Leave the Driving to New Bus in the West

This summer a new budget transportation service began between San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. It’s geared to young and young-at-heart travelers who want to keep their trip plans flexible.

Adventure Network for Travelers (ANT) was started by three recent UCLA graduates, Bill Trento, Bob House and Tim Shaheen. After researching similar services in other countries, they launched the San Francisco to Los Angeles service and after a few months started tours from Los Angeles to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon.

ANT passengers can purchase tickets year-round for the complete route (in any direction) or segments of it. Tickets are valid for six months, allowing passengers to hop on and off as they choose. Vehicles range from an eight-person van to tour buses.

The driver/guide makes stops at scenic points and interesting sites along the route and at grocery stores or restaurants that offer economical meals. A staff person will recommend budget accommodations and drop off or pick up passengers at those locations. The company can also arrange discounts for services and activities along the route.

The fare for travel between Los Angeles and San Francisco is $59, or $109 round trip. Three departures per week in both directions are available. Activities on this trip include riding dune buggies on sand dunes and hiking among giant redwood trees. City stops include Monterey, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz and San Luis Obispo. All trips stop overnight in Monterey (not included in ticket price). There are also stops at Big Sur, Big Basin, Pismo Beach and Hearst Castle.

ANT trips between Los Angeles and Las Vegas are $29, Los Angeles to Flagstaff is $84 and Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon is $59. There are two departures per week. This route includes stops at factory outlet stores in Barstow, the Hoover Dam, and for about five hours at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Tickets can be purchased at participating hostels and hotels, or directly from ANT at 870 Market St., Suite 416, San Francisco, CA 94102; telephone (415) 399-0880 or toll-free (800) 336-6049.

Izon is a Toronto-based freelance writer. She can be reached at https://www.izon.com.