Chinatown Bus

The Chinatown bus is a great way to get to NYC, which is where I am now. It costs $20 one way from DC or Baltimore. It's cheaper than driving, and you don't have to pay for parking once you are here. There are lots of companies which provide service and depending on the day, buses leave almost every hour. You can find schedules and buy tickets at gotobus.com (although you can also buy tickets on the bus).

Eastern is the most reputable company, with the best service and newest, cleanest buses. The only problem is that most people who ride the buses seem to know that, and Eastern buses are often crowded. I've not been able to get on the bus because it was full with people who had already bought tickets. Other companies' buses are often older, dirtier and emptier. And there can be some surprises, like stopping in Philadelphia or Wilmington along the way. Despite the name, most Chinatown buses will drop you off in midtown Manhattan.