20 Useful Tips For Sleeper Train And Overnight Bus Journeys

The sleeper train or overnight bus is one of my favorite means of transport when I’m abroad, and if you’re wondering why, let me tell you that there are actually a few factors involved. So, if you’re a complete beginner to this kind of travel and don’t know what to expect from your first rodeo, I hope this article will help you conquer your fears of overnight travel and give you some valuable tips.

Without further ado, here are my 20 tips for your future sleeper train and overnight bus journeys!

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Why choose to travel by sleeper train/overnight bus?

Originally preferred by locals, more and more foreigners visiting a country are opting for this means of transport, and if you don’t understand why at first glance, as it obviously takes much longer than a flight, let me list some of its advantages and disadvantages so that you have a good idea on the subject and can see if it’s right for you!

Advantages

• Save a night in a hostel/hotel
• Often cheaper than flying
• No security checks, stopovers, liquid restrictions… like in airports
• See scenic landscapes even at night, the sunset or sunrise
• Quite comfortable (especially if you’re not too tall)
• You can make friends with your fellow travelers (locals and foreigners)
• Less polluting than flying
• Authentic and an adventure

Disadvantages

• Can be more expensive than flying: it really depends on the country you’re traveling to, so always check and choose the best option for you
• Longer travel time
• Lack of amenities
• You may not be able to sleep
• Risk of theft

Tips to survive a sleeper train/overnight bus trip

1. Bring snacks and water

Let’s start with, and I think we’ll agree on this, the most important aspect of any trip: food! Because, yes, chances are that if you’re on an overnight trip (say, more than 8 hours), you’ll probably get a little peckish or downright hungry, and that’s where a few carefully selected snacks will come in handy.

Of course, you’ll often see vendors getting on the bus or train at some point (especially in Southeast Asia) and selling local food, but this might not be enough for your gurgling stomach or be to your taste, so remember to always have some cookies, nuts or rice snacks with you to avoid being hangry in the middle of your journey.

And, to gobble it all up, don’t forget to bring water, although you might want to go easy on the drinks, but that’s a point I’ll come back to later.

2. Always keep your belongings with you

Going out for a quick bathroom break or to pass the border and get your visa? Well, that’s nice but NEVER leave your stuff behind, especially if you have valuables in your bag.

Because sad as it may be, the few stories I’ve heard from fellow travelers about having their cameras or other equipment stolen, and losing the memories they had in the process, is far from what you want to remember about your first overnight trip.

So, as much as I believe in the good in humans, it’s best to be wary of such incidents and take your belongings with you when you leave your seat.

3. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes

Forget your hiking shoes, jeans and tight tops, traveling on a sleeper train or overnight bus requires one thing: comfort.

Have you ever slept in jeans or closed shoes? How did you feel, light and relaxed? I don’t think so! That’s why if you’re planning an overnight trip and haven’t booked a sleeping compartment where you can easily change into your pajamas, or you simply don’t want to bother, the best choice you have is to choose to wear lightweight, breathable and above all comfortable clothes for a good night’s sleep.

The same goes for the shoes: prioritize sandals or sneakers that you can easily put on and remove, so you don’t have to waste time when going to bed or out.

4. Pack a sweatshirt

Because traveling on a sleeper train or overnight bus can get pretty chilly at night, even more so if you’re right under the air conditioning, take a sweatshirt or a light scarf with you to avoid waking up with a cold the next day.

Blankets and fresh, clean sheets will usually be provided, but if, like me, you’re quite sensitive to the cold, having an extra layer will always be welcome, believe me!

5. Bring earplugs, a travel pillow and a sleep mask

We’ve all seen those people who can sleep anywhere, with their head on the airplane tray table or with their neck twisted at an unbelievable angle, and as much as I’d love to do like them, I know that for me, this will probably result in a stiff neck and a visit to the physiotherapist later.

To prevent this and get a somewhat restful sleep, a few accessories are definitely essential for those of us who are light sleepers: earplugs, a travel pillow and a sleep mask (if you’re sensitive to light) should be enough for you to enjoy the journey without tossing and turning all night.

6. Keep your toiletries close at hand

The reality of an overnight trip isn’t all rosy, as you won’t have access to a shower or other simple amenities that make a home cozy and comfy.

So, to be better prepared and not have to look for your toothbrush at the bottom of your backpack, take out your toiletry bag beforehand and put it on top of your daypack. That way, you can quickly grab your deodorant, toothpase, lip balm or whatever else you need during your trip.

7. Don’t forget your wet wipes

A small but precious item! Wet wipes are the kind of item that are as versatile as they come, and that you won’t soon be able to do without.

No water available? Grab a wet wipe and clean your hands before you eat! Ever come across a toilet that only consists of a hole in the ground in some parts of the world, or just can’t stand to sit on a dirty toilet seat and are too tired to do a few squats? Hello again, wet wipes!

Not only that, wet wipes are also great for freshening up on an overnight trip and feeling like you’ve taken a “shower”.

Lots of uses for such a small, and that doesn’t take space object, don’t you think?

8. Bring toilet paper

This tip may sound funny but it isn’t or won’t be until after you’ve found yourself in a nightmare where you really need to use the bathroom (#2 because #1 wouldn’t be as traumatic), where you rush to the toilet to realize there’s no toilet paper and you’re pretty much screwed.

A funny story to tell later, once you’ve recovered from your emotions, and a valuable tip: always carry toilet paper (especially if you’re taking an overnight bus or sleeper train in Southeast Asia) or at least tissues in your bag. I know it’s saved my life and my pride more than once.

9. Always carry essential medicines

Getting sick on a trip is, well, the worst, but sometimes you just can’t avoid it! Whether you have a splitting headache, the flu or are worried about suffering from motion sickness, carrying with you essential medicines is a good idea.

Personally, I’d recommend keeping pain relief, stomach and cold medicines handy in your toiletry bag at all times. And if you’re prone to car sickness, it’s a good idea to take some medication for it too, as the roads can be pretty sinuous or your driver may like to think he’s one of the characters from Fast & Furious, so better safe than sorry!

10. Take a power bank with you

What can you do on an overnight bus or sleeper train journey to pass the time? Aside from listening to music, reading a book, eating, sleeping or watching a show on your phone, the fact is that your phone/tablet will probably be the most used object.

So to avoid ending up with a depleted battery before you even arrive at your destination, you better invest in a power bank!

Aaah, aren’t we glad that technology has created such an indispensable gadget to ease our travels and our minds.

Don’t forget that a dead phone is one of the last things you want when you’re traveling, and that a portable power bank can be very useful in emergency situations, whether you’re lost, need to call for help…

11. Download shows, movies, ebooks

Overnight trips can take a while, even more so if you suffer from insomnia or simply can’t sleep on the move. That’s where your favorite TV series, audiobook, or music come into play, helping you pass time until you finally fall into the arms of Morpheus.

But don’t forget that you shouldn’t count on the WiFi on board, as depending on the country you’re traveling in, you won’t have any or it will be spotty at best, so always download your entertainment ahead of time to avoid having to stare at the ceiling for the duration of the journey.

12. Add a padlock to your list of essential accessories

Depending on the country where you’re taking your sleeper train, or if you tend to be paranoid and your valuables are too big to fit into a small daypack or belt bag, it’s ideal to have a padlock with you to secure your luggage.

On trains, you can usually place your belongings under your seat as there aren’t lockers, but if you’re traveling solo and are worried about sharing a compartment with strangers, you can always put a padlock on your backpack for added security and lock it to your seat, for example, although I recommend always having your bag in sight and tucking it under your head, if possible.

On overnight buses, your larger luggage will be placed in the trunk, so put your valuables in a smaller backpack to avoid worrying throughout the whole trip.

13. Travel light

Space on overnight buses or sleeper trains is limited, so if you want to travel comfortably, the best option is and always will be to take as little luggage as possible.

Plus, traveling with bulky luggage is quite troublesome, tiring and inefficient. That’s personally why I’ve chosen the backpacking lifestyle: practical, safer, and easier to carry around.

Oh, and less luggage = less stress too!

14. Be on time and even early

Just like when you’re taking a plane, the same applies to all means of transport. Don’t be late, because they won’t wait for you and you’ll end up just having lost money while getting stranded at the train station or bus stop in the middle of the night…

Plus, if only to get your bearings, explore the train and find your compartment, arriving early will put your mind at ease.

In fact, being on time and even early is kind of a rule of thumb if you’re taking an overnight bus in Asia, because seats are often not assigned, so it’s first come, first served, and let me tell you, you’d rather be able to grab the best seat possible so you don’t end up next to the toilet or right above the wheels.

15. Don’t eat much before your trip

Remember those drivers who think they’re a character from Fast & Furious? Well, that’s where this tip comes in. Unless you have a strong stomach capable of handling anything, I strongly advise against a gargantuan meal. I still remember some of the roads in Vietnam and how even the locals were so sick they had to throw up into plastic bags, and how I was the poor soul sitting behind them, trying to think of something else, hoping the noises wouldn’t make me throw up too.

This is even truer on overnight buses, as the roads aren’t always smooth or straight so think twice before eating a big, fat burger before you get on the bus!

And that’s also why I advised you to take snacks!

16. Take advantage of bathroom breaks

There are often toilets on trains, so you should be fine, but remember to bring toilet paper.

But the same can’t be said for buses, which often don’t have toilets inside, so even if you don’t feel any urge, take advantage of bathrooom breaks that come your way, because the truth is, you don’t know when the next one will be, and having a full bladder and having to wait for maybe hours before being let out is far from the best situation.

And if you do end up going out to get some fresh air or relieve the pressure, don’t forget to check your bus number or any other details in case your bus moves to another parking spot. It would be a shame to be left behind!

17. Choose your seats carefully

For buses, remember to arrive early if you don’t have an assigned seat and, although the choice is yours, here are my tips: avoid the back of the bus (where the bathroom is, if there is one), choose the middle row for a more stable ride or, if you don’t mind the sometimes shaky conditions or if you haven’t had a choice, choose the aisle. You’ll also need to choose between the top bunk (better views but less privacy and everyone can see your valuables) or the bottom bunk (more privacy, and ideal if you’re sensitive to air conditioning).

Before choosing your seat, always check that it’s not broken and that it can fully recline to avoid an uncomfortable journey. You can also opt for VIP buses, in which, wherever you decide to sit, you’ll have curtains for added privacy, but also more legroom, because yes, I have to say that the cheapest sleeper buses can quickly become uncomfortable if you’re tall, so look carefully at the options before booking your journey.

When it comes to sleeper trains, you mainly have two options: the upper berth or the lower berth, opt for the lower berth where you’ll have more space, you won’t have to climb down the ladder if you need to go to the toilet in the middle of the night, you’ll have a better view, and where you won’t be right under the lights.

18. Check out the different options

What I mean by that is that sleeper trains sometimes offer women-only compartments, as in Thailand. So if you’re worried about sharing a “room” with men as a woman traveling alone, these compartments can be a great option.

You can also choose between first, second and third class. For a more pleasant journey, especially in humid and hot countries, third class isn’t really a good choice, as it only offer compartments with fans, so always try to prioritize air conditioned carriages if possible. In any case, weigh up your different options before making a choice, to make the most of your trip.

Traveling solo as a woman? Check out my 7 best travel safety items to pack for a stress-free trip!

19. Get ready to be woken early

If you’ve ever traveled on a sleeper train, chances are an employee gently came to wake you up before your stop, just when you were finally sound asleep, but bear in mind that, depending on your destination, you may have to get off the train at 6am. So much for your beauty sleep, but who needs it anyway?

The same goes for the overnight bus, of course! All this to say that you should plan accordingly if you know you’ll be arriving early. Check with your accommodation to see if you can drop off your bag and take the opportunity to visit the city without anyone around before having a hearty breakfast!

20. Enjoy the ride

The best part of any adventure is not thinking about it too much and enjoying the moment, so whatever means of transport you choose, don’t forget to enjoy the ride!

I hope these few tips will help any beginner to the world of sleeper trains/overnight buses to get a glimpse of what to expect and smooth any worries. Let me know in the comments whether you like this type of travel or not, and if you have any other valuable tips to offer our fellow travelers!

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