a family reunification program might provide you with a free ticket. Sometimes these services are dedicated to helping immigrants and refugees from other countries reunite with loved ones, but programs like the Unhoused Care program in San Diego help anyone.
Salvation Army
Some Salvation Army locations offer free bus passes to homeless individuals and other people in need who cannot afford Greyhound tickets. It’s best to find a Salvation Army location near you and ask them what resources they offer for travelers. If your location doesn’t have funding for bus passes, they may know of other local organizations that can help.
Red Cross or Local Non-Profits
In some cases, the American Red Cross and other charities provide discount vouchers or assistance to people who need travel support, for example, during emergencies. Find your nearest Red Cross centers to and ask a representative to get a Greyhound bus ticket.
Home Free Program (Runaway/Homeless Youth)
If you are a homeless, runaway, or exploited young person under the age of 21, you may be eligible for a free Greyhound bus ticket through the Home Free program. Greyhound partners with the National Runaway Safeline to provide free bus tickets to young people ages 12-21 to reunite with their families or find a safe place to live.
Contact County or City Offices
If you can’t find free bus passes, you can inquire at your county or city offices about bus ticket programs for homeless individuals. Some counties and cities in the United States (like San Francisco) offer programs that provide free one-way bus tickets to homeless people of all ages. A bus ticket can help you get back home or to a place where you have a support system.
Not all areas offer this service, but it’s worth checking! To see what services your county or city offers to help people experiencing homelessness, visit their official government website or contact their social services department.
How Do I Get a Bus Ticket Voucher?
- Ask your local Salvation Army if they offer free bus passes for homeless individuals.
- Contact Home Free for a free bus ride to visit your parents or guardians.
- Call Travelers Aid or the Red Cross to inquire about discounted Greyhound tickets.
How to find free or discounted bus tickets:
1. Find an organization, service, or program for which you are eligible
For example, if you are a young person, your best option might be Home Free. If you are a foreigner who lost your money and need help getting to a safe place, Travelers Aid International might be able to provide better assistance.
If you are unsure, call 211 or contact your local homeless shelter or social services agency for a list of programs that can help you.
2. Contact the organization that administers the program
Look on their website or social media for a direct phone number to call. In some cases, you may be able to email them or start an online chat with a social worker. If the organization has an office in your area, you can also go in person and schedule an appointment with a social worker.
3. Complete an application and provide all required documentation.
For example, some programs or organizations may require you to provide your identification and proof of income before approving your application. This is so they can verify that free bus tickets and discounts are given to people who truly need them. The process of obtaining your bus ticket will be much faster and easier if you meet their requirements.
Summury
You can save a lot on your Greyhound bus trips by booking in advance, traveling on weekdays, taking advantage of official discounts (such as those for military personnel or students), and contacting community organizations like the Salvation Army or local shelters, which sometimes offer free vouchers. For those with an urgent need, non-profit organizations and social service agencies are often the best option for obtaining free tickets.
