The do’s and don’ts of bus travel: global etiquette for every traveler

As we approach the busiest travel season of the year, it’s a good time to talk about the dos and don’ts of bus travel. A recent Busbud survey conducted with over 4,500 intercity bus riders around the globe sheds light on the unwritten rules that keep the peace during our journeys.

Top annoyances on the road

Across the globe, passengers share common grievances, though some annoyances are more prevalent in certain regions. Here’s a quick rundown of the top universal offenses:

1. Playing music loudly
2. Engaging in sexual activity
3. Poor personal hygiene
4. Smoking or vaping
5. Talking loudly
6. Passing gas or burping
7. Leaving trash around
8. Arguing with other passengers
9. Reclining the seat without asking

 

Cultural differences in bus etiquette

What’s considered rude can also differ by region:

• The U.S. and Canada: Both are particularly sensitive to hygiene issues.
• United Kingdom: Passengers here are put off by loud music and smoking.
• South Africa: Similar to the U.K., with an added disdain for loud conversations.
• Chile: Loud music is the primary concern, followed by seat reclining disputes.
• Brazil: Inappropriate activities like sexual behavior on buses top the list, alongside loud music.

Top 5 most annoying things a fellow bus passenger can do by country (in order):

The seat reclining debate

Globally, 89% of passengers admit to reclining their seats, yet 42% find it annoying when others do the same. Chileans are most likely to recline, while Canadians and Brits exhibit more restraint, highlighting differing cultural expectations about personal space.

Seat belts: safety first?

Interestingly, North Americans show a notable disinterest in seatbelt usage on buses, with a significant portion never bothering to buckle up.  In addition, 1 out of 10 Americans felt it’s not important for a bus to even have seat belts. This contrasts sharply with passengers from South America, where almost everyone uses a seat belt  

British and South African passengers show moderate adherence to safety norms, with 12% of British and 16% of South African riders reporting that they never use a seat belt.

Disconnecting to reconnect

Globally, many passengers view bus rides as a perfect opportunity to unwind from digital overload. Americans, Chileans, and Brazilians prefer to catch some sleep, while the English like to gaze out the window, and Canadians and South Africans typically stay online.

Improving the bus travel experience

While safety on buses isn’t a huge concern for most passengers, there are some differences between what worries travelers in North and South America. Nearly half of those from the U.S., Canada, and the UK don’t worry about safety at all. When they do have concerns, it’s usually about personal safety. Meanwhile, in South America, people tend to worry more about how the buses are operated.

As for entertainment, it’s not a big deal for most folks on the bus—only 6% actually care about having movies or music during their trip. And when it comes to complaints, they’re pretty rare. About 68% of bus riders say they never complain, but those who do usually send an email or write a review online instead of talking to someone about it.

Connecting over the holidays

Buses are super important for getting together with family and friends, especially during the holidays. Over half of all bus riders (51%) say that visiting loved ones is the main reason they’re traveling. This is especially true for Canadians, with 60% traveling for family visits, followed by 57% of South Africans and 48% of Americans.

Methodology: These findings are based on a survey of 4,500+ intercity bus riders from the U.S., Canada, England, South Africa, Chile, and Brazil conducted in November and December 2024. For more detailed findings and additional insights, further information is available online. Here’s to respectful and enjoyable bus travels this holiday season!

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