{quote:}I used Citul and though labeled as directo, it was anything but directo.{quote}
Yes, I learned in Mexico (because none of my buses in Central America were labeled beyond the destination name) that directo doesn't necessarily mean "direct," it just means FEWER stops. I think expreso buses are direct.
I think expreso buses are direct.
I've taken several expreso buses that were anything but. The Casasola bus from SPS to Copan picked up / dropped off passengers everywhere as long as there were seats available. Hedman Alas' expreso bus actually did run express, however.
I saw the same variability in Nicaragua; some express buses were express, and other expresos stopped every 17 feet to pick up another campesino and strap another bag of oranges to the roof.
lootsuit - I've only used Hedman Alas for the SPS to Copan route and am heading back with a group in tow this summer. Do the Hedman and Casasola buses use the same terminal now? How does the cost compare? Thanks for any additional information you can give me.
Do the Hedman and Casasola buses use the same terminal now?
In SPS, yes. You can find them both at the new central SPS terminal. In Copan, each still has their own terminal, both within a 2 minute walk of town. In Copan, Hedman has an actual office, while the Casasola bus just kind of parks in an unpaved lot. Casasola is cheap -- I think around $5.50 one way. Hedman is about $14 one way. What do you get for the $$? Casasola is one step above a chicken bus: a roaring, sans-muffler engine, hissing brakes (so loud that some locals put tissue in their ears), and a bunch of stops. It took just over 4 hours. Hedman has AC (way too much of it, actually; but they provide blankets!), and no stops. Hedman made the run in just under 3 hours.
When I grabbed these buses, the Casasola bus filled up before it left the terminal, and stayed chock full because the bus driver kept letting someone new on as soon as he let someone off. The Hedman bus was only about 1/3 full and made no stops.
Hope this helps,
Darrin