Some people might find the cozy quarters of a charter bus the perfect setting for a good rest. Others, however, might have some trouble getting past the lurching, sometimes noisy atmosphere that buses present. If you have difficulty getting rest on a charter bus, there are various steps you can take to make it a little easier.
Bring Headphones
One of the hardest parts about sleeping on long bus rides is the noise — there might be people talking in a seat close to you or frequent stops with people shuffling past. If you’re a light sleeper, blocking out that noise to sleep is essential.
If you have them, try bringing along a pair of noise-canceling headphones. You can put on some calming music or even a podcast to ease you to sleep and keep the outside noise out. If you don’t have headphones, you can still bring along some earbuds, which will help keep things quiet.
Wear Comfortable Clothes
If you’re planning to sleep on the bus, you may want to consider dressing in some comfortable clothes so you have an easier time nodding off. Jeans, for instance, may not be the best choice. You might want to opt for something a little less restricting, like sweatpants and a sweatshirt. Charter buses are often air-conditioned, so make sure to bring some extra layers to stay warm during the trip. You could even bring a blanket if you tend to get cold easily.
Have Medication on Hand
Make sure to bring adequate medication on the bus with you. If you tend to get headaches or nausea on the road, bring along the right medicine so you can deal with side effects. This will make it much easier to fall asleep and eliminate many potential obstacles.
Pick the Right Seat
You should also consider where you will sit on the bus. If you have a choice, try to sit toward the middle — the back of the bus is often the bumpiest, while you’ll have to sit near passengers getting on and off when you’re near the front. The middle can offer a happy medium where you’ll enjoy a stable ride and some quiet space.
Pack Sleepwear
Having extra sleepwear items can be just the thing to help you get some rest on the bus. Here are some things you should consider bringing to help you sleep:
- Neck pillow: It’s tough trying to find that perfect spot where your neck doesn’t feel strained — a neck pillow offers a comfortable, stable way for you to relax on the bus. It can help you fall asleep and will also ensure you don’t wake up with a sore neck.
- Earplugs: Headphones or earbuds can be great, but sometimes the best option is some good old-fashioned earplugs — they help block out the outside noise and let you focus on your rest.
- Eye mask: With all of the movement on a bus, it’s important to bring something that mimics the conditions of a peaceful, dark room. An eye mast is a great way to help keep out the environment of the bus.
Neck pillows, earplugs and eye masks are all ways you can get to sleep quicker. You can bring whatever you think will help you get to sleep.Â

Keep Hydrated
For long bus rides, you’ll want to make sure you stay hydrated along the way. Although you don’t want to chug drinks and get up to go to the bathroom every five minutes, you should consider bringing a water bottle. You won’t have to worry about waking up during the middle of the ride with a dry mouth and no water in sight.
Take Light Snacks
Falling asleep can also be more challenging if all you can think about is eating. Bringing along some light snacks may be just the thing to ease you into sleep. Here are a few options to consider:
- Dried fruit: Healthy and flavorful, dried fruit is an easy, quick snack that you can easily pack along with you on a bus ride.
- Chopped vegetables: You can bring carrots or celery along in a plastic bag and take it out whenever you need a snack. Even a small serving can be surprisingly filling.
- Nuts: Almonds and walnuts have a variety of health benefits and may even help you sleep. These are a go-to choice for a snack on the road.
The right snacks can be great for a long ride on the bus, but you want to ensure you’re bringing the right ones. Dried fruit, chopped vegetables and nuts are perfect. Avoid foods that may spoil easily, such as dairy products. Messy foods, spicy foods or foods that have an overpowering smell should be avoided too. These can be a hassle to eat and can interfere with the other passengers’ experience.
Make Sure Your Belongings Are Safe
Getting to sleep on a bus can help you feel rested when you reach your destination, but you should also make sure that your belongings are safe before you get comfortable. This means safely stowing your belongings away in a safe spot and ensuring that all your valuables are protected. This will give you some peace of mind before you fall asleep.
Choose the Right Bus
Using these tips for sleeping on a motorcoach can help you get a refreshing rest on a bus. Still, sometimes getting some good rest starts before you even get on the bus — choosing the right charter bus company can help you get the sleep you need. A good charter bus will be clean and comfortable with an experienced driver who can help you feel safe and secure during the journey.
Be sure you’re looking for charter bus companies that are committed to giving their customers a safe and enjoyable ride.
Contact Arrow Stage Lines
You should sleep on a bus trip — especially if it’s a long ride to your destination. Sleeping on a bus can pose challenging for some — choosing the right charter bus provider can help you find the bus that suits your needs.
At Arrow Stage Lines, we offer just that. We are dedicated to our customers and committed to providing clean equipment, on-time performance and customer satisfaction. Our drivers undergo a rigorous training process to ensure that they can provide a safe journey for our passengers. We’re so focused on providing you with the best trip possible — all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the ride. Get a quote today!Â
