A bus can travel all night on routes lasting 6 hours or more. Travelling at night has its advantages, but to enjoy it you need to be prepared.
1. Choice of site
Be aware that seats closer to the back will make for an uneventful ride and a seat in the front may be more distracting. A seat in the middle will ensure comfort and allow you to sleep through the night. It’s also the safest seat.
2. Window and pillow
If your head bobs up and down or you fall asleep on your neighbour’s shoulder, you won’t get a good night’s sleep. It is better to bring a pillow with you. Air pillows take up minimal space in your luggage. If you forget to bring one, you can use a bulky jumper to snuggle up and rest. Place your pillow between the seat and window and rest your head. This allows you to sleep and avoid neck pain.
3. Itinerary
You can buy a ticket for any bus you find on the internet, but if you want to get a good night’s sleep, make sure you choose a night bus with fewer stops. When the bus stops, the driver may turn on the lights and announce the stop, which can interfere with a good night’s sleep. You can check the stops on the Busbud to make sure you depart with a minimum of stops.
4. Backrest support and shoes
Putting a thick jumper between the seat and your waist will relax your back and help you fall asleep. And when you remove your shoes, you’ll feel like you’re going to sleep and your body will relax more quickly. You can take an extra pair of socks and ride in them, taking them off when you stop.
5. Trousers
Choose stretchy material, especially at the waist, and soft for maximum comfort. Leggings, tracksuit trousers or lightweight chinos will work.
6. Outside
Take an eye mask, earplugs and/or headphones and block everyone out for a few hours. A mask is useful if you are sensitive to light. Earplugs are useful when you are trying to sleep and people around you are chatting. You can get noise-cancelling headphones and put on relaxing music or listen to white noise. You can usually find an outlet on the night bus, so take a charging cable.
7. Blanket
Take a warm blanket if you get cold. It’s hard to fall asleep when it’s cold, and many night buses are air-conditioned, sometimes very much so. Warmth will stimulate sleep and you will fall asleep faster and sleep longer.
