Are Overnight Buses Worth It?

Lily Kerley

February 7th, 2024

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3 minute read

Overnight buses (aka coaches) are a great way to save money, as you can often score a cheaper ticket and save on a whole night of accommodation. However, similar to a flight, it can be pretty difficult to get a good sleep on your overnight bus. There are no beds inside of Greyhound coaches (they’re not “sleepers”), so a reclining chair is the best you’re going to get.

Nevertheless, if you’re willing to sacrifice a night of comfort for some serious savings, the odd overnight bus trip here and there is definitely worth it - especially for backpackers on a budget! 

What buses do overnight trips in Australia?

Greyhound Australia and Premier Motor Service are the most common buses for overnight trips (we don’t have the iconic euro Flix bus!). Greyhound offers a flexible Whimit Pass which gives you unlimited travel around Australia with access to the most connected and populated network in the country.

Best overnight trips in Australia

The most common overnight bus routes in Australia are Brisbane to Cairns, Brisbane to Sydney, Brisbane to Airlie Beach, Noosa to Airlie Beach, Byron Bay to Sydney and Sydney to Melbourne (all reversible too).

Long-distance buses are quite popular in Australia, as there aren’t many affordable long-distance train options. So, if you haven’t got a car or campervan, the bus is really your only choice. Go to sleep in the city and wake up in a beach paradise, without breaking the bank!

Tips for a good overnight bus trip

Personally, I really value a good night’s sleep on trips, as us travellers need our energy to see all of the sights and get the most out of our days abroad! So, if you are opting for a night bus, use these tips and tricks (from somebody who has taken way more overnight buses than they would have liked) to make the terrible trip a little less... terrible!

1. Pack the essentials:

• Sleeping mask 
• Pillow (inflatable camping pillows pack down nice and small!)
• Socks 
• Jumper
• Headphones (noise cancelling goes a long way!)
• Water

Check out our East Coast packing list to travel light like a pro in Australia! 

2. If you get carsick, take medication before the bus

If you get carsick, try and sit up the front of the bus, and make sure you take a travel sickness medication before you board your bus. These meds often have a side effect of drowsiness, which in this case can actually be a perk as you try and get those zzz's!

3. Have your entertainment ready 

Pre-download your entertainment (music, TV shows, movies, podcasts, e-books and the likes!) before you get on your bus. While a lot of overnight buses have wifi, it can drop in and out depending on where you are. So, it’s best to not rely on it and have your entertainment downloaded to ease you into sleep. Your bus usually will have in-seat charging, so you can relax knowing you've got enough charge to binge-watch half a season of Friends!

4. Nap the next day

Even if you manage to get 5 or 6 hours sleep on an overnight bus, you will probably still be tired from a lack of deep sleep. In short, you won't wake up feeling like a bunch of roses. Have a shower to freshen up when you arrive, and a short nap in the afternoon, so you can spend the rest of your time exploring your destination without feeling shattered. 

Planning your East Coast trip and need a hand with your bus travel?

Chat with our local travel agents to get the best deal on your Australian transport and make the very most out of your coastal road trip!