What to Wear on a Night Bus: The Ultimate Solo Travel Packing Guide

Sam Burden
Dec 7, 2025
7 min read

Updated: Feb 8

Woman with layered clothing to keep her warm on a night bus

Wondering what to wear on a night bus for maximum comfort? After countless overnight journeys across Europe and the UK, I've learned that the right clothing can transform a cramped 8-hour bus ride from miserable to manageable.

Night buses are one of the most budget-friendly ways to travel - perfect for solo travellers looking to save money on both transport and accommodation. Whether you're catching a National Express from London, a FlixBus across Europe, or any overnight coach service, what to wear on a night bus isn't just about comfort - it's about arriving at your destination ready to explore, not exhausted and achy.

I've made every mistake in the night bus wardrobe department (yes, including wearing jeans - never again). Here's my complete guide to what to actually wear on a night bus, based on real experience and many sleepless journeys that taught me comfort beats style every single time.

Why Night Buses Are Perfect for Budget Solo Travel

Before we get into the outfit breakdown, let's talk about why night buses are brilliant for solo travel on a budget. Night bus services save you the cost of accommodation (easily £30-80 depending on where you are), they maximise your time by travelling overnight, and they're generally safe and reliable. A night bus in London to Edinburgh costs around £20-40, compared to £80+ for a train or £100+ for a flight plus a night's accommodation.

For solo travel with limited annual leave and realistic budgets, overnight buses are a practical choice. I used a night bus to explore Antwerp in 24 hours, which meant I saved on both transport and a night's accommodation - money I could spend actually experiencing the city instead. You board around 10-11pm, sleep (or attempt to sleep) through the journey, and arrive at your destination early morning ready to explore. But here's the catch - you need to wear the right outfit to make it bearable.

What to Expect on a Night Bus Journey

Let me set the scene. You're on a coach for anywhere between 6-12 hours. The temperature is completely unpredictable - some night bus services blast the air conditioning like you're in the Arctic, whilst others have no heating at all. You're trying to sleep sitting up, often with limited legroom, and you might need to get up for toilet breaks or brief stops.

The lighting situation varies wildly. Some coaches turn off all lights for sleeping, others keep annoying aisle lights on all night. Fellow passengers might be snoring, eating crisps at 3am, or watching videos without headphones (yes, really). And if you're catching a night bus in London or any major city, you'll likely be waiting around the coach station first.

This is why what you wear matters so much for solo travel comfort.

What to Wear on a Night Bus: Complete Outfit Guide

Here's my tried-and-tested night bus outfit breakdown, layer by layer.

Best Base Layers for Night Bus Comfort

Start with leggings or joggers - nothing tight or restrictive. I cannot stress this enough: jeans are your enemy on a night bus. You want soft, stretchy fabric that moves with you and doesn't dig in when you're trying to find a comfortable position.

Black jogger pants with drawstrings, side pockets, and a relaxed fit. Smooth texture, isolated on a white background.

For your top half, go with a loose t-shirt or long-sleeve top. I prefer long sleeves because coach air conditioning is brutal, but make sure it's not tight around your arms or chest. You want breathability and comfort.

Light pink sweatshirt hangs on a wooden hanger against a white background. No text or patterns, minimalist and calm mood.

Product recommendations: High-waisted black leggings are ideal (they don't slip down whilst you're sleeping), or soft joggers with an elasticated waist. Look for moisture-wicking fabric if possible - you'll thank me later.

Mid Layer: What to Wear for Unpredictable Night Bus Temperatures

This is crucial. Bring a hoodie or jumper that you can tie around your waist if it gets too warm. The temperature on night bus services is completely unpredictable, and you need options.

White hoodie with drawstrings and front pocket, set against a plain background. The fabric appears smooth and soft.

I always go with a zip-up hoodie rather than a jumper. Why? Because if you get too hot halfway through the journey, you can unzip it without having to fully remove it and disturb the person next to you. Plus, the hood itself is brilliant for blocking out light and creating your own little sleep cocoon.

Pro tip: Choose a hoodie with pockets. You'll want somewhere to stash your phone, earbuds, or snacks without digging through your bag in the dark.

Outer Layer: Your Makeshift Blanket For the Night Bus

Bring a jacket or coat that doubles as a blanket. I'm talking about a proper coat that you can fold over your legs when the air conditioning gets ridiculous. On most night bus journeys, you won't get a blanket provided (this isn't a plane), so your coat becomes essential.

Green hooded winter jacket with faux fur trim on a white background. Features two front pockets and a full zip closure. Cozy and warm.

A puffer jacket works brilliantly for this - it's warm, it compresses down, and it's easy to drape over yourself. If you're travelling in summer, a lightweight jacket still provides that extra layer when needed.

Footwear: Best Shoes to Wear on an Overnight Bus

Here's where my advice might differ from others: I recommend practical boots you can slip on and off easily. Yes, trainers or slip-on shoes are comfortable, but boots are better, particularly if it gets wet or cold at your destination.

Brown leather work boots with black laces and sturdy soles on a white background, displaying a rugged and durable appearance.

Think about it - you're arriving at 6am in a city you don't know, possibly in the rain. Boots protect your feet, they're warm, and they're practical for walking around with your backpack. Choose boots with a side zip or that are loose enough to slip on without bending down too much in a cramped coach.

Avoid: Anything with complicated laces, high heels (obviously), or restrictive shoes. You want to be able to kick them off during the journey and slip them back on for rest stops.

Essential Items to Bring on a Night Bus

Your outfit isn't complete without these accessories:

Travel Pillow

Non-negotiable. A proper travel pillow supports your neck and prevents you waking up with a crick that ruins your entire trip. I prefer the memory foam ones that wrap around your neck, but find what works for you. This one from Amazon is similar to what I use.

Gray, textured, U-shaped neck pillow isolated on a white background. No text, patterns, or notable actions; conveys relaxation.

Eye Mask

Coach lighting is inconsistent at best, terrible at worst. An eye mask blocks out fellow passengers watching films on their phones, annoying aisle lights, and early morning sun streaming through the windows. Get a comfortable one that doesn't press on your eyes.

Cream silk sleep mask with an elastic strap against a white background. The texture appears smooth and shiny.

Earplugs or Noise-Cancelling Earbuds

For solo travel sanity. You cannot control your fellow passengers - the snorers, the crisp-eaters, the loud talkers. But you can control what you hear. Foam earplugs work, but I prefer noise-cancelling earbuds like these ones from Jlab so I can listen to calming music or a sleep podcast.

Black over-ear headphones with soft padding and silver accents against a plain white background. No visible text or logos.

Thick Socks

Your feet will get cold. Even in summer. Even with boots on. Bring thick, cosy socks and change into them once you're settled on the coach. Your feet deserve comfort too.

Cream-colored knitted socks overlapping on a white background, showcasing a cozy and warm texture.

Small Blanket or Large Scarf (Optional)

If you have room in your bag, a small travel blanket or a large scarf provides extra warmth and comfort. A scarf is particularly versatile - it can be a blanket, a pillow, or extra neck support.

Red knitted scarf with fringed ends, arranged neatly on a white background, showcasing its vibrant color and textured pattern.

Best Places to Buy Night Bus Outfits in the UK

You don't need to spend a fortune on specialist travel clothing. Here are the best UK retailers for night bus-appropriate outfits:

Primark: Affordable leggings, joggers, hoodies, and basic layers. Perfect for travel outfits you don't mind getting a bit worn.

Uniqlo: Excellent for base layers - their heat-tech range is brilliant for cold night buses, and their AIRism range works for warmer journeys.

Decathlon: Budget-friendly travel accessories including travel pillows, compression socks, and comfortable activewear that doubles as travel wear.

M&S: Reliable basics - comfortable joggers, soft hoodies, and practical boots that last.

TK Maxx: Great for discounted travel accessories, cosy socks, and comfortable clothing at reduced prices.

Amazon UK: Everything from travel pillows to eye masks to packable jackets. Read the reviews carefully and look for products with multiple positive ratings.

What NOT to Wear on a Night Bus

Learn from my mistakes:

Don't wear jeans. They're restrictive, uncomfortable, and you'll regret it by hour three.
Don't wear makeup. You're going to be rubbing your face against a headrest for hours. Just don't.
Don't wear contact lenses. Your eyes will dry out horribly. Wear glasses instead.
Don't wear anything with a complicated zipper or buttons. Toilet breaks on a night bus are stressful enough without fighting with your outfit.
Don't wear white or light colours. Coach seats aren't always clean, and you're travelling overnight. Dark colours hide everything.

Staying Safe on Night Buses When Travelling Solo

When travelling solo on night bus services, keep your valuables secure. Wear a money belt or keep your phone and wallet in zippered pockets. Keep your backpack in the overhead luggage area but keep essentials with you. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at coach stations late at night or early morning.

Night Bus Packing List: What to Wear & Bring

Here's what I actually wear on overnight coaches:

Black high-waisted leggings or soft joggers
Long-sleeve t-shirt (breathable fabric)
Zip-up hoodie with pockets
Puffer jacket (doubles as blanket)
Practical boots with side zip
Thick cosy socks
Travel pillow (memory foam neck pillow)
Eye mask (comfortable, doesn't press on eyes)
Noise-cancelling earbuds or foam earplugs
Large scarf (optional, for extra warmth)

Final Tips for Comfortable Night Bus Travel

Night buses are one of the most budget-friendly options for solo travel across the UK and Europe. A night bus in London to Paris costs around £30-50, saving you both transport and accommodation costs. But comfort is everything when you're spending the night on a coach.

Save your budget for the destination, not the journey. Comfort over style every single time. Your outfit can make the difference between arriving exhausted and miserable, or arriving ready to explore your destination.

What you wear matters. Get it right, and overnight coach travel becomes bearable, even comfortable. Get it wrong, and you'll spend £20 on cheap transport but waste your first day too tired to enjoy anything.

Pack smart, dress comfortably, and make those budget travel choices work for you.

Have you travelled on a night bus? What's your essential item for overnight coach journeys? Let me know in the comments below.

Full disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the blog and allows me to keep creating practical solo travel content. I only recommend products I've actually used or would use myself.