Essential Packing List for Overnight Buses Must-Haves and Convenient Items

Any people may wonder, What do I need to bring when riding an overnight bus? Here, we have listed the must-have items and recommended items for a comfortable journey that are unique to overnight buses. We have also picked up convenient items to have based on customer reviews and experiences from frequent bus users. If you are a first-time rider or not used to the experience, please take a look.

１．★★★ Essential items for riding an express bus

From the perspective of a frequent express bus user, I've summarized the items that are absolutely necessary.

Reservation confirmation email

If you made a reservation through Kosoku Bus Dot Com, a Reservation Confirmation email will be sent to your registered address. Please show this email on your smartphone screen or print it out and bring it with you.The reservation confirmation email contains important information such as the URL of the meeting place, emergency contact information for the day of the trip, and the name of the bus company.The URL of the meeting place is especially important. Many people are often late because it takes time to find the unfamiliar bus stop. Make sure to have it available on your smartphone or print out the map from your computer if you receive the email there.

• If you don't receive the reservation email, click here.

Boarding ticket

If you made a reservation through Kosoku Bus Dot Com, depending on the bus company, a Boarding Ticket may be attached as a PDF file in the reservation confirmation email. The boarding ticket lists important information such as the bus service name and seat number, and serves as a ticket for the crew to check. Make sure to show it on your mobile screen or print it out in advance.(Be careful, as you may be charged a separate fare if you don't present your boarding ticket at the site!)*For buses that have boarding tickets attached on Kosoku Bus Dot Com, the service code will contain the letters Z and X.

Convenience store receipt

If you paid at a convenience store after making a reservation, be sure to bring the receipt. (If you paid by credit card at the time of reservation, there will be no receipt.)

Charger & mobile battery

These are essential when riding an express bus! Chargers may have USB plugs depending on the express bus. Make sure to bring a charger that can handle both, or check in advance.It's also convenient to have a mobile battery along with the charger. Some express buses may not have power outlets or USB charging facilities, so use a mobile battery to charge your devices. (Don't forget to charge the mobile battery itself for long trips!)

Earphones or earplugs

On an express bus, you may be bothered by people's breathing or other noises. If this concerns you, wear earplugs or earphones to get through the long journey!

２．★★ Items that are helpful to have when riding

Next, we'll introduce items that are helpful to have. These are standard items that almost all frequent overnight bus users bring along!

Neck pillow

A U-shaped air pillow is especially necessary for long bus rides of 8-10 hours where you'll be sitting for extended periods. Recently, in addition to self-inflatable pillows, there are also cushion-type pillows that don't use air. Choose one that is easy to carry and has a design you like for a comfortable ride.

Mask

Masks are a standard item, but they're easy to forget. Express bus interiors are said to be dry, so a mask to moisturize your throat is helpful for sensitive people.*Due to the impact of the novel coronavirus, we ask for your cooperation in wearing a mask during the ride. As of May 2023, some companies leave the decision to wear a mask up to the individual customer. However, be aware that you may be denied boarding if you're not wearing a mask.

Drinks and light snacks

For drinks, refreshing options like mineral water or oolong tea are recommended. Bring them in a plastic bottle. (Avoid cans or paper cups without lids, as many seats don't have drink holders.)For snacks, choose items that don't make noise when eaten and have no strong odors, as a matter of etiquette. Calorie Mate or light bread is recommended.

• Is it okay to eat and drink on an express bus? Q&A to resolve your questions集

Makeup remover wipes

Makeup remover wipes are convenient for quickly removing makeup in the restroom before boarding the express bus! They're essential for bus trips where you can't remove makeup with hot water!

Hand cream & moisturizing spray

Express bus interiors are extremely dry! Masks are necessary for moisturizing, but those who are concerned about dryness should bring moisturizing cream or spray.*Unscented hand cream is recommended. Avoid strongly scented products in the confined space of the bus.

Disposable slippers, compression socks, thick socks

Express buses are usually equipped with disposable slippers. However, this isn't the case for all express buses, so check in advance. Bare feet can get cold during the night, so it's good to have disposable slippers or thick socks.Furthermore, sitting for a whole night can easily cause swollen feet. (I once almost cried because I couldn't fit into my pumps after getting off...) That's where compression socks come in! Socks that are effective against swelling will keep you comfortable and secure without getting cold.

３．★ Must-have items for specific scenarios

Of course, the items you bring will vary depending on the scene or season, such as theme parks, concerts, going home, or riding in mid-summer or mid-winter. Here are the items to bring for common express bus scenarios and seasons!

☀ For mid-summer

Antiperspirant spray (unscented)

In the case of 4-row seat buses, you'll be spending the night next to a stranger. If you're worried about odor, bring one along. *Even if it's unscented, don't use it in the bus. Quickly use it during restroom breaks or before boarding.

Sweat-wiping sheets

In mid-summer rides, not only are you concerned about odor, but also about spending the night with sweaty skin... In such cases, use sweat-wiping sheets to quickly wipe off sweat. Try to use unscented ones, as strong scents can bother those around you.

⛄ For mid-winter

Hand warmers

They're a strong ally when the bus interior gets colder than expected or when your stomach starts to hurt. The non-adhesive type is more convenient, as you can use them according to the situation.

Thick socks

When I actually rode an express bus in winter, I realized that while the upper body is warmed by the heater, the feet get cold! Fluffy socks will keep you warm and help you sleep comfortably.

⛷ For skiing & snowboarding

Breakfast

Express buses arrive early in the morning, so there's time before hitting the slopes. Even if you want to eat before the slopes open, there are hardly any family restaurants or convenience stores nearby.If you bring rice balls or bread, you can start skiing as soon as the slopes open. Buy them at a convenience store or elsewhere before boarding.

💛 For theme parks

Picnic sheet

Express buses arrive early in the morning, so there's time before the park opens. While it's great to be able to enter the park early in the morning, sometimes you may have to wait 2-3 hours. A picnic sheet allows you to sit while waiting.

Refer to these articles as well

• The full picture and secrets of going to Disney most comfortably on a low-cost overnight bus

• Lowest price information | Complete money-saving guide for going to USJ by overnight bus

*For theme parks, check the size and number of bags that can be loaded into the trunk of the express bus you plan to ride before boarding. If you're using an express bus on the way back, you'll likely have a suitcase along with bags for souvenirs. Be aware that some express buses have a one-bag-per-person limit for loading.

♩ Concert tours & Comic Market

Breakfast

The bus arrives early in the morning, so there's plenty of time to eat. However, if you spend that time looking for a convenience store, the line for entry will only grow longer. In the first place, convenience stores near the station or venue are always short on stock on these days.

Foldable bag with zipper closure

You can leave luggage such as loot and support goods in the trunk room of the express bus, but if the bag can't be closed, the contents may scatter when the bus shakes. Many dozens of pieces of luggage are packed into the trunk room, so bring a bag that can be tightly closed.Also, while most express buses allow you to leave luggage in the trunk room, there is a possibility of damage or wrinkles.For important items you want to use at the venue, either put them in a bag and bring them to your seat, or send them in advance! *It's okay if it's a size that can fit under the seat.

４．Surprisingly unnecessary items

Be careful of overlapping with in-vehicle amenities!Recent express buses have substantial in-vehicle lending items and amenities. The standard item is a lap blanket, which is provided for each seat on nearly 90% of express buses.In addition, some buses come with slippers, eye masks, air cushions, and even mineral water and toothbrushes. If you book online, it will be listed in the express bus description at the time of reservation, so check before preparing your belongings.

Motion sickness medicine

Since the bus constantly runs on the highway (= straight, less shaking), there's not much motion sickness. Of course, those prone to motion sickness should prepare it to be safe, but this is an item that people surprisingly say, I didn't need it after all.

Eye mask

Like blankets, eye masks are basically provided as part of the express bus facilities. However, it varies by bus, so it's best to check in advance.

Portable game console

On overnight buses after lights-out, using devices with lit screens such as smartphones and game consoles is not allowed. This is because using them in a pitch-dark bus can be glaring for those around you. Some people think, I might not be able to sleep, so I'll bring it to kill time... but be aware that you can't actually use them.

• 800 People Survey: Reasons for Not Being Able to Sleep on Overnight Buses and Tips for Sleeping
• A Guide to Luggage for Highway Bus Passengers: Can It Be Stored in the Trunk? What Are the Size Limits?

This article was published on 2026/02/18. The information may have changed since then.
Photos were taken with care not to obstruct traffic or bus operations.