I took a bus several times from Illinois to Wyoming. I loved it. The people on the bus became a sort of family. Stops for a quick bite or coffee let us stand (thank God) together and get into further conversation with more than just the few we sat near. I met some great individuals.
Everyone was interested in everyone, respectful and positive toward one another. It was talk and learning more about each other. Night time was quiet and the floor had little lights but otherwise the bus was dark and cozy.
The scenery was awesome. Oddly enough, each state has its own identifiable topography too.
I'd do it again in a heartbeat. It showed me that strangers become friends easily, quickly and that human nature was essentially good.
At that time that I'd had a long conversation with an individual that had a pacemaker and couldn't fly. He was Joe DiMaggio. Our mutual end stop was Chicago and he walked me (at 2 am) to a restaurant where my ride was waiting. He did that as a courtesy and kindness, concerned for my safety. A great guy.
I had met a writer, with his legal pad who knew the story he wanted to write but asked opinions on whose point of view he should write from. He talked about the merits of each.
I met a physicist, instructor, who left his notebook on the bus. I asked him some theoretical questions such as which has more combinations-musical notes or numbers. After some thought he explained why his answer was musical notes. Oh, I returned the notebook to the physicist by mail.
Just a great time. So after such an enjoyable and extended travel time beyond 24 hours, I would choose the bus again.
Flying is OK but people tend to stay to themselves and there is not the same sense of camaraderie.