Vonlane is a business class intercity bus service that travels major cities in Texas (and some parts of Georgia, Tennessee, and Missouri). On this trip report, I will be focusing on the trip from Houston to Austin Texas.
Tickets
Tickets can only be purchased online at Vonlane’s website. In average, the ticket (or fare) per passenger is approximately $115 (one way). On that website, you can select the date and time of the departure and select a seat. There is no price difference when selecting a seat. All seats are the same price.
Day of the trip
My trip to Austin departed at 10:30 am at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Downtown Houston (address: 1200 Louisiana Street Houston, TX 77002). I have arrived to the Hyatt Regency Hotel around 9:45 am.
Vonlane Bus Stop is located at the intersection of Louisiana Street and Dallas Street (on the Dallas Street side). On Dallas Street, there were two Vonlane buses on standby. Vonlane begin boarding passengers 15 minutes before departure. While I’m waiting for the bus, I’ve waited inside the Hyatt Hotel Lobby area. In the hotel lobby, there are plenty of seats, restaurants, and restrooms. Vonlane states that Hyatt hotel (or any of the Vonlane crew) DOES NOT MAKE ANNOUNCEMENT. Please be aware of your time.
At 10:10 am, I’ve left the hotel lobby and walked towards the bus stop. After five minutes (10:15 am), the bus door open and the bus operator and the bus attendant (like flight attendant) exit the bus. The bus operator opened the storage compartment of the bus and ready to receive and store the luggage. Another crew, the bus attendant announced that the bus is traveling to Austin and have a government issue identification card (or passport ready).
After the bus attendant reviewed my identification card, the bus attendant checked the passenger information roster. After the attendant found my name, the attendant reminded my assigned seat (which was 1C; single seat, front row).
En Route
The bus attendant and operator boarded the bus and closed the door at 10:30am. After they have settled, the bus departed on time.
Seats
The seats on this bus are spacious and comfortable. The bus seating arrangement is configured two by one (single seat on the left side and two seats on the right side of the bus). Bus attendant offers blanks and pillows (and sleep mask).
Lavatory
On the bus, there is one lavatory, which is located at the back of the bus. In the lavatory, there is a toilet, hand sink, and an oversized mirror. Lavatory is spotless and clean.
Snacks/Drinks/Meal
Fifteen minutes after departure, the bus attendant offer snacks. After providing snacks, the bus attendant asked me what drink and lunch I would like. For this bus journey, I’ve asked for mineral water and turkey sandwich.
Vonlane does offer alcoholic drinks, but they are for purchase. Soft drinks.
WiFi
Vonlane is equipped with compliment WiFi. The WiFi speed is good for checking emails or browsing on the Internet. However, streaming 4K videos or downloading/uploading a large file is not recommended.
Pillow/Blankets
Vonlane offers complimentary pillow, blankets and sleeping mask. If you want to sleep, take a nap, or feeling cold, a bus attendant can offer you such amenities.
Arrival
The bus arrived at the Hyatt Regency Hotel-Austin (208 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704) near the Colorado River and Downtown Austin around 1:15 p.m. When board off the bus, the bus attendant offer chocolate-mint candy or a cookie. The bus operator will open the cargo compartment and place the luggage outside so passengers can pick up their luggage.
Verdict
In my opinion, Vonlane is THE BEST intercity bus service I’ve boarded. They are the best because:
- Clean and modern technology bus
- Spacious and comfortable seats
- Spacious and clean lavatory.
- Complimentary WiFi
- Pillow, sleeping mask and blankets are offered by the bus attendant.
- Snacks, drinks (non-alcoholic), sandwiches/salads are complimentary
- Departing on time.
- The bus is on one hour on standby before departure.
- Professional and friendly crew
- They also have phone chargers if you forget to bring your charger (ask upon request).
- Bus arrived to the destination 20 minutes before arriving to the destination.
- Reliable and professional services.
I am convinced that traveling on Vonlane is the best. Vonlane does offer a truly luxury experience.
Although, I wish Vonlane would offer Fiji Water, Voss, or other premium water as a complimentary drink (and not the cheap or low end water bottles, since passengers are paying for premium service). Also, Vonlane is way better than traveling on airplane or other intercity buses. On other intercity buses, most of the buses are late, bus is poor condition (and not clean), and departs late (or may not even show up). I felt dreaded on riding on those intercity buses. However with Vonlane, I never dreaded riding with them because of the luxury and professional experience. I hope Vonlane expands more into other states. They are truly luxury with the Texas Hospitality.
YouTube View Reviews
Houston to Austin
This trip was reviewed in Summer 2023:
Houston to Dallas
This trip was reviewed in Summer 2022:
