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There’s nothing quite like the thrill of a road trip, especially when you’re not the one driving. A good bus trip can give you all the scenery, chill vibes, and the sense of adventure of a long drive without the road rage or guessing which gas station might have a clean bathroom.
But to make the trip even more comfortable, let’s make sure your packing game is on point with all the necessities and niceties you need to make your bus trip the start of your adventure – not just a way to get there.
Buckle up, because we’re about to take you through the ultimate guide to packing for a bus trip!
Choosing the Right Bag
Like most travel modes, including planes and trains, you’ll typically want to bring at least a carry-on to keep you entertained on the ride. Be sure to check your carrier’s policy on how much baggage you can bring on the bus, as most will allow a larger bag. The bigger items are usually stored at the back or under the bus, so you won’t be able to access them during your journey.
So for your personal item, you’ve got a decision to make —backpack or carry-on? It’s the age-old question. Both have their merits, but for bus travel, you’ll want something manageable. Backpacks are great for their hands-free ease and flexibility, making it easier to stash in tight spaces. On the other hand, a carry-on might offer more structure and space for your belongings, which is especially nice when transporting fragile items like a bottle of wine.
It’s best to go with the smallest bag that still holds all your essentials, especially if you’re in a smaller vehicle type like a shuttle. Whichever you choose, make sure it’s easy to access those “can’t-live-without” items during your trip!
Speaking of which…
Packing the Essentials
Regardless of the trip duration or where you’re going, some things will always improve a bus adventure.
- Valid ID: Don’t leave home without your bus tickets and a valid form of ID for boarding. Yes, buses are less strict than airlines, but these are requirements to get on!
- Passport: If you’re crossing any international borders, like taking a bus from Seattle to Vancouver, double-check if you need to bring your passport along. If so, find a secure pocket to stow it safely.
- Comfort items: While not necessarily ‘essential,’ being comfy will absolutely improve your trip. Items like a neck pillow, blanket, and eye mask can turn any bus into a sleeper car without taking up too much space.
- Entertainment: If you want to stay awake to enjoy the ride, bring a good book or download a few podcasts or movies to stay entertained. While most buses have free WiFi these days, it can be unreliable depending on where you’re going, so it never hurts to download a few things ahead of time.
- Food: What’s a road trip with snacks? Lightweight, non-perishable munchies and a refillable water bottle should do the trick.
If you have questions about bringing something crucial, like a wheelchair, contact the carrier directly to ensure they can accommodate your needs.
Packing Tips for Long-Haul Trips
For those marathon bus journeys, comfort is king! Nothing makes a trip fly by faster than nesting into your seat, stretching out your legs, and being able to fully relax. so consider cozy shoes or even slippers for overnight rides.
- Layer up for maximum comfort: Temperatures can fluctuate from day to night (or with the whims of your bus driver). Pack a lightweight jacket or sweater, which you can easily put on and take off as needed.
- Sleep on a bus: Sleeping on a bus is an art of its own, so much so that we have a whole separate guide to having a good night’s sleep while traveling by bus. But for the TL:DR: eye masks and earplugs (or those magic noise-canceling headphones) are your sleepy-time saviors, sealing you in your own little cocoon of calm. A quality neck pillow can also prevent any awkward bobblehead moments while you drift off or ride over bumps in the road.
- Snacks Galore: We’ve already mentioned snacks, but for longer trips, you’ll want more than a single bag of Doritos. Consider packing a mix of sweet and savory snacks to curb any cravings. Think granola bars, nuts, jerky, chocolate, and cheesy crackers for a well-rounded stash. 😋
- Prep your Digital Distractions: Some bus carriers offer onboard entertainment similar to that found on planes, allowing you to stream all kinds of shows and movies on the go. Still, it’s always smart to have a few faves downloaded on your device in case the offerings aren’t your up of tea.
- Little Luxuries: Anything that can make you feel a bit pampered on the journey—be it your favorite lip balm or a soothing lavender lotion—can boost your mood. Just be mindful of the other passengers on the bus and don’t mist Axe Body Spray every two minutes.
Other Items to Consider Packing for Your Bus Trip
Personal Care and Hygiene
Some buses have restrooms on board, but keep it fresh with wet wipes, and travel-sized toiletries, including a toothbrush and toothpaste for those longer hauls. Any prescriptions should come along for the ride, ideally in an easy-to-access pocket of your carry-on or handbag.
Pro tip: hand sanitizer is your best friend on any type of transportation!
Tech Gear & Gadgets
Don’t get caught with a dead phone halfway through your favorite podcast episode! Some carriers have outlets or USB chargers at every seat for your chargers (and you can check which amenities the bus offers), but it never hurts to bring along your own power bank or portable charger just in case. Even if you don’t need it on the bus, it’s nice to have when exploring a new city – especially when relying on GPS to find your way back to the hotel.
Noise-canceling headphones are a game-changer for keeping your trip zen. Not only can you focus on your audiobook or music, but it’ll tune out bus noises and snoring seatmates.
Lastly, remember to download any apps that can help with local transit or planning up the rest of your trip. After all, since you don’t have to drive, you can spend your time thinking about the most important and fun parts of your adventure!
What to Leave Behind
Now, let’s talk about what not to bring.
Avoid overpacking—that shoulder-straining bag will just be a hassle. Will you really get through two whole books in one ride? Can you leave that bulky laptop charger in your suitcase? Any little bit helps consolidate and optimize your storage space.
Leave behind any unnecessary heavy items, and think twice about bringing high-value items that might not be secure. Your luggage under the bus will be safe during the journey (and it’ll never be sent to the wrong airport!) but as a general travel tip, don’t pack anything that you’d be heartbroken to lose.
While service animals are typically allowed on buses, pets are not. If you want to bring your furry friend along, consider bringing your dog on an Amtrak trip instead.
How to Pack Your Luggage for a Bus Trip
Maximizing luggage space can feel like Tetris, but a few smart tricks can make a world of difference.
- Use packing cubes. These little boxes help to compartmentalize your clothes and make finding items a breeze. They act as little cubbies inside your suitcase, which are perfect for coordinating outfits or separating toiletries.
- Think in layers. Lay heavier garments like jeans flat at the bottom, roll lighter clothes and fill gaps with undergarments and accessories. Put smaller items, like socks or undergarments, into bulkier items like shoes to optimize your space.
- Travel-sized everything. From toiletries to mini tubes of toothpaste, opting for smaller versions saves both weight and space. Luckily, with no TSA, you can still bring your favorite full-size shampoo along for the ride – just be sure to put it in a plastic bag in case of leaks!
- The magic of compression bags. Sometimes, you have to bring bulky clothes. The weather doesn’t care about the size of your luggage! So for items like puffer jackets, do your best to squeeze the air out and roll it snugly or opt for compression bags, which do the squeezing for you
Ready to Ride?
Smart packing can transform your bus trip from meh to magnificent. With the right essentials and clever packing techniques, you’ll have everything you need to make your trip enjoyable from start to finish.
Ready to book your next bus escapade? Check out Wanderu or download the Wanderu app for cheap bus tickets and deals on train fare across the US and Canada.
Happy travels!
