Is there any beginner's guide for local buses?

It seems like there is a lot of info about trains here, but I couldn't find much about buses... I will be traveling alone and really worried about that part. Should I sit close to the driver? What about the luggage? Should I lock it somehow? Should I be worried about my belongings when I'm taking a nap? I know it's too many worries , but some advice will be really helpful... Thanks!

firsttimer, there are too many variables when it comes to local bus travel. for example, travelling in a bus in NYC will be quite different than say bakersfield, CA. Similarly, the bus service and beginner's tip would vary significantly from city to city in India. If you list the cities you plan to visit, IMers may have specific info for that city.

IMHO, avoid local buses until you are familiar with the lay out of the city.

just to clarify, when you say "local buses" do you mean intra-city buses (within a city), or inter-city (long distance) buses?

sorry for being too general - I meant the long distance ones. I'll be traveling Delhi-Dharmsala and later Dharamsala-Rishikesh, each one is an overnight bus - that's why my worries... Thanks!

You'll get a more comfortable ride in the front of the bus, so try for a seat in that area. It might cost a little more, but if you have any tendencies to motion sickness, your stomach will thank you for not bouncing around in the back of the bus!

I usually try for the inside seat, so my tote bag can go between me and the wall of the bus. My luggage (a biggish gym bag) usually fits below the seat. I never carry anything of much value in it, so I don't worry much about it (though I do lock it to the seats on trains).

The only time I have ever had stuff stolen while travelling was on a Pushkar - Jaisalmer bus, still have no idea if my stuff was taken by a local or fellow tourist so be careful of both

They managed to take stuff from a bag inside a pocket of a bag inside a daypack (and nothing was stolen from the outer bags) which was between my legs, so do be careful of your things, but it probably still doesn't happen too frequently - may still be worthwhile popping a small lock on the bag so that you can sleep soundly (or as soundly as possible on the bus!).

If you've also got a larger bag these can often be stowed on overhead racks inside the bus (so it would pay to bring a bag which is shorter than 30cm in at least one dimension, so that it can squash into the rack), or on the roof of the bus. If it's on the roof you might need to make sure it's waterproof/resistant and that it's tied on properly - sometimes you need to do it yourself, sometimes they do it for you. I'm not sure how you can ensure that noone else takes your bag if it's on the roof, but maybe other people have some suggestions?

1. Try to get a seat close to the driver.....so that u will have sufficient space

2. Carry a walkman....otherwise it can get very noisy

With long distance night buses the luggage often goes in a compartment at the back of the bus - sometimes the handler charges a small fee for this.

We've never had any problems with theft on Indian buses but take the usual precautions and keep important documents and cash on your person. If you have a small bag with valuable items (such as a camera) arrange it so that if you fall asleep, you will notice if someone tries to tamper with it.

Firstimer,

The long distance bus service in India is fragmented. There are many owner operators who run buses. Many speicialize along just one or two routes. There are some state owned bus services. these are generally less expensive than the private nuses, but may not be as comfortable or quick.

Typically , travel agents will sell tickets for bus services. Or as ytou approach the main bus stand -- you will see a number of signs advertising bus services. Most of these are resellers who will be selling tickets for the same bus. Checks with atleast a few to get a feel of the rates, and the options of vehicle. The Volvo bus, has not become very popular as they are airconditioned and are typically faster than the indegeneous models. The a/c buses are worth it. Even if the weather does not demand that you require and a/c bus. they are generally quiete but are more expensive than the non a/c buses.

Some carriers offer sleeper buses -- which offer tiny beds insteads of seats.

There are some very useful posts in the following thread.

Indian buses.

I knew there was a good thread about buses, but couldn't think of how to find it, then I remembered that member 'slowbus' had done a good post about buses. (where are you slowbus? 1 year since last post, hope you're having fun.)

I can understand your wanting to travel by bus on the D'sala-Rishikesh route, but why do you want to use the bus on the Delhi-D'sala sector? I strongly recommend your using the overnight train from Delhi to Pathankot and then the "toy" train from Pathankot to Kangra. From Kangra to D'sala is just 35 kms. by road. Do not miss the Kangra Valley experience by "toy" train.

agreed. i got lost in mumbai this way, although the bus is the way i got back into town. the websites for the bus services are ridiculous. they're worth riding on and jumping out of while they're moving though. just board one for that reason. you'll thank yourself. so will your insureer. .

thanks guys, it's all very helpful!

Shimla - I'll be taking the Potala tours bus from Delhi to Dharamsala, which was recommended here in the forum. Somehow I'm scared of the overnight trains much more... I think with all the discomfort I'll feel safer in a bus... Hope I'll be right