Greyhound's refund policy depends on when you cancel and which ticket type you bought
Greyhound will refund your ticket, but the amount you get back depends on how far in advance you cancel and whether you bought a standard or non-refundable fare. If you cancel more than seven days before your trip, you receive a full refund to your original payment method. If you cancel between one and seven days before departure, Greyhound deducts a $10 cancellation fee. If you cancel within 24 hours of departure or after your bus has left, you get no refund — only a credit toward a future ticket valid for one year from your original departure date.
Greyhound does not refund tickets purchased as non-refundable fares, sometimes called "Basic" or discounted tickets. These tickets are explicitly marked at purchase and cost less than standard fares. You can still cancel a non-refundable ticket, but you receive only a credit toward future travel, not money back.
Key Takeaways
- Cancel more than seven days before departure and you receive your full fare back to your original payment method.
- Cancel one to seven days before departure and Greyhound deducts a $10 fee from your refund.
- Cancel within 24 hours of departure or after your bus leaves and you receive a one-year travel credit instead of a refund.
- Non-refundable tickets never return money, only a one-year credit toward a future booking.
- Refunds process to your original payment method and typically arrive within five to seven business days.
How to cancel your Greyhound ticket
You can cancel through Greyhound's website, mobile app, or by calling their customer service line at 1-800-231-2222. Online and app cancellations are fastest — you log into your account, find your booking, and select the cancel option. The system shows you when ready what refund or credit you will receive based on your cancellation date.
If you call, have your confirmation number ready. A representative will process the cancellation and tell you the refund amount. Cancellations made online or by phone take effect when ready, though the money itself takes five to seven business days to appear in your account if you are receiving a refund.
You can also cancel in person at a Greyhound station, though this is slower than online or phone options. Bring your ticket or confirmation number and your ID.
The difference between refunds and travel credits
A refund is money returned to the card or account you used to buy the ticket. A travel credit is a voucher you can use to book a future Greyhound trip at no cost. Refunds happen when you cancel far enough in advance or when Greyhound cancels the trip. Travel credits happen when you cancel within 24 hours of departure, after your bus leaves, or when you hold a non-refundable ticket.
Travel credits are valid for one year from your original departure date. If you do not use the credit within that year, it expires and you lose the value. You can explore a credit to any Greyhound route and any travel date, and you can combine multiple credits on a single booking if you have them.
When Greyhound cancels your trip
If Greyhound cancels a scheduled route, you have three options: a full refund to your original payment method, a travel credit for the full ticket price valid for one year, or rebooking on another Greyhound route at no extra cost. You do not have to choose when ready — Greyhound will hold your booking information while you decide.
Greyhound typically cancels routes due to low ticket sales, severe weather, or mechanical issues. The company notifies passengers by email or phone using the contact information on the booking. If you do not hear from Greyhound but your route is not running, contact customer service at 1-800-231-2222 to confirm the cancellation and choose your option.
Refunds for tickets bought through third-party sellers
If you bought your Greyhound ticket through a travel website, app, or reseller rather than directly from Greyhound, the refund policy of that third party applies, not Greyhound's policy. Sites like Expedia, Busbud, or Wanderu set their own cancellation terms, which are often stricter than Greyhound's direct policy.
Check your confirmation email from the third-party seller — it will state their refund rules. To cancel, go back to that seller's website or app and process the cancellation there, not through Greyhound. If you have questions about the refund, contact the seller's customer service, not Greyhound, because Greyhound does not handle refunds for tickets sold through other companies.
What happens if you miss your bus
If you miss your scheduled departure, Greyhound treats it the same as canceling within 24 hours of departure: you receive a one-year travel credit for the full ticket price, not a refund. You do not need to contact Greyhound — the credit is automatic once the bus departs without you.
You can use that credit to rebook on any future Greyhound trip. There is no fee to rebook, and you can travel on any route Greyhound operates. The credit expires one year from your original departure date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I bought a ticket at a Greyhound station?
Yes, the same refund policy applies whether you bought online or at a station. Cancel more than seven days ahead for a full refund, one to seven days ahead for a refund minus $10, or within 24 hours for a travel credit only. Return to any Greyhound station or call 1-800-231-2222 to process the cancellation.
Do I lose my refund if I don't claim it?
Refunds do not expire — Greyhound will hold your money indefinitely if you do not claim it. However, travel credits expire one year from your original departure date. If you receive a credit instead of a refund, use it within that year or it becomes worthless.
How long does it take to see a refund in my bank account?
Greyhound processes refunds within one business day of your cancellation, but your bank takes an additional four to six business days to post the money. Total time is usually five to seven business days. If it has been longer than a week, contact Greyhound customer service with your confirmation number.
Can I transfer my ticket to someone else instead of canceling?
Greyhound does not allow ticket transfers. You cannot give your ticket to another person or change the passenger name. Your only options are to cancel for a refund or credit, or to travel yourself on the date you booked.
What if Greyhound charged me a fee I don't think I owe?
Contact Greyhound customer service at 1-800-231-2222 with your confirmation number and the details of the charge. They can review your cancellation date and ticket type to confirm whether the fee was correct. If there was an error, they will issue a refund for the incorrect charge.