Traveling by bus may be gaining ground on air travel this summer thanks to convenient bus routes and cheap fares, especially since airlines have been charging fees for check-in luggage and other former freebies.  And for travelers who need to stay connected in transit, a number of bus companies offer free wireless Internet access.

Boltbus
This East Coast bus line started last March as a partnership between Greyhound and Peter Pan, and just this May it transported its millionth passenger. “This is a venture that has exceeded all of our expectations, and we’re going to continue to look at possible expansions,” says spokeswoman Abby Wambaugh.
Connection: All Boltbuses have wifi.
Regions covered: The busiest routes are between New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C., Wambaugh says. Boltbus also runs from New York to Baltimore and Philadelphia, and some Philly buses stop in Cherry Hill, N.J.
The appeal: It’s cheap, and the earlier you book, the better.  There’s at least one ticket per bus that costs just $1, and fares rise the closer you get to your departure date.  But even with a spur of the moment travel decision, you won’t pay more than $25 for a one-way ticket, the maximum walk-up fare, Wambaugh says.

Greyhound
Only about 10% of Greyhound’s bus fleet consists of new buses with wireless Internet access, but the company says it plans to eventually replace its entire fleet nationwide.  
Connection: About 102 of its approximately 1,250 buses offer free wifi and power outlets, mostly in the Northeast, including its New York to Montreal, New York to Toronto and New York to Boston routes.
Regions covered: Nationwide. Greyhound says it’s the largest provider of intercity bus service, covering more than 2,300 destinations.
The appeal: If you book 21 days or more in advance, you can get up to 50% off the regular ticket price. Also check out their Deals and Discounts section online.