What Are Overnight Bus Rides Really Like?

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If you’re travelling overland and are keen to keep costs down you’ll likely consider some overnight bus rides. It seems like a good idea in theory, but I’ve been on some horrible night buses over the years and they definitely aren’t for everyone. Keep reading to see if it’s something you might want to try on your next trip.

Saving Money

The main reason to take a night bus is to save money. The buses themselves aren’t usually cheaper but you save a night’s accommodation meaning the ride is basically free. Most cheap things end up costing you in the end, and night bus rides are no different!

The 20 Yuan note which features the scenery around Yangshuo

So Early!

The problem is that overnight buses often arrive at their destination early in the morning. With hotel check-in not an option that early for most pre-booked accommodation, you’re waiting a long time for your room. Not a problem if you’ve got a busy day planned (just leave your bags at your hotel) but not good if you didn’t get any sleep on the bus and need rest!

Whenever I took an overnight bus (mostly in Asia / South America) I made sure to not book any accommodation and just find something when I got there. In touristy places there will usually be touts hanging around (use at your own risk) or do some research and have a few options to have a look at. They’ll let you check in early if they want you to stay!

It was typical for me to get pretty much no sleep at night then check into a cheap room as soon as I arrived. Those days after a night bus tended to be pretty relaxing — a nice sleep til’ lunchtime and then a stroll around town to find lunch.

Can You Lay Flat?

In Asia most of the night buses I went on had beds. They are narrow, not long enough (and I’m not even tall) and quite uncomfortable at times but it’s so much better than having to sit upright all night. 

In South America I can’t recall being on any of those lay flat kind of buses. They were all proper bus seats, with the better classes having more leg room and better reclining capabilities. A few times I was on one half of a double bed. I remember lying there hoping no one would claim the bed next to me, but someone always eventually did! It’s a bit weird being that close to someone (there’s a small gap in-between) but all good if you’re in a couple!

It’s Cold / It’s Hot!

Temperature is a hard thing to get right on an overnight bus. I’ve had rides where it has been so cold I thought I’d freeze, and others where the AC doesn’t work and it’s way too hot. Bring layers, warm socks, blankets and whatever else you might need.

Entertainment

There might be a movie playing on the big screen at the front of the bus (usually something you wouldn’t want anyway) and the buses do stop occasionally for rest stops and food etc. 

The Overnight Transport Hierarchy

Cruise Ship — Train — Bus — Other Sort of Boat — Van

If you have a choice of overnight transport then train is usually your best bet (or cruise ship, although they don’t tend to ply the same routes as night buses). Trains are a lot more comfortable and you can move around and socialise. They are more expensive though so if you’re on a budget you’ll be catching the bus!

Are you keen to do an overnight bus ride? Let me know in the comments below!

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Jon Algie

A travel blogger from New Zealand who hates talking about himself in the third person and has no imagination when it comes to naming websites.

2 thoughts on “What Are Overnight Bus Rides Really Like?”

  1. This brought back memories! I’ve done overnight buses in South America and Asia too — definitely agree that it’s a money saver but can be brutal on sleep. Love your tip about not booking a hotel in advance — so true that sometimes it’s better to go with the flow. Curious, did you ever try an overnight train on the same routes to compare?

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