Behind air travel, riding a bus is the most popular way to take a long-distance trip.
But there are a few things you should know before you buy bus tickets. We’ve put together this guide to walk you through the most important bus-travel tips.
So let’s get started.
1. Buy Your Tickets Online
It’s always better to buy your bus tickets online a few days in advance. If for some reason you can’t do your bus booking online, you can buy them at the station as well.
But waiting to buy your tickets at the station is also riskier. If you’re running late, you might not make it in time.
Also, you should always print your bus tickets. Some buses only accept printed tickets. Even if you know the bus you’ll be riding doesn’t require you to print your tickets, it’s always safer to have a hardcopy.
2. Plan for Layovers and Delays
You should always plan for layovers and delays when you travel by bus.
After all, odds are you’ll have to change buses at some point during your trip. That might mean waiting at a bus station for several hours. Bring something to entertain yourself during this time.
And remember, your bus has to stick to the roads. That might mean you’ll end up in traffic. Road conditions are often unpredictable, so plan extra time into your travels for traffic and other stops.
3. Pack Luggage Carefully
Before you pack your bags, make sure you take a look at the baggage requirements. Your luggage might have to be under a certain weight or a certain size, so you’ll want to make sure you follow the guidelines.
You should also make sure your luggage stands out. This will allow you to pick it up quickly when you get off the bus and prevent someone else from grabbing it by mistake.
It’s also a good idea to keep carry on bags with you at all times. You can pack things you’ll need on your bus ride in this bag, such as snacks, water, books, a change of clothes, etc.Â
4. Be Prepared for Long Hours of Driving
You’ll be sitting on a bus for several hours at a time during your trip, so you should make sure you have something to entertain yourself. You might want to bring an external battery for your phone, a book, a game, a coloring book, or anything else you enjoy.
If you plan to sleep on the bus, you should keep earplugs and a face mask with you. A small pillow and blanket will also make getting comfortable easier.
You should also pack a few snacks and plenty of water. Remember, you might hit traffic, so you have to be prepared to get to the next station later than expected.
And make sure you have a valid photo ID on you at all times.
5. Talk to the Bus Company with Any Concerns or Questions
If you have any questions or concerns about your trip, you should talk to the bus company you’ll be riding with.
For example, you might want to ask them what will happen in the event of a breakdown. Do they have a 24-hour dispatch? Are you fully insured? What are the safety policies?
Knowing these things can make you feel more relaxed during your travels.
What to Know Before You Buy Bus Tickets for Your First Bus Trip
Before you buy bus tickets for your trip, you should make sure you know what to expect during the drive. This will make your tip both easier for you and more enjoyable.
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