Traveling long distances on a charter bus is always a fun time, and everyone loves a good road trip. However, snacking while you’re on the road is key for a successful trip—no one wants to feel cranky, hangry, or light-headed when it’s time to explore a new city! You can always ask your driver to stop for snacks along the way but bringing some snacks for you and your group is one of the easiest ways to cut down on unnecessary stops.
Partybus.com has transported groups of all types, from senior citizen trips to school field trips, to concerts and private events. We’ve seen it all when it comes to charter bus travel snacks. In this helpful guide, we recommend some of our top favorite road trip snacks and offer tips to streamline the planning process. Before you hit the road with your group, give our reservation team a call at 877-563-2133 to rent your charter bus!
Ultimate Road Trip Snack Guide for Long Bus Rides
Trail Mix
Healthy fats, protein, and carbs
Sliced Fruits
Fresh and nutritious
Pretzel Bites
Satisfying salty crunch
Fruit Snacks
Sweet treat for all ages
Dried Fruit
Long-lasting and nutritious
Animal Crackers
Fun for kids and adults
String Cheese
Protein-packed and fun to eat
Popcorn
Light and satisfying
Energy Bars
Quick energy boost
Granola Bars
Filling and nutritious
Smart Packing Tips:
✅ Use Resealable Containers
Keep snacks fresh and prevent spills
✅ Pack in Small Portions
Easy to distribute and prevents overeating
✅ Consider Dietary Needs
Be mindful of allergies and restrictions
✅ Keep Snacks Accessible
Pack in your onboard bag, not under-bus storage
Snacks to Avoid:
- ❌ Messy or sticky foods
- ❌ Strong-smelling foods
- ❌ Foods requiring utensils
- ❌ Perishable items
Remember to confirm if food is allowed on your specific bus!
Book your charter bus: 877-563-2133
Choosing Snacks
Here are a few of our favorite go-to snacks to pack on a bus for your next road trip or other group outings.
Before you bring snacks, please confirm with us if food is allowed on your bus. Some companies will not allow food onboard, while others may require a deposit.
Now, let’s see some options to fuel up!
Sweet & Savory Trail Mix
Homemade or store-bought, there’s no better combo for healthy fats, protein, and complex carbohydrates than a good trail mix. Skip the chocolate and opt for varieties with salty pretzels, pecans or almonds, and cranberries or raisins for an on-the-road energy booster.
Sliced Fruits and Veggies
Apples, bananas, grapes, carrots, bell peppers—if you can slice it, then you can pack it in your bus’s overhead storage. Just be sure to eat them quickly, as fresh fruit tends to bruise or soften after a couple days.
Pretzel Bites
Salty snacks are a must for any long drive, and pretzel bites will satisfy your craving without leaving your fingers covered in cheese dust! You can buy them pre-packaged or even buy the jumbo size and split it amongst your travel buddies.
Fruit Snacks
The sugar in gummies may be simple, but when it comes to curbing a sugar craving or keeping the kids quiet in the back of your bus, gummies are lifesavers. And with so many varieties available at your local grocery store, everyone in your group is sure to find their perfect flavor!
Dried Fruit
Dried fruit such as dried mangoes, banana chips, and dried cranberries are always good choices because they can last longer than fresh fruit, and they won’t leave you feeling weighed down or queasy. They are a bit high in natural sugar, though, so eat them in moderation!
Animal Crackers and Goldfish
These classic kids’ snacks are tasty and familiar. If your group includes small children or teenagers who like things simple, consider adding these treats to your shopping list.
Pro-tip: even if you’re not traveling with kids, goldfish crackers are pretty addicting for adults too!
String Cheese
The combo of protein and fat you get from dairy makes this snack a real winner. And thanks to the foil wraps, you don’t need to refrigerate them to make sure they don’t get funky.
Popcorn
Want to bring a movie theater experience to your next charter bus? Don’t forget the popcorn! A salty treat that’s high in fiber (and a great source of antioxidants), this classic movie snack can satisfy any craving for something crunchy.
Energy Bars
From chewy Cliff bars and Lara Bars to vegan offerings from companies like KIND and GoMacro, there are so many kinds of energy bars available on the market these days, your group will have no issues finding something that suits everyone’s nutritional needs and taste preferences!
Granola Bars
With honey-flavored granola bars for a sweet tooth and nut-studded energy bars that provide lasting fullness, there is no bad choice when choosing granola for your next road trip. Simply check the sugar count before tossing them in your carry-on bag. For bars with fewer ingredients and lower sugar content, opt for granola from Quaker, Kashi, KIND, or Clif.
Don’t Forget Hydration!
A full cooler stocked with refreshments will save your group tons of time and money. The buses we charter can have ample storage undercarriage, allowing you to pack as much as you need. Consider bringing these top choices for a comfortable, easy road trip with your group.
- Water bottles: The first and most obvious choice on our list—water. When in doubt, choose water! Having plenty of water in your system will not only help with any nausea symptoms caused by motion sickness or trouble falling asleep on your bus, but will also keep you energized during your next group activity. Skip unnecessary expenses buying overpriced gas station bottles by bringing your own reusable water bottle and a large refillable gallon to keep in your overhead bin. We have the space on board—pack away.
- Juice boxes: Especially if you’re traveling with young ones, bringing along some juice boxes to give kiddos when they complain about being hungry or thirsty (for the 1000th time that day) will keep meltdowns and emergency sugar drops at bay. Opt for low-sugar, no-pulp options so that mess is minimized and fruit sugars don’t cause hyperactivity.
What Snacks Should I Avoid on a Bus?
Keep in mind that some snack choices can be better for buses than others. Try to keep snacks that include these characteristics off the menu:
- Messy or sticky foods
- Strong-smelling foods
- Foods requiring utensils
- Perishable items
This should cover all of the common questionable snack options but you can always reach out to a rental expert with more questions.
Packing Suggestions
Now that we’ve established which snacks you can and shouldn’t bring, here’s how to keep everything nice and organized:
- Use resealable bags or containers for foods.
- Pack in small portions.
- Check dietary needs ahead of time and consider food allergies and dietary restrictions like a gluten-free diet and nut allergies.
- Pack your snacks in your backpack or onboard bags — you cannot access the under bus storage during transit.
Enjoy These Snack Options on Your Next Bus Trip
Booking a private charter bus rental with Partybus.com allows groups to simplify group transportation and get everyone in one place with professional service and comfy accommodations like spacious storage. Just call our 24-hour team at 877-563-2133 with a list of destinations and we’ll find a charter bus in your location that accommodates every member of your group and provides enough space for everyone to bring along a few snacks!
We have many more travel guides that are available to help you learn more, here are some: best books to read on a bus, charter bus parking & loading, fun games to play on a charter bus, the complete charter bus rental guide.