Appreciation post: I swore by overnight buses, but now I'm not so sure

I always heard that overnight buses are the best way to save on accommodation while traveling. Last month, I took one from Berlin to Prague, thinking I'd sleep and save a night's hostel cost. The bus was packed, the seats didn't recline much, and I got maybe two hours of broken sleep. When I arrived, I was so tired that I wasted half a day napping in a coffee shop. Now I'm wondering if the money saved was worth losing a day of exploring. Maybe paying for a cheap hostel and taking a day bus is actually better for budget travel. I see people online still pushing overnight buses, but I think they ignore the hidden cost of exhaustion. What's the point of saving money if you're too tired to enjoy your trip?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_jennifer1mo ago

That "hidden cost of exhaustion" is so real. I did something similar with a 5 am train once to save a hotel night. I was so wrecked I spent a fortune on fancy coffees and pastries just to stay awake, basically blew the savings by lunchtime.

brian_coleman1mo ago

They save a day's travel time plus hostel costs.

alice_wright361mo agoTop Commenter

Ugh, my back still hurts from last year's bus "nap".