<p>Hey guys, so I'm at UVA and my boyfriend is all the way over at NYU. He was planning on visiting me this weekend, and I was wondering what are the cheapest ways to travel from NYC to UVA. He found a bus ride that takes 6 and a half hours for $100 the round trip. So I was wondering if anyone knew of any better options? Please do let me know!</p>
<p>You might want to wait a few weeks and monitor fares to see if they fluctuate throughout the month. That would also give you each some time to explore your respective colleges. The first weekend is a time to wander and make new friends. :)</p>
<p>There used to be a bus called Starlight Express that went to NYC. Perhaps that’s the one he found.</p>
<p>According to the web, the Starlight Express bus is still running from Cville to NYC. It appears to be non-stop service. The regular commercial (Trailways) bus service probably has many more stops and takes much longer. </p>
<p>However, I’d look into a bus service before I buy tickets. I know nothing about this company, but there certainly are many bus companies that have bad safety records. Many of those companies have operated out of Chinatown and Queens in NYC. After they are shut down for safety violations, they re-open a week later under a new name. Other discount bus companies are actually run by large bus companies under another brand name. Also, many discount bus companies drop you off and pick you up in an open parking lot, which can be unpleasant in bad weather.</p>
<p>Amtrak between Cville and NYC is extremely safe, fast and reliable. The key is to buy your tickets a couple months in advance, before the ticket prices increase. An AAA or Student Advantage membership is worthwhile for the Amtrak discounts. The prices vary greatly by time of day, but you can usually find an affordable ticket from Cville.</p>
<p>Hey guys, thank you so much for your input! Amtrak was the first thing that came to mind, but it costs more than double the bus fare, however maybe buying the tickets with much more time in advance will do the trick, and I’ll look into the Student Advantage membership, thanks again guys! Really helpful! And thankyou for raising those safety concerns, I was worried about that too</p>
<p>the nice thing about the buses from NYC’s Chinatown - they do let you bring your chickens on-board.</p>
<p>Might be cheaper to just get a new boyfriend.</p>