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Bus Travel in the US

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Choose now from almost 2,300 destinations across the US and benefit from our extended network with Greyhound.

Get Cheap Bus Tickets with FlixBus!

If you're looking to travel around The United States or even worldwide, FlixBus has got you covered with our extensive bus routes! With over 400,000 routes across the globe, you can easily find the perfect option for your trip. Plus, our cheap bus tickets make it easy and affordable to get wherever you want to go, whether it's for work or play.

Bus Routes and Timetables to Suit Your schedule

Traveling with FlixBus is hassle-free with our modern and comfortable buses, frequent connections, and reliable schedules. Our extensive network spans almost 2,300 destinations in 40+ countries, including major cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Plus, enjoy free WiFi on most of our buses and track your journey in real-time using our bus tracking system. What's more, our integration with Greyhound provides even more coverage and travel options throughout North America, making FlixBus the ideal choice for domestic and international travel.

Buying Your Bus Tickets is Easy with FlixBus

Our website and app make it easy to plan your journey, find the cheapest bus fares, and purchase your bus tickets securely. Whether you're planning or booking a last-minute trip, FlixBus makes buying bus tickets a breeze. Plus, with our convenient e-ticket system, you can board your bus without the hassle of paper tickets as your phone will serve as your ticket!

Discover the Best Destinations FlixBus has to Offer

With FlixBus' extensive network of routes, you can easily explore some of the most popular cities in the US , as well as travel to Canada and Mexico. And thanks to our integration with Greyhound, our network is even more expansive, giving you even more options for intercity travel. Whether you're exploring New York City , spending a weekend partying in Las Vegas , soaking up the culture in Boston , or discovering the hidden gems of Los Angeles , FlixBus makes it effortless to experience all that the US has to offer.

Travelling with FlixBus is a more sustainable choice

Traveling by bus is not just a convenient choice but also an environmentally responsible one, as bus travel reduces traffic and emissions compared to travelling by car. We are working to make bus travel even greener with high environmental standards across our fleet of buses, the use of alternative drive and fuel technologies, and the option for all passengers to offset their carbon when buying their bus tickets. So, when you travel with FlixBus you can know you are making a responsible choice

Travel in Comfort and Style with FlixBus

FlixBus not only prioritizes comfort and convenience for your journey, but also ensures that you can travel with all your necessary luggage. Each passenger is allowed to bring one carry-on and one stowed luggage with them on the bus. In addition to the luggage allowances, our buses offer amenities like on-board WiFi, extra legroom, power outlets, and toilets, making your trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible. With our user-friendly app and simple booking platform, planning your bus travel has never been easier. Book your bus ticket with FlixBus today and travel in comfort and style with all your luggage in tow.

Top Destinations and bus connections

• New York, NY
• Los Angeles, CA
• Washington, D.C.
• Atlanta, GA
• Houston, TX
• Chicago, IL
• Las Vegas, NV
• Philadelphia, PA
• Orlando, FL
• Phoenix-Tempe, AZ
• San Antonio, TX
• Detroit, MI
• Seattle, WA
• San Diego, CA
• Baltimore, MD
• Boston, MA - New York, NY
• New York, NY - Washington, D.C.
• New York, NY - Boston, MA
• Los Angeles, CA - Las Vegas, NV
• Washington, D.C. - New York, NY
• New York, NY - Atlantic City, NJ
• New York, NY - Philadelphia, PA
• Philadelphia, PA - New York, NY
• Atlantic City, NJ - New York, NY
• Las Vegas, NV - Los Angeles, CA
• Toronto, ON - New York, NY
• Montreal, QC - New York, NY
• New York, NY - Montreal, QC
• New York, NY - Toronto, ON
• Dallas, TX - Houston, TX
• New York, NY - Baltimore, MD
• Baltimore, MD - New York, NY
• Houston, TX - Dallas, TX
• New York, NY - Albany, NY
• San Diego, CA - Los Angeles, CA

Find cheap bus tickets in United States

Easily compare and book your next trip with Busbud

Popular routes in United States

Intercity bus travel provides a green, affordable and efficient transportation option for people who want to explore the world. In the US, it's no different.

Bus travel in the USA has become a more sought-after way to travel the country in the last few years. That is primarily due to the fact that bus companies have been investing in improving their services, and now travelers can choose from a range of bus companies that offer different ranks of comfort and amenities. 

Concerns about finding greener forms of transportation also make a case for buses in the US. Bus travel is better for the environment, as these vehicles emit lower levels of CO2 per passenger mile compared to other forms of transportation, like planes, cars and, sometimes, even trains. 

As people start to worry about the environment, bus companies invest in more modern fleets that are more efficient in terms of energy expenditure. 

Taking a bus is a great way to see more of the country while stretching your travel budget. But before you hop on a bus to explore the country, it's good to know a few things.

What to expect from bus travel in the USA

When it comes to regional travel in the US, traveling by bus may be a convenient and budget-friendly option. Although prices can vary depending on the type of bus and time of year, bus fares are usually fairly reasonable and more affordable than other transportation methods.

When traveling by bus in the US, the bus can take you anywhere you need to go. Regional trips connect cities like Boston and New York in just about 4 hours for fair prices. But you can also take longer interstate trips if you're willing to take the time, like Denver to Dallas, which takes about 18 hours as the bus makes a few stops along the way.

It's good to keep in mind that the United States is the fourth largest country in the world in terms of land area, so distances can be long. That's also why night buses are frequent. You can board the bus in one city and wake up in a state completely different than where you were before. Read our guide with  expert tips for an overnight bus trip. 

How to choose the best bus company?

When choosing a bus company for your next trip, there are several factors to consider. It's helpful to look at reviews of the bus company to see recommendations from fellow travelers who have used the company before.

Comparing prices is the logical next step to ensure you're getting a good value for your money. But ultimately, making sure your chosen bus has all the amenities you need will ensure a smooth and comfortable journey. So be sure to check the amenities and comfort level of their buses. Are there comfortable seats with plenty of legroom? Is there onboard WiFi or entertainment options?

Amenities in USA buses

When taking a bus, it's essential to consider the amenities available. The good news is that in the US, free WiFi, power outlets, reclining seats, air conditioning and bathrooms are common features to most bus companies, including Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, Southeastern Stages, and RedCoach. So you can be sure to have the basics for a pleasant trip. 

Depending on the route, you can travel with more upscale bus companies. An example is the ride offered by The Jet between NYC and DC. Their luxury buses deliver a highly comfortable ride with an onboard concierge, only 14 seats, motion-canceling seats and a long list of other attributes.

In general, the buses in the US are pretty clean, comfortable and spacious. It's also an industry practice to provide a good amount of storage for luggage. Most companies don't let you pick your seat during the booking process and work on a first come, first serve basis. Although there are a few exceptions. Most buses make quick stops for breaks on longer journeys, so you can grab a bite to eat and stretch your legs.

Bus classes

Traveling by bus in the US might have options from different classes. Economy seats are typically just standard seating with basic amenities and can be a budget-friendly option. Executive and first-class buses often offer more spacious seating and advanced amenities, including entertainment options like TVs, drinks, and snacks and these buses usually have fewer seats.

So, when planning your trip, consider what kind of experience you want and budget for it accordingly.

Overall, traveling by bus in the US can be a great way to see more of the country while also being eco-friendly and budget-friendly. With modern buses offering all the amenities you need, bust travel allows for an enjoyable and comfortable journey.

What are the leading bus companies in the USA?

A country the size of the US is bound to have numerous bus companies, but some of the largest and most well-known are Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, Southeastern Stages, Flixbus, Tornado Bus Company, Ourbus and RedCoach. These companies cover a wide range of routes across the country and are responsible for connecting big cities to even the smallest towns in rural areas.

If you wish to know more about each of them, check out our blog post about the  top bus companies in the US and how they compare. 

How to buy a bus ticket

Long gone are the days of staying in line to buy bus tickets at the station. Now, planning a bus trip can be as easy as a few clicks on your computer or smartphone.

Purchasing bus tickets online with Busbud allows you to compare prices and schedules from thousands of bus routes in the United States. All you have to do is enter your departure and destination cities, choose the date of your preferred trip and select the desired bus operator. You can even filter the results by cost and length of the journey.

From there, simply follow the prompts to securely pay for your ticket and receive it in your e-mail. So next time you need to buy a bus ticket, use Busbud for a convenient and cost-effective booking experience.

Start planning your trip today!

What popular bus companies operate in United States?

Why choose Busbud?

The best way to book bus and train tickets.

Busbud.com makes it easy for you to find, compare and book city-to-city bus tickets, all over the world. We save you the extra trip to the bus station. Use Busbud to book your trip online, in your own language and currency, wherever you are. Busbud prides itself on its worldwide partnerships. We make it possible for you to buy tickets with its large network of trustworthy bus partners like Greyhound, Eurolines, ALSA, OUIBUS (BlaBlaBus), National Express and many others.

What are the top visited cities in United States?

Plan your next bus trip in United States

• Bus from Newark to Washington
• Bus Albany - New York
• Fort Lauderdale - Orlando
• Bus from New York to Atlantic City
• Bus Orlando - Fort Lauderdale
• New York - Buffalo
• Bus from New York to Niagara Falls
• Bus Las Vegas - Los Angeles
• Buffalo - New York
• Bus from Austin to Dallas
• Bus Washington - Newark
• Seattle - Leavenworth
• Bus from Boston to Newark
• Bus Hartford - New York
• Los Angeles - San Francisco

Most popular airports and destinations

• South Station to Boston
• New York to Port Authority
• Boston to Boston Airport
• San Diego to Los Angeles International Airport
• Newark to Newark Liberty International Airport

Sustainable travel

• Travel from New York to Washington
• Travel from Boston to New York
• Travel from Washington to New York
• Travel from New York to Boston
• Travel from Orlando to Tampa
• Travel from Houston to San Antonio
• Travel from Orlando to Miami
• Travel from New York to Philadelphia
• Travel from Philadelphia to New York
• Travel from Lancaster to New York
• Travel from Miami to Atlanta
• Travel from Miami to Orlando
• Travel from Philadelphia to Richmond
• Travel from New York to Montreal
• Travel from Los Angeles to San Diego

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Shake, rattle and woah: the world’s most beautiful bus rides

Nov 27, 2019 • 7 min read

Unlike their revered, rail-bound cousins, long-distance buses are considered more of a necessary evil than rewarding travel experience. These unsightly, lumbering machines have a reputation for being uncomfortable, unpleasant and tireless champions of the very worst in musical radio.

But, when plying the right route, traversing a country by bus can be a genuine delight, offering penny-pinching travellers a front-row view of the world’s scenic byways and lesser-seen landscapes, as well as granting opportunities to meet memorable characters and tuck in to local delicacies en route.

So strap yourself in and leave your preconceived notions behind, as we embark on a whistle-stop tour of the world’s most beautiful bus rides.

1. Marrakesh to Errachidia, Morocco

The landscapes rolling past the windows along this 300-mile journey tend to transfix travellers in a style usually reserved for mobile phones and film screens; a phenomenon that is fitting given these desert vistas, hemmed by the dramatic Atlas Mountains, have provided the backdrop to countless cinematic encounters, from Lawrence of Arabia to Gladiator to Game of Thrones .

The story of this great voyage begins in the dizzying souks of atmospheric Marrakesh , quickly ramping up in tension as it approaches the High Atlas via the tortuous Tizi n’Tichka pass (2260m). Having meandered along heady mountain trails, the route passes an arid landscape of mudbrick kasbahs and palm groves to Ouarzazate , nicknamed ‘Ouallywood’ for its film studio, where a troop of Berbers, sporting colourful traditional turbans, may join your roving cast. The grand finale is Errachidia, a former French garrison town on the fringe of the Sahara, where sandboarding, camel treks and adventures in the great desert await.

Distance: 308 miles (496km) Estimated duration: 11 hours Top tip: For additional comfort, grab a seat on one of the premium bus lines running this route, such as CTM or Supratours .

2. New York City to San Francisco, USA

‘Heading out west’ has been the maxim that’s shaped millions of US journeys, from the Dust Bowl migrants to the pleasure-seeking Beat Generation; the iconic image of its favoured son Jack Kerouac pointing his headlights west to the beatnik scene of San Francisco still entices generations of travellers to pack a bag and cross the American heartland in search of adventure.

After leaving the bright lights of the Big Apple , this coast-to-coast pilgrimage can take many forms, but following Kerouac’s trail to ‘Frisco’ requires a stop – and fittingly wild night out – in Denver , the journey’s rough halfway point, where passengers can also stretch stiff limbs hiking in the majesty of the Rocky Mountains . The mammoth three-day Greyhound route, which rolls through the cornfields of Nebraska and deserts of Nevada , also offers optional stop-offs in intriguing, lesser-visited cities such as Pittsburgh , home to an avant-garde art museum in a former mattress warehouse, and Salt Lake City , where you can hear the world-renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir perform – this overland odyssey really has it all.

Distance: 2902 miles (4670km) Estimated duration: 75 hours Top tip: Long-distance aficionados looking for a meatier prospect should consider following this ride up with the once-a-week 100+ hour bus ride from Rio de Janeiro in Brazil to Lima in Peru , reputedly the longest single bus journey in the world.

3. Tavistock to Dawlish, England

It has been called the UK ’s rarest bus service: the 112 from Tavistock to Dawlish, which crosses the middle of Devon ’s stunning Dartmoor National Park , only runs on the fifth Saturday of the month… between April and September. This means that most years committed coach-connoisseurs only have two or three chances to make this journey, which owes its infrequency to being volunteer-run and superseded by more popular routes.

Passengers who are organised or just downright lucky enough to catch the 112 can look forward to an up-close view of Devon’s rolling moorland punctuated by granite tors and herds of Dartmoor ponies. The route passes a string of historic market towns before hitting the coast and trundling into Dawlish, where passengers will have just enough time for a traditional English Sunday roast dinner (cooked meat, potatoes and vegetables with gravy) overlooking the South Devon Coast before catching the equally rare return bus three and a half hours later.

Distance: 37 miles (60km) Estimated duration: 2 hours Top tip: The small bus only has 16 seats, so get there early to guarantee your spot – you don’t want to wait for the next service.

4. Kathmandu to Pokhara, Nepal

Anyone who considers the Everest Base Camp Trek Nepal ’s greatest challenge should try making this winding route west from the Nepalese capital without seeing their breakfast reappear. The sick bags are handed out at the beginning of this legendary hippy-trail journey, where travellers once rode with their luggage on the roof, a joint clasped tightly between fingers.

At one end of the line is Kathmandu , with its rickshaw-jammed alleyways leading to temple-cluttered Durbar Square , and at the other is the serene alpine lakeside town of Pokhara . It’s only 200km (124 miles) as the danphe flies, but this is the realm of the Himalayas and the rickety bus spends the day spectacularly climbing mountain passes with aqua-blue rivers running far below. Though the views are mesmerising, you’ll be thankful for the occasional rest stop, where – for those who can beat motion-sickness with a monk-like inner-focus – hefty portions of delicious dhal bhat (a selection of curries with boiled rice) are served in rustic restaurants perched on picturesque precipices.

Distance: 127 miles (205km) Estimated duration:  8 hours Top tip: Book your lakeside accommodation in Pokhara in advance, and ask your lodge to send someone to guide you through the scrum of hotel touts.

5. Geelong to Apollo Bay, Australia

There’s no need to cough up for a hire car to experience Victoria ’s sublime Great Ocean Road , one of the world’s most beautiful coastal journeys. Bus 101 departs from the historical port city of Geelong , just around the bay from Melbourne , and totters along almost half of the famed scenic route, stopping regularly to pick up wide-eyed backpackers and salty-maned surfers – the combination of which often results in a convivial in-vehicle atmosphere.

Sit on the left of the bus to eyeball the stunning coastal scenery, and on the right to marvel at the forested mountains. Along the way you can hop off at glorious stretches of sand such as Bells Beach for a revitalising dip or take a short detour inland to Kennett River to spot koalas and glow worms. Final destination Apollo Bay is well located for further Great Ocean Road explorations, including the iconic Twelve Apostles rock formations.

Distance: 70 miles (112km) Estimated duration:  2 hours and 30 minutes Top tip: There are  tons of great detours along this route , but foodies should consider splashing out on dinner at Brae , near Lorne, an eatery amid 30 acres of gardens that’s consistently voted the best restaurant in Australia.

6. Rio Gallegos to Ushuaia, Argentina

It’s a trip to the end of the world; that’s the civic motto of Ushuaia , the world’s southernmost city, and this poetic title sets the tone of this grand journey that’ll have passengers feeling like pioneering explorers as they cross land, sea and international borders on a meandering voyage along the toe of Argentina .

Starting in the busy port town of Rio Gallegos, this bus route crosses the Chilean border, before boarding a ferry to cross the tempestuous Strait of Magellan, where the Atlantic and Pacific oceans meet. While watching the hulking glacial landscapes glide past from the ship’s deck, it’s easy to envisage yourself as a modern Magellan, the strait’s Portuguese namesake, who passed through in 1520. After making port in Patagonia , hop back on the bus to cross the romantically-named Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire), a windswept archipelago that’s home to storied shipwrecks and snow-scuffed mountain ranges, before arriving in Ushuaia, where the adventures continue with skiing, scuba diving and potential trips to Antarctica .

Distance: 360 miles (580km) Estimated duration: 11 hours Top tip: The meal services on board the ferry are limited so take extra snacks, as well as warm clothes for time spent taking in the surrounds up on deck.

This article was first published in November 2018 and last updated in November 2019.

This article was first published November 2018 and updated November 2019

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37 Long Bus Ride Essentials: How to Travel Comfortably

Introduction.

The day for your long bus journey is approaching. It’s exciting as you get ready to travel to a new destination with new adventures that await. But long bus rides can take their toll on you. That is, of course, unless you come well-prepared.

As you start getting your luggage ready, there are a couple of essentials you don’t want to miss bringing on board with you to make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ve prepared a list of 37 essentials to take with you on your long bus ride to help make your journey as pleasant as possible.

Your 37 Long Bus Ride Essentials

If you’ve ever needed a checklist for your next long-distance journey, you’ve come to the right place. Our checklist is broken up into categories with a list of all the essentials. So, settle in and get ready to find out what you need to bring along with you for the most enjoyable trip yet!

Travel Documents and Money

1. ticket/reservation.

Whether it’s a printed or digital copy, the very first essential that you need to bring along with you is your bus ticket or reservation that will grant you access to your allocated seat on the bus. If you’re traveling in a group, make sure you have everyone’s tickets/reservations on-hand and in an easy-to-access place before everyone climbs on board.

2. Identification

It doesn’t matter whether you are traveling intra or interstate. One of the most important things to bring with you is some form of identification. This can be a passport, a driver’s license, or any other form of identity document. You never know when or where you may get stopped and asked to show who you are.

Always have some extra cash on hand. This is to enable you to be prepared in case of some emergencies or for unplanned expenses along the road. Perhaps there is a souvenir at a store somewhere along your journey that you just can’t not have. Remember that smaller places don’t always cater to card payments and as such, you should have some cash with you just in case.

4. Credit/Debit Cards

Having your credit and/or debit cards available will also ensure that you don’t have to carry wads of cash with you, which can be unsafe. What you should make sure of though is that your cards are accepted at your final destination. Not all operators accept card payments from your service provider and checking this in advance can help.

5. Travel Insurance (if applicable)

Having peace of mind on your journey can be enhanced by taking out travel insurance. Although it is unlikely, you may wish to insure your luggage and belongings or any other aspect related to your trip.

Personal Comfort

6. travel pillow.

Bear in mind that long-distance buses are usually highly comfortable with reclining seats and armrests. However, to ensure your neck doesn’t strain, a neck pillow will be essential for its support.

7. Blanket or Shawl

Because long-distance buses usually switch on an air conditioning or central heating system, it’s worth being prepared for temperature changes. As buses can get cold, bringing a small blanket or a shawl along is another great idea.

8. Eye Mask

If you want to catch some shut-eye and not be distracted by the constantly moving objects that are part of the scenery, bring along an eye mask to block out the light.

9. Earplugs or Noise-Canceling Headphones

Whether you’d like to enjoy some quiet time in your own space or you’d like to fall asleep listening to calming music, bring along your earplugs or noise-canceling headphones to block out noise.

10. Comfortable Clothing

To avoid swollen limbs and overall discomfort, make sure you wear loose-fitting clothes. Clothes that are in layers are the best because you can always take some layers off or put them on, depending on the ambient temperature on the bus and your comfort levels.

11. Slippers or Easy-to-Remove Shoes

Although you can perform some leg exercises from the comfort of your seat on the bus, make sure you wear shoes that are easy to remove or bring along a pair of slippers for your feet. This will ensure greater levels of comfort during the ride.

Entertainment and Electronics

12. phone/tablet.

In our modern world with advanced technology, you only need to bring along a phone or a tablet with downloaded movies, music, podcasts, or audiobooks to keep yourself entertained, have fun, and even learn something on the go.

13. Charger and Power Bank

And when it comes to electronics, be sure to bring a charger and power bank with you. But first, make sure that they are compatible with the outlets on the bus, if available.

14. Headphones/Earbuds

For those traveling in a group, sharing a movie or listening to music with your seating partner can be a great way to pass the time. Ideally, you’d want to bring headphones or earbuds too, preferably with a splitter, so as not to disturb others around you while enjoying yourself.

15. Books or E-readers

Bringing along a regular book is another fantastic way to pass the time. And if you want to bring along more than one, why not put them on an e-reader? Just make sure that this electronic device is charged and ready to go.

16. Travel Games or Playing Cards

Especially good if you are traveling with others, bringing along some travel games or playing cards is a fantastic way to bond and share a memorable experience while making your journey fun.

17. Journal and Pen

For the introspective ones who like to take in the sights and sounds and dwell on the moment, writing, doodling, or sketching could be a fantastic way to spend the time on your bus. For this reason, you may want to bring along a journal and pen or a small sketchbook with a pencil.

Snacks and Hydration

18. water bottle.

Staying hydrated on a long journey is essential. That’s why you should definitely bring with you a water bottle and preferably a reusable one.

19. Non-perishable Snacks

To keep hunger at bay while ensuring you don’t feel nauseous, it’s advisable to bring along with you some non-perishable snacks. Examples include nuts, granola bars, and dried fruits.

20. Gum or Mints

After you’ve snacked, you’ll want to freshen your breath. That’s why gum or mints are advisable, too. Apart from fresh breath, they also help with ear popping at the different altitudes that you may be traveling.

21. Reusable Cutlery and Napkins

If you plan to eat a more significant meal on the bus, bringing along some reusable cutlery and napkins will not make for a heavy addition to your on-board luggage load. But they will certainly help you feel more hygienic as you munch away.

Health and Hygiene

22. hand sanitizer.

After having a snack or meal, after stopping at pit stops, or if you somehow get your hands dirty, bringing along hand sanitizer is a great way to maintain cleanliness and hygiene and keep the germs away.

23. Wet Wipes or Baby Wipes

Wet wipes or baby wipes come in small packages and don’t weigh you down. However, they’re great for freshening up.

24. Toilet Paper or Tissues

Although long-distance coach bus restrooms are usually well-stocked, the last thing you want to do is ask the driver to stop the bus and restock the toilet paper. Simply make sure you bring some along with you to keep the journey flowing nicely and to ensure you are well-prepared.

25. Personal Medications

These are absolute essentials, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions. Make sure you also bring along any necessary medical prescriptions so that you can refill your medicine kit at your destination.

26. First Aid Kit

A first-aid kit is always a good idea and it doesn’t have to be big and bulky either. All you need are basics like band-aids and pain relievers in case of an emergency.

27. Lip Balm and Moisturizer

Because buses can be dry environments, lip balm, and moisturizer are great ways to keep your skin nourished and hydrated.

28. Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Use the bus restroom to freshen up and bring on board your toothbrush and a small tube of toothpaste, especially for longer journeys.

29. Face Mask

Face masks should be brought along just in case and depending on current health guidelines.

Miscellaneous

30. sunglasses.

Small but highly useful accessories to bring with you are your sunglasses. That’s especially useful if you have a window seat.

31. Reusable Shopping Bag

This is always a good idea for any purchases you make during stops along the way.

32. Travel Guide or Map

For those who may be exploring new areas during layovers, carrying a travel guide or map can be a highly useful way to get you to your chosen spot with ease.

33. Backup Glasses/Contact Lenses

If you wear glasses or contact lenses, make sure you bring a backup just in case something happens to your current pair and you are struggling to see clearly.

34. Umbrella or Raincoat

The weather can change unpredictably and being prepared is the best option. So, be sure to take an umbrella or a raincoat, depending on the forecast.

Safety and Security

35. a padlock or luggage lock.

To secure your belongings, both on and off the bus, invest in a padlock or a luggage lock.

36. Personal Alarm or Whistle

If you aren’t familiar with your destination and you want to feel extra safe, taking your personal alarm or a whistle for personal safety is always a good idea. They don’t weigh much or take up much space so it’s definitely worth bringing these items along.

37. Copy of Important Documents

Finally, make sure that you have copies of important documents that you’re carrying with you in case the originals are lost. Sometimes, mishaps happen and you want to be as well-prepared for your journey and your final destination as possible.

Key takeaways

And there you have it! An extensive list of things to pack and bring along on board with you on your long bus journey. Almost none of these items are very heavy or large to take up much space in your on board luggage.

However, ensuring you bring them with you can make your journey a much more pleasant one and this can extend beyond when you reach your final destination.

Being prepared is always a good idea and by following our 37-point checklist, you’re sure to feel ready for the trip ahead, no matter where it takes you or how long it takes to get there. Bon voyage!

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Popular bus routes in the USA

Popular national bus routes.

• Boston ↔ New York
• New York ↔ Washington DC
• Los Angeles ↔ San Diego
• Las Vegas ↔ Los Angeles
• Atlanta ↔ New York
• Virginia Beach ↔ New York
• Philadelphia ↔ Washington DC
• Miami ↔ Orlando
• Boston ↔ Philadelphia
• New York ↔ Philadelphia
• Charlotte ↔ New York
• Dallas ↔ Houston
• Greensboro ↔ New York
• New York ↔ Orlando
• New York ↔ Rochester
• Tampa ↔ New York
• New York ↔ Raleigh
• Norfolk ↔ New York
• Austin ↔ Dallas
• Fort Lauderdale ↔ Orlando
• New York ↔ Augusta
• Columbia ↔ New York
• Union City ↔ Washington DC
• Los Angeles ↔ Oakland
• Houston ↔ New Orleans
• Austin ↔ Houston
• Houston ↔ San Antonio
• El Paso ↔ San Antonio
• Orlando ↔ Tampa
• Los Angeles ↔ San Francisco
• Portland ↔ Seattle
• Chicago ↔ Indianapolis

Bus routes that connect with international destinations

• New York ↔ Toronto
• Montreal ↔ New York
• Los Angeles ↔ Tijuana
• New York ↔ Ottawa
• Seattle ↔ Vancouver
• Santa Ana ↔ Tijuana
• Boston ↔ Montreal
• Washington DC ↔ Montreal
• Toronto ↔ Washington DC
• San Diego ↔ Tijuana
• Everett ↔ Vancouver
• Fresno ↔ Tijuana
• Anaheim ↔ Tijuana
• Detroit ↔ Toronto
• Vancouver ↔ Portland
• Guadalajara ↔ Los Angeles
• Ciudad Juarez ↔ Santa Ana
• Buffalo ↔ Toronto
• Las Vegas ↔ Tijuana

Travel by Bus Around the World

• Bosnia-Herzegovina
• Czech Republic
• Dominican Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• North Macedonia
• Philippines
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom

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Find a Coach / Bus trip that explores USA. There are 219 adventures to choose from, that range in length from 3 days up to 32 days. The most popular month for these tours is September, which has the most tour departures. For more inspiration, discover our  USA vacation deals  and the best coach/bus tour companies .

182 Coach / Bus tour packages in USA with 3,764 reviews

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Best of the American West

Excellent tour! Our guide, Ken Black, was the best tour guide ever. He took us to the best places, made excellent hike recommendations depending on our interests and capabilities, made sure we were safe and had fun at all times!

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

American Parks Trail (Classic, End Denver, 9 Days)

The Tour Director and driver were first class, keeping us both very amused, and very safe. Some of the downsides were due to the weather, at times, which nothing could be done about, so we got on with it. Some of the main downs were due to my naivety, in thinking some facilities (like cash paying taxis from SLC airport; I persuaded a friendly Uber driver to accept cash!) were what I was used to, and that I wouldn't have to re-enter security when changing planes from LHR to SLC, at PHX, even though I was on a connecting, booked, flight, and my baggage had already been labelled for both airports appropriately, at LHR. Altogether, a very good, and memorable holiday, where I visited some parts of the Parks that I visited before, but saw many more, and different sights in them.

Road Trippin’ American West

Dollywood and Nashville Escorted Tour

• In-depth Cultural

Northern California (8 Days)

Robert Lehua was our guide and he was outstanding. This was a terrific trip and I give it high marks for accommodations, meals, sights seen, and pacing. It was a well put-together program that I thought was a very good value.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

National Park Wonders (Start Jackson, 9 Days)

Could have done without the towns full of t-shirts and Bear town. Liked the nature and sculptures the best.

Highlights of the Canyonlands

Loved the trip. Saw some amazing places, and traveled with some interesting people.

Wonders of the American West (Classic, 10 Days)

Did everything we wanted

Exploring America's National Parks

Many places covered well... And the tour director had good knowledge of the places we visited

• Sightseeing
• Christmas & New Year

Fascinating West, Ending in San Francisco

New York and Washington

Spectacular Canyons and National Parks (End Denver, 13 Days)

We were given so much information ahead of time about the places we were headed. Whether it be a national park, we always had info about where bathrooms, snack bars and/or tshirts were! Stephen McNally did a wonderful job of keeping our schedule and Mark, the driver, was always kind and both were professional at all times! We've been on many cruises where you can see unique sights somewhat at a distance. This trip, in spite of living out of our suitcases, was one for the books that we will never forget! Great organization showed itself over and over during our 13 day trip!

Best of the West (12 Days)

The tour was good, the destination highlights were amazing! The hotels were good, but sometimes outside towns so there was nothing to do and not much choice for food- a bit disappointing. Breakfast not included. The guide was good, driver amazing! There was a lot of extras to choose from, so spent more than originally anticipated this will cost, especially with tips!

Eastern Discovery (10 Days)

It was a great experience

National Parks of America's West

The tour agency made it so convenient for all of us. The driver, tour guide and tour director were all pleasant and helpful.

What people love about Coach / Bus Tours in USA

The trip was great! The tour director and the driver both were very knowledgeable.

It was great. Tough schedule but I liked it.

Regions in USA

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Travel Styles

• 10 Best Coach & Bus Companies (with Reviews)
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• Best USA Vacation Spots for Couples: Parks, Cities and more
• 5 Best Guided Backpacking Trips & Tours
• Best 10 Day USA Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)

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20+ Things to Know Before You Travel By Bus in the USA

February 21, 2018 by Karen Turner 10 Comments

I have many talents, but driving is not one of them. I’ve never been given a driver’s license, so I’ve been forced to travel by bus in the USA. Although it’s maybe not “cool” to travel by buses around the United States, taking Greyhound buses and Megabus is often a good cheap way to travel around the USA.

Keep reading for my recommendations for the bus companies in the United States, reviews of different bus companies in the US, what to know about bus travel in the United States, and what to bring on long bus trips in the United States.

• 1 Should you travel by bus in the US?
• 2.1 Greyhound
• 2.2 Megabus
• 2.3 BoltBus
• 2.4.1 Other Bus companies in the United States
• 3.0.1 The bus stations…
• 3.0.2 Finding the bus departure place may be harder than you realize!
• 3.0.3 You might get dropped off in the middle of nowhere
• 3.0.4 Avoid buses that depart or arrive late at night
• 3.0.5 Book in advance to get the best times and prices
• 3.0.6 Not every bus still has wifi… or working plugs
• 3.0.7 You need identification and often your bus ticket printed
• 3.0.8 Your bus ticket is typically non-refundable and for a specific time
• 3.0.9.1 Don’t drink too many liquids
• 3.0.10.1 Set an alarm
• 3.0.10.2 One suitcase and one backpack.  Keep your valuables with you.
• 3.0.11 Be early for the bus!
• 4.0.1 Be sure to bring antibacterial gel
• 4.0.2 Travel Pillow.
• 4.0.3 Backpack that will fit your valuables, including your laptop.
• 4.0.4 Your iPad and a season of shows lined up with some headphones.
• 4.0.5 Snacks.
• 4.0.6 Wear layers and bring a sweatshirt.
• 4.0.7 A good book and a reading light.
• 4.0.8 External Phone Battery Charger

Should you travel by bus in the US?

Yes, and no. If your trip around the United States is focused on city hopping, especially within one region (e.g. East Coast), traveling by bus in the United States is a good choice.. It’s often cheaper and easier not to have a car in big cities in the United States as parking can add up.  However, it depends a lot on the city as some cities have great public transportation system while others have terrible public transportation systems.

If you’re planning on focusing on the beautiful National Parks, you’re going to have difficulty getting around more rural areas of the US without a lot of money spent on taxis.  Some National Parks have better infrastructure in terms of getting there without a car (e.g. Yosemite), but many parks are quite rural and require extra time/money to get there without a car.  It might make sense to take a bus for some legs of your journey and do tours once you’re within a city.  This will be cheaper than all-inclusive options.

Bus travel in the United States is far more sustainable than traveling by car around the United States.  People love to write about road trips, but bus travel is way more eco-friendly!  Similarly, not everyone can afford a car or it doesn’t make sense to drive into another big city.

As a result, I think that travel by bus around the US can be a great option for those on a budget, anyone who’s into sustainable travel, and for those who don’t want to have to bother with driving in big American cities.

Bus travel in the United States is often not as advertised online in terms of wifi and on-board entertainment. Although many bus companies are interested in creating more premium experiences and improving the average bus experience, my experiences traveling by bus in the United States has been gritty and unglamorous. This has been the case for my husband too. ( What did you think you were getting when you paid $25 for a 8 hour bus across the country?)

Photo from Chicago, which was a 14+ hour bus ride

National bus companies in the United States

You’ll encounter a lot of bus companies in the United States although many are regional bus lines that I haven’t personally encountered. Most of the time, unless it’s a major American holiday, bus travel doesn’t require significant planning beyond a day or two in advance.  American buses tend to be cheaper if you book way in advance with a major company (e.g. Greyhound or Megabus) while regional bus rates tend to rise less closer to the dates.

Greyhound is the most ubiquitous bus company in the United States.  Among the bus companies, the opinions about Greyhound buses online  tends to be more favorable although most people I know who regularly take Greyhounds aren’t their biggest cheerleaders.  The coverage of Greyhound buses is good across the country and you can get across the United States on a Greyhound on the drop of a hat.

However, you will probably have numerous stop-offs in various cities, which can add some time.  However, it’s possible to get to Yosemite with a Greyhound, which is why if you’re traveling in the United States without a car.  It’s often best to buy Greyhound tickets at least two weeks in advance and they have special deals if you buy online.

It’s basically very hard to get a $1 fare on Megabus at this point, but you can get some good deals on Megabus if you book ahead.  I started taking Megabus when it got started.  At this point, Megabus tends to be standard and their concept is getting you there.  The demographic for Megabus is considerably younger than Greyhound and you’ll find a lot of students taking Megabus.

Megabus tend to be stricter about bag sizes although they more uniformly have working outlets on their buses.  Coverage for Megabus is best on the East Coast, Midwest, and between college towns in the United States. They also have some coverage on the West Coast.

My husband has sworn off Megabus after the wheels almost caught on fire and the driver told the passengers it wasn’t safe to continue.  He was forced to wait in the middle of nowhere waiting for a new bus to come pick them up.  A couple of other friends have similar stories although I generally take Megabus given the choice as I find people are a bit more considerate.

BoltBus is a “premium” bus company that runs on the East and West coast.  Their buses tend to be much newer and nicer than others that I’ve taken, however the routes are more limited to major cities on the coasts.  Their plugs tend to work much more reliably and recently, they started including movies in the price of the bus.

I’ve generally liked BoltBus and I wish that they would expand to more cities.  It’s my go-to choice for traveling from New York City to Washington DC.

Trailways Transportation System

Trailways is a network of 70+ regional bus companies in the United States that compromises the oldest bus network in the United States.  Their network crosses the United States and I’ve taken Trailways quite a few times.  I find their buses not as uniform as you’re likely to be switching companies as you switch state lines.  Most of my experience taking Trailways meant that I had long layovers in rural Pennsylvania at one particular transfer point.

For smaller cities with less coverage on the big names, I find that Trailways is more reliable in helping you find a route although it might add time to your journey.  It depends on the bus journey, however I find that Trailway buses tend to stop off a lot more although it makes the journey through the United States far more scenic as you’re often taking non-highway routes.

Other Bus companies in the United States

Photo by Denis Rozhnovsky/Bigstockphoto

There’s a ton more bus companies in the United States, including Vonlane (Texas), Fullington Trailways (New York/Pennsylvania), Utah Trailways (Utah), Burlington Trailways (Vermont), Jefferson Lines, Bieber Tours (Pennsylvania/New York), Barons Bus Lines (East Coast),  Adirondack Trailways (Canada/New York), RedCoach (Florida; premium bus), Capital Trailways (South/Alabama), Hoosier Transportation (Midwest/Iowa/Michigan/Kentucky), Indian Trails (Michigan), Peter Pan (East Coast), Orange Belt (California), etc. There’s a ton more.  If you’re not seeing a route to where you’re going, I recommend stopping by the bus station to see if there’s a bus heading that way on a regional line.

On the east coast and the west coast, you’ll also find Chinese bus companies that run between the Chinatowns or downtowns of major cities on the East Coast/West Coast.  The Chinese bus companies are often the cheapest option if you’re traveling to/from New York City or LA to a nearby major city.

Due to price, I often took the Chinese bus companies.  These bus rides went by without incident for me, but my cousin was stranded in the middle of nowhere after a bus broke down and the bus company wasn’t helpful at all.

Things to know about bus travel in the United States

The bus stations….

With the creation of the interstate highway system, buses in the United States stopped being as popular as they were before.  The bus infrastructure has suffered as a result.  Most bus stations tend to be on the dingier side and do not require a ticket to enter the bus station, so it’s best to be aware of your belongings.  Most bus stations in the United States tend to be located in the city center, which aren’t always in the best neighborhoods.

In the case of many of the “newer” bus lines (e.g. Megabus), their business model is about cutting out the bus station to pass on savings to consumers.  This means that their bus station may be a Walmart parking lot or simply a curb on a sidewalk.  As a result, you might be forced to wait outside for the bus and/or there may be no bus station for you to wait inside at.  Bring an umbrella if you think this might be the case.

Finding the bus departure place may be harder than you realize!

Often, bus terminals for Greyhound and other regional bus stations are well-established terminals in the city center.  However, for some of the newer bus companies, they have their buses designated in a large area.  You’re going to need an extra twenty minutes at minimum if you’re taking Megabus to find your bus if it’s departing from most major cities.

In New York, I’ve found that I need the extra time to walk past all the buses waiting to find the correct departure point. Similarly, when I took BoltBus out of DC, I had to spend a while searching for the one departing for NYC as there were more than five buses departing around the same time.

You might get dropped off in the middle of nowhere

Modern-day America has been built for cars.  For most major cities, you’ll be dropped of at the bus terminal, which can be far from the non-downtown parts of a city. I used to often take one route and the bus terminal was over three miles from the main downtown area, which can be tricky if you don’t have a car.

In one case, I was forced to take a taxi as it wasn’t possible to get from the bus terminal to my final destination (the airport) without it.  It’s good to check where the bus stop will be as you don’t want to need to take a taxi to get there.  Google Maps in my go-to source.

Avoid buses that depart or arrive late at night

Trust me on this one. A lot of cities have poor transportation after a certain hour (often eleven at night), and often bus terminals are in the heart of the city center.  Unlike European cities, many American city centers aren’t uniformly safe and I recommend using some caution if you’ll be walking around with all your valuables late at night.  Crime in America is an issue.

Book in advance to get the best times and prices

Many bus companies, especially Boltbus and Megabus, advertise low rates if you book as far in advance as possible.  I often take Megabus and wait to see when the tickets go on sale, so I can get one of the first tickets, which is typically less than $5.  If you wait too long, especially for holiday weekends, the prices will go up considerably.  That said, you’ll find a bus to your destination within a day or two if you simply head to the bus station on short notice.

Not every bus still has wifi… or working plugs

A good playlist is always a good idea. Photo by VadimGuzhva/bigstockphoto

Although many bus companies advertise that buses have wifi, the wifi on the bus is ridiculously slow, throttled for video, and unreliable.  I’ve been on countless buses where the wifi never worked because it didn’t have wifi, the wifi was broken, or there were too many people on it at once.

It’s become trendy to have outlets, but often, the outlets are somewhere really inconvenient or they don’t work.  A lot of people think initially that they’ll work on the bus, but I find that it’s not a conducive environment for working as the seat-tray makes it hard to fit a laptop in many cases.

This becomes especially true when others decide to lean their chair back.  I’ve been on buses where the outlets were above you in the “ceiling”, so unless you spend the whole bus ride holding your plug in the outlet, you will not be charging your electronics.  Some of the newer buses have improved upon this design and have easy-to-access plugs/usb ports.

You need identification and often your bus ticket printed

Typically, any photo identification will do, however the name needs to match the ticket. That means that you typically can’t use your friend’s ticket. If you’re a foreigner, I recommend having your passport on you.

Not all bus companies allow e-tickets, so I always print my ticket ahead as finding a good place to print my ticket isn’t always easy near the bus station.  Some bus companies are better about accepting e-tickets, so check the terms to see if it’s enough to have a ticket on your phone.

The real reason that I always print my ticket?  I need to have my phone charged enough for when I arrive.  As a result, I recommend having it printed, so you don’t need to worry about having your phone charged up for the next transfer or for when I arrive at the destination, particularly if it’s a long bus ride.  I often find myself playing on my phone, which can kill the battery.

Your bus ticket is typically non-refundable and for a specific time

Unless you pay extra for a refundable ticket, you’re often getting one for a specific time. Don’t miss your bus! Some bus companies allow you to change the ticket for the difference in ticket price in addition to a fee, but I’ve actually bought a ticket in most of those cases as it was cheaper than the change fee.

Oh, the people you’ll meet!

Dr. Seuss must have taken buses around the United States. While most of my bus trips have gone by without incidence, both my husband and I have some  memorable  bus travel stories as do most of my friends. Most people sleep, stare out the window, talk to friends on the phone, or chat with friends on the bus. Let’s be clear that most people you’ll encounter on the buses will be non-offensive, but as I have regularly taken regional buses through rural areas, you’re bound to meet some characters.

This following story is from my husband who took a twenty-four hour Greyhound bus from Pennsylvania to Kentucky via Ohio…

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, many students choose to take Greyhound home because it is so cheap.  You’re  not supposed to bring alcohol on the bus, however some people do.  This student had smuggled a bottle of peach flavored vodka on the bus.  He was hell-bent on talking to every girl on the bus and switched seats countless times.  He was drinking the vodka and kept offering it to the girls.  After they all rejected it and him, he sitting up next to me. There was a girl nearby from Hawaii who was heading to a friend’s house in Iowa to celebrate Thanksgiving.  The girl and the guy hit it off and get very drunk on the bus.  They start having a big make-out session, so the whole bus was just eavesdropping while some were openly watching them.   The issue was that it was night-time and they were being loud while everyone else on the bus was trying to sleep. The first leg took us to Columbus, which is a big switching point for buses.  I was heading south from there as was the guy.  The girl was heading further west from there. We get to Columbus and they decide that they’re in love .  The girl invites him to come to Iowa with her to her friend’s house and the guy actually switches his ticket to go to Iowa.  Sure enough, they left for Iowa together to her friend’s parents house. Imagine her friend’s reaction when she shows up hungover with this random guy she met on a Greyhound.

Don’t drink too many liquids

This is a newbie bus mistake.  It’s good to stay hydrated and I typically bring at least one bottle of water for longer journeys, however I generally avoid bus bathrooms.  More importantly: Some buses, especially regional ones for shorter legs, don’t have a bathroom on the bus.  Be sure to use the bathroom at the bus terminal before you leave!

It’s not a guarantee that your bus will stop off at a bus station or rest stop long enough for you to go inside.

For longer trips, keep in mind that the bus will probably stop off at a rest stop as they’re not allowed to drive over a certain number of hours without stopping.  It’s not a guarantee for shorter journeys that the bus will stop off at a rest station long enough for you get something to eat, so bring your own food/drinks ahead.

If it looks like you’ll have fifteen minutes waiting at a station for passengers, be sure to tell the bus driver that you’ll be back to ensure that the bus doesn’t leave without you.  There’s often a line for the restroom at rest stops.

Set an alarm

On long bus rides, you might fall asleep. That’s fine, however if your destination isn’t the final destination, you’ll want to set an alarm on your phone before the time that your bus is supposed to arrive.  There might be traffic, but in general, it’s a safe move.

One suitcase and one backpack.  Keep your valuables with you.

Remember that you’re NOT on a plane. Some bus companies are more lax about luggage, however if it’s a crowded bus or you’re traveling over major holiday, you might need to pay for an extra bag.  I also recommend avoiding having your stuff in bags if possible as I’ve seen people get rejected from boarding onto buses when carrying their belongings in plastic bags.

I tend to keep my valuables in my backpack rather than below the bus, especially if the bus has a lot of stop off points  I recommend labeling your bag clearly as it’s hard to find a black suitcase among 50 other black suitcases .  Weird size luggage might cause issues, so ask beforehand.

Typically at stops, people take their items from the hull, so unless you want your bag taken by mistake, it’s best to keep your valuables in your backpack with you on the bus.  I’ve never had a bag stolen or taken by mistake, but if it’s a long ride with a lot of stops, I recommend labeling your bag clearly and packing your backpack carefully.

Be early for the bus!

Although it hasn’t often happened, buses leave on time.  More often than not, they’ll wait a couple more minutes for passengers who are running a few minutes late, but I’ve seen so many people running after the bus without success.  You need time to get your luggage under the hold.  Certain bus companies, including Megabus, overbook their seats, so if you’re not there early and it’s a full bus, you might get rejected on the bus and need to wait for the next one.

What to bring on long bus trips in the United States

If you’re wondering what to pack for an overnight bus trip, I’m well-experienced in these long miserable journeys that I’ve done to save money.

Be sure to bring antibacterial gel

Some bus bathrooms are best avoided.  Similarly, the soap dispenser may not work. Be sure to have your own antibacterial gel to clean your hands with, especially if you plan on eating.

Travel Pillow.

This is the MOST important item that you’ll want to pack for an overnight bus trip as I struggle to sleep without a good travel pillow. I have this exact travel pillow and I love how small it folds up!

Backpack that will fit your valuables, including your laptop.

I recommend looking for a carry-on friendly sized backpack that can fit your backpack as well as most of your valuables, so that they’re close to you.

Your iPad and a season of shows lined up with some headphones.

This is definitely not a necessity, but if you’re going to have a lot of long bus trips, I recommend bringing an iPad , so you can watch movies on the bus.  Download your shows before you leave wifi!

I recommend not buying your snacks at the bus station if possible as the prices tend to be a lot higher and the selection isn’t as good as going to the supermarket! Avoid peanuts as some people are really allergic.   I really like to carry granola bars with me as they’re hard to smoosh and non-messy.

Wear layers and bring a sweatshirt.

You never know when the bus will be too warm or too cold, so I always try to bring a sweatshirt to put on over my clothes in case I get cold! I recommend dressing comfy and you’ll be sitting for many hours.

A good book and a reading light.

For night buses, the driver typically shuts off the lights after a certain time. Although there’s a reading light from above, I’m often very conscious of it annoying the people around me.  Instead, I usually bring my own reading light as well as a good book.  For a good read, I recommend Night Film (which will take you many hours to finish), the Power , or On the Road for some American travel inspiration.

External Phone Battery Charger

You never know when there won’t be a working charger on the bus and you might need to make a phone call. Don’t let your phone die and carry an external phone battery charger .

Have you traveled by bus in the United States? Anything you’d add?

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About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

Reader Interactions

February 24, 2018 at 12:47 am

Wow, I live in the US and I have never even considered bus travel (excluding taking the Megabus very occasionally from San Francisco to LA). That’s such a cool way to travel the country, and I will definitely have to consider it in the future! Thanks for sharing all these helpful tips.

February 24, 2018 at 3:12 am

The US is so spread out that it’s difficult to see a lot of it without access to a car. Bus is often the only option for many travelers. I’ve never traveled long distance by bus in the US, but I’ve heard they’re pretty unpleasant.

February 24, 2018 at 4:09 am

I haven’t been to the US of A but everyone has always told me that if you want to move around, you need a car. That is the only way to travel unless you consider flights which can get expensive. I was pleasantly surprised to know that the bus routes are usable.

February 24, 2018 at 1:01 pm

Super comprehensive and useful guide! I felt I’ve learned a lot about the buses in U.S just from this post. The reading light is a great suggestion – I’m gonna consider that the next time I fret over bringing a book on trips! Same like you, I feel conscious that the overhead light will be disturbing to my neighbour 😉

February 24, 2018 at 2:03 pm

I went to college in DC so def took the fung wa chinatown bus many times! I did have a greyhound driver once say (at a rest stop) “I dont count heads, I just count time” meaning he was rolling out at the designated time with or without you! I think now at age 40, I’ve graduated from Bus travel.

February 24, 2018 at 2:32 pm

I’ve only ever taken the bus between NY and Baltimore (China Bus). I’m laughing at the Dr. Suess comment and the need for hand santizer!!! LOL

September 17, 2018 at 5:18 pm

thanks so much, gonna do it now in advance! from the Uk to AmericaU here I come !!!

May 12, 2019 at 5:00 am

Don’t use Greyhound bus.. Many of the buses are unsafe, employees for the most part are rude worst of all is the huge amount of lost luggage. Its piled in s warehouse in Dallas I think, and you will never see it again. Mine was lost last summer and none will help me get it back. Travel Greyhound at your own risk.

May 20, 2019 at 2:37 pm

The buses are affordable but the catch is, IF YOU CANCEL YOUR TRIP, ITS ‘ZERO’ REFUND! However, they can reschedule you at no cost. So, think well and be sure before you book!!

July 11, 2023 at 7:01 pm

Tip for sleeping on busses

If you are fortunate enough to have 2 seats to yourself push back your seat to the limit. Then leave the other seat in upright position. You can then test your Head on the other seatback. About as comfortable as it gets on a bus

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A Complete Guide to Bus Travel Around Mexico

There are three main ways to travel around Mexico: by plane, by private vehicle or by bus.

In this blog post we’ll tell you everything you need to know about bus travel around Mexico. This post is aimed at backpackers staying in the country for a longer period of time, for those who don’t want to rent a car and for those looking for affordable and more sustainable travel options to flights.

For reference, we spent just under three months in Mexico and only used buses to travel between places. During this time we travelled with many different bus companies, on day-time and overnight buses, and waited at many different bus stations. Whilst this doesn’t make us experts, our experience allows us to provide you with insider advice, tips and comparisons of the various bus operators. 

Over the years we have also travelled across the USA and backpacked around Europe , Peru and Colombia using plenty of buses as a means of transport. Therefore, we have lots of experience when it comes to taking long-distance bus rides and will be able to provide good comparisons to other countries too.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission if you click a link and purchase something. Clicking these links won’t cost you anything, but it will help us to keep this site up and running! Learn more about our affiliate policy.

Table of Contents

About Bus Travel Around Mexico

Before we delve into the details let’s start by saying that taking the bus isn’t only going to save you money. It will also exceed your expectations. At least it did with ours…

Mexico actually doesn’t have a national bus company. Instead, the country has many regional companies which cover most of the places you’re likely to travel to during your stay. I’ll detail these further below.

Apparently Mexico has invested a lot of money in high-speed toll roads and roads in general since the 1990s. In addition, bus operators have also invested to create an extensive bus network across the country. These inter-city buses normally have three different classes: executive, first and second class. Executive and first class buses definitely offer a safe, modern and comfortable environment to travel in for long hours. Second class buses are normally just as safe but they are more common on shorter journeys. Sound too good to be true? 

Well, after using many well-known bus companies across the USA and Europe such as Greyhound, Megabus and National Express, I can safely say that Mexico’s buses became our absolute favourite ones. We had massive, comfortable seats that we’d only ever seen as we walked past the business class section on planes. We had fantastic leg room with leg rests that made us feel like we were in bed. In addition, many services provided on board entertainment that helped to kill the time.

Our Top Resources for Travelling Around Mexico

• 🚌 Find bus routes and companies using Busbud
• 📱Get an eSIM with  Airalo  to be able to use data
• 🛡️Don’t forget to buy travel insurance via  SafetyWing

What to Consider Before You Decide to Travel by Bus in Mexico

Before you start purchasing bus tickets after hearing us raving about how good they are, ask yourself the following questions to make sure that bus travel is the best mode of transportation for YOU:

Do I get motion sick easily? – I wouldn’t recommend taking buses across the country if you suffer from serious motion sickness. The journeys are generally long, the roads can be bumpy and very windy in certain areas. In that case flying is probably a better option for you.

How much time do I have? – If you need to be somewhere on a certain day or time then make sure to take an earlier bus, travel the day before or pick another method altogether. Whilst buses are generally on time with very minimal delays, you really never know what’s going to happen on the roads. You don’t want to risk missing an important flight for example.

Do I know some Spanish? – Whilst you’ll be able to communicate in English at airports, this isn’t the case at bus stations. We found very little English-speaking staff even at massive stations such as Mexico City. Therefore, I recommend learning the basics prior to your trip such as how to ask for bus tickets, dates, times and numbers. There is also the life-saving Google Translate App which will be your best friend during your travels.

Where to Find Information About Bus Routes and Companies

Although I’ll detail and link the main companies we used below, it’s always good practice to do your own research too.

Our main online sources that helped us to find bus routes and companies operating to and from our next destination were Busbud , Rome2Rio and Moovitapp.  These websites are also great if you’d like to travel locally and are looking for smaller bus operators and detailed bus routes.

Is It Safe to Travel by Bus in Mexico?

I guess there’s one more important factor you’ll want to consider before committing to a long-distance bus ride: Is it safe?

My short answer is: YES.

We never felt unsafe on any of the buses whether it was during the day or at night. We never felt unsafe waiting at the bus stations either. However, crimes are not uncommon, especially in densely populated cities. You might also read some scary stories that happened to people who were unfortunately in the wrong place at the wrong time, but in my opinion this is very rare.

Whilst you’re most likely to have an uneventful journey, below are a few of my general tips for extra safety:

• If you’re travelling solo, or having to travel to the bus station for an overnight bus, I suggest calling an Uber or official taxi. 
• We used public transport to get to the station many times, but make sure to avoid travelling during rush hour. It’s really uncomfortable and awkward to be squeezed onto a busy metro with all your belongings. Plus, it’s also harder to pay attention to every bag you own.
• Once at the station, make sure to have all your belongings with you at all times. It’s obviously easier to grab food or go to the toilet if you’re travelling in pairs or small groups.
• For extra security, consider putting a lock onto both your big bag and smaller backpacks.
• I know it’s obvious, but don’t put any valuables into the bag that’s going under the bus. They can get thrown all around not just stolen.
• Lastly, having good travel insurance is key in case your bags get lost or stolen.

Bus Stations

Most cities and towns you’ll be travelling to will have a central bus station called Central de Autobuses. Although they’re called ‘central’, the bus stops are likely to be located quite a bit further from the town than the centre.

Unlike in Costa Ric a , it’s very rare if individual bus companies have their own terminal, but not unheard of. In big cities there will usually be a long distance bus station and a local bus station. Mexico City actually has 4 different long distance bus stations! Therefore, make sure to check the location where your bus departs from prior to your journey.

Once at the bus station, you’ll normally find different bus companies selling tickets, convenience stores selling drinks and snacks, fast food places and cafés. Bus stations will also have toilet facilities. The use of these toilets normally costs between 5 or 6 pesos.

Top Tips – Make sure to have some coins to be able to use the metal gates. You might have to pay extra for toilet paper, so either have extra change on you or carry some. 

Bus stations also have seating areas at the gates where you can wait until your bus is ready for boarding. 

Top Tip – At the ticket office they will tell you which gate your bus will depart from, but if you’re unsure, you can always double check it with the staff at the gates. 

Normally the number and variety of facilities depends on the size of the bus station. Therefore, I recommend doing some research and buying enough food and drinks prior to arriving at the bus stops in case they don’t have sufficient facilities. For example, some touristy bus stops such as in Puerto Escondido felt a bit bare and there wasn’t any supermarkets close by either.

Purchasing Bus Tickets Online vs at the Bus Station

Online reservations.

Many companies now have their own websites where you can purchase your bus ticket. Sometimes they even offer a discount if you buy your ticket online which is great.

However, bear in mind that these websites might not be as advanced as you’re used to. In many cases you might not even be able to book your ticket online for various reasons:

• We noticed that some websites only accept credit card payments from bank cards that were issued in Mexico.
• Another issue we had when trying to buy tickets online was that at the card detail section they asked for the postcode that your card is registered to, but you could only put numbers in. In the UK, we have letters in our postcodes as well as numbers so couldn’t complete the section correctly.
• Some bus companies will want to see your passport and Immigration Form (FMM) when you purchase a ticket, especially when travelling between states. This means that you will likely have to buy it at the station instead of online.

Even if you can’t book your ticket online, the websites at least will allow you to see their timetables and prices. 

Buying Ticket at the Bus Station

In many instances you’ll have no other choice than to buy your ticket from the ticket office.

Before heading to the bus stop, I recommend making a note of the bus company you want to use, your planned travel date and time and have it all in your head in Spanish as well. Don’t forget to take your passport and Immigration Form (FMM) with you too.

Bus stations will have all the bus operators’ names on the counters so you’ll know which one to queue up at. Luckily, most of the ticket officers will have a monitor which they usually turn towards you so you can double check the date, time, destination, route and seat you’d like to reserve. If you’re buying bus tickets in advance, make sure to double check that your travel date is correct.

You’ll normally have the option to pay by cash or card especially in bigger cities. To avoid a lot of exchange fees, I recommend converting your own local currency to Pesos with a Wise card.

Overnight Bus or Daytime Bus?

Another dilemma you might have is whether to travel during the day or at night. Obviously, this is only applicable if a company offers these types of services. For some routes you will have no choice. 

During our 3 months in Mexico we had a good variety of overnight and daytime bus trips. Below we detail the pros and cons of each to help you decide which one you should take.

Note – During my research, I read many articles that generally advise you against travelling long distances at night. I think this is more true if you’re renting a car and driving yourself and I also advise you against driving at night in Mexico. However, we felt completely safe on every single night bus we took. These buses normally travel on toll roads which are considered much safer at night than the more remote non-toll roads. Just make sure to avoid second-class buses for overnight travel. 

Overnight Bus

• Saving one night’s accommodation.
• Buses are comfortable with plenty of leg room, leg rests and reclining seats for even more comfort.
• If you arrive early to your next destination, you have a full day to explore.
• You can always ask if your accommodation is ready for you to check in early or alternatively hold your bags while they prepare the room.
• Might not get a good night’s sleep.
• Won’t see much of the beautiful landscapes, towns and villages that are located between your origin and destination. 
• If you arrive early you might not be able to check in to your accommodation.
• You’ll probably have to store your luggage at your accommodation until check-in. If you’d like to explore in the meantime, you’ll likely have to leave some of your valuables behind.

Daytime Bus

• Be able to admire the beautiful landscapes, towns and villages that are located between your origin and destination. 
• You’ll be able to check in to your accommodation straight away.
• Have to have an accommodation booked for the night.
• You’ll lose a day of exploring by being on the bus all day.
• Some bus companies (OCC and ADO) will play movies on their TV screens during the entire journey which some might find slightly too loud and annoying.

Things to Do Before, During and After Your Bus Ride

Before your bus journey.

• Have your ticket and documents ready. The bus driver will ask for your seat number when he fills out the luggage tag.
• Buy enough food and drinks for the ride. (You can normally find plenty of options at the station, but some might only have snacks. In that case come prepared and buy what you need beforehand.)
• I suggest having a few layers on you. The A/C on these buses can be strong.
• Take all valuables and everything you might need with you onto the bus. 
• Download offline entertainment, such as movies, books, music and games. (4G might not be available between settlements.)
• Charge all your electronic devices in case the plugs don’t work. Alternatively, I recommend carrying a portable charger with you. They normally have USB cable slots but bring your adapter with you too just in case they have normal outlets.
• Know where you’re going after you get off the bus. Download offline maps of the area or screenshot the address and route you’re travelling to. This is especially important if you have no local sim card or your 4G doesn’t work.

During Your Bus Journey

• Make sure to keep both the bus and luggage ticket as you’ll be asked for that when collecting your bags.
• Keep your passport and Immigration Forms (FMM) handy too. Some areas in Mexico –  especially around the southern states – will have regular random checks where you might be required to show your travel documents.
• Always be mindful of your fellow travellers and create as little noise as possible. Headphones can be very useful if you have noisy fellow travellers. Some of the better buses will have on board entertainment like on flights so you can always practice your Spanish by watching a movie or two. A few companies were giving out headphones but they are mostly cheap and just a waste of plastic, so have your own.
• Some buses will let people who sell snacks and drinks on board. This is completely normal in Mexico. It’s up to you whether to purchase something or not, but have small change on you in case you start to crave something.
• We noticed that ADO and OCC buses stop for 10-15 minutes at certain bus stations to refuel and clean the vehicle. This provides a great opportunity to stretch your legs or purchase some extra food and drinks. Don’t forget to take your valuables with you and also have your ticket in hand when the bus is ready to leave. 

After Your Bus Journey

• Before leaving the bus make sure to check that you have all your belongings, including overhead storage, under and in between the seats.
• Get your luggage ticket ready to collect your bags. (I really liked how strict they were with double checking the tickets.)
• Don’t forget to take your rubbish with you and dispose of it in a bin at the station. I suggest bringing a garbage bag with you where you can collect all your waste. 

A Review of Bus Companies We Used in Mexico

The above map shows the bus routes we took during our three months in Mexico. Below is our short itinerary and the company we travelled with. These are only the long-distance routes, but we also used many local buses which I provide more details of in the relevant blog posts.

• Mexico City to Guadalajara – Primera Plus (daytime)
• Guadalajara to San Luis Potosi – Primera Plus (daytime)
• Ciudad Valles to Mexico City – Omnibus de Mexico (overnight)
• Mexico City to Puerto Escondido – ETN (overnight)
• Oaxaca to San Cristobal de las Casas – OCC (overnight)
• San Cristobal de las Casas to Palenque – OCC (daytime)
• Palenque to Merida – OCC (daytime)
• Merida to Valladoid – ADO (daytime)
• Valladoid to Cancun – ADO (daytime)

As I mentioned before, there are many other regional and local bus companies operating across Mexico. However, this list definitely includes most of the names that you’ll come across during your research. 

Please Note – The short review of the companies below is purely based on our experience. We all travel differently, have different needs and events out of our control can influence our experiences. So in short, just take everything with a pinch of salt. 

Primera Plus

Our first long-distance bus journey experience was with Primera Plus travelling from Mexico City to Guadalajara. We also used the company to travel to San Luis Potosi. 

Primera Plus is definitely one of the biggest bus companies in Mexico. It also covers a relatively big network of bus routes around central Mexico and some Pacific destinations. 

They had everything on board to make our journey comfortable: large seats, USB outlets, individual screens, A/C, working WIFI and even male/female toilets. We really enjoyed travelling with the company.

Top Tip – If you buy your tickets online you get an extra 10% off. Make sure to print off your ticket prior to your journey or ask for it at their ticket desk.

Click here to plan your trip with Primera Plus.

Omnibus de Mexico

We chose Omnibus de Mexico for our overnight bus journey between Ciudad Valles and Mexico City. This was also our very first overnight bus experience in the country. The bus had pretty much everything we needed for the night such as big, comfortable and reclining seats with leg rests that made sleeping much easier. It also had USB and normal outlets so we could charge our electronic devices. Toilets and A/C was also available. It said that WIFI was available on board, however it didn’t work for us. We also couldn’t book our tickets online so had to pre-book them at the bus station.

The bus company definitely operates one of the most extensive bus networks in Mexico.   You can travel with them in the northern, western and eastern regions around Mexico City. However, they don’t operate in the southern states.

Click here to plan your trip with O mnibus de Mexico.

One bus company we really wanted to try during our trip was ETN. It is known to be one of the best luxury bus companies in the country . 

We picked the company for our overnight trip between Mexico City and Puerto Escondido. It was probably the longest journey we had (13 hours) so we wanted to have maximum comfort. ETN normally have double decker buses, very large seats with enormous leg room, reclining seats and leg rests that make it feel like you’re in bed. They also had individual screens for entertainment, USB cable slots for charging, A/C and of course toilets. We definitely felt like we were in first class on an airplane. 

They operate between many major cities along the Pacific Coast, central, northern, eastern and some southern cities. It’s probably one of the most expensive bus companies too, but you can get approximately 10% discount if you book your ticket online.

Click here to plan you trip with ETN.

ADO (Autobuses de Oriente)

Autobuses de Oriente aka ADO is a massive bus company in Mexico that owns several smaller bus companies such as OCC. You’ll very likely be travelling with either an ADO or OCC bus if your itinerary includes states such as Chiapas, Yucatan and Oaxaca.

We used the company on quite a few occasions travelling through these states. They obviously had toilets on board, USB outlets and A/C. The buses had comfortable seats but they felt slightly smaller, there wasn’t comfortable leg rests and the leg room also felt less than what we got with the other companies.

They also had on board entertainment, however the screens weren’t individual ones as on the other buses. They actually played movies during the entire journey and only switched them off during the night. This can be fun, especially if you’d like to learn some Spanish, but it can also be very disturbing if you’d like to sleep or read on the bus.

You can easily book your ticket online and just show the PDF version when boarding. There’s no need to print them off which is great.

During longer journeys the bus stops at least once at a bigger station for 10-15 minutes to refuel and they disinfect the entire bus inside-out. Both OCC and ADO had a very strict cleaning policy in place that we hadn’t experienced with the other companies. This also offers the opportunity to stretch your legs a bit and to grab a coffee or snack from the station.

Note  – Make sure to have all your travel documents in hand. There are many checkpoints around these areas of Mexico and you could be asked for your passport and ticket at any of them. Many times they also came on board with a camera and filmed all the passengers.

Apparently they have different classes and have some more luxurious services, however we never travelled with them. 

Click here to plan your trip with ADO.

We travelled both overnight and during the day with OCC branded buses. As I mentioned above OCC is part of ADO, but they didn’t change the branding. So you’ll book through the ADO website and essentially your ticket will either be with an ADO or an OCC branded bus depending on the route. 

The OCC branded buses were pretty much exactly the same as the ADO branded ones. They had the same level of comfort, facilities and were operating the same way in terms of stops and cleaning. 

Click here to plan your trip with OCC.

Final Thoughts on Bus Travel Around Mexico

We really enjoyed travelling by bus across Mexico and I never ever thought that these bus trips would become some of the most comfortable ones we’ve ever taken as well as some of the safest and most secure. 

Although the journeys were long, we felt like time passed very quickly and we even managed to have decent night’s sleeps on the overnight buses. Travelling by bus didn’t just reduce our carbon footprint but also made us feel like we saw a lot more of Mexico. Travelling during the day also allowed us to experience the crazy changes in scenery and really appreciate the scale of the country. 

Have you ever travelled around Mexico by bus before? If so, let me know about your experience in the comment section below. If not, would you want to try out any of the routes or bus companies we mentioned? 

Now, let your adventure begin,

Our Top Travel Resources

Accommodation:  For hotels we always use  Booking.com  and  Hostelworld  for hostels. We also book longer stays on Airbnb or  Vrbo.

Flights:  To find the best flight prices we always check  Skyscanner ,  Google Flights  or  WayAway.  Then we also check the airlines’ websites too for comparison.

Car Rentals:  We use  Discover Cars  when we want to rent a car as it compares local, national and international companies.

Activities:  If we book organised tours we always check either  GetYourGuide  or  Viator.

Foreign Currency:  Whenever we can we prefer to pay in local currency and for that we always use our  Wise card.   We can easily withdraw money from the ATM or pay by card at most shops and restaurants.

Travel Insurance: We never go anywhere without travel insurance. You never know what will happen on your trip, so good travel insurance like SafetyWing can protect you in case of injury, illness, theft and cancellations.

eSIM and VPN: To get data abroad we use  Airalo which is an app that allows you to download a prepaid eSIM to your phone in over 190 countries. Make sure to have a VPN to avoid hackers accessing your personal data when using public WIFI. We use  Surfshark  which is the only VPN that offers one account on unlimited devices. 

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Thanks for all the great info. I was hoping to find out if it’s possible to buy a multi-segment ticket, and stop for various periods of time along the way. Is this permitted, or do you have to be on a specific bus at a specific time?

Thanks for the feedback Danny. I don’t think you can buy that type of ticket, since most routes are run by different bus operators. I think it’s best to just book your ticket for a specific bus once you know when you would likely be on it. Hope this helps. Safe travels.

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10 Tips for a Comfortable Journey by Bus

Are you planning a journey by bus? Those trips can be long and tedious. Tackle your journey by bus like a pro with these ten expert tips.

10 Tips For A Comfortable Journey By Bus

This post contains affiliate links. This means we make a small commission at no cost to you if you click through and make a purchase. All prices listed are accurate at time of publication. 

1. Your Choice Of Seat Is Important

If you want to ride in comfort, choose your seat carefully. Buses tend to be bumpier in the back. Sitting in the front may be more distracting. But sitting in the middle will guarantee you will have a comfortable trip. This is especially important if you choose an overnight journey by bus. The more rested you arrive in your destination, the more you will enjoy day one!

2. Wear Comfy Clothing

There’s nothing worse than traveling in uncomfortable clothing. Imagine if you hopped onto your bus, only to find out you accidentally wore those just-a-little-too-tight jeans! That can literally ruin your whole journey by bus, and, if it leaves you in a bad mood, possibly even your first day in your destination.

Nobody wants that, obviously. I recommend wearing soft leggings for the trip. If you prefer to look a little more put together, opt for these sleek wide legged pants . On top, wear something warm . Those buses can have powerful air-conditioning, and there’s nothing worse than trying to sleep while you are freezing to death. Travel in style in one of these travel-related hoodies from the Girls Who Travel Shop !

3. Take An Overnight Journey By Bus

Let’s face it, taking a long journey by bus can be incredibly boring. Staring out the window is interesting for a while, but then what? The smart thing to do is to go on an overnight trip. This comes with many perks. You won’t be bored, because you’ll be trying to sleep. You save money, because you don’t have to pay for accommodations that night. You save time, because you aren’t wasting a vacation day sitting on a bus.

4. Plan Carefully

You decided to book that overnight trip for all the advantages it offers. But be careful when you book and take a close look at the itinerary. Choose the route with the least stops. Every time the bus stops the driver will most likely turn on the lights and announce the stop. A good shut eye will be impossible in this situation, and you lose the perks of your overnight journey by bus.

5. Choose The Window Seat

Unless you plan to use the bathroom a lot, the window seat comes with definitive advantages. Plan on bringing a travel pillow . Instead of passing out on your neighbor’s shoulder, you can comfortable snuggle up to the window with your travel pillow. On your journey by bus, a travel pillow will make all the difference in your comfort and the quality of your rest.

If you travel during the day, the window seat will guarantee you a prime view! That’s half the fun of taking a journey by bus. Sure, a ride on an airplane will guarantee you a bird’s eye view. But from the bus you can discover all the intricacies of your new surroundings. And if you travel at night and happen to be unable to fall asleep, the nightly vistas will be rewarding!

6. Pack The Overnight Essentials

We’ve already talked about bringing a travel pillow for your long journey by bus. The pillow is essential for your comfort, no matter if it’s a day trip or you are going overnight. For the overnight ride, it’s also essential to bring a blanket. Ideally you choose a travel blanket that’s warm and yet foldable enough to fit in a very small space. But you can find an easy throw blanket that doesn’t break the bank and still does the job, if you don’t want to spend the big bucks on a fancy travel blanket.

7. Pack Snacks And other Essentials

Chances are, your bus isn’t going to take you through the drive-through to pick up a meal. There will most likely be stops during your journey by bus, but they may not last long enough for you to buy food. And the last thing you want is to be left behind! So – come prepared. Protein bars are easy to pack and will keep you full longer. Kind bars are my personal favorites. Dried fruits and nuts are also a great option for snacking. Or bring a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, prepackaged just for you! Don’t forget to pack something sweet .

Always travel with a small first aid kit . Pack a sleep mask . Even if it’s dark out, there is always some light pollution inside the bus. And in the daytime it will block out the sunshine and guarantee a good nap. Does the journey by bus cause you stress? Try a weighted sleep mask for stress relief. Don’t forget to bring a small toiletry bag with toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and mouth wash.

8. You’ll Need Entertainment

For entertainment headphones are a must. If you pick the noise-canceling kind, you will have a much more relaxed journey. Listen to an audiobook or your favorite podcast . Bring a tablet . Download your favorite movie or TV shows and you won’t get bored for a long time! Are you a reader ? Bring your book or e-reader along!

Now, all these great entertainment options won’t be of use if you get motion sickness. Ginger chews are a great, natural way to fight of nausea. In addition to the chews, try acupressure motion sickness bands .

9. Take Advantage Of Rest Stops

There will most likely be a few stops on your journey by bus. Take advantage of every single one. You may not need to use the bathroom (though it’s vitally important to stay well hydrated!), but get out nevertheless. Sitting for too long can cause your muscles to tense up and your legs to fall asleep. It can even lead to headaches. Get out, walk around, give your body a good stretch . Take a few deep breaths of fresh air. You’ve nee breathing filtered air for hours, and your lungs will thank you for the chance to breathe deeply. You will feel fresher and less stiff when you arrive at your destination.

10. Take Off Your Shoes

Ewwwwwww you think? Don’t worry, there are ways to prevent foot odor. And taking off your shoes will greatly add to your comfort. You can use a foot deodorant , anti-perspirant foot lotion , or even a powder to prevent unwanted smells. Pro-tip: use a shoe deodorizer , and your feet won’t stand a chance to pick up any old smells from your foot wear. If you take your shoes off, your body will automatically relax and unwind, and you will have an easier time to drift off to sleep.

With these 10 expert tips, you will greatly enjoy your journey by bus!

Jenny grew up in Germany. All she ever wanted out of life was to leave and have adventures. Jenny always traveled as much as the budget would allow, and when she met her husband traveling became a full-time thing. You can follow Jenny on her blog and Facebook.

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