How to Survive a Long Bus Ride in Central America

It is no secret that the cheapest way to get around Central America (besides hitch hiking) is by public bus. You can get to places at a fraction of the price compared to the cost of taxi’s, shuttle, rental cars, and airplanes. Even though it is the cheapest way to get around, it certainly is not always enjoyable. Many times your legs are cramped against the back of a seat and people without prepaid tickets fill the isle. Sitting like this for 4+ hours can be very uncomfortable. However, there are ways to improve you bus ride experience.  Here are 15 tips for long bus rides:

1.There are several essential items you should bring on a long bus ride, so of course you will need a place to put all these items. Having a small bag you can put at your feet is ideal for carrying your belongings.

2. Many bus rides are during meal times so I highly recommend bringing some small snacks and a little water. Also bus rides can be very bumpy and drivers tend to make sickeningly sharp turns. I recommend bringing some mint gum to help ease your stomach. Even those who typically do not have motion sickness can feel the effects of crazy bus drivers.

3. For those who do have motion sickness I suggest you bring some medication such as Dramamine to survive the ride.

4. A common past time for long bus rides is sleeping…obviously. However, many times the seats are not ideal for taking a snooze. Because of this I advise to bring a small pillow or a jacket to use as a pillow for your siestas.

5. Money. Money. Money. And when I say “money” I mean “cash.” You will need this to pay for border taxes and for food if your bus stops at a station during the trip. You will be happy to have some cash accessible during your journey.

6. Headphones and music are kind of a no brainer if you enjoy some tunes while you travel so be sure not to forget them 🙂

7. Sometimes buses are stopped by policemen or government officers to check passports. Make sure you have a copy of your passport with you at all times when you are traveling. Be sure to also have proof of your transportation out of the country if you have one. At borders many times people are asked to show proof that you will be leaving the country at some point to prevent illegal immigration.

8. Pens! These always come in handy when filling our customs forms or for making some casual doodles.

9. Have some form of entertainment with you. Hours on a bus can get pretty boring. Bring a book, put games on your phone, or play games with your friends such as Catch Phrase or cards.

10. Let’s talk about bathrooms…Public buses never have bathrooms, but if they stop at another station it typically costs very little money to obtain toilet paper and use the pot. Make sure to keep coins in the country’s currency to use these, at the time, priceless facilities. Charter buses sometimes have a bathroom at the back of the bus, but they do not have toilet paper. Thus, bring some tissues or toilet paper of your own. If a charter bus does have a bathroom, this is a good indication they will not make other stops where you can get off the bus to go to the bathroom. With that in mind charter buses do not let you go number 2….only number 1. How they monitor that I have no idea, but I wouldn’t want to be the person that makes everyone on the bus suffer in my stench. I would watch what you eat before embarking on a charter bus because you may just be out of luck. And no one likes sitting by a person with stinky underwear…

11. As bad as this sounds, sometimes in order to make it through a long bus ride with no stops and no toilet, you should avoid consuming any fluids whatsoever. You may be a little dehydrated, but at least in my opinion, it’s better than have the urge to pee for hours on end. (Speaking from experience).

12. On long bus rides your seat and environment may feel uncomfortable so I suggest wearing what makes you comfortable. Whether that be slipping on some socks or wearing gym shorts, wear what you think is best for you. Typically public buses get a little stuffy and hot, but charter buses that have air-conditioning can be a bit cool.

13. Next, look after your valuables. You can put your bag on a top shelf inside the bus, but make sure someone is awake to watch it. It’s not uncommon for a person to fall asleep with their bag on a top shelf and wake up to find that it is gone. I sometimes put my bag under the bus because it requires a person to have a ticket to prove that it is their bag. Other times I don’t take any chances and just place my bag at my feet.

14. Window vs Aisle. When you buy your bus ticket, you typically have a choice between a window or aisle seat. If you have long legs you may enjoy an aisle seat better. If you get Closter phobic you may enjoy the window seat better so you can look outside.

15. The biggest way you can prepare for a long bus ride is to have plenty of patience. There can be lots of stops, border crossings, traffic, and people on the bus with you. You may get frustrated when the driver constantly slams on the breaks or when people close you in by standing in the aisle next to your seat. This is all part of the culture in Central America. A bus ride is only a small part of your amazing journey!

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