Bus travel is already one of the most affordable transportation options, but knowing when to book can make it even cheaper. Ticket prices for many intercity and long-distance bus companies vary throughout the year based on demand, holidays, and special events. By timing your purchases strategically—and sometimes combining them with cashback offers from platforms like Fluz, Rakuten, or Ibotta—you can save even more on your next trip.

Avoid peak travel seasons
The most expensive times to travel by bus are typically around major holidays, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s in the United States, as well as long weekends and school breaks. Demand spikes during these periods, and prices can be 20–50% higher than normal. Whenever possible, book outside these high-demand windows to get the lowest fares.

Book during midweek for lower rates
Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often the cheapest days to travel, as fewer people are booking compared to weekends or Fridays. Some bus companies adjust prices dynamically, so midweek departures can be significantly less expensive.

Watch for seasonal promotions
Many bus companies run seasonal sales, such as back-to-school promotions, off-season travel discounts, or anniversary specials. For example, Greyhound and FlixBus often offer limited-time ticket deals that can be paired with cashback rewards. If you purchase your ticket using a gift card bought through Fluz, you can earn cashback with a FlixBus gift card while securing the sale price.

Book well in advance—but not too far
For many bus companies, booking one to three weeks ahead offers the best balance of price and availability. Some companies release a small number of deeply discounted seats early, but after those are gone, prices rise closer to the departure date.

Sign up for fare alerts
Most major bus companies and cashback platforms have email notifications for deals. Signing up ensures you never miss a flash sale or special fare period.

By understanding the cheapest times to travel and combining that knowledge with cashback opportunities, you can make your bus trips even more budget-friendly without sacrificing comfort or convenience.