Luggage on the Bus
What am I allowed to take with me on the bus?
You’re looking for additional information on luggage? What are you allowed to take with you on the bus? Do you want to know if you’re allowed to take a bicycle or stroller with you? Will it be possible to take your dog or an additional piece of luggage with you – and are there going to be extra-fees?
With CheckMyBus you’ll learn all about what you’re allowed to bring along – from luggage, oversized-luggage, carry-on luggage or bicycles.
Send us your comments and questions. – We’re here to help!
Baggage Allowance on Buses
Taking the intercity bus is easy and so is bringing luggage. As opposed to going by plane, there are no long queues in front of check-in counters. Instead, you can usually simply take your carry-on luggage on board with you and give larger suitcases to the driver for him to store in the luggage compartment of the bus. However, there are some things to consider: What is the maximum baggage allowance? How large or heavy are the pieces of luggage allowed to be? Can I take my wheel chair? What about baby strollers on the bus? If you are looking for the answer to any of these questions, then read on as we have compiled a detailed overview over the luggage policies of several major US bus companies.
What Kind of Luggage can I Bring With Me?
There’s two types of luggage: the one you take on board with you and the one that needs to be stored in specific compartments. It is highly recommendable to store valuable items in your carry-on luggage since they will be safer there. Also, taking you tablet or laptop on board with you, generally makes the time pass much faster. A rule of thumb is that the carry-on luggage should be small enough to fit in the overhead compartment of the bus or under the seat in front of you. So taking a handbag or a rucksack should not be a problem at all. When it comes to larger luggage items such as suitcases or oversized back bags, then they can usually be stored beneath the passengers’ cabin. However, the individual bus companies have individual baggage allowance policies. Whereas on Greyhound Bus, you can only take one suitcase for free, Trailways allows you to take two. Also note the size limits. In general the weight of your bag should not exceed 50lbs. If you have heavier luggage, then some companies allow you to store it in the luggage compartment, but they might charge a specific fee. Some companies like megabus, on the other hand, do not allow oversized or overweight luggage. The same goes for bicycles: Some companies are fine with you taking your bike, while others will refuse it. If your item of luggage is really big or heavy, then you might have to ship it via a bus parcel service, such as the Greyhound Package Express.
Take a look at the following table to find out how much luggage you’re allowed on Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, megabus and Trailways. You should, however, note that some companies, such as Trailways, offer journeys which are conducted by smaller bus operators. So if in doubt, find out who exactly serves the bus connection of your choice and contact them for more info on their respective baggage allowance.
| Bus Company | Baggage Information |
| Greyhound Bus |
|
| Jefferson Lines |
|
| megabus US |
|
| Trailways |
|
Useful Tip: What to do with your luggage while you’re in the cityThe last thing you need while exploring a new and exciting city is to drag your suitcases with you. Fortunately, there are services that allow you to find a convenient and secure place to store your luggage. Book your luggage storage with BAGBNB
Bookings are made online on the BAGBNB website. |
Wheel Chairs, Baby Car Seats and Strollers
Wheel chairs, baby car seats and stollers are necessary items, which is why there are specific rules for them. They do not count as oversized/overweight luggage, but can usually be taken on board for free. Taking a baby car seat or a stroller is not a problem with any of the major US bus companies. If you want to take the bus while remaining seated in your wheel chair, then this is usually ok as well. However, note that there’s a standardized weight limit for safety’s sake. The overall weight of the wheel chair and the passenger in it must not exceed 600lbs. If it does, then the wheel chair will be stored in the luggage compartment and the passenger has to refrain to a normal seat on the bus.
If you want to take the bus as a wheel chair user, then it is necessary to contact the respective bus company in advance. We to do this a few days prior to your desired date of travel in order to make sure that there is still a wheel chair space available. Also make sure to be at the bus stop a bit earlier so that someone can help you with baggage storage or other possible issues.
| Bus Company | Wheel Chair, Mobility Scooter and Baby Stroller |
| Greyhound Bus |
|
| Jefferson Lines |
|
| megabus US |
|
| Trailways |
|
What Happens if My Luggage gets Lost?
In general, every passenger is responsible for their own belongings. This is something that is particularly true for carry-on luggage. Greyhound Bus, for instance, cannot compensate you if your handbag, which you should carry with you at all times, is lost. It is different, however, for luggage items stored in the baggage compartment of the bus. If it gets lost or stolen, you can file a claim. Greyhound Bus Lines and megabus US, for instance, will reimburse you up to a maximum of $250 per adult ticket. If you have bought a child ticket on Greyhound then the maximum compensation is $150. If you travel with valuable items, then you should check whether a luggage insurance is an option for you. Greyhound, for instance, offers this. Should your luggage or parts of it be lost, then you should also contact the bus company directly. Most of the bus companies, like megabus, offer specific Lost and Found offices which try to locate missing items. Sometimes, however, there might be a time limit: Greyhound, for instance, tries to recover your lost luggage for 15 days. Afterwards the inquiry will be treated as a claim for reimbursement.
Are Animals Allowed on Board?
Unfortunately, animals are not allowed on board. However, if you are in need of a guide or assistance dog, then you are usually able to take them on the bus trip as well. Make sure, though, that the service animal is properly trained and always under your control. The bus company megabus US, for instance, also demands that service animals be properly harnessed.
A group of us are intending to take the bus from Koblenz in Germany to Metz in France this April. Please can you advise the bus company’s policy on carriage of bicycles?
Thanks
Simon
Dear Simon,
Thank you for your message. When travelling with Flixbus, you can bring a standard sized bicycle that weights 25kg or less for an extra fee of 9€ per bicycle. We also suggest directly contacting Flixbus prior to your trip to make sure that the driver knows how many bikes to expect on the trip so that they can best accommodate your travel needs.
Best regards,
Your CheckMyBus Support
Need information about bringing a snowboard on a greyhound bus. I can’t find this info. I called Greyhound and they couldn’t help me.
Dear Celeste,
Thank you for your message. Generally, you should be able to bring your snowboard provided that it’s packed in a wood, canvas or other substantial container. To ensure that you can bring it, we suggest calling before your trip to let Greyhound know that you plan to bring it, and make sure there is enough room on the bus.
Best regards,
Your CheckMyBus Support
Hello, I need to find a bus company that lets you bring a bike in a case. I am doing the Ironman in Mar de Plata. Please Help!
Dear Aaron,
Thank you for your message. From where would you like to go to Mar de Plata from? Most Argentinian providers, such as Flecha Bus, allow passengers to bring a bike in a case provided that there is enough room for one. To make sure that you are allowed to bring your bike, we suggest directly contacting the company you plan to book your trip with and to also check on what the pricing for this will be.
Best regards,
Your CheckMyBus Support
Hi there
What is the procedure for bringing along a bike on one of your buses. Do you have to book a special ticket, or is it included in the price?
Kind regards
Lasse B. Schytte
Hello Lasse,
Different bus providers have different policies about bringing bicycles on board. Many companies, such as Greyhound, allow folded bicycles and charge them as an extra piece of luggage. To know for sure whether or not you can bring your bike, contact the bus provider you’re planning to book your trip with for that route. If you have any further questions, please get in touch again.
Best regards,
Your CheckMyBus Support
Are you allowed to take a bike on the bus from Karlstad to Stockholm?
Dear Donna,
Based on the results from our search engine, two bus providers cover the route from Karlstad to Stockholm – Swebus and Flixbus. Swebus has a policy that bikes are treated as bulky luggage and must be stored in a certain way – the FAQ on their website states that „Bicycles are to be packed with the handlebar rotated a one-quarter turn, and the peddles removed. The air in the tyres is to be reduced or emptied of air.“ FlixBus has a bike carrier on many buses, and normally allows bike transport for an additional fee – their FAQ states the following „In many of our buses you are able to bring bicycles of a standard size and without superstructures (max. weight of 25kg) on board. These can be added to your trip during the booking process for an extra fee of €9 per item.“
Best regards,
Your CheckMyBus Support
I want to send a luggage with bus from Einhoven to Wennen.
is it possible ? what is the cost of a bag for +- 15KG?
thanks
Dear Mehrdad,
Thank you for your message. Each bus provider has a different luggage policy, so it’s important that you check with the provider you plan to book your trip with. For instance, if you are booking with Flixbus, you would pay £7 for oversized luggage that is under 30 kg, but you must book the luggage via customer service prior to the trip. If you’re still unsure about the luggage policy of the company you plan to book your trip with, we suggest contacting the provider directly to see if you can book the luggage and what any extra costs would be.
Best regards,
Your CheckMyBus Support
Hi. I will be traveling with my two children alone. We are moving from New York state to Georgia. I will be needing to take 4 pieces of luggage for the three of us. The kids and I are bringing bookbags with activities for us to do on our trip as well as some medications, snack foods and drinks. Will there be an extra charge for the extra bag? Thank you,
Tina
Hi Tina,
Thank you for your message. Each bus provider has a different policy when it comes to luggage. For example, Greyhound and Jefferson Lines both allow each person to have one piece of luggage (that’s a maximum of 50 pounds) for free, but charges $15 for a second piece of luggage. In this case, you would need to pay the extra fee. Carry-on luggage can be up to 25 pounds and must fit in the overhead cabin. If you have any further questions, please feel free to get in touch again.
Best regards,
Your CheckMyBus Support
Hi!!
I m going to buy an amendable and non refundable ticket from Terminal II London to Bristol coach station with National Express. That means 16 p. booking fee incl.
I have two (2) luggages.
Is any luggage included in the ticket or I have to „buy“ extra???
Hello Marfy,
Thank you for your message. When traveling with National Express, you are allowed to bring hand luggage which fits into the overhead racks or under the seat. You can also bring one or two medium sized suitcases or rucksacks as long as they are each less than 20kg. The maximum size for free luggage is 70cm x 30cm x 45cm. If you are bringing luggage that is larger than this, you will have to pay extra. If you have any further questions, please feel free to get in touch again.
Best regards,
Your CheckMyBus Support
thank u vm 4 yr response.
Hi my sister wants to take greyhound bus she doesn’t have a suitcase so she wanted to know if she can take a small storage tote that’s less than 62inches as a bag to put under the bus??
Hello Tasha,
Unfortunately, Greyhound’s baggage policy doesn’t specifically mention storage totes as being an acceptable means of baggage. The policy does state that backpacks, duffel bags and trunks are acceptable however, so the best way to know for sure if storage totes are allowed is to contact Greyhound directly. If this is not the case, note that Greyhound does provide storage containers for a small fee.
If you have further questions, please feel free to get in touch again.
Best regards,
Your CheckMyBus Support
I am going on a cruise in October and returning to port in November. I am then going from Houston Airport to San Antonio. However, I am hoping I only have 1 large suitcase, a carry-on and a personal bag. I am trying to budget, how much would it be for me to take a bus? The return to port date is November 5, after customs, from about 1pm on…is when I would need it.
Dear Sibrina,
There are many connections available on that date from downtown Houston, TX to San Antonio, TX and the prices for that particular date in November currently start at as low as $12. Please note that these prices will rise as the travel date approaches. Travel time on this route is about 4 hours, and depending on the provider you’ll have free amenities such as free Wi-Fi and power outlets at every seat.
For more details on available connections, travel times and prices, please visit our website CheckMyBus.com
Best regards,
Your CheckMyBus Support