(こうそく)バス

こうそくばす
noun
express bus; highway bus; long-distance bus
1. express bus; highway bus; long-distance bus
A bus that travels on expressways, connecting cities or distant areas. A common and affordable alternative to trains for intercity travel in Japan.
高速(こうそく)バスで大阪(おおさか)()く。
To go to Osaka by express bus.
高速(こうそく)バスは新幹線(しんかんせん)より(やす)い。
The express bus is cheaper than the bullet train.
夜行(やこう)高速(こうそく)バスに()れば、(あさ)には目的地(もくてきち)()く。
If you take an overnight express bus, you'll arrive at your destination by morning.

Composed of 高速(こうそく) (high speed; expressway) + バス (bus). Refers to buses that travel on expressways (高速道路(こうそくどうろ)) for intercity transport.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 高速(こうそく)バスに()る: to ride an express bus
  • 高速(こうそく)バスを予約(よやく)する: to book an express bus
  • 夜行(やこう)高速(こうそく)バス: overnight express bus
  • 高速(こうそく)バスの()(): express bus stop/terminal

SIMILAR TERMS:

  • 路線(ろせん)バス: local route bus — operates within a city
  • 貸切(かしきり)バス: chartered bus — rented for group travel
  • 夜行(やこう)バス: overnight bus — a subcategory of 高速(こうそく)バス

CULTURAL NOTE:
Express buses are a budget-friendly way to travel between Japanese cities. Popular routes include Tokyo-Osaka and Tokyo-Nagoya. Overnight buses (夜行(やこう)バス) are especially popular among students and budget travelers, as they save on hotel costs.