Luggage on the Bus

What can I bring on a bus?

Would you like information on bus and luggage transport? Do you want to know if you can bring a second bag? Whether it will be possible to carry a bike or a stroller? Whether your dog will be able to travel with you? Are you disabled and don’t know how to travel in a wheelchair?

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Luggage, suitcases and bikes on board

The bus is a means of transportation that allows you to carry a good amount of luggage for free. However, there are restrictions due to limited space on board. Being aware of the specific general regulations of each bus company can save you trouble. You can then start your journey without any surprises and enjoy a pleasant and stress-free journey.

What luggage can I take?

If you travel by bus, you have probably noticed the great advantage this mode of transportation offers. Traveling by bus allows you to carry a large amount of luggage on board. However, there is a limit. Maximum size, weight and even the permitted content vary from operator to operator. There are specific rules regarding the transport of special luggage, such as musical instruments or sports equipment. For this reason, it is important to know what the ground rules are and to stay informed about the company you plan to book with.

Here are the main American bus companies and their general conditions regarding luggage transportation:

• Checked Baggage: One bag (62″ H+L+W, 50lbs max.) for free, second bag $15
• Carry-On Luggage: One bag (25lbs max.) that can fit into the overhead cabin
• Oversized/Overweight Baggage: Must be shipped through Greyhound Package Express (up to 5 pieces 75lbs max.); discounts if traveling on the same trip, otherwise $35 to $45 per piece
• Bicycle Allowance: Yes, must be packed in wooden or canvas container and securely buckled (Should it exceed the size/weight limit, it must be shipped via Greyhound Package Express)

• Checked Baggage: One bag (62″ H+L+W, 50lbs max.)
• Carry-On Luggage: One bag that can fit into the overhead cabin
• Oversized/Overweight Baggage: Not allowed
• Bicycle Allowance: Not available

• Checked Baggage: One bag (max 80x50x30 cm, slightly divergent dimensions are allowed with a total volume not exceeding 160 cm and a maximum weight 20 kg.)
• Carry-On Luggage: One bag (max 42x30x18 cm, max. 7kg)
• Oversized/Overweight Baggage: Not allowed
• Bicycle Allowance: Not available

What to do with your luggage while you’re in the city

The 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. Find out more about luggage storage below!

What luggage is prohibited on board a bus?

In order to ensure a pleasant, but above all safe travel experience, all bus operators have complied with general rules about items that are absolutely forbidden on board. However, the choice of which objects are considered inappropriate or dangerous, and therefore not allowed, is up to the individual operator.

The main items banned by all companies include: Weapons, bombs, drugs, frozen food, animals (except for service dogs), combustible liquids and solids, toxic items, radioactive materials, raw meat products , dangerous substances containing bacteria or viruses, alkaline substances, liquid batteries and generally any object that may pose a danger to passengers or which is not suitable on board the vehicle. Furthermore, it is possible to bring cigarettes on board, but it is strictly forbidden to smoke on the bus.

Can I bring my pet on the bus?

Unfortunately, most bus companies do not allow pets onboard. However, if you require a guide or assistance dog, then you are usually able to take them on the bus trip as well. Make sure that the service animal received the proper training and is always under your control. The bus company megabus US, for instance, also demands that passengers properly harness service animals.

On international connections, pets are also not allowed unless they are guide dogs for people who require special assistance.

If in doubt, we always recommend that you contact customer support to get more details about transporting your four-legged friend.

Wheelchairs, Booster Seats and Strollers

Wheelchairs, booster seats and strollers are necessary items, which is why there are specific rules for them. They do not count as oversized/overweight luggage, and passengers can usually bring these on board for free. If you want to take the bus while remaining seated in your wheelchair, then this is usually allowed. However, note the overall weight of the wheelchair and the passenger in it must not exceed 600lbs. If it does, then the wheelchair will be stored in the luggage compartment and the passenger must take a normal seat.

If you want to take the bus as a wheelchair user, then it is necessary to contact the respective bus company in advance. It’s best to do this a few days prior to your trip to make sure there is still 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.

Greyhound:

• Wheelchair/Mobility Scooter: Overall weight of the passenger and wheelchair/mobility scooter combined is 600lbs max. (Max size for wheelchair: 30*48; for mobility scooter: 30*30*48)
  Note: Contact Greyhound prior to departure for assistance or baggage storage
• Baby Stroller: You can store baby strollers in the compartment under the bus, and bring a car seat in addition to carry-on luggage

FlixBus:

• Wheelchair/Mobility Scooter: Overall weight of the passenger and wheelchair/mobility scooter combined is 600lbs max. (Max size for wheelchair: 30*48; for mobility scooter: 30*30*48).
  Note: When making your booking, please indicate how many passengers will be taking a wheelchair or mobility device. We also advise contacting FlixBus within 24 hours to confirm your ride.
• Baby Stroller: Strollers are free of charge provided the child is travelling with the passenger. These must be collapsible. Passengers with strollers should register within 48 hours of the trip.

megabus:

• Wheelchair/Mobility Scooter: Overall weight of the passenger and wheelchair/mobility scooter combined is 600lbs max. (Max size for wheelchair: 30*48; for mobility scooter: 30*30*48).
  Note: Contact megabus to reserve your wheelchair space and be at the bus station 15min prior to departure for assistance or baggage storage
• Baby Stroller: You may bring one baby stroller in addition to the maximum baggage allowance

Trailways:

• Wheelchair/Mobility Scooter: Overall weight of the passenger and wheelchair/mobility scooter combined is 600lbs max. (Max size for wheelchair: 30*48; for mobility scooter: 30*30*48)
  Note: Contact Trailways 24 hours prior to departure for assistance or baggage storage
• Baby Stroller: You can store baby strollers in the compartment under the bus.

Jefferson Lines:

• Wheelchair/Mobility Scooter: Overall weight of the passenger and wheelchair/mobility scooter combined is 600lbs max. (Max size for wheelchair: 30*48; for mobility scooter: 30*30*48)
  Note: Contact Jefferson Lines 48 hours prior to departure for assistance or baggage storage
• Baby Stroller: You can store baby strollers in the compartment under the bus.

What Happens if I lose my luggage?

In general, every passenger is responsible for their own belongings. This is particularly true for carry-on luggage. Greyhound, for instance, cannot compensate you if you lose your handbag, which you should carry with you at all times. Furthermore, for luggage items stored in the baggage compartment of the bus, the rules are different. If these go missing, you can file a claim. Greyhound and megabus, 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 luggage insurance is an option for you. Greyhound, for instance, offers this. If you misplace or lose your luggage, then you should also contact the bus company directly. Most 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, most bus companies treat the inquiry as a claim for reimbursement.