There is one general rule of thumb for bus travel in the US: Take 23 kg (50 lbs) with you and a carry-on fitting into the overhead compartment and you’re fine!
As each bus provider has different policies, it gets trickier if you have oversized baggage or more than one, as this may not be allowed without paying an additional fee. Also, if you switch from one bus provider to another during your trip, you might have to comply with different baggage allowances and pay the fee or send excess baggage via express mail. To make your life easier, we’ve created the following table to give you an overview of US bus providers’ existing baggage allowances.
Baggage policy for Greyhound, Megabus, Trailways and more
Baggage size is calculated adding up the outer dimensions of your bags. Added up (length + width + height), check-in bags should be no larger than 62 inches or 158 centimeters. The typical size of the overhead compartment in buses is 9x16x20 inches (22.8×40.5×50.8 cm). So, bringing a small suitcase along as a carry-on bag weighing no more than 25 lbs (12 kg) is perfectly fine. Make sure you put your valuables into your carry on or carry them on you to be safe. In case your check-in baggage gets lost, the bus providers will be liable for a maximum of $250 per adult ticket or $125 per child fare ticket. It’s possible to buy insurance for the rest of the value you want to take with you (up to $1,000 max).
In case you’re planning on traveling with more than the allowed baggage, fees will apply. Most bus providers transport up to 100 lbs (46 kg) of luggage against a fee. Megabus is an exception, as they don’t allow excess baggage (you’ll need to buy another ticket in order to bring one more bag onto the bus). You can either do so in advance, online, or pay the walk-up price at the bus station. The second option only is possible if space is available!
The price depends on the distance traveled, wherever a price range is indicated. Greyhound’s overweight fees are $20 for an overweight bag between 50 and 75 lbs for a distance of up to 200 miles, $25 for a distance between 201 and 800 miles, and $30 for anything further than that.
Overweight or oversized baggage may have to be sent with Package Express whenever there isn’t sufficient space available in the underneath compartment of the bus or when a piece of baggage exceeds the maximum size or weight accepted for individual bags.
Greyhound and RedCoach offer a check-in service, which means that your baggage changes bus without you having to lift a finger. So do some Trailways companies and Jefferson Lines at terminals with check-in service. Note that budget services (Megabus, BoltBus, Peter Pan Bus, Yo!Bus) require you to check your baggage yourself.
Important: US law requires travelers to clearly identify their check-in bags with a baggage tag with the passenger’s name and destination clearly printed.
Check out our articles on the transportation of transportation of bikes by bus in the USA , along with what you’re not allowed to take with you of a bus for more info. We’ve also compiled information on traveling in a wheelchair and on traveling with children. Let us know if you think our comprehensive bus guide has everything you need for your next bus trip!
Search and book your bus tickets to and from the United States directly on Busbud.com