5 U.S. Routes Where Buses Are Faster Than Trains

When people think of long-distance travel, trains often come to mind. But in today’s world of smart, affordable, and flexible transportation, intercity buses offer a compelling alternative, especially when it comes to saving time.  

At FlixBus, we’re focused on delivering fast, convenient travel between major cities across the U.S. On several key routes, our buses actually beat the train in terms of total travel time. That means you can get where you’re going quicker, without sacrificing comfort or convenience.  

Here are five travel routes where FlixBus offers one of the fastest ways to get from city to city.  
 

1. Miami to Orlando

FlixBus fastest travel time: 4 hours 10 minutes  
Typical train travel time: 5 hours 12 minutes  

Whether you're heading to the theme parks or the beach, FlixBus offers a faster, direct route between Miami and Orlando, saving you over an hour compared to other travel options.  
 

2. Chicago to Detroit

FlixBus fastest travel time: 5 hours 10 minutes  
Typical train travel time: 5 hours 20 minutes  

For Midwest travelers, FlixBus provides one of the most efficient ways to travel between Chicago and Detroit, getting you there a bit quicker than traditional rail.  
 

3. Dallas to Austin

FlixBus fastest travel time: 3 hours 5 minutes  
Typical train travel time: 6 hours 35 minutes  

Looking for the fastest way between Dallas and Austin? FlixBus gets you there in less than half the time compared to some other methods of travel.  
 

4. New York City to Richmond, Virginia

FlixBus fastest travel time: 6 hours 40 minutes  
Typical train travel time: 6 hours 47 minutes  

This East Coast corridor is a busy one, and FlixBus helps you move between New York and Richmond quickly, affordably, and on your schedule.  
 

5. Seattle to Portland

FlixBus fastest travel time: 3 hours 10 minutes  
Typical train travel time: 3 hours 25 minutes  

In the Pacific Northwest, FlixBus provides a reliable and slightly faster connection between two of the region’s biggest cities, making it the perfect option for weekend getaways or business travel.  
 

Why FlixBus Is a Smart Travel Choice

In addition to shorter travel times on many routes, FlixBus offers:

• Affordable fares
• Free Wi-Fi and power outlets onboard
• Comfortable, reclining seats with extra legroom
• Real-time tracking through our mobile app
• Free luggage allowance
• The widest network of destinations and seamless connections  
   

Faster. Smarter. More Flexible. 

When it comes to long-distance travel, it pays to compare your options. On several popular U.S. routes, FlixBus offers one of the fastest and most convenient ways to reach your destination. Next time you're comparing travel options, check how FlixBus stacks up — you might be surprised.  

Find your route and book today!