India Travels – Navigating the World of Overnight Bus Journeys

Over the years, I’ve experienced nearly every kind of bus travel across India — from packed local buses with bench seats to sleek, air-conditioned Volvo multi-axle coaches. Whether you're travelling on a shoestring budget or splurging a little for comfort, buses in India offer a wide range of options.

In cities like Bangalore, where the airport is inconveniently far, buses become an even more practical alternative to flying, especially for spontaneous, last-minute plans when trains are fully booked.

I’ve had both memorable and miserable journeys on Indian buses. And while I continue to use them for the flexibility they offer, I wanted to lay out the real pros and cons of overnight bus travel in India — what to expect, what to avoid, and what to keep in mind.

Types of Buses 

Basic Local Bus (Non-AC)

• Known as Karnataka Sarige in the KSRTC system

• Bench seats meant for three often fit more

• Makes frequent stops and is usually crowded

Note: Seat numbers shown during booking often don’t match the actual seats

Semi-Deluxe (Non-AC)

• Individual non-reclining seats

• Decent for short distances like Bangalore to Coimbatore (~6 hours)

• Not very comfy, but bearable

Ultra Deluxe (Non-AC)

• Reclining seats

• Better comfort for budget travellers — good value for money

Sleeper Bus (AC & Non-AC)

• Horizontal berths allow you to lie down

• Ideal for hilly routes like Bangalore to Gokarna or Goa

Tip: Sleep on your back or stomach to avoid sliding around

Volvo & Volvo Multi-Axle (AC, Semi-Sleeper)

1. Reclining seats, minimal stops

2. Often plays local-language movies onboard

3. Great for summer travel thanks to the AC

4. Basic Local Bus (Non-AC)

5. Called Karnataka Sarige in the KSRTC system. Bench seats meant for three often fit more. These make frequent stops and are crowded.

6. Note: Seat numbers shown during booking often don’t match the actual seats.

7. Semi-Deluxe (Non-AC)

8. Individual non-reclining seats. Decent for short distances like Bangalore to Coimbatore (~6 hours). Not very comfy, but bearable.

9. Ultra Deluxe (Non-AC)

10. Reclining seats. Better comfort for budget travellers — good value for money.

11. Sleeper Bus (AC & Non-AC)

12. Horizontal berths allow you to lie down. Ideal for hilly routes like Bangalore to Gokarna or Goa. Tip: Sleep on your back or stomach to avoid sliding around.

13. Volvo & Volvo Multi-Axle (AC, Semi-Sleeper)

14. These are the most popular now. Reclining seats, minimal stops, and sometimes even local-language movies onboard. Great for summer travel thanks to the AC.

The Pros of Overnight Bus Travel

• Wide Range of Prices: From ₹150 to ₹1,100, you’ll find something within your budget, with varying levels of comfort.

• Convenience: Easy to book last-minute and often faster than flying when you consider airport travel time. Buses drop you right in the city center — no long commute required.

• User-Friendly bus booking through apps like redBus: Most major companies have easy-to-use websites. If you prefer human help, booking offices are everywhere.

• Saves on Accommodation: Long-term travellers often use overnight buses to save on hotel costs. You get a full day at your departure and arrival points, as long as you can sleep on a moving vehicle.

Tips to Make Your Journey Smoother

• Pick Seats/Berths Near the Front: The rear seats get jostled more due to poor suspension. Book early to get a front or middle spot.

• Avoid Cheap Buses for Light Sleepers: They stop frequently and let more passengers in than there are seats. Expect shouting and crowding.

• Use Sleeper Buses for Mountain Routes: Through hilly terrain like the Ghats, pay a bit more for a sleeper so you’re lying down as the bus twists and turns.

• Hydrate Wisely: With few stops and no toilets, please don’t overdo it on water. Ration your intake to avoid discomfort.

• Carry Small Change: Many rest stops have pay-and-use toilets (₹3–₹5). The attendants rarely provide change, so keep coins handy.

• Don’t Rely on Charging Ports: Even if a bus claims to have charging points, they often don’t work. Bring a power bank, and put your phone on aeroplane mode to save battery.

Conclusion

Overnight bus travel in India is equally practical and unpredictable. Whether you're looking to save money, avoid the airport, or travel last-minute, there’s likely a bus that fits the bill. With a little planning — and realistic expectations — these journeys can be efficient, economical, and even oddly enjoyable.