How Comfortable Are Overnight Buses?

[Chanterelle]

I read somewhere that some have beds and I am wondering if that is a better choice than the reclining seats. Are they usually well heated or air-conditioned? I'm not particularly looking for luxury, but I do like to feel comfortable, have some privacy and get at least a few hours sleep on an overnight journey,

 

[Chahal]

You will find both type of buses, reclining seat and ones with beds in them. Volvo buses are the ones you want for both reclining seats and sleeper ones because other buses are uncomfortable. I have never traveled on a sleeper bus so cannot comment but my only journey on a Volvo bus with 2X2 seas was excellent even though the roads were not the best. Suspension in Volvo buses make up for the bad roads and they are airconditioned.

Here is what to expect on a Volvo sleeper bus :

 

[thedeatheater1410]

It is generally preferable to go by the private Volvo buses. They have sleeper and AC buses too for long night journeys. They are pretty comfortable and usually there is some kind of entertainment available on board to spend time on the long journey.

 

[barbara]

Do they advertise what type of bus you will be taking when you book your travel or tour? For all the tours I've read I don't remember them saying what type of bus they use.

 

[Neve]

I am not a big fan of overnight trips because I never seem to be able to sleep in a sitting position; even on a reclining seat. I always need to be really comfortable in order to be able to fall asleep. However, these Volvo buses look pretty good actually. Are they very expensive?

 

[rz3300]

Well it probably depends on who you are asking because it certainly depends on the person. I know that I would say a definite no to if they are comfortable and I have never been able to sleep in anything moving my entire life. No car, no bus, no plane, no train...the list goes on. That said, my brother, on the other hand, would say that it is just fine because he can fall asleep anywhere that he wants to as long as he is tired. It just depends on who you ask in my opinion.

 

[xTinx]

The Volvo buses appear comfortable and they look clean enough for anyone to sleep on. You can try this bus. It's probably what you need particularly if there are 10 or so hours of travel time. So far, I've only ridden an ordinary bus and hopefully, in one of my future travels, I'd get to ride a Volvo bus (or any other bus of the same quality) in the future.

 

[Elizabetonth]

I only took one overnight bus, and it was hilarious. It was going from Jaisalmer. Sadly, I can't remember which sort of bus it was, which isn't very useful for you, but it definitely didn't look like the photo above. My friend and I were in a little glass-fronted box compartment that we had to climb a ladder to reach. There wasn't space for us to sit up. We could just about lift ourselves up on our elbows, and we lay down with our feet at each other's heads, because it wasn't really wide enough for us to lie with our shoulders next to each other, either. I don't remember much about the journey itself, which I think is a good thing - there are no horrible memories that have seared themselves on to my consciousness. It wasn't a very long journey, which I think made it better, too. I bet I'd have clearer memories of it if it had been one of the really long trips. Whichever sort you end up with, it's definitely better than the ones where you just have seats. Those can be really, really uncomfortable, particularly for long periods of time.

 

[gerbera]

Those are quite the comfortable looking beds on that bus. How are the drivers who drive those buses. Do they take care not to swerve or drive headlong into traffic coming the other way?

 

[AlapanB]

Those are quite the comfortable looking beds on that bus. How are the drivers who drive those buses. Do they take care not to swerve or drive headlong into traffic coming the other way?

Usually, the drivers in charge of the bus are experts of their craft (if their salary is anything to judge them by). Not only that, most of the time, the routes that these overnight journey buses follow are the longer ones (Through one-way laned National Highways) with very little traffic.

 

[Admin]

Overnight buses in India have improved significantly over the years, offering travelers a more comfortable journey than before. However, the level of comfort depends on several factors:

1. Type of Bus:​

• Volvo AC Sleeper & Semi-Sleeper Buses: These are among the most comfortable options, with recliner seats, better suspension, and fewer jerks during the ride.
• Non-AC Sleeper Buses: These offer sleeping berths but can get warm and dusty, especially in summer.
• Ordinary State-Run Buses: While affordable, these are not the most comfortable for long overnight journeys.

2. Road Conditions:​

• Routes like Delhi to Manali, Mumbai to Goa, and Bangalore to Chennai have smooth highways, making overnight travel relatively comfortable.
• However, routes with rough terrain, like Shimla to Kinnaur or Shillong to Tawang, can be bumpy, affecting sleep quality.

3. Amenities & Safety:​

• Luxury buses (such as those by VRL, SRS, or KSRTC Airavat) now offer charging ports, Wi-Fi, blankets, and pillows for added comfort.
• Booking upper sleeper berths can minimize road bumps.
• Opting for trusted operators ensures safer travel.

FAQs About Overnight Bus Travel:​

Q: Which are the most comfortable overnight bus operators in India?
A: Some of the best-rated operators include VRL, Orange Travels, SRS, KSRTC Airavat, and RedBus partners offering Volvo multi-axle sleeper coaches.
Q: How can I ensure a comfortable journey?
A: Carry a travel pillow, noise-canceling earphones, and a blanket. Avoid heavy meals before travel to prevent motion sickness.
Q: Is it safe for solo female travelers?
A: Opt for trusted bus operators, choose seats closer to the driver, and book through platforms like RedBus or MakeMyTrip, which have tracking features.
Q: Which routes have the best overnight bus services?
A:

Route	Best Bus Operators	Approximate Travel Time
Delhi to Manali	HRTC, VOLVO, Himachal Tourism	12-14 hours
Mumbai to Goa	VRL, SRS, Neeta Travels	10-12 hours
Bangalore to Hyderabad	KSRTC, Orange Travels	8-10 hours
Chennai to Coimbatore	Parveen Travels, KPN	7-9 hours

In conclusion, overnight buses can be a great travel option in India, provided you choose the right operator and prepare accordingly. Have you had any recent experiences with overnight bus travel? Share them below!