An online bus ticket looks simple, but a small misreading can cost you the journey. Many travellers miss a bus because they went to the wrong boarding point, or lose part of their money because they did not read the cancellation terms. Whether you are going from Chennai to Bangalore or on a short local route, the same details appear on every ticket. This guide explains each part in plain words, so that you know what to check before you pay and what to check again on the day of travel.
The basics at the top
At the top of the ticket you will find the booking reference, the name of the operator, the type of bus and the date of travel. Keep the reference handy, because it is what the operator and the customer support team will ask you for.
Check that the date and the type of bus, such as seater or sleeper and air-conditioned or not, match what you chose.
Seat or berth number
The ticket shows the seat or berth number for each passenger. In a sleeper, it also tells you whether it is a lower or an upper berth. If you booked seats together as a group, check that they are in the same part of the bus.
If a passenger's name or age is wrong, contact the operator before travel.
If you booked seats for a group, check each passenger's name and age. The operator may check identity at boarding, so carry an identity card for everyone, including children where required.
Boarding point and time
The boarding point is the place where you must be to board the bus, with the time the bus will be there. In a large city, a bus may stop at several points, and each has its own time. The time at your point is not the same as the departure time from the first stop.
Read the address and landmark, and check it on a map the day before. Reach the point at least fifteen minutes early.
Open the boarding point in a map application the day before and note the landmark. At night, many bus stops look alike, so the landmark and the bus number are what you will look for. If you cannot find the bus, call the number on the ticket.
- The address and landmark of your boarding point
- The time at your point, not only the departure time
- The contact number of the operator or the driver
- The bus number if it is shown
Dropping point and arrival time
The dropping point is where the bus will let you down. It may be in the middle of the city or on the outskirts. The arrival time is an estimate and it can change with traffic and road works.
If you need to be somewhere at a fixed time, plan with a margin, and do not book a connection that is too tight.
Fare details
The ticket shows the fare for each passenger, the taxes and any charges. If you used a coupon or a wallet amount, the total you paid may be less than the fare. Keep the payment details for your records.
If the amount does not match what you expected, contact support right away.
If you paid with a wallet balance or a coupon, the refund may go back to the wallet or the original method, depending on how you paid. The booking page and the cancellation terms say how.
Cancellation terms
The cancellation terms tell you how much is refunded if you cancel, depending on how many hours before the departure you do it. The closer you are to the departure, the lower the refund. Read the terms before you pay and note the cut-off times.
Some operators allow changes to the date or the name. Check what is allowed for your ticket.
A good habit is to take a screenshot of the cancellation terms at the time of booking. The terms you saw at booking are the ones that apply, and having a copy helps if there is any doubt later.
On the day of travel
Keep the ticket on your phone, and a screenshot as a backup. Carry an identity card. Call the operator if the bus is late at your point. You can view your tickets and the cancellation terms in your Oray account.
Questions
What if I miss the bus at my boarding point?
Call the operator at once. Whether the bus can wait or you can be given another option depends on the operator.
Is the arrival time fixed?
No. It is an estimate and can change with traffic and road works.
Where do I find the cancellation terms?
On the ticket and on the booking page before you pay.