Having a neck pillow handy helps adjust the position of your spine, so falling asleep in a bus seat is more comfortable, particularly in a window seat. Compact blanket. Having the air conditioning of the bus turned on, or even the ventilation hatch open can make the bus pretty cold.

Sleeping on a bus requires a combination of strategic planning and the right gear to combat the upright seating and constant movement. Most seasoned travelers invest in a high-quality neck pillow—either memory foam or inflatable—to prevent their head from lolling, which is the primary cause of mid-sleep waking and neck pain. Noise-canceling headphones or simple silicone earplugs are essential for drowning out engine hum, road noise, and the chatter of other passengers. Additionally, an eye mask is a game-changer for blocking out passing streetlights or the interior cabin lights during late-night stops. For physical comfort, many choose a seat in the middle of the bus, as this area experiences the least amount of vibration and "bounce" compared to the seats directly over the wheels. Wearing loose, breathable layers and bringing a lightweight travel blanket or a large scarf helps regulate body temperature, as bus air conditioning can be notoriously unpredictable.