Long bus journeys are the backbone of budget European travel — they connect cities that budget airlines ignore, they cost a fraction of the train, and they deposit you in the centre of town rather than a distant airport at 4am. But they can also test your sanity. Seven hours on a FlixBus between Berlin and Munich is not the same as seven hours on a train — the seats are narrower, the legroom is tighter, the toilets are an adventure, and the man in seat 23C is eating a kebab and watching TikTok without headphones. Here is how to survive — and even enjoy — the long European bus journey.

Seven Tips for Staying Sane on Long Bus Journeys

1. Book the right seat. The front seats on the upper deck of a double-decker bus offer the best views and a smoother ride. Window seat — always. The aisle seat guarantees disturbance from your seatmate every time they need the toilet (and on a 7-hour bus, they will). Avoid the seats directly above the rear axle — the ride is rougher and the engine noise is louder
2. Noise-cancelling headphones. The single most important investment for bus travel. They will not make the crying baby disappear, but they will make you 70% less likely to commit a crime. Download podcasts and music in advance — in-transit Wi-Fi is unreliable
3. Snacks and water — plan ahead. Bus station food is expensive and reliably terrible. Pack: a large bottle of water, a sandwich or wrap, nuts or trail mix, and something sweet. A flask of tea or coffee bought before boarding will make you feel like a genius at hour 4
4. A neck pillow and an eye mask. You will look like a tourist. You will also sleep, which the person next to you who did not pack a neck pillow will not. The eye mask is essential for overnight buses (the interior lights stay on at rest stops)
5. Entertainment: download, don’t stream. Download films, TV series, or audiobooks before departure. European bus Wi-Fi is a lottery — assume it will not work and plan accordingly. An audiobook is ideal — it occupies your mind without requiring your eyes to focus on a screen (which can cause motion sickness on winding roads)
6. Dress for the conditions. Bus air conditioning has two settings: Arctic and Off. Layer: a t-shirt, a jumper, and a jacket you can remove or add as needed. Compression socks are not glamorous but they make a real difference on journeys over 6 hours
7. Stretch at every stop. The rest stops on long bus journeys are usually grim but necessary. Get off the bus, walk around, stretch your legs, and use a proper toilet. Do not stay in your seat — your body will thank you, and the driver needs to clean the bus anyway

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