Which is correct in the bus or on the bus?

On vs. In: A Guide for Describing Passenger Vehicles

When discussing passenger vehicles, it is important to use the correct preposition to accurately describe the mode of travel and the passengers’ position. For buses and similar large, multi-passenger vehicles, the correct preposition to use is “on.” For smaller, seated vehicles, such as cars, the correct preposition to use is “in.”

This distinction may seem subtle, but it serves an important purpose. Using “on” for larger vehicles emphasizes the fact that passengers are boarding and traveling on the vehicle itself. It implies a sense of being atop or within the vehicle’s larger structure. Conversely, using “in” for smaller vehicles indicates that passengers are seated within a smaller, enclosed space, such as the interior of a car.

Here are some examples to illustrate this rule:

• On the bus: Passengers are boarding and traveling on the bus, which is a large, multi-passenger vehicle.
• On the train: Passengers are traveling on the train, which is another large, multi-passenger vehicle.
• In the car: Passengers are seated within the car, which is a smaller, enclosed vehicle.
• In the taxi: Passengers are seated within the taxi, which is a smaller, enclosed vehicle.

By using the correct preposition, we can clearly communicate the type of vehicle and the passengers’ position within it. This distinction avoids confusion and ensures that the meaning of our statements is clear.