From the noisy ‘chicken buses’ to the luxurious coaches with Wi-Fi, taking buses in Asia is always an adventure. Even with a large number of low-cost airlines, traveling by long-haul bus is often the best way to cover a large amount of ground in Asian countries.
Every serious traveler in Asia has more than a few nightmare stories, 14 hour bus rides. Staying safe and sane on those long buses in Asia takes a little experience and a lot of patience.
Learn all about transportation in Asia.
Tips for a more comfortable bus trip
- Long-distance buses in Asia are often fully air-conditioned; Drivers even wear coats! Keep warm clothing on hand just in case.
- The blankets provided on sleeping buses are often not washed. Bring your own sheet or blanket to be safe.
- The food and snacks on the VIP buses don’t have much to get excited about; The same applies to the expensive food available at road stops during breaks. Bring your own snacks and food to break the monotony of the trip.
- Most long-distance buses have squat toilets on board, however using one in the dark on a rocking bus can be challenging. Plan ahead and rush to the bathroom on breaks – stops are usually short and lines are long.
- Even buses that appear to be well maintained from the outside can have poor suspension. Opt for seats in the middle of the bus to avoid bumpy trips.
- If you are traveling on a local bus without many tourists, make sure the driver or assistant knows your destination. Knowing when to get off can be a challenge at times, especially if you are sitting near the back of the bus.
Check out some helpful tips for taking night buses in Asia.
Paying for your trip
The method of reserving bus tickets varies from place to place. The safest bet is to always book long-distance buses at least one day in advance. Save your ticket and receipt; lost tickets are rarely refunded. You can usually book transportation at travel offices and reception desks for an additional commission. Otherwise, go to the station to reserve your own ticket.
On many buses in Asia, you will simply pay once the bus is running. An assistant will come and collect money based on the distance you drive. When paying your fare on the bus, don’t expect the driver to have a change for large bills. Always try to keep a small change on hand for shipping in Asia.
Buses in Asia are rarely, if ever, considered ‘full’. You can actually stop passing buses on the roads by raising your hand and then pointing your palm down at the ground in front of you. You will only be charged for the distance traveled, regardless of whether you get an actual seat or not. Don’t delay or try to talk to the driver beyond just asking the final destination; Withholding transportation is considered an extremely bad way!
Choose a seat
- While you will sometimes be assigned an actual seat number for your trip, you will often be able to choose where to sit. Choose your seat wisely; Changing later may not be an option!
- If the road has rough patches, and they often do, the most stable section of the bus is usually in the middle. Avoid sitting directly on the front or rear axles as you will feel every blow!
- If your luggage is stored in compartments accessible from the outside, try to sit on the same side of the bus as your bags so that you can watch from the window if people disembark before you.
- Avoid the seats directly in front of the television if you want to sleep. The seats in the rear under the air conditioning often become damp and tortuous affairs if condensation causes a drip further down the road.
- If you are on a sleeper bus, make sure your seat reclines and the mechanism is not broken.
- If you plan to get off before the final destination of the bus, try to sit near the front where the driver or attendant can warn you before your stop arrives.
- Be aware of the direction you are traveling. Choose a seat that keeps you out of the afternoon sun. If you are traveling in mountainous terrain, choose a seat with the best view, that is, if you can drive looking over the rim to the valley below.
- So-called ‘non-survival seats’ often have more legroom, however many locals choose to avoid them in the event of an accident. Seat belts are rarely available on Asian buses. Seats directly at the front of the bus, center seats at the rear of the bus, and seats facing the access stairs are considered the least secure. If safety is a concern, opt for a seat that has another seat in front of you. Read more about staying safe in Asia.
Bus theft in Asia
Transportation hubs tend to attract a lot of petty theft due to crowds and transient nature. While violent crime is rarely a problem in Asia, tourists are sometimes the target of petty crime.
Keep your belongings close at hand, both on and off the bus. If the bus stops for a short break, take your backpack and personal items with you instead of leaving them on your seat. Never fall asleep with a phone or MP3 player in your hands. Avoid putting your personal bag near the aisle; keep it under your feet.
The bus attendants could open any luggage stored in the hold under the bus and check the bags for small items. You may not notice something is missing until long after the bus has left.
The problem with theft on night buses is especially prevalent in Thailand. Read more about how to get around in Thailand.
Upgrade to VIP
One of the oldest scams in the books is offering an upgrade from the ‘regular’ bus to a ‘VIP’ bus. Most of the time, customers simply get on the same standard bus. Almost all buses in Asia, regardless of age or condition, say ‘VIP’ on the side! Most long-distance buses have air conditioning, bathrooms, and even movies. Real VIP buses can provide cheap, sugary snacks and little bottles of water, hardly worth the price difference for an upgrade.
Check out these 10 inexpensive travel tips to save money.
