Before booking, determine your final destination, as this will help you choose a carrier. Greyhound is North America's largest bus carrier and serves dozens of cities in Canada; however, passengers must enter Canada by Greyhound through Vancouver, Toronto or Montreal to reach other destinations. Megabus currently serves only Toronto from select East Coast cities, including New York, Philadelphia, Buffalo and Boston. New York's Trailways bus lines serves Montreal via eastern New York state, and Goto bus serves Richmond and Vancouver from Bellingham, Seattle and Tulalip, Washington.
Book your ticket at the website of the carrier that best fits your route. Greyhound and Trailways also have the option to book by phone, or at a Greyhound station for both carriers. Keep in mind while booking how ticket delivery works for that carrier. Greyhound gives customers the option of printing their ticket at home or picking it up at the station. If choosing the latter, you must pick up your ticket at least an hour before your scheduled departure. Megabus allows you to print your ticket or simply show the driver your confirmation number when boarding. Goto and Trailways require that you print your ticket at home if booking online.
Make sure that you have the proper documentation for travel to Canada. U.S. citizens and permanent residents must possess a passport, valid birth certificate, a certificate of citizenship or naturalization, a U.S. Permanent Resident Card or a Certificate of Indian Status with photo ID in order to gain entry into Canada. Canadian citizens will have needed a Canadian passport, an enhanced driver's license or expedited travel cards through NEXUS FAST/EXPRES or SENTRI programs to gain entry into the U.S., and must show these documents upon return. Citizens of other countries may be required to have a travel visa to enter Canada and should check with the Canadian Consulate before booking travel.
