Northwestern Stage Lines adds holiday buses for WSU and University of Idaho students

Northwestern Stage Lines is running direct Thanksgiving and winter-break buses between Pullman, Moscow and destinations in Washington and Oregon, with a 30% student discount for University of Idaho and Washington State University riders. The service is designed to give students a cheaper way home and includes online booking, live tracking and premium-coach amenities.

Why it matters: - Northwestern Stage Lines is giving University of Idaho and Washington State University students a cheaper travel option for major holiday breaks. - The service links Pullman and Moscow with cities in western Washington and Oregon, reducing the need for multiple transfers. - Eligible student fares are 30% off, which can lower the cost of traveling home for Thanksgiving and winter break.

What happened: - Northwestern Stage Lines announced direct Thanksgiving and winter-break bus service from Moscow and Pullman to destinations in Washington and Oregon. - Thanksgiving departures run Nov. 20-21, with return service Nov. 28-29. - Winter-break departures run Dec. 18-19, with return service Jan. 9-10, 2027. - Operating dates vary by destination. - Brady Price, Northwestern Stage Lines' director of marketing, said the company is offering another way for students to get home for the holidays and that the student discount helps keep costs down.

The details: - The western Washington corridor includes Ellensburg, Bellevue, Seattle and Tacoma. - The Tri-Cities and Oregon corridor includes Pasco, Kennewick, The Dalles and Portland. - University of Idaho riders board at the Bruce Pitman Center, 709 S Deakin Avenue, Moscow, curbside on the east side of the building. - Washington State University riders board at the Courtyard by Marriott, 1295 NE North Fairway Road, Pullman, in front of the hotel by the Northwest Trailways sign. - Students and parents can choose a university, view departure and return dates, see the pickup map and search available trips at student booking information. - Premium coaches include charging ports and luggage space. - Riders also get live bus tracking and 24/7 support. - Code STUDENT30 provides 30% off eligible Northwestern holiday-service fares for travel Nov. 20-Dec. 19, 2026. - The booking window closes Dec. 19, subject to seat availability. - Booking fees are additional. - January return travel is available to book separately and is not included in the coupon offer. - Schedules, current fares and booking are available at schedules and booking.

Between the lines: - The route map centers on the two college towns most likely to generate holiday travel demand, which suggests Northwestern Stage Lines is targeting students who want a simple, direct ride home. - The 30% discount and separate booking window for January returns create an incentive to book early, especially if seats sell out. - Live tracking and 24/7 support add convenience for travelers and parents managing holiday schedules.

What's next: - Students can book now for Thanksgiving and winter-break travel, with availability dependent on remaining seats. - January return trips must be booked separately if riders want to travel back after the holidays. - Northwestern Stage Lines says its holiday-break service will continue connecting Moscow and Pullman with destinations in Washington and Oregon.