FAVOURITE SCENIC BUS RIDES
There's something magical about a journey by bus. It's a slow, deliberate way to see the world, allowing you to soak in the scenery, connect with locals, and feel the rhythm of the road. And when combined with breathtaking vistas and diverse landscapes, a bus ride can become an unforgettable adventure.
Marrakesh to Errachidia, Morocco
Photo by Ben Ostrower
Embarking on this 300-mile odyssey, travellers are captivated by landscapes that evoke the allure of mobile screens and cinematic masterpieces. These desert vistas, nestled amidst the majestic Atlas Mountains, have served as the cinematic backdrop to countless epics, from "Lawrence of Arabia" to "Game of Thrones."
Beginning in the vibrant souks of Marrakech, the journey ascends to the High Atlas via the winding Tizi n'Tichka Pass. As the route traverses mountainous paths, it unveils a tapestry of ancient kasbahs and verdant palm groves. Ouarzazate, known as "Ouallywood" for its film studios, welcomes you with a troupe of Berbers adorned in vibrant turbans.
The route culminates in Errachidia, a former French garrison on the edge of the Sahara. There, you can embark on thrilling sandboarding adventures, camel treks, and unforgettable desert escapades.
Total Distance: 308 miles (496km) Estimated Duration: 11 hours
New York City to San Francisco, USA
Photo by Alexey Komissarov
The allure of "heading west" has captivated generations of Americans, from Dust Bowl refugees to Beat Generation seekers. The iconic image of Jack Kerouac, the poster boy for this westward migration, symbolises the lure of an adventure that continues to attract travellers today.
Embarking from the vibrant streets of New York City, the transcontinental pilgrimage offers diverse experiences. Relive Kerouac's journey by following his route to San Francisco, making a mandatory stop in Denver, the bustling halfway point, for a raucous night out. Stretch your legs with a restorative hike in the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountains.
The epic three-day Greyhound expedition traverses the vast cornfields of Nebraska and the unforgiving deserts of Nevada. Enhance your adventure with optional stops in captivating but overlooked cities like Pittsburgh, boasting an avant-garde art museum in a former mattress warehouse, or Salt Lake City, where you can witness the world-renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir. This overland odyssey promises an unforgettable tapestry of sights and experiences.
Distance: 2902 miles (4670km) Estimated Duration: 75 hours
Tavistock to Dawlish, England
Photo by Red Zeppelin
Dubbed the UK's rarest bus service, the 112 from Tavistock to Dawlish offers a unique journey through the heart of Devon's breathtaking Dartmoor National Park. Running only on the fifth Saturday of the month between April and September, this volunteer-operated route is a testament to the dedication of its operators, who maintain it despite its infrequency due to the popularity of other routes.
Passengers fortunate enough to catch the 112 are treated to a scenic adventure, witnessing the rolling moorland dotted with granite tors and roaming Dartmoor ponies. The route winds through historic market towns before reaching the coast and arriving in Dawlish, where a traditional English Sunday roast dinner awaits overlooking the South Devon coastline. A three-and-a-half-hour layover allows passengers to savour this quintessentially British experience before boarding the equally infrequent return bus.
Distance: 37 miles (60km) Estimated Duration: 2 hours
Kathmandu to Pokhara, Nepal
Photo by Long (lTiga) Nguyen
Those who think the Everest Base Camp Trek is Nepal's ultimate challenge haven't experienced the winding journey west from Kathmandu. This legendary hippy trail route, once traversed by travellers with luggage piled high and a joint in hand, is a test of stomach fortitude.
The journey begins in the bustling capital, where rickshaws weave through the alleyways leading to the temple-filled Durbar Square. It ends in Pokhara, a tranquil town nestled beside serene alpine lakes. While a mere 200km (124 miles) as the crow flies, the journey through the Himalayas is a dramatic one. A rickety bus climbs spectacular mountain passes, with aqua-blue rivers winding far below. The views are breathtaking, but you'll appreciate the occasional rest stop. There, for those who can conquer motion sickness with unwavering focus, hearty portions of delicious dhal bhat are served in rustic restaurants perched precariously on picturesque cliffs.
Distance: 127 miles (205km) Estimated duration: 8 hours
Geelong to Apollo Bay, Australia
Photo by Gabriel Gagné
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Victoria's Great Ocean Road without the expense of a rental car. Bus 101 embarks from Geelong's historic port, conveniently located near Melbourne. The bus winds its way along nearly half of the famous scenic route, making frequent stops for adventurous backpackers and surfers, and creating a lively onboard atmosphere.
Secure a left-side seat for mesmerising coastal views or a right-side seat for awe-inspiring mountain vistas. Disembark at pristine beaches like Bells Beach for a refreshing swim or take a brief inland excursion to Kennett River for koala and glow worm encounters. Apollo Bay, the final destination, serves as an ideal base for further adventures along the Great Ocean Road, including the iconic Twelve Apostles rock formations.
Distance: 70 miles (112km) Estimated Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Rio Gallegos to Ushuaia, Argentina
Photo by Juan Pablo Mascanfroni
Embark on an epic journey to the end of the world, Ushuaia, Argentina's southernmost city. This grand adventure, echoing the city's motto, will have you feeling like a pioneering explorer as you traverse land, sea, and international borders.
Your voyage begins in the bustling port town of Rio Gallegos, where you'll board a bus that crosses the Chilean border. A ferry awaits to carry you across the tempestuous Strait of Magellan, where the Atlantic and Pacific oceans meet. Standing on deck, gazing at the majestic glacial landscapes, you'll feel a connection to Ferdinand Magellan, the Portuguese explorer who navigated these waters in 1520.
After arriving in Patagonia, hop back on the bus and journey through the windswept Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire) archipelago. This scenic route passes storied shipwrecks and snow-capped mountain ranges, ultimately leading you to Ushuaia. Here, your adventures continue with exciting activities like skiing, scuba diving, and potential trips to Antarctica.
Distance: 360 miles (580km) Estimated duration: 11 hours