Do we travel on a bus or in a bus?

Do we travel on or in a bus?

Okay, so buses. I always say "on the bus." Period.

I hate taking the bus. Seriously. Last summer, ugh, 2024, in downtown Phoenix, it was, like, 115 degrees. I was waiting for the #15 route.

Sweating bullets. Finally, it shows!

Hopped on that sucker, practically melted into the seat, you know? "In the bus?" Sounds weird. Like, I'm IN the engine or somethin'. Nope.

I was on the bus. Going to my Aunt Carol’s. That’s where I was headed, all wilted and grumpy. And she makes really bad cookies.

Here's the thing:

• Always on the bus.

• Unless you're trapped inside a broken-down one, then maybe "in."

• I think “in” is for describing a physical location, not a mode of travel.

• Buses are public transport. That's why "on" makes sense to me.

• It’s also used with trains and planes: on the train, on the plane. Simple.

• Aunt Carol's cookies are usually burnt.

• My bus fare was $2. I think.

Which is correct, on bus or in bus?

Ugh, this bus thing again. Remember that time, last summer? July, I think. I was rushing to catch the 3:17 PM Number 6 bus to the airport. My flight to Denver was at 6 PM, super important business trip. I was sweating. Seriously, beads of sweat. My bag felt like a ton of bricks. I almost missed it! I practically leaped onto that bus. On, definitely on. It was crammed. People everywhere.

On a bus is right. It's on because you’re on top of the thing, not inside a sealed compartment like a car. Think of it this way: You're sitting on a seat. It's a big metal thing, not a cozy little car.

Trains too, same thing. On a train. I remember being on the Amtrak to Boston last year. Long ride. I'd never forget that view from the window. That's on, too.

Seriously, it’s not rocket science. Get on the bus, get on the train, get on the plane. Get in the car. Simple.

Buses, trains, planes, bikes – all on. Cars, taxis – in. That’s it. Period. End of story. Now, where was I? Oh yeah, almost missed that flight... Phew! Made it though. Just.

Is it travel on a bus or in a bus?

Ugh, buses. I hate buses. Okay, so it’s definitely"on the bus."

I remember the time I was stuck on the number 28 back in 2018, during a summer heatwave on my way to Hackney Wick, London… phew, so hot.

We were packed like sardines, honestly, no air, and I swear I was literally standing ON people's feet.

Like, you wouldn't say "in the sardine can," right? You'd say "the sardines are on display," lol.

Yeah, and it was sooo bad, because I couldn't even get off because of how cramped it was on the freakin' bus.

Anyway, it’s "on" when you can walk around, I guess. I hate buses. End of story.

Here's why I always remember it that way now:

• It's personal. The memory is so specific.
• Feels real: I actually had that bus nightmare.
• It's stuck in my head. Because it was a bad experience.
• Number 28 forever. I'll never forget the bus number.