TORNADO DAVE
Where do tour bus drivers sleep, december 10, 2023.
Many artists struggle with the concept of balancing their career and personal life when touring. The idea of going on tour with a band can seem overwhelming to newer musicians, but it doesn’t have to be. It all starts with making a few simple rules that will set you up for success on the road.
One of the questions that many people have is “where do tour bus drivers sleep?”. The driver’s job is to keep the bus running smoothly, so they don’t have much time to sleep on their own. They often have a separate area on the back lounge of the bus that is converted into a bedroom for them to rest in. Many tour buses also have a private shower and bathroom on-board that the driver can use at their convenience.
The driver’s shifts are closely regulated. They can only legally drive for ten hours, then must stop and get eight hours of sleep before they can drive again. For this reason, the driver will often have a co-driver with them to ensure they are able to meet the required legal driving limits.
As a touring musician, it’s important to respect your driver’s space and privacy on the bus. It’s not their job to clean up your 4am Cheetos fight, and it’s just polite to remember that. Don’t let your tour schedule eat into the driver’s sleeping schedule, and try to check in with them throughout the day so they know what you need from them.
Inside Celebrity Tour Buses: The Modifications Stars Make to their Mobile Homes
Who isn’t fascinated by celebrity homes? We love seeing the outrageous additions that adorn the mansions of the rich and famous. Couches worth tens of thousands of dollars, gourmet kitchens, and master bedrooms fit for royalty aren’t uncommon inside the homes of our favorite stars.
Not surprisingly, their mobile homes are no different.
For entertainers such as supermodels, singers, and even pro golfers, touring is what pulls in the most cash— a band can take home 35% of one night’s ticket sales plus up to 50% of the merchandise profits over one tour. Tirelessly entertaining dedicated fans from New York to Chicago to Los Angeles and every city in between, these celebrities may play up to 180 gigs in one year. When work requires such lengthy stretches of traveling on the road, comfortable mobile living space is a necessity.
While it seems a bit odd at first— why not just fly from one venue to another and save the time difference?— touring with a bus really is the most cost-effective and certainly the most convenient way to move a team around. These modified tour buses take away the stress of living out of a suitcase and provide celebrities with a “home base” where they can relax, unwind, and store all of their things in one consistent spot between appearances. It isn’t just a bus— it’s an office, a bedroom, a living room, a storage area, and a communal area to bond with your band and team, all in one big box on wheels.
Between living rooms, full bedrooms, and full bathrooms, celebrities work closely with companies that specialize in modifying tour buses to make them as homely and as comfortable as possible. These celebrities also tend to put a unique “touch” on their buses, some “touches” more outrageous than others. From leather couches to over-the-top back lounges, state-of-the-art kitchens, and even upstairs (yes, upstairs) lounges, celebrities certainly know how to get creative when it comes to building a unique “home away from home.”
All buses can be divided into four basic sections: a front lounge, which functions as a living room; a kitchen, or more typically, a “kitchenette;” a bunk area, where the band sleeps; and a back lounge, which is a bit of a “wild card” on these buses.
Keep reading to have a look inside the most extravagant celebrity tour buses we could find!
THE FRONT LOUNGE
A front lounge can usually seat about 10 people. They’re very “homey,” and great for socializing with band members and entourages or hosting friends and family. On either side of the lounge are usually couches, one of which is most likely placed on a “slide—” a mechanism that slides out when the bus is parked, adding up to 60 square feet of space and creating a proper living area.
While some celebrities prefer to keep their lounges simple and sweet— as Kenny Rogers says of his humble wheeled abode, “You buy what you need and you fix it up great!” — others like to beef theirs up a bit with luxury couches, oversized TVs, or high-tech controls.
Tommy Lee’s coach features a cozy front lounge with two leather-upholstered couches costing $25,000 each.
The front lounge may also include some sort of “master control” for the entire bus. John Legend has an iPad connected to his bus’s server for controlling light settings, changing the television and music, and adjusting the air temperature. Stored right in the same server are over 1,000 movies so there’s always something good to watch on the road.
TVs are also a must-have for all front lounges, and you’d better believe they come big— Heidi Klum’s front lounge features a 46-inch screen embedded into the wall. Mariah Carey’s mobile castle features THREE 60-inch TVs plus an extra screen hidden behind her makeup mirror!
Heidi Klum and Mariah Carey ended up having two of our favorite mobile homes— we’ll explain why later.
Also included in many front lounges is a killer sound system that would compete with any typical grounded studio. The Eli Young Band’s bus includes a 12-speaker system that’s used for blasting music through after parties and rocking the bus on the road with their favorite albums. “Loud” is the best way to listen to music, right?
THE KITCHEN
After the lounge area comes the kitchen. On a typical RV, kitchens are almost nonexistent— it is, after all, quite difficult not only to store all of the usual kitchen equipment but also to make room for appliances such as a stove, oven, and microwave, not to mention necessary counter space and cabinets. On top of all of that, who even has time to cook for themselves while they’re busy playing shows? Kitchens simply aren’t a priority on the road for most. The usual mobile kitchen features are a coffee maker, an electric tea kettle, and a mini-fridge.
John Legend’s bus, however, houses a full stove top, a toaster, a microwave that doubles as a convection oven, and extra cabinet space for preparing gourmet meals in between performances.
Despite limited space, though, alcohol is always a priority. For entertaining an entourage and unwinding after big shows, drinks on-demand are a must-have. Gwen Stefani’s coach includes a wine chiller, always stocked with a wide selection of her favorite blends.
Jake Owen’s kitchen even has a beer tap— every time his band stops in a new city, they will make an agreement to trade show tickets with a local brewery in exchange for a local beer on-tap on the bus.
Ron White’s kitchen features a hidden-away humidor with two sides— one for his cigar stash, and one for his scotch.
Brad Pitt’s mobile kitchen takes the cake. His features all of the amenities of any usual kitchen— the stove, the oven, the microwave, the counter, and the cabinet space— plus a built-in full refrigerator and dishwasher, totaling a cost of $60,000 just for the kitchen— more than double what the average person spends on a kitchen remodel in their house!
Past the usual mobile kitchen, you’ll find the bunks. Sleeping on a bus sounds painfully uncomfortable, right? The way most celebrities do it, it doesn’t have to be. Typically, each bunk features its own mini television, a curtain for privacy, individual controls for air conditioning and lighting, and sometimes memory foam mattresses! The average tour bus bunk is just about the size of a regular twin-size bed.
Lee Brice, however, took it up a notch on his bus with custom oversize bunks, which they call “condo bunks,” that feature all the regular amenities at a slightly larger size for extra comfort.
Many celebrities report that sleeping in mobile bunks isn’t so bad— the movement of the bus has a tendency to rock them to sleep, which is necessary considering the grueling daily schedules they may keep during a tour.
Most buses can accommodate 6-8 bunks, in which everyone can have their defined private space separate from everybody else. You’ll usually see pictures of family, charging outlets, and various other personal belongings inside each bunk.
THE BACK LOUNGE
Back lounges are where we find some of the most unique modifications.
For the most part, celebrities keep the back lounge as their private bed area— everyone needs their own quiet space, right? There’s usually a master bathroom included in the back, too, with a full shower, walk-in closet, and counter space. Tommy Lee’s master bathroom includes a full-size shower with a TV in the wall, and a closet with a fuzzy rail to keep hangers from sliding while the bus is moving.
John Legend’s master suite includes a plush queen-sized bed that slides out just like the couches in the front lounge. Also in his master suite is a 5.1 surround-sound system, with a subwoofer under the bed to make movie-watching in the back even more exciting.
Back lounges are more than just bedrooms, though. Travis Barker’s master bed folds up into the wall with the push of a button, creating the perfect private space for practicing his drums. He’s also made room for not just one, but two bathrooms on his coach, so there’s never any fighting over who’s getting the coveted bathroom space.
Laura Bell Bundy had a dance studio built in her back lounge, complete with a full-length mirror and a ballet bar, allowing her to practice routines between shows.
Ashley Monroe’s back room has been dubbed a “girls-only zone,” where she and her girlfriends can get ready for shows together and stay secluded from the rest of her band.
However, back lounges also have many more specific uses, such as that of Hunter Hayes— situated in the back of his bus is a full recording studio, in which he makes serious progress on all of his current songs. The studio features a mixing station, multiple monitors, and 5.1 surround sound. In it, he’s finished 20-30 demos while on the road.
Our favorite back room, though, belongs to Jeff Dunham— he has a full workshop in the back of his bus where he can not only construct but also repair his puppets while on the road, ensuring that they remain in pristine condition for shows.
Now, if all of this makes you roll your eyes and say, “of course they have all that, they’re celebrities!” Just wait— we aren’t quite finished yet.
Have a look inside these 3 over-the-top celebrity homes. These coaches are so spectacular that we couldn’t even single out our favorite features above!
Supermodel Heidi Klum is the proud owner of what is possibly the “greenest” mobile home on the planet. Her office on wheels is the world’s only 100% solar-powered RV, packed with countless other “green” modifications throughout the interior and exterior.
The designers of this eco-friendly coach took great care in conserving energy in every way possible when constructing Heidi’s mobile workspace. All throughout the RV are energy-efficient LED bulbs, which draw less power and don’t add heat to the coach; and high-grade eco-friendly fabric, covering the floor and upholstery. Located by the living space is a control panel, at which one staff member is tasked with ensuring that the RV runs exclusively off of solar power for as long as possible (in the event of an emergency, the coach can easily be switched to draw power from a generator).
With a floor plan that more closely resembles a luxury hotel room than a motor home, this coach includes a total of 320 square feet of living space, including a couch, a loveseat, and a 42-inch TV. Without a bunk area like most other buses, the main living space flows into a spacious kitchenette with a full-size refrigerator, a desk made completely out of recycled wood, and a small sink. The back room serves as a makeup area and dressing room, complete with an oversize mirror surrounded by eco-friendly lights, and a professional- grade hair-washing sink.
MARIAH CAREY
Just the front lounge and kitchen of Mariah Carey’s mobile mansion cover 600 square feet— bigger than most New York studio apartments! The lounge includes a 15-foot custom couch, a 25-foot slide on one side, and a 30-foot slide on the other. Facing the oversized couch is a 65-inch TV, connected to a 5.1 studio-grade surround-sound system. In the back is a full kitchen with a full stove top, refrigerator, convection oven, and a kangen water machine— a $4000 water ionizer designed to purify tap water by removing alkaline minerals.
Right by the kitchen is Mariah’s makeup station featuring a mirror surrounded by makeup lights, with a TV placed directly behind the surface of the mirror so that Mariah can watch her favorite shows while she’s getting her hair and makeup done.
Fantastic, right? We would expect nothing less from a star of Mariah’s status. But guess what? The top of this bus expands to an entire second story . That’s right— this bus is two stories tall when parked.
The second floor of this skyscraper on wheels is connected to the first by a marble staircase. Upstairs, you’ll find unique lighting with a color wheel, creating the perfect mobile dance club for Mariah and her entourage. Wrapping around the back of the dance floor is a 35-foot rounded couch that can seat up to 30 people, facing two more 60-inch TVs, one placed at either end of the bus.
All of the over-the-top amenities in this luxurious mobile tour home, which includes more than two tons of marble and stone, bring the cost to a staggering $1.8 million.
STEVE ELKINGTON
Pro golfer Steve Elkington takes the grand prize for the most insane mobile home modifications. His stunning mobile estate, which he’s nicknamed “The Big Show,” is an astounding 1,130 square feet, spread over two stories just like Mariah Carey’s moving castle. Standing in Steve’s over-the-top estate feels less like being in a bus and more like being in a cozy cottage— the coach is modeled after a golf clubhouse, meant to have that “19th-hole” vibe that all golfers love. Included in this wheeled mansion are a full washer and dryer, a full kitchen, a living room, a pro shop, a shoe rack, and a master suite, all on one massive mobile manor.
The kitchen features a full gas stove, an oven, and high-end appliances, with a restaurant-style booth for dining. The living room features a typical slide on the right side with the couch, adding even more square feet to the home. Just past the living room is Steve’s own putting green and a pro shop, where guests can come in and browse some of his golf gear. Next to the shop is his personal shoe rack and a station for cleaning and polishing his collection of shoes.
Right by the stairs are the full washer and dryer, tucked away in their own closet for when it’s time to take care of a few chores.
The roof lifts 35 feet to reveal a master suite, complete with a queen-size bed and a pop-up tv disguised as a cabinet at the foot of the bed. The TV screen can swivel to face the master bed or the two plush chairs that Steve and his wife often use to read or relax between games.
Finally, the home is completed with a luxurious master bathroom by the bed area.
From leather-upholstered living rooms to walk-in closets to upstairs dance clubs, we can’t say that we aren’t a little jealous of these luxurious buses . With living on these spectacular mobile mansions and simultaneously touring for months at a time year after year, it’s clear that these celebrities know how to work hard and play hard.
If you’re a musician looking to rent your own tour bus, check out “What is the Cost of a Tour Bus Rental?” on our blog and decide if you’re ready to “go pro” with your own bus!
Hemphill Brothers photo gallery
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The Life of a Tour Bus Driver
With years in the business of driving buses for tours, and having been driver to some of the biggest stars in the United States, I can tell you that being a luxury bus driver has its ups and downs. Sure, you’re amidst the glitz and glam of some of the biggest music acts in the nation. On the other hand, you’re driving what is essentially their home, and you’re expected to do so with an extremely high level of professionalism. It’s more than catering to needs — it’s keeping everyone safe, it’s making sure they’re happy, and it’s keeping their home in working and neat order. But even though the job comes with its chores, you can be sure of one thing: it can be pretty cool.
I live and work in New York City, which is one of the anchor-point stops on any major tour for a musician or performer. Madison Square Garden is the epicenter of performance spaces, and many of my tours either start or end here in NYC. So, what’s it like to be a tour bus driver? Let’s dig into some of my experiences.
The Tour Bus With The Star On It When you are the driver that is assigned to the bus that carries the star — the performer who the whole tour centers around — you have a big job. Your job is going to be to:
- Make sure the star gets what he or she needs by way of food and beverages
- Make sure the conditions within the bus are to the star’s liking
- Make sure the bus is cleaned while the star is performing so that he or she can come back to a clean “home”
- Make sure that the star feels comfortable
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The Bus With The Crew On It On any tour, there’s going to be the star, and then there’s going to be the crew that put together, break down, and run the actual show. The times when I have been assigned to drive the bus that the crew is in have been some of my more fun, more low-key times on the job. The crew typically sees the driver as one of their own, as essentially we are part of the show (we keep it moving!). There’s a great sense of camaraderie on the crew bus and you’re expected to spend a lot less time catering to other’s needs. Of course, you are still tasked with driving the vehicle, which just like when you’re driving the star can be tiring and lonely.
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How Do Musicians Travel On Tour?
As a non-musician, you might be curious about how musicians actually travel on tour. Whilst it’s tempting to conjure up images of private jets and limousines, you’d be right in thinking that this is an unrealistic depiction of touring life.
So, how do musicians travel on tour?
For a cross-country tour, musicians will travel in either a van or a tour bus, depending on their budget, schedule and the size of their crew. When heading overseas, musicians will travel on either an airplane or a cruse ship, depending on their popularity and tour schedule.
Keep reading for a full account of each mode of transport used by touring musicians:
Table of Contents
CROSS-COUNTRY
Vans are most-often used by musicians who are at the beginning of their careers. Unlike a tour bus, a van serves as a more affordable, low-risk and suitable option for artists with no stable income or regular touring schedule.
- Affordable: Sizeable vans can be hired for as little as $25 per day. Musicians with a more regular touring schedule also have the option of purchasing a used van for just a few thousand dollars. Similarly, vans are cheap to run and usually don’t require ongoing mechanical work. As most vans can be driven with a regular driving license, musicians won’t have to hire a dedicated driver or invest in additional driving qualifications.
- Convenient : If a musician has a sporadic touring schedule, they can simply rent a van when needed and not have to worry about the vehicle in-between shows. As vans can easily be parked on the street or in a regular car park, musicians should be able to park as close to the venue as possible, allowing for an easy load-in/load-out.
- No sleeping quarters: Whilst some musicians choose to sleep in their van, it’s certainly not a practical or desirable option. Therefore, they will likely have to stay at a hotel or hostel when touring for consecutive days, which can counteract the affordability of the van itself.
- Limited facilities: Unlike a tour bus, a van doesn’t come with a bathroom, kitchen or lounge. This means frequent stops will have to be made and money will have to be spent on bathroom trips and ready-made food. When on the road or waiting at a venue, musicians can quickly become bored due to the lack of entertainment facilities.
- Who drives the van? The van is usually driven by either one of the musicians or a crew member. On small-scale tours, musicians may employ one or two crew members who take on multiple roles (for example, a crew member may act as a tour manager, driver and sound engineer).
- Do musicians usually rent or buy a van? If a musician’s touring schedule is infrequent, they’ll usually rent a van to avoid having to worry about it in-between shows. When dealing with a more intense touring schedule, buying a van often serves as a financially-superior option.
- Where does the equipment go? The equipment will either go in the back of the van or in a small trailer that the van tows.
In today’s industry, full-time musicians generally rely on touring to form the bulk of their income.
Once an artist is touring regularly and playing to thousands of people each night, they will almost-always make use of a tour bus for nationwide tours. With a larger crew, increased workload and sizeable budget, a tour bus serves as an efficient and preferable option for musicians who are touring on a larger scale.
- Efficient: A tour bus can sleep up to 16 people, which is much more efficient and affordable than purchasing a handful of hotel rooms each night. It also allows the bus to travel from venue to venue overnight, making the entire operation much more productive.
- Affordable : Musicians who make use of a tour bus will often be signed to a decent-sized record label with good touring agency connections (or, sometimes, an in-house touring agency). This means that they’ll be able to get a good deal on the vehicle, enabling them to stay as profitable as possible. As most tour busses have both a bathroom and a kitchen on-board, the musicians can save money on groceries and bathroom trips.
- Luxury: As you might’ve guessed, a tour bus is much more comfortable than a van. The musicians will have access to various forms of entertainment (notably TV’s/video game consoles) and be able to sleep on the bus.
- Inconvenient to park : Many venues, whist of adequate size, don’t have dedicated parking. As a result, tour busses occasionally have to park some distance from the venue, causing inconvenience to the musicians and crew.
- Clashing sleeping schedules: Different crew members will often have very different sleeping patterns from one another. For example, the driver will have to sleep in the daytime in order to drive the bus at night. Therefore, the musicians may not be able to make full use of the on-board facilities during the day out of respect for other crew members.
Tour Bus FAQ
- Who drives the tour bus? Tour busses will almost-always have a dedicated driver. The driver may be employed by an agency or by the musicians themselves.
- Do musicians usually rent or buy a tour bus? Unless they’re making serious money, musicians will usually rent a tour bus. This is especially-relevant for artists who tour all over the world (it’s not financially viable to own a fleet of tour busses collecting dust around the globe).
- Where does the equipment go? If the tour features large-scale stage production, a separate truck will be hired for the equipment. If the production is more modest, the equipment will go in a trailer that the tour bus tows.
Air travel is the go-to method for musicians travelling overseas. Being both accessible and convenient, it serves as a suitable option for bands and artists of all sizes.
When touring a particular country, most bands and artists will map out a route that enables them to travel by van or bus. This saves them having to dart all over a country via airplane.
- Efficient: Musicians can fly virtually anywhere within a matter of hours. This enables them to complete various tour legs back-to-back and make the most of their time in each country.
- Exhaustion: Whilst air travel is extremely efficient, it’s all-too-easy for musicians to over-book themselves and have no time off. On top of this, it’s likely they’ll be dealing with jet lag whilst executing a jam-packed touring schedule. This can seriously affect their ability to perform and eventually result in exhaustion.
- Lost luggage: With a regular touring schedule, it’s almost-guaranteed that a musician will have their luggage lost at some point. As they’ll start travelling around the country as soon as they arrive, souring and collecting their lost luggage can be hugely inconvenient.
- Expensive: Whilst single airline tickets may be inexpensive, they add up over time. When conducting a large-scale international tour, airfare can put a significant dent in a musician’s budget.
Airplane FAQ
- What class do musicians fly? Whilst it might surprise you, the vast majority of professional musicians (yes, even the well-known ones!) fly coach on a commercial airline to keep their costs as low as possible.
- Where does the equipment go? When flying overseas, it’s common for musicians to only take their instruments with them, checking them in as handheld luggage. Additional equipment (amplifiers, PA system etc.) are then rented whilst overseas.
Cruise Ship
Cruise ships are becoming an increasingly-popular option for small-time musicians travelling overseas due to the fact that they can work as on-board performers. This is a huge opportunity as the musicians are essentially getting paid to travel overseas in a luxury environment.
- Potential to earn: Musicians can apply for a short-term contract as a cover band. When working on a cruise ship, they’ll usually receive free (or heavily discounted) food & accommodation, meaning they’ll likely come away with a profit. This extra income can help small-time musicians fund an overseas tour.
- Extra experience: There’s no doubt that working on a cruise ship will bring heaps of practical experience to a small-time musician. A cruse ship may also stop at several other countries en-route, allowing the musicians to experience various different cultures.
- Time off: The average cruise gig for a guest musician will last between one and two weeks. It’s likely the musicians will only have to work for three or four hours a day, allowing them plenty of time to relax and prepare for the upcoming tour.
- Luxury: Guest musicians are often able to make full use of the luxury passenger facilities instead of the crew facilities.
- Inefficient: Cruise ship gigs can be few and far between, meaning a musician may have to plan an entire tour around the cruise ship gig itself (unlike air travel, where there are several opportunities to fly each day). Additionally, it takes at least several days to travel from place to place, which can be inefficient for musicians with a particularly busy touring schedule.
- Extra work required: In order to perform on a cruise ship, musicians will have to devise a 2 hour cover song set. This can take a substantial amount of effort and may leave the musicians performing music they don’t particularly care for.
Cruise Ship FAQ
- How do musicians obtain a short-term cruise ship gig? Musicians will have to audition through an agency, who then places them on their roster. Work will be offered to the musicians as and when it becomes available.
- Are musicians treated as guests or crew? For guest contracts (i.e. for a single voyage), musicians will often be treated as guests. This allows them to make full use of the passenger facilities.
Additional Posts
- Why Do Musicians Wear Headphones When Recording?
Why Do Bands Have Rugs On Stage?
I'm George; the founder of Indie Panda. I'm passionate about helping independent musicians realize the full potential of their talents and abilities through a strong work ethic, coherent project identity and a strong logistical foundation.
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Do bassists use picks (the complete guide).
So, you’ve found yourself on a bus (coach) tour. Welcome to living in tight quarters with 10 other people and very little privacy. Now you’ll need to know how to properly conduct yourself in your new home. Knowing the unspoken code of the road will help keep you safe and hopefully make your coworkers not downright resent you.
First and foremost, this is your home on the road. It needs to be treated with the same respect you give your own place. Unless you’re a miserable slob, if that’s the case treat it way better than your own home.
Learn your drivers name they are a part of the team- and its just polite! The driver is not your maid; cleaning up your mess is not part of their responsibilities nor is it anyone elses. The driver is there to drive the tour bus and do light maintenance, not to clean up your 4am Cheetos fight. Remember that at the end of your day, the drivers day is just starting. Check in once in awhile to see if he/she needs anything. K eep your driver happy! The Driver is responsible for more than just getting from point a to point b, e ver try to sleep while someone rides the rumble strip? Not fun.
When the tour bus makes a stop, like at a truck stop for instance, let someone know when you are leaving the bus. You can leave something like your show pass on the jump seat so the driver knows someone has left. You definatly do not want to get left behind- although if you do it would be wise to have the drivers mobile number in case everyone else on the bus is sleeping. Which leads us to another important rule- Bus call. Be on time when the bus is scheduled to depart, don’t get “oil spotted” (left behind).
Remember that you now share a very tiny apartment with around 10 other people, so normal roommate etiquette applies ×1000. Don’t leave your stuff lying around, especially in the bunk area where someone could easily trip in the dark. Tour busses have loads of hidden storage, explore and use it. If you are lucky enough to not have a full tour bus (12 people), the extra bunk(s) become the “junk bunk” for overflow bags. Luggages goes into the allocated bays which are located underneathe or towards the back and are accessed from the outside of the bus. Be sure to grab the things you may need before the bus starts on its way. Its probably gonna be a long ride.
At all times make sure the tour bus is locked whenever you exit or after you enter! If you go into one of the luggage bays make sure they are locked after you are finished. This is the responsibility of everyone on the bus. Whenever leaving the bus be conscious of where you are when first opening the door- If the bus is parked on the street you need to be aware that you maybe stepping out into traffic or there may be other obstacles… like people.
You are responsible for who you bring on the bus. Guests should be cleared with the other people who live on this bus. These guests need to be aware of the rules and act accordingly.
No Slamming doors! People may be sleeping… Euro/UK drivers usually have a bunk on the bus for daytime sleeping and you may have a second driver as well for long drives since one driver is only legally allowed to drive for a specified number of consecutive hours.
→ buses in the U.S are usually broken up into 3 sections for passengers.
1.)The front lounge. 2.)The bunk area- two rows stacked 3 high on each side. 3.)The back lounge.
U.K/euro busses are usually double deckers with the kitchen, lounge and restroom down stairs and the bunks(3 rows stacked 2 high) and a secondary lounge upstairs. The same rules apply.
The front lounge
generally has some seating, an ice chest, TV’s, a small kitchenette with a booth and a restroom. Some tour buses have a slide out on the drivers side to expand when parked up. If someone buys some special vegan gluten free item and writes their name on it, feel free to make fun of them, but don’t eat their stuff. Classic roommate no no. Typically, drinks store in the drawers under the front lounge couches, and cold drinks can go in the coolers (beer!).
The restroom is not a general use facility. It is for LIQUID WASTE ONLY. The septic maintenance on chemical toilets is too costly and frequent to justify. Any toilet paper and feminine products go in the waste basket and anything else should wait until the tour bus stops to refuel. If that is not an option you can ask the driver to stop or as a last resort you can stretch a plastic bag over the toilet. I repeat, this maneuver is as a last resort only. Try not to be gross, ok?
Any water from sinks on the tour bus should be used for washing/rinsing only. Use bottled water to brush your teeth. Note personal hygiene is that much more significant when in such close contact. Though some buses do have showers they are almost never in operation. You’ll need to shower in the venue or a day room at a hotel, if provided, when venue showers are nonexistent.
When you’re tired go to your bunk, do not fall asleep in common areas. If you do you will probably wake up with a sharpie illustrated face.
Your bunk is your sacred space. It’s often the only place you can go to get a break from the madness. As far as choosing a bunk- first come first serve. If you are joining an existing crew ask what bunks are available. If you need to have a lower/higher bunk for any reason advance this with the tour manager, hopefully they can accommodate you. Try to avoid, tempting as it may be, making phone calls from your bunk- especially when others are sleeping. We can all hear you baby talking with your girlfriend/boyfriend and it’s obnoxious. Your bunk is probably outfitted with a flip down TV that is more useful as a place to hit your head rather than a source of entertainment.
Speaking of hitting your head, make sure you orient yourself with your HEAD TO THE REAR of the tour bus. If the driver has to brake aggressively you could receive a serious brain or neck injury IF YOUR NOT LAYING FEET TOWARDS THE FRONT.
The bunk area should be kept cold so as not to incubate germs ( info here ). Getting sick on tour sucks, getting the whole crew sick is hell.
Quality of sleep is drastically affect by the temperature ( info here ). The optimal temperature varies from 65°F to 72°F with 68°F being what is best for most people . Use a blanket if your cold, don’t touch the thermostat.
Useful things to have in your bunk:
– Earplugs
– Water
– Headphones
– Book
the back lounge
This consists of seating, closet space, an ice chest and usually a television with video game console. The use of this area depends on the tour. Sometimes its for phone calls and meetings, other times it is just overflow from the front lounge. It all depends on the collective personality of the people riding on the bus.
Most importantly, remember that you were hired as a professional and you should conduct yourself as such. Everyone likes to have a good time but don’t over do it. Don’t be the person that pukes out the top bunk. Don’t be someone who gets so drunk and mistakes someone else’s bunk for the urinal (true story). More often than not people get fired not for poor job performance but for poor behavior.
Hopefully this helps you to stay safe, stay liked, and stay employed.
-cody the roadie
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10 things touring musicians need to know
#2: No number 2s.
Music is a beautiful phenomenon that brings people from all cultures and backgrounds together; it allows us as musicians to cross borders and travel to far off places to share our message and talents with others. It is a great way of life and if successful, a great way to live that life.
From the outside looking in, it may seem all wonderfully 'Rock 'n Roll', but be aware this life isn't for everyone! You have to be prepared for some hurdles and sacrifices along the way if you choose to take the plunge.
These are the things that are often left unsaid – the tough times, the long slogs, the money issues, time and energy it takes to succeed and maintain at a sustainable level.
This is why I recently sat down to write (in the simplest of terms) what is expected of a modern day musician on tour and in today's industry in my new book The Touring Musician's Survival Guide .
Having spoken with touring friends and from my own experiences, I've compiled a shortlist of the things you need to know to help survive a life on the road, while maintaining good relationships, health and wellbeing. It's easier said than done...
1) Tour buses are 24-hour hotels...
...and just like any other hotel, people will be sleeping at different times of day! Be respectful at all times! Tour bus drivers sleep on the bus in their own section when the bus is parked up - If you are awake, they are likely asleep!
Don't go slamming doors, cranking the music or having rowdy FIFA footie tournaments unless you want a tired bus driver who is responsible for your safety.
The bus is also your home for the duration of the tour, so keep it clean and safe! If you are lucky enough to have a 'junk bunk'* on the bus, you can throw bags, shoes, coats etc. in there...on the flip side, to avoid cluttering the communal areas, you may have to sleep with them – So try to pack your overnight essentials wisely!
*A junk bunk is a spare bed on a tour bus that is not being used
Common sense: If you are the last off the bus, make sure you close and lock the door behind you.
No number 2's
Don't be that guy
It's probably good at this stage to note the toilet rule on a sleeper bus – No solids! Get used to having a routine of using the facilities in the venues before getting on the bus. I've heard nightmare stories of the toilet blocking, overflowing and destroying everyone's suitcases after filtering into the bay of the bus... don't be that guy.
3) Don't miss bus call – it's expensive
The day sheet is the daily schedule that will list all timings for band and crew
With such tight schedules on a tour, it is good to be aware of the kind of 'calls' you are going to see on the day sheet. The day sheet is the daily schedule that will list all timings for band and crew, usually prepared by the Tour Manager (TM).
Lobby Call: The time all band and crew have to be ready to leave the hotel. Load In / Load Out: Plus Technical details for crew eg. Is it a flat push to stage or are there stairs to navigate, how many local crew will be there etc. Band Call: The time the band are expected to be ready for soundcheck. Doors + support times Stage Time Curfew: All music must be stopped by this time. Venue Cleared: The time all members have to exit the venue. Bus Call: The time the bus will leave for the next destination.
Timings are all subject to change. However, it is highly advisable you never miss them unless you wish to annoy everyone waiting for you;
I've been guilty of missing an early bus call one time due to oversleeping – long story short, I got left behind and had to make my own way on my own dime from Sicily to London.
In fairness, the TM did everything he could to reach me, but for the sake of the rest of the touring party, they had to leave to catch their flight from the closest airport – 3 hours away! As ashamed of missing it as I am, it goes to prove just how strict certain calls can be. I learnt my lesson the hard... and expensive way!
Clarify your fee before you set off on the tour and NEVER speak of it again
It's a difficult subject in any industry to talk about. Clarify your fee before you set off on the tour and NEVER speak of it again. Nobody wants to get the reputation of just being in it for the money! If you leave those talks at the door, it leaves more room to just enjoy the tour and focus on playing the best shows you can.
Dependant on the level of tour, your fees will likely vary from day to day; Often the rates are broken down as follows:
Show day Rehearsal day Off / Travel day
Some tours will just pay a flat day rate, however the majority will have a variance.
Regardless of this variance, you should always try to ensure you negotiate a rate you are comfortable with for every day you are away from home, as this is another day you cannot work for anyone else.
It can feel precious, but it is both your time and your skills the artist is paying you for, so don't feel bad trying to secure payment for those 'off' days.
5) Be a people-person
Privacy is a rare thing on tour and sensitivity is much appreciated
Say goodbye to your creature comforts! You will be living in very close proximity with your colleagues for weeks on end. With space for up to 15 other people on a sleeper bus or sharing hotel rooms (sometimes even beds) on splitter tours, you have to be a people-person with an open mind!
Understand when people need their space and try not to retaliate if someone gets a bit grumpy – everyone will have a day where their fuze is just a bit too short. Privacy is a rare thing on tour and sensitivity is much appreciated.
Make time for yourself, which leads nicely on to...
6) Be productive
Don't look back on the tour thinking “I wish I'd seen that"
You will have a lot of downtime on tour, so try to be efficient. It is very easy to be lazy, but try to set yourself tasks! You are being paid by the artist for your time, but you are not needed 24/7, so make the most of this opportunity and try to capitalise.
If you have friends in cities you haven't seen in years, use this opportunity to meet them - this is one of the luxuries of being a touring musician. If there are any musicians or teachers you look up to, or people you've really wanted to get advice from, get in touch or see if they're willing to let you buy them lunch so you can pick their brain about things.
If you've never been to a city before, wake up early to explore it; It's very easy to wake up late and spend an entire tour stuck inside the venue. Don't look back on the tour thinking “I wish I'd seen that”.
7) It's a marathon, not a sprint!
Tours are long. In such unnatural environments, if you run yourself into the ground it will be hard to fully recuperate. Remember; You go on tour to make money and build your fan base. If you give your fans a sub-par show, it will affect your business!
Alcohol is the biggest culprit! Given that it's just – always – there, it does become very easy to abuse and given the pressures and celebrations surrounding a show night on night, dangerous routines are never too far away.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not condemning alcohol; In fact it is the lifeblood of many music venues, which without would struggle to support live music! It is not the substance that is bad, it's the abuse. If you can control it, it is a great tool to be enjoyed.
Try to pick your moments to have big nights out - The best nights to choose are “Roadie Friday's” (Nights where you will have no show the day after).
8) Remember why you started playing in the first place!
Think of who inspired you...the greatest shows you've ever seen...the songs that helped you through those tough teenage years of being heartbroken, different, depressed or angry! I have my list of songs and I will forever idolise the bands that wrote them! This is why I found music.
Up until very recently, though, I'd lost sight of this; Sometimes it's easy to forget when you grind it out in this business for so long; You fall into a routine of long drives, load ins, sound checks, shows, pack downs and partying – it becomes menial on the surface, but you need to remind yourself it most definitely is not!
The moment that turned it around for me was my life in a full romantic and nostalgic circle; I was lucky enough to play a sold out show in the very same venue I'd seen my first ever gig - a sold out Jimmy Eat World concert, 15 years prior!
I realised that through all the personal and musical struggles, I had achieved my dreams – I was living them right then and there and continue to live them – my job is my passion! I've now vowed to remind myself more often and I encourage you to do the same – This is why we play.
9) Business You and Personal You
First flagged to me by a music acquaintance, Sam Skirrow (Clean Bandit), essentially, it is the separation between two entities of yourself – the business and the personal.
The purpose of defining a separation between the two aids in achieving a sense of clarity and a better mental health.
Sam's article was titled “You are not your business”. It focusses on how easy it is to blur the lines; If you get fired from a gig, or a tour gets pulled or you get told not to “play like that”, it can feel like a personal attack – you take it personally...but it isn't personal – It's business.
More often than not it's down to things that fall outside of your control, such as budget cuts or not being the right fit for a project – these are based on your product and not based on you as a person.
“Thinking like this gives me a better headspace. I feel a sense of space and clarity in how to make business moves – it may even feel like my business is failing (and it often does), but, I don't feel like I am failing.”
The first step towards gaining clarity - Set up a separate bank account that you use solely for business transactions like the receipt of all monies and outgoings / expenses. Then, pay yourself a monthly affordable wage into your everyday account that you use for personal purchases (when you're not 'at work').
10) Dealing with mistakes
More than 70% of musicians had experienced panic attacks and anxiety, with close to 70% having experienced depression
The best thing about music is when you watch it, listen to it, play it in a gig scenario – It's live! It will never be EXACTLY the same again and that's what makes it special.
When it comes to mistakes, you will always be your own worst critic; It will always be way worse in your head than it appears to the audience. After all, they don't know the song arrangement inside-out like you do.
Rest assured, these feelings are a lot more common than you think!
Help Musicians, a UK run charity, recently performed a study into the mental health of 2,000+ musicians across the industry. They found that more than 70% had experienced panic attacks and anxiety, with close to 70% having experienced depression.
“When a musician develops a heightened fear of criticism, the result can vary from profound feelings of anxiety to depression...I honestly believed that every time I went on stage, every single person in the room was an expert in music and was critiquing every note.”
As worrying a statistic as that is, it is important to know you're not alone, so as to find ways to overcome any feelings of anxiety or fears of failure whilst on stage. If you do make a mistake, try to brush it off...it's happened and it's already in the past! The worst thing you can do is dwell on it for the rest of the show which will only hinder your otherwise enjoyable performance.
Conclusion
Try to cushion yourself by setting goals or tasks for when you return
Finally, it is important to remember your life and those back home; It becomes quite easy to live in a bubble on tour and we've all heard of those Post Tour Blues.
To avoid a full crash back to reality when the tour ends, try to cushion yourself by setting goals or tasks for when you return. Keep in contact with loved ones as they will keep you grounded and remember for new beginnings, other things must come to an end. You will always have the memories of it, so make sure they are good ones!
For more information on how to make yourself a more knowledgeable and employable musician, visit 'The Touring Musician's Survival Guide' , where you can pick up a free downloadable chapter and see past reviews!
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What Does It Take to Be a Good Tour Bus Driver?
“The generator has a bad voltage regulator.” he notifies me “I’ll need to get a part to fix it or we won’t be able to use it today .” I set him up with a runner and he’s off to the auto parts store. A little while later we’re loading in and he returns with the new part and begins working on the bus on this sweltering 95° day. I know he must be exhausted by now as he’s just finished a long drive and now into mechanic duties, but you’d never know it as he continually projects a positive attitude. A little while later and the ‘genie’ is fixed, he empties the trash, does a quick vacuum of the front lounge, and is finally off to the hotel for sleep. As a tour manager, it is my duty to take care of the bus driver – to make sure he has whatever he needs – be it a ride, a meal, a quiet hotel room, etc. Even though he works like a machine, he is still human and gets tired like the rest of us.
While this story doesn’t contain the apparent drama of some of the more obvious ‘hell ride’ stories regarding bus travel, perhaps what is most interesting is what doesn’t happen. We don’t get tossed around like concrete in a cement mixer. We don’t get scared to death because we hear the rumble strip more often than we don’t. We’re not made to feel uncomfortable because the driver is socially inept. We don’t have to worry about not getting a good night sleep because we will. We don’t have to worry about any of these things because our driver is a consummate professional and a great guy.
The Nashville Musician’s Survival Guide contains several chapters pertaining to bus travel – including a chapter about bus drivers, and an extensive interview with one of the best in the business, a driver we are extremely fortunate to work with, Steve P. (Steve is such a great driver, that I am omitting his last name for the time being, in fear of him being stolen by another tour) The following excerpts were taken from that interview.
Steve P has been a professional tour bus driver since 1989 and has logged hundreds of thousands of miles driving some of the biggest names in rock, pop, and country to concert destinations throughout the US and Canada. Included in this list of touring artists and bands are: Hank Williams Jr., Rascal Flatts, Faith Hill, Rod Stewart, Dave Matthews, Jeff Beck, Creed, The Other Ones, Jimmy Buffett, and many more.
A native of Bowling Green, Kentucky, Steve is retired from full-time driving, now working as an ASE certified mechanic at the Nashville based Prevost bus shop as a team leader/shift supervisor. He still enjoys driving part time, going out on weekend runs regularly.
{Eric Normand} In the world of commercial driving many drivers including those who drive semis, delivery trucks, Greyhound buses, city buses, aspire to drive entertainment coaches. Why does everyone want to drive an entertainer coach?
{Steve P} I think they all think it’s a glamorous position to be out there on the road with some top name touring act, the draw of the prestige. It’s just the simple fact of driving a very nice entertainer bus that’s polished up and shiny. It just kind of draws them in.
{EN} What is different about how you approach driving an entertainer coach compared to these other types of commercial driving?
{SP} Well I’ve never driven a truck, but to drive a bus you just have to be smooth. Even though you’re sitting in front, you have to put your head in the back, to where the passengers are riding, and every move you make effects what’s going on back there. You can’t be hard on the brakes, rough on the in and out of parking lots. You can’t make sudden and drastic moves unless absolutely necessary.
{EN} Many of these other commercial drivers that aspire to drive entertainer coaches think they are qualified simply because they drive a large, heavy vehicle. In what ways are they not prepared?
{SP} Just sitting in the driver’s seat and driving a bus isn’t all of it. You have to be able to get along with the clients. Sometimes you’re a maid, sometimes you’re a babysitter, sometimes you’re a plumber, an electrician. Driving’s the easy part.
{EN} It’s no secret in the touring industry that good bus drivers are not only in demand, they are well paid. What is an average yearly income for a bus driver working on a busy tour?
{SP} You could easily make $100,000 a year. You could make as much as you want to be gone basically. If you don’t mind being gone year-round, you’re a single guy, no kids, and don’t mind being on the road, you can easily make 100 grand or more.
{EN} What do you love about being a bus driver?
{SP} Just the travel and the experience. To go all over the United States and Canada, I don’t think I would have gotten that opportunity with any other career that I would have chosen. And, meet some interesting people on the way.
{EN} What is one of the things you like least about being a bus driver?
{SP} It sounds contradictory but, being gone all the time. Yes, I enjoyed it, but when you’re on the road for six months, it gets old, especially after doing it for years and years. When you’ve been to the same town, and the same venues, and the same hotels again and again and again, it’s kind of like Groundhog Day.
As Steve mentioned, there is much more to this job than simply driving. While safety and delivering a smooth ride is of the utmost importance, keeping the bus relatively clean, keeping the fuel and water tanks full, addressing mechanical problems, even checking into hotel rooms, are common duties for tour bus driver. And of course, getting along with the clients and contributing to an overall “good vibe” is key. More from Steve later…
4 Responses to What Does It Take to Be a Good Tour Bus Driver?
I know Steve and everything you have said about him is the truth. I know him better from the service side at Prevost. As operation manager of 14 Prevost H3-45, he has bailed me out on several occassions . What he says about the drivers is absolutely true even in the charter/tour coach side of the industry. I am proud to say I know Steve P.
I agree Kerry, Steve is hands-down the best all-around bus driver I’ve ever had the pleasure of working and riding with. He sets the bar so high that it makes it difficult to ride with anyone else!
Steve is the Bus Driver’s Bus Driver! This article says it all!!!
Thanks for the comments Chip, Steve is the man. I’m curious, what is “Celebrity Bus Drivers Academy”?
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Tour Bus Life Part 1
Hey friends and family! Hope all is well. If you follow me on social media, you know I just got back from touring with Sadie (granddaughter) on her Live Original Tour. I rode the bus and everything! Pretty cool.
I was thinking—who, at my age, gets to experience the tour bus life of a rock star? Then I remembered Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, Cher, and Rod Stewart all tour and are older than me, so maybe it’s not as rare as I thought, but it’s still verrrrrrry cool and a first for me. Two years ago, 2 papa and I went on Sadie’s tour, but we rented a motor home and followed behind the tour buses. That was fun too, but this time I was right in the middle of bubble of tour life.
I’m going to give you a glimpse into the tour bus life for those of you who might be wondering if this life is the super coolest thing ever. I would say, yes, on most levels it is!! But, like all cool things, there are a few challenges. So, this is part 1 of my tour bus—wow, I want to say trilogy because it works so well with tour bus, but it’s only two parts, not three—so I guess I have to say tour bus duology.
Here we go. The buses load up and pull out around midnight each night. Since the show isn’t over until 10:00, it takes a few hours to load the equipment. The artists sleep on the bus during the night so they are ready to start the next day at a new venue and the bus drivers are taken to a hotel room so they can sleep during the day. Sadie’s tour is set up to drive out on Wednesday night and perform on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Then return to home base after the show on Sunday night. They take Monday and Tuesday off and load again on Wednesday night.
The first night we met at a designated store where we were supposed to leave our cars and load the bus around 10:00. But, the designated store ended up not happy with one of the bus drivers from another tour, so we had to move to another location where we left our cars for five days. (Yes, there was more than one prayer said that our cars would still be there when we returned on Sunday night.)
Once on the bus, we were given our bunk assignments. (Think summer camp, only way tighter) There are twelve people on each bus and there are two buses. The bunks are stacked three high and across from each other with the aisle between them. I had the bottom or floor bunk. (This might be considered profiling because they didn’t want the oldest on the bus to fall while trying to get in bed.)
After some get-acquainted time that first night (remember, I was sleeping very close to people I had never met) we all climbed into our bunks. Each bunk has a thick curtain that can completely close giving you as much privacy as you are going to get on a bus with twelve people. It does allow you to read or look at your phone without bothering the person about two feet from you. One important thing to remember is you cannot, I repeat cannot, get up like you do at home in your bed because you will hit your head on the bunk above you. That first night I heard more than one bang in the middle of the night.
This may be a little too much info, but I got on the bus with the dreaded UTI, which guaranteed I had to get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. So, I quietly opened my curtain and rolled out of bed on to the floor, then crawled to the door which I opened as quietly as possible and found the bathroom. Then I repeated the process and rolled back into bed, using my phone for a light. I think I slept as well as anyone that first night because even the young ones reported a little bit of a restless night. The next four nights were a tiny tad better. One more thing about sleeping. The bus provides a pillow, sheet and blanket. I grabbed the two blankets I keep in my car for ball games and a pillow, which proved to be a smart move because the bus was freezing!!!
We arrived at the first venue, which was Canton, Ohio, around 10:00 in the morning. Some were ready to get up, but others were still sleeping. If you are an early riser or if you are one of the tour staff and have to get off early who have to remember to roll out of bed quietly and get your bags quietly and get to the bus door quietly. The tour management team gets off the buses first to set up for the day. They brilliantly put down green tape with instructions on how to get to catering, showers, green room (hangout room for artists and speakers), and office. Each venue is different so when you wake up in a new place every day, this is vital. Once off the bus, it’s just “follow the green signs” until you get where you need to go. I don’t know who came up with this, but it is genius!!
The second best thing about tour life is catering. Catering is set up for breakfast as soon as the buses arrive. That has been handled ahead of time, so it’s ready to go. Now, keep in mind, I DO NOT go out of my house without wearing, at the very least, lipstick and mascara. I’m a blonde, so without those two things, I look like I’m still in the fourth grade only with wrinkles. But, on tour, there is no room for twelve people to get ready, so I was forced to appear in public like a wrinkled fourth grader. No one seems to care, so that’s the good news.
Eventually, everyone makes their way to catering for coffee and food. Breakfast is usually an assortment of eggs, bacon, fruit, yogurt, etc. (I could really get used to this part.) If you sleep in a little and get off the bus around 12:00, guess what?–lunch has appeared in the catering room. (again, I could get used to this.) The tour management team works with each venue so the tour folks don’t have spaghetti and green beans for four days. On this tour, we had something different every meal and it was awesome.
I’m going to stop here for today so this blog isn’t too long. Next week, I’ll pick it up with afternoons and nights on the tour. And tell you the best thing about tour bus life.
I hope you have a great week. Hugs, Chrys
What Does a Tour Bus Driver Do?
Find out what a Tour Bus Driver does, how to get this job, salary information, and what it takes to succeed as a Tour Bus Driver.
The Tour Bus Driver plays an essential role in the travel and tourism industry, offering a unique blend of safety, navigation, and hospitality to passengers eager to explore new destinations. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of local attractions, routes, and traffic regulations, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey for all on board. Beyond the operation of the vehicle, these professionals are ambassadors of the travel experience, often providing insightful commentary about the sights and sounds encountered along the way. Their expertise in managing schedules and maintaining a comfortable environment makes them an integral part of creating memorable trips for tourists and travelers alike.
Tour Bus Driver Job Duties
- Safely operate the tour bus along predetermined routes, adhering to all traffic laws and regulations.
- Provide informative and engaging commentary about landmarks, historical sites, and local attractions.
- Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of the bus to ensure it is in proper working condition.
- Manage the boarding and deboarding of passengers, ensuring a smooth flow and accounting for all individuals.
- Handle ticket sales, reservations, and confirmations for the tour, including processing payments and issuing receipts.
- Coordinate with tour operators or event planners on scheduling, route adjustments, and specific group needs.
- Maintain cleanliness and orderliness inside the bus throughout the tour to ensure a pleasant environment for passengers.
- Respond to emergencies or unexpected situations, such as medical incidents or vehicle malfunctions, in a calm and efficient manner.
Tour Bus Driver Salary & Outlook
Tour bus driver salaries are influenced by factors such as experience, the type of tours conducted (historical, adventure, etc.), seasonal demand, employer size (independent vs. large tour companies), and customer service skills. Additionally, drivers specializing in niche tours or possessing unique knowledge may command higher wages.
- Median Annual Salary: $36,763 ($17.67/hour)
- Top 10% Annual Salary: $61,000 ($29.33/hour)
The employment of tour bus drivers is expected to grow much faster than average over the next decade.
Increased global tourism, rising interest in local and international travel experiences, and the expansion of tour companies are driving the demand for Tour Bus Drivers. Additionally, the growing popularity of eco-friendly and cultural tours requires skilled drivers familiar with diverse locales, further boosting employment opportunities in this sector.
Tour Bus Driver Job Requirements
Education: A Tour Bus Driver typically holds a High School Diploma, with a focus on subjects that enhance communication and geographical knowledge. Courses in English, geography, and customer service are beneficial, providing foundational skills for interacting with passengers and navigating routes. While specific majors are not required, electives in tourism or hospitality can offer a competitive edge, emphasizing the importance of a well-rounded educational background in ensuring both safety and an enjoyable experience for passengers.
Experience: Tour Bus Drivers often enter the field without prior experience, learning through on-the-job training programs. These programs equip them with necessary skills, including safe driving practices, customer service, and route planning. Employers may also provide specific training related to the tour content, enabling drivers to share interesting facts and stories with passengers. Continuous learning and improvement in areas such as communication and emergency response are essential for success in this role.
Certifications & Licenses: Tour Bus Drivers typically require a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), often with a Passenger (P) endorsement. Some regions may also mandate a specific Tour Bus Operator license or certification, and a clean driving record is generally essential. Additional certifications, such as First Aid or CPR, can be beneficial but are not universally required.
Tour Bus Driver Skills
Passenger Safety Procedures: Tour bus drivers are tasked with briefing each passenger on emergency exits, safety equipment, and protocols before departure. They must also conduct regular inspections of safety equipment, including first aid kits and fire extinguishers, and stay informed on the latest safety regulations and training to ensure a secure environment for everyone on board.
Route Planning: Developing efficient and scenic routes that meet time constraints while enhancing the passenger experience requires extensive knowledge of local geography, traffic patterns, and points of interest. Such planning ensures tours are memorable, smooth, and punctual, reflecting positively on the driver’s professionalism and the tour company’s reputation.
Defensive Driving: The ability to safely navigate a large vehicle through various environments demands a heightened awareness of surroundings and the skill to anticipate potential hazards. Tour bus drivers must adjust their driving in response to the actions of other drivers and pedestrians to maintain safety and comfort for passengers.
Customer Service: From the moment passengers board the bus, making them feel welcomed and valued is crucial for an enjoyable tour experience. Addressing concerns or questions attentively enhances overall satisfaction and increases the likelihood of passengers recommending the service.
ADA Compliance: Familiarity with the accommodations and modifications necessary to ensure all passengers, regardless of physical ability, can access and enjoy the tour is essential. Knowledge of lift systems, seating arrangements, and communication aids is required to provide an inclusive experience.
Emergency Response: In unexpected emergencies, tour bus drivers must quickly assess situations and implement safety protocols to ensure passenger well-being. A calm demeanor and clear communication, coordinating with emergency services when necessary, are imperative.
Tour Bus Driver Work Environment
Tour bus drivers operate in a dynamic environment, primarily within the confines of their vehicle, navigating through diverse terrains and cityscapes. Their workspace is the driver’s seat, equipped with standard vehicular controls and often enhanced with GPS and communication devices to stay connected with tour operators and passengers.
The nature of their work dictates irregular hours, with weekends and holidays being peak times for tours. Dress codes can vary, often leaning towards company-branded attire for easy identification by clients. The social aspect of the job is significant, requiring drivers to interact frequently with passengers, providing not just a service but an experience.
Health and safety are paramount, with drivers adhering to strict regulations to ensure everyone’s well-being. Noise levels can fluctuate, especially in bustling city tours or when engaging with passengers. The pace of work is generally steady, punctuated by periods of waiting or downtime between tours.
Travel is inherent to the role, with some positions requiring overnight stays or long-distance travel, impacting work-life balance. Despite the challenges, the role offers a unique opportunity to meet diverse groups of people and explore new locations, making it appealing to those with a love for travel and customer service.
Advancement Prospects
Tour bus drivers can advance their careers by transitioning into roles with higher responsibility and pay, such as becoming a tour operations manager or starting their own tour company. Gaining experience in diverse routes and specializing in niche tours (e.g., historical, adventure) enhances their value and opens up opportunities for leading more exclusive and higher-paying tours.
Building a strong reputation for safety, knowledge, and customer service is crucial. Drivers can leverage this reputation to negotiate better terms or move into luxury tour segments. Additionally, mastering multiple languages can significantly boost a driver’s appeal to international tourists, potentially leading to opportunities with global tour operators.
Progressing in this career often involves a mix of practical experience, customer service excellence, and strategic career moves, such as identifying and specializing in high-demand tour niches.
What Does a Mill Operator Do?
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How Much Do Tour Bus Drivers Make?
- 1 How much do celebrity tour bus drivers make?
- 2 How do I become a tour bus driver?
- 3 Do tour bus drivers sleep on the bus?
- 4 What is the salary of best bus driver?
- 5 What does a tour bus driver do?
- 6 Why do celebrities use tour buses?
- 7 What license do I need to drive a coach?
- 8 How much do Coach USA drivers make?
- 9 How much do tour bus drivers make in Alaska?
- 10 Where do bus drivers sleep?
- 11 Is there a secret bed on a bus?
- 12 Where do coach drivers sleep?
- 13 What skills does a bus driver need?
- 14 Do bus drivers make good money?
- 15 What is a train drivers salary?
How much do celebrity tour bus drivers make?
Not that you won’t enjoy some perks. First year salaries for celebrity bus drivers can range from $40,000 to $60,000. You’ll be on the road for weeks or months at a time, but may get to enjoy the rest of the year off. Happy celebs often tip big and there increasingly is off-season work available.
How do I become a tour bus driver?
Follow these steps and you’ll be on your way:
- Research the Minimum Requirements.
- Take a Training Course/Attend Driving School.
- Get a DOT Physical Examination.
- Obtain CDL Permit.
- Obtain CDL License and Passenger Endorsement.
- Gain Some Work Experience.
- Apply for Jobs with Local Bus Companies.
Do tour bus drivers sleep on the bus?
Tour bus drivers make around $200 a day. This means that bus drivers need to have the discipline to avoid the temptation of the numerous parties, and maintain a strict sleeping schedule so that they’re alert behind the wheel.
What is the salary of best bus driver?
Basic salary of drivers at BEST (Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport) Undertaking ranges from Rs 6305 to Rs 15785, says Shankar Nair, Personnel Manager at BEST. Drivers also get DA of 144% and HRA of 30% over basic pay, plus fixed medical allowance of Rs 500 per month.
What does a tour bus driver do?
What Does a Tour Bus Driver Do? A tour bus driver transports sightseers and charter tourists aboard a bus. As a tour bus driver, you drive a large bus that follows a specific route, designed to arrive at certain key destinations at particular times.
Why do celebrities use tour buses?
These modified tour buses take away the stress of living out of a suitcase and provide celebrities with a “home base” where they can relax, unwind, and store all of their things in one consistent spot between appearances.
What license do I need to drive a coach?
To become a bus or coach driver, you will need to complete training for a Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) licence and the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC Driver).
How much do Coach USA drivers make?
Average Coach USA hourly pay ranges from approximately $11.86 per hour for Agent to $20.96 per hour for Mechanic. The average Coach USA salary ranges from approximately $40,744 per year for Driver to $59,793 per year for Mechanic.
How much do tour bus drivers make in Alaska?
As of May 11, 2021, the average annual pay for a Tour Bus Driver in Alaska is $32,204 an year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $15.48 an hour. This is the equivalent of $619/week or $2,684/month.
Where do bus drivers sleep?
If a bus is scheduled for a 8 hour trip, the company would put him up in a hotel for he might or perhaps have a sleeping area near/in the terminal. If it is a short trip, likely turns around heads back to his home terminal. A greyhound driver actually did an AMA about this.
Is there a secret bed on a bus?
Video shows secret sleeping quarters for night bus drivers. Most haulage vehicles have snug little sleeping compartments for their drivers to crawl into after many hours on the road, but if you take a look around an average Greyhound or overnight bus you’ll notice no such place to hunker down.
Where do coach drivers sleep?
Most coaches that are used for touring or long distance routes have a dedicated sleeping compartment for the driver (or for the reserve driver, if they are working in shifts).
What skills does a bus driver need?
As a Bus Driver, what are the key skills I need to have?
- Excellent knowledge of the roads and routes you’re driving on.
- Confident driving skills.
- Excellent understanding of the highway code and traffic regulations.
- Patient, responsible, assertive and understanding manner.
- Excellent customer service skills.
Do bus drivers make good money?
Bellevue, WA beats the national average by $6,397 (18.9%), and Richmond, CA furthers that trend with another $7,576 (22.4%) above the $33,891 average. Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for School Bus Driver Jobs.
What is a train drivers salary?
The average base pay of a Tube driver is £55,011 while night tube drivers earn around half of that as their position is part time. During training, which lasts 12-16 weeks, trainee drivers earn £32,375 during their training,.
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The Complete Tour Bus Driver Salary Guide
- Published: August 12, 2023
- By: Yellowbrick
Tour bus drivers play a vital role in the entertainment and music industry, ensuring that artists, bands, and production crews travel safely and comfortably from one venue to another. If you’re considering a career as a tour bus driver, it’s important to understand the salary potential and factors that can influence your earnings. In this comprehensive salary guide, we’ll explore the various aspects of tour bus driver compensation, including average salaries, factors affecting pay, and tips for maximizing your earnings.
Factors That Affect Tour Bus Driver Salaries
Several factors affect the salaries of tour bus drivers, including:
- Experience: Tour bus drivers with more experience typically earn more than those who are just starting.
- Location: The location of the tour bus company can also affect the driver’s pay. For instance, tour bus companies in major cities tend to pay more than those in rural areas.
- Type of Tour: The type of tour can also affect how much a tour bus driver earns. For example, tours that require driving long distances or staying on the road for extended periods often pay more than short tours.
- Company: The tour bus company you work for can also affect your pay. Some companies pay their drivers more than others.
Average Tour Bus Driver Salaries
Tour bus driver salaries vary depending on their experience, location, and the type of tour they drive. Here are the average salaries for tour bus drivers in different parts of the world:
- In the United States, tour bus drivers earn an average of $46,000 per year.
- In Canada, tour bus drivers earn an average of CAD 51,000 per year.
- In the United Kingdom, tour bus drivers earn an average of £24,000 per year.
- In Australia, tour bus drivers earn an average of AUD 50,000 per year.
- In New Zealand, tour bus drivers earn an average of NZD 44,000 per year.
- In South Africa, tour bus drivers earn an average of ZAR 139,000 per year.
- In India, tour bus drivers earn an average of INR 2,80,000 per year.
As you can see, tour bus driver salaries vary significantly depending on where you live and work.
Career and Education
If you’re interested in becoming a tour bus driver, it’s essential to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and a clean driving record. You’ll also need to have excellent communication skills, be able to work long hours, and be comfortable driving large vehicles.
To increase your chances of getting a job as a tour bus driver, you can also consider taking courses in customer service, first aid, and defensive driving. These courses can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this career.
Key Takeaways
Here are the key takeaways from this guide:
- Tour bus driver salaries vary depending on several factors, including experience, location, type of tour, and company.
- The average tour bus driver salary in the United States is $46,000 per year.
- To become a tour bus driver, you need a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and excellent communication skills.
- Taking courses in customer service, first aid, and defensive driving can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this career.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in the music industry, you may want to consider taking the NYU x Billboard | Music Industry Essentials online course and certificate program. This program covers essential topics like artist management, marketing, and tour management, making it an excellent choice for anyone interested in working in the music industry.
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The driver's job is to keep the bus running smoothly, so they don't have much time to sleep on their own. They often have a separate area on the back lounge of the bus that is converted into a bedroom for them to rest in. Many tour buses also have a private shower and bathroom on-board that the driver can use at their convenience. The ...
These modified tour buses take away the stress of living out of a suitcase and provide celebrities with a "home base" where they can relax, unwind, and store all of their things in one consistent spot between appearances. It isn't just a bus— it's an office, a bedroom, a living room, a storage area, and a communal area to bond with ...
Where Do Tour Bus Drivers Sleep? On a North American tour, bus drivers sleep in hotels. It is the responsibility of the tour to coordinate rooming for the bus driver at a good-quality property. Sometimes, if deadheading, the bus driver will opt to take a pre-determined hotel buyout in lieu of a booked hotel. They will sort themselves out, and ...
Communication: Effective communication is key to a successful tour. Tour bus drivers need to keep the tour manager informed about the status of the bus, any delays, and any other relevant information. They also need to communicate with the touring party about departure times, breaks, and other logistics. Emergency Preparedness: In the event of ...
The Tour Bus With The Star On It. When you are the driver that is assigned to the bus that carries the star — the performer who the whole tour centers around — you have a big job. Your job is going to be to: Make sure the star gets what he or she needs by way of food and beverages. Make sure the conditions within the bus are to the star's ...
For example, the driver will have to sleep in the daytime in order to drive the bus at night. Therefore, the musicians may not be able to make full use of the on-board facilities during the day out of respect for other crew members. Tour Bus FAQ. Who drives the tour bus? Tour busses will almost-always have a dedicated driver. The driver may be ...
First rule is you sleep with your head towards the back of the bus. This is rooted purely in safety. If the bus were to stop short, your neck won't be the first thing to hit the end of your bunk ...
How much do tour bus drivers make in Alaska? As of May 11, 2021, the average annual pay for a Tour Bus Driver in Alaska is $32,204 an year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $15.48 an hour. This is the equivalent of $619/week or $2,684/month.
The driver is there to drive the tour bus and do light maintenance, not to clean up your 4am Cheetos fight. Remember that at the end of your day, the drivers day is just starting. ... Euro/UK drivers usually have a bunk on the bus for daytime sleeping and you may have a second driver as well for long drives since one driver is only legally ...
Tour bus drivers sleep on the bus in their own section when the bus is parked up - If you are awake, they are likely asleep! Don't go slamming doors, cranking the music or having rowdy FIFA footie tournaments unless you want a tired bus driver who is responsible for your safety.
A little while later and the 'genie' is fixed, he empties the trash, does a quick vacuum of the front lounge, and is finally off to the hotel for sleep. As a tour manager, it is my duty to take care of the bus driver - to make sure he has whatever he needs - be it a ride, a meal, a quiet hotel room, etc. Even though he works like a ...
The artists sleep on the bus during the night so they are ready to start the next day at a new venue and the bus drivers are taken to a hotel room so they can sleep during the day. Sadie's tour is set up to drive out on Wednesday night and perform on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Then return to home base after the show on Sunday night.
Tour Bus Driver Job Duties. Safely operate the tour bus along predetermined routes, adhering to all traffic laws and regulations. Provide informative and engaging commentary about landmarks, historical sites, and local attractions. Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of the bus to ensure it is in proper working condition.
Likes to drive, especially at night, especially long distances with big buses. Has a deep sleep. Can handle stressful situations in traffic and is not aggressive. Can handle being away from home the major part of the year especially during summer season.
Here are the steps you need to take to become a professional tour bus driver: Obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL): To become a tour bus driver, you must have a CDL with a passenger endorsement. This requires passing a written exam and a skills test. You must also have a clean driving record and be at least 21 years old.
Sleeping on a Bus: 7 Tips for Safe and Comfortable Travel. Make Yourself Comfortable. The number one reason why it is hard to rest on the bus while traveling is because the whole setup is uncomfortable. …. Wear Layers. …. Bring Medication. …. Stay Hydrated and Bring Snacks. …. Listen to Music. …. Pick the Right Seat. ….
How much does a tour bus driver earn? On average, Tour Bus Drivers earn approximately $27,800 annually. The average salary range for Tour Bus Drivers runs from $20,000 to $39,000. ... Where do bus drivers sleep? If a bus is scheduled for a 8 hour trip, the company would put him up in a hotel for he might or perhaps have a sleeping area near/in ...
Bus drivers hold a unique place in the pantheon of rock'n'roll. ... We need sleep, food, to go to the bathroom. I've stopped to go to the bathroom and had a tour manager say, 'Hey, we don ...
Tour Bus Drivers in the United States earn a median salary of $33,896 and salaries ranging from $10,292 to $184,178. The middle 57% of Tour Bus Drivers earn between $33,899 and $83,693, with the top 86% earning $184,178 and $40,953. A tour bus driver earns an average annual salary of $43,971, according to Payscale.
How much do tour bus drivers make in Alaska? As of May 11, 2021, the average annual pay for a Tour Bus Driver in Alaska is $32,204 an year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $15.48 an hour. This is the equivalent of $619/week or $2,684/month.
Contents show. The salaries of Tour Bus Drivers in the US range from $10,292 to $184,178 , with a median salary of $33,896 . The middle 57% of Tour Bus Drivers makes between $33,899 and $83,693, with the top 86% making $184,178.
Advertisement. For almost two decades, Morral and his firm loaned out buses to bands like Killswitch Engage, Hot Tuna and Simple Plan for their American tours. But on March 15, 2020, states began ...
Here are the average salaries for tour bus drivers in different parts of the world: In the United States, tour bus drivers earn an average of $46,000 per year. In Canada, tour bus drivers earn an average of CAD 51,000 per year. In the United Kingdom, tour bus drivers earn an average of £24,000 per year. In Australia, tour bus drivers earn an ...