This Bus Between New York City and Washington, D.C. Is One of the Most Glamorous Ways to Make the Trip — Here’s What It’s Like

For years, the options to get between Washington, D.C., and New York City without flying have been pretty consistent — travelers could choose between Amtrak or taking a ride with Peter Pan Buslines or FlixBus. But a new player emerged on the scene, promising a first-class, private plane-esque travel experience: enter The Jet.

The Jet launched in 2021 and offers a coach bus experience that feels like … anything but riding on a coach bus. The company runs services between New York City’s Hudson Yards and the Metro Center area of Washington, D.C., three times a day, six days a week, from Wednesday through Monday. The journey takes about four hours and 15 minutes to complete. While regular bus tickets between the cities start as low as $26 one-way, Jet pricing begins at $99. But the extra cost is well worth it — and it’s also a convenient way to avoid the hassle of the airport.

As soon as I stepped into the sleek interiors of The Jet, I knew I was in for a bus experience unlike any I had experienced before. I was immediately greeted by an attendant who gave me a sparkling drink. But perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of a ride on a Jet bus are the seats themselves. The Jet says its “HoverSeats” are the “most advanced passenger seats in the world.” In addition to a gel foam base and memory foam back, the chairs feature motion-cancelling technology that eliminates most of the bumps and vibrations you’d normally feel on a bus ride.

“If it senses a bump, it measures the bump precisely and moves your seat to counteract it, making you feel like you’re floating instead of riding down a bumpy road,” The Jet founder Chad Scarborough said in a statement obtained by Travel + Leisure.

There are several other noteworthy amenities on The Jet including 4.5 feet of legroom per row, two complimentary checked bags (they must be under 40 pounds), and speedy Wi-Fi, so passengers can stay connected if need be.

During the journey, the attendant regularly came around to offer hot towels and snacks — some options, like water, chocolate, and pretzels, are complimentary. However, The Jet also has an on-board menu with options like rosemary and sea salt cashews, caramel stroopwafel, and veggie chips available for purchase. But perhaps one of the biggest perks for those who imbibe is that two alcoholic drinks (take your pick of wine, beer, or seltzer) are included with the price of a ticket.

For me, the in-seat service coupled with a bus attendant offering snacks and hot towels made the journey feel more like a movie theater experience than a commute.

Once you arrive at your destination in New York City or Washington, D.C., The Jet has you covered there, too. Thanks to a partnership between the luxury bus company and Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Jet passengers can get 15 percent off stays at Conrad Washington, DC or Conrad New York Downtown. Hotel reservations made with the discount can also get you fun freebies like a lavender-scented balm, a sleep mask, and a coffee tumbler.

The Jet currently only operates between New York City and Washington, D.C., but there are tentative plans to expand its routes in the future. Last year, the brand partnered with luxury aviation company Blade to provide a temporary service from northern New Jersey and New York City to the Hamptons; Jet’s website says more expansion plans are in the works.

For more information or to book your next experience on The Jet, visit thejet.coach.