What´s the difference between a relaxed and an annoyed long distance bus traveler? Apart from the inner attitude towards traveling by intercity bus, the preparation of the long distance bus trip will help to enjoy a relaxed bus travel -particulary for a long intercity bus trip as for example from Berlin to Amsterdam. So what should you bear in mind?  Hereinafter we have compiled the top 10 tips to go on an intercity bus trip.

Before the long distance bus trip

1. Save money

As a general principle: Book early, pay less. Especially on holidays cheap bus tickets are scarce and accordingly sold out quickly.

Special-tip: If you are on the route with megabus.com as for example the long distance bus line from Hamburg to Cologne, you will find 60 days in advance of the day of departure tickets for 1 Euro*.  Look out for the next blog post in order to get information about how to get these ultra low cost tickets.

If you would like to take the bus during the week you can allow yourself a little more time with the booking. Very often you will get most favorable offers just a few days prior to your bus trip.

*plus 0,50 EUR service charge

2. Travel stress free

Look for intercity bus trips which allow sufficient buffer in your time table. Choose the bus trip with very few changes and always keep in mind that the bus might be delayed. 

3. Print your tickets

Even if it is sufficient for some long distance bus providers to show the ticket in digital form, as for example per smartphone, to have a printed bus ticket at hand can be advantageous in case your battery dies.

If it is your first bus trip to a certain city your stay will benefit from additionally printed copies of city maps and the local public transport system, the hotel reservation, the return ticket and time table (where required), etc.

4. Travel time - don´t waste it, use it

In advance of your journey think of things how to pass the time during your intercity bus trip. Indeed there are many long distance bus providers which offer books for free or even a media-center but you might not enjoy their selection.  

Some suggestions:

• Feel free to bring a book, newspaper or magazine of your choice.
• Be productive and follow up on your deferred to-do-list, such as calling your grandma or working on your essay, presentation, lecture, preparing your birthday invitation cards, etc.
• Alternatively you can get some rest in the bus and sleep a bit. In that case a eye mask, ear plugs and a little pillow might be handy.

5. Pack wisely

Keep in mind: when you travel by long distance bus you must stow your baggage in the luggage compartment. That means that during the trip you will not have access to it to get a book, pillow or anything else out. Everything you need during the trip should be packed in your carry-on. It would be a shame to find out shortly after the bus has departed that your headphones or the gripping book is packed in your baggage. So in order to have an enjoyable bus trip you should have everything you need ready to hand.

Here you go with a survival kit for your hand luggage:

• drinks & food
• charging device for cellphones, etc.
• rechargeable battery (in case the power supply in the bus is not working)
• head phones
• ear plugs
• eye mask + a travel pillow
• book, newspaper, magazine

6. Be on time

Try to be on time as the intercity bus will not wait! If you do not know well the departure or destination area, we advise you to print the respective map section you find in the search result. It will save precious time to know the area of the departure in case you are running late. While on the bus you can get familiar with the area of your destination. In advance you can do some research in regard of connecting buses of the public transportation system. All of this contributes to a relaxing departure and arrival of your trip.

During the long distance bus trip

7. Food & Drinks

An intercity bus trip can be even more pleasant with good food and drinks. However try to make sure not to disturb the others with the smell.

Our tip: During long intercity bus trips, strong smelly food is best consumed during the breaks outside of the bus. Some bus companies also offer snacks and drinks on board. Experience shows however that you can not always rely on that.

After the long distance bus trip

8. Don´t forget your luggage

Try to make a mental note where the bus driver stowed your luggage. Since the driver has to unload your bag when you get off, he will appreciate the information later on as well. However at the terminal stop all of the luggage will be unloaded and you can just grab your bag and be on the go.

Our advice: Keep your distance and let the bus driver do his job. However, keeping an eye on your bag during the unloading process -will guarantee that you are on your way in no time.

Another tip: When you have to catch a connecting bus - it is best to have your bag stowed in the front or at least within reach.

9. Share your experiences

In case you keep an intercity bus trip in mind positively, you should tell your friends and family, or report your experience on a rating platform. A long distance bus provider who offers a good service deserves your praise. Maybe this bus company soon offers more interesting routes for you or others.

10. Use busradar.com

Last but not least we appreciate if you keep using our comparison portal busradar.com to find the perfect bus trip. After all, the long distance bus network is constantly growing and there are new bus routes almost offered on a daily basis, which can easily be compared on our website.

With these tips we hope we made the long distance bus trip even more alluring and wish you a good and low cost bus trip -again and again!

© pushkarevskyy - depositphotos.com