5 Tips for a Comfortable Three-Hour Bus Ride

5 Tips for a Comfortable Three-Hour Airport Shuttle Bus Ride

     Taking a three-hour bus ride can be stressful. When I fly home to visit my family in Maine every year, my adventure starts with a bus ride. I have learned a few things to make my bus ride more comfortable. Here are 5 practical tips and a bonus tip to help you relax.

1.       Greet and thank the driver (tip if allowed).

When you get on the bus, take a moment to smile and say hello to the driver. A moment of kindness can go a long way for a positive ride. When arriving at your destination, say thank you to the driver. And if allowed, tip the driver. Some bus lines allow tipping; check first. Tipping and thanking the bus driver is a good way to let him know you appreciate his driving. While he is driving through traffic, you get to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

2.       Leave Your Seat as You Found It.

This one is common sense, but some people leave their trash, wrappers, etc. behind when they leave their seat. When leaving your seat, make sure to clean up your mess, trash, and wrappers. You wouldn’t want to sit in a dirty seat, and the next person doesn’t either. Make sure you have all your stuff with you. Check the floor, seat, and area around you.

3.       Be Courteous to the Other Passengers.

Bus rides can seem long if you are sharing space with someone who doesn’t respect others. Don’t be that person.

-            Limit phone conversations. If you need to make a call, keep it quiet, brief, and short. No one wants to hear your conversation.

-            Lower the volume on headphones. If using earbuds or headphones, keep the volume low so no one can hear what you are listening to.

-            Keep luggage tucked under your seat. Make sure your luggage isn’t blocking the aisle or in any other way. Keep it tucked away.

-            Respect quiet time. Some people may want to read or take a nap.

                Being courteous doesn’t cost anything, but it makes a wonderful bus ride.

4.       Arrive at the Bus Stop Early.

Airport shuttles are on a tight schedule. They don’t wait for you if you are late. Being late may mean missing your flight, which means stress. Save yourself the stress and arrive early.

5.        Bring Your Own Snacks and Drinks.

Three hours is a long time without food or drink. Not every shuttle bus takes a pit stop. So, packing your own snacks and drinks is a way for you to be comfortable and save money. When packing snacks, think of others. Take foods that are easy to eat, like fruit, granola bars, and trail mix. Avoid messy and smelly food like eggs and tuna. Clean up your mess when you are done.

     Bonus Tip: Be Comfortable.

                Bring blankets, jackets, and neck pillows with you. It can be cold on the bus. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Download your favorite music, movie, or podcast so you don’t need wi-fi.

Final Thoughts:

            A three-hour airport shuttle bus ride doesn’t have to feel like wasted time with a little planning- greet your driver, be courteous to your fellow passengers, arrive early, bring your own snacks and drinks, and comfort items; you can transform it into an enjoyable day. Treat the ride as an adventure. These five tips will help you be prepared and ready to embark on the next stage of your adventure.