Michael Turner
Storage rules: Checked items go into the undercarriage compartment of the coach; carry-on pieces must fit in the overhead bin or beneath the seat in front. Typical carry-on dimensions to target are 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm). Keep passports, wallets, medications and electronics with the smaller personal item rather than in checked storage.
Weight and size limits: Aim for a maximum of 50 lb (23 kg) and 62 linear inches (158 cm) for any item placed in external storage. Oversized or overweight pieces are assessed extra charges and may be refused if they exceed the operator’s maximums. Use a luggage scale and measuring tape at home to avoid surprises at the counter.
Practical tips: Arrive 30–60 minutes before departure to check larger pieces and get a baggage receipt; attach a visible name tag and a secondary label inside each bag; photograph contents for claims. For musical instruments or fragile gear, either purchase an extra seat or carry the item as the personal piece after confirming space with the operator in advance. Verify the carrier’s current policy online or by phone before travel, since fees and allowances can vary by route and ticket type.
Baggage allowances for the national intercity coach carrier
Passengers should limit to one checked piece (maximum 50 lb / 23 kg; 62 linear inches / 157 cm) plus one personal bag that fits under the seat or in the overhead compartment; overweight or oversized pieces incur surcharges and special handling fees.
Reserve and prepay extra pieces online when possible – counter rates are higher. Expect additional-piece charges and oversize/overweight penalties varying by route: typical ranges $25–$100 per item depending on dimensions, weight, and whether special handling or advance notice is required.
Keep valuables, medications, travel documents and fragile electronics in the personal bag rather than the hold. Use a hard case or padded protection for breakables and wrap protruding parts of sports equipment. Attach a durable identification tag and place a copy of the itinerary inside checked items; retain the claim stub until retrieval.
Foldable umbrella-style strollers are usually accepted as checked items when collapsed; for compact models see best deals on umbrella strollers. Full-size stroller systems or unfolded prams should be presented at the counter as oversized pieces and may require payment or advance notification.
Arrive at the station 45–60 minutes before departure if presenting items for the hold; shorter lead times risk refusal of checked handling. For connections that require re-checking, allow at least 30 minutes between scheduled segments to complete transfers and re-tagging.
Special-item rules: bicycles often require partial disassembly and a protective case; musical instruments are accepted based on size and available space; pets and hazardous goods follow strict policy restrictions and must be confirmed with the carrier prior to travel.
Carry-on vs checked baggage: what is allowed onboard and what goes below (intercity coach)
Keep passports, wallets, prescription medicines, cameras, laptops, jewelry and fragile items in the cabin; consign large suitcases, heavy boxes and bulky sports equipment to the cargo hold beneath the vehicle.
Onboard – recommended contents and size guidance
Typical cabin items: one main carry-on that fits in the overhead rack or under the seat plus one small personal item (purse, laptop bag, camera case). Suggested maximum dimensions for the main item: roughly 24 x 16 x 10 inches (61 x 41 x 25 cm); personal item should be noticeably smaller. Store spare lithium batteries and power banks in the cabin only; loose batteries should be insulated to prevent short circuits. Keep medications and travel documents on the person at all times. Avoid placing irreplaceable valuables or fragile electronics in checked cargo.
Below – what belongs in the cargo hold and handling tips
Items normally placed below: hard suitcases, duffel bags, folded strollers, skis, surfboards and other oversized gear. Many carriers impose weight and size limits for checked pieces and assess additional fees for oversize or overweight items; confirm allowances and fees with the operator before departure. Wrap fragile goods, use sturdy locks, attach external name tags and photograph contents for claims. Special items such as bicycles, kayaks or compressed-gas canisters usually require advance notification, special packaging and extra charges; firearms must be declared and handled according to strict procedures.
Check-in procedure: arrive to the station early to tag cargo, retain the claim ticket, and verify any special-handling labels. If transporting seasonal or bulky outdoor equipment, consult preparation guides such as how to winterize your sprinkler system without using an air compressor for packing and protection tips.
Size and weight limits for carry-on and checked bags and how to measure them
Carry-on allowance: 25 lb (11 kg) maximum; typical cabin dimensions 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm). Personal item: fits under the seat; common size ~18 × 14 × 8 in (45 × 35 × 20 cm). Checked item: up to 100 lb (45 kg) per piece and 62 linear inches (length + width + height) / 157 cm. Overweight or oversized pieces normally incur extra charges or may be refused for stowage.
How to measure dimensions: place the bag on a flat surface, include wheels, handles and external pockets in all measurements. Measure length (longest side), width (side-to-side), and height (base to top of handle when collapsed). Add the three results to get the linear dimension. For carry-on, measure depth with any external straps or side pockets in their natural position.
How to weigh contents precisely: use a hanging luggage scale clipped to the handle, or a bathroom scale by weighing with the item, recording the total, then subtracting body weight. For heavy single items, a digital luggage scale with a 110–220 lb range gives the quickest readout and accuracy to 0.1 lb / 0.05 kg. Home kitchen scales are useful for individual items when redistributing weight between pieces.
Practical tolerance and verification: soft-sided bags may be compressed a few centimeters when placed in overhead or under-seat spaces, but measured dimensions at check-in are taken with the bag in normal, uncompressed form. If measured at the terminal, a 0.5–1 in (1–2 cm) deviation might be tolerated, but any excess beyond posted limits risks fees. Photographs of scale and tape-measure readings provide proof if fees are disputed.
Pack and adjust strategies: shift heavier items into a checked piece to keep cabin weight under 25 lb; use compression cubes and removable shoe bags to redistribute mass. For borderline-sized suitcases, remove or retract external wheels/handles where possible before measuring. For fragile or high-value items, store in the personal item carried onboard rather than in the hold.
At check-in: place checked pieces on the official scale and keep boarding tags or receipt numbers visible. If a fee is charged for oversize or overweight, request and retain a printed receipt. For specialized items (sports equipment, bicycles, musical instruments), consult the operator’s specific size and weight table in advance; advance booking or special handling fees may apply.
Baggage fees, overweight charges, and when payment is required
Pay checked-item fees during online booking to secure the lowest available rate; station or curbside purchases typically cost more.
- Typical fee ranges (examples only):
- First checked piece: $10–$30 when prepaid; $20–$40 if paid at the station.
- Each additional checked piece: $15–$50 depending on route and purchase method.
- Oversize or over-weight surcharges: $25–$150 per offending item, applied by weight or dimensional bracket.
- When payment is required:
- At time of ticket purchase – online or by phone – for the lowest posted fee and to add baggage allowance to the reservation.
- At station/ticket counter or self-service kiosk if no prepayment was made; agents will collect fees before baggage is accepted.
- When an item is measured/ weighed and exceeds included allowance: the surcharge must be paid immediately before the item is loaded.
- At curbside or onboard only in exceptional locations where station facilities are not present; acceptance of cash varies by terminal.
- Accepted payment methods and receipts:
- Major credit and debit cards accepted online and at most ticket counters; cash accepted at many stations but not guaranteed.
- Third-party booking platforms may apply different fees or require separate payment – inspect the booking confirmation for any added charges.
- Always request and retain a printed or emailed receipt showing the fee type (standard, oversize, overweight, additional piece) for dispute or claim purposes.
- Consequences of nonpayment or late payment:
- Items not paid for will be refused carriage; boarding may be denied until fees are settled.
- Payment after loading is generally not accepted – agents will require settlement before an item is placed in the hold.
- Unpaid surcharges discovered at destination may delay retrieval and require proof of payment to release items.
- Practical recommendations:
- Weigh and measure checked pieces at home; prepay the allowance online to save money and avoid lines.
- Consolidate content to stay within the standard allowance; if individual pieces exceed size/weight caps, consider ground freight or courier services.
- Keep fragile or high-value items out of checked pieces; confirm insurance or declared value options before paying oversize/overweight fees.
Rules for special items: bikes, instruments, sporting gear, and fragile or prohibited goods
Bicycles: Full disassembly required: remove front wheel, pedals, and turn or remove handlebars. Place components in a hard case or a well-taped bike box; use foam or bubble wrap around the frame and wheels. Affix a name tag and contact phone. Reserve space with the carrier at least 48 hours before departure and declare the bike at the ticket counter; unannounced bikes may be refused. Expect a handling fee and possible size/weight surcharges; plan for pickup at the checked-gear compartment upon arrival.
Bags for sporting equipment and oversized gear
Skis, snowboards, surfboards, and golf bags must be contained in purpose-built bags or rigid cases. Long items should have protective end caps and be wrapped to prevent abrasion. Hockey sticks and pole-type equipment require edge protection or a rigid tube. For large or oddly shaped items, purchase an additional reservation or secure written approval from the operator before travel. Heavier items should be reinforced at stress points and photographed for insurance purposes prior to handing over.
Musical instruments, fragile items, and prohibited goods
Small instruments (violin, guitar in compact case) are eligible for onboard placement only if they fit within the passenger cabin storage dimensions; when a standard seat cannot accommodate a larger instrument, advance purchase of a second seat or prior authorization for checked carriage is recommended. Fragile items require hard-sided cases, internal padding, and external “FRAGILE” labeling; insurance through a specialized carrier is advised for high-value items. Prohibited articles include explosives, corrosives, flammable liquids, compressed gases, and oxidizers. Loose lithium batteries are not permitted in checked compartments–installed batteries within equipment are acceptable if terminals are protected; spare lithium cells must be transported in carry-on and insulated against short circuits. Firearms and ammunition require explicit, written approval from the operator and compliance with local regulations; absent that approval, these items are forbidden. Declare any restricted or unusual items at ticket counter and retain photographic evidence and receipts for high-value goods.
How to tag, drop off, retrieve bags and file a claim for lost or damaged items
Obtain a printed baggage tag at check‑in, confirm the destination code and passenger name on the tag, and keep the claim stub on person until successful pickup.
Tagging and drop‑off
At the ticket counter an agent will attach a numbered tag, record weight and note any oversize/fragile designation; verify that the numeric/alpha claim number on the tag matches the paper stub before leaving the counter. Fasten the tag to the main carry handle using the provided loop, remove prior carrier tags to avoid misrouting, and place a secondary ID card (name, phone, final destination) inside an exterior pocket. Photograph the outside and a quick shot of contents (phone timestamp visible) for proof of condition; use a simple cable tie or a keyed/TSA‑style lock and retain the key or code. Allow 45 minutes for check‑in at standard terminals, 60–90 minutes at busy hubs, holidays or when registering bikes, instruments or packed coolers.
Retrieval and filing claims
Present the claim stub and government photo ID at the destination depot or curbside baggage area; inspect all items in presence of the agent and mark any visible damage on the release/receipt before signing. For missing or damaged items, request a written baggage irregularity or damage report (record the report number and agent name), photograph damage with scale/reference object, and retain the claim stub, boarding pass, receipts for contents and any repair/replace estimates. Submit a written claim to the carrier within carrier deadlines (common practice: damage reported at arrival and written claim filed within 10 days; missing/delayed items filed within 30 days), include copies of all documentation, and ask for a claim reference number. Expect an administrative response within 30–45 business days; preserve damaged items until settlement and keep all original receipts. For high‑value articles, declare value at check‑in and purchase declared‑value coverage if available; without declaration typical liability caps run in the low hundreds per piece, so proof of purchase and repair quotes speeds reimbursement. If no satisfactory resolution after 60 days, escalate to the carrier’s customer relations department and retain all correspondence for possible regulatory complaint.
FAQ:
How many pieces of luggage am I allowed to bring on a Greyhound bus without paying extra?
Greyhound typically includes one small item you can keep at your feet or under the seat. Anything larger that needs the overhead rack or the luggage hold may be counted as a carry-on or checked bag and could trigger a fee depending on the route and ticket type. Limits vary by station and ticket class, so check the specific rules for your trip before you travel. If you expect to bring more than one large bag, contact Greyhound customer service or the station where you board to confirm charges and availability.
Are there size and weight limits for checked luggage on Greyhound?
Yes. Carriers set maximum dimensions and weight for checked bags, and Greyhound enforces those limits at stations. A common practice is to restrict individual checked bags to a weight limit (many carriers use around 50 lb / 23 kg) and a combined dimension limit (often near 62 linear inches). Overweight or oversized items may incur extra fees or be refused. To avoid surprises, weigh and measure your bag before leaving home, and verify the current rules for your departure station and route.
Can I bring a musical instrument or sports equipment with me?
Small instruments and some sporting items can usually travel with you, but handling depends on size and how you want them carried. If the instrument fits as a carry-on or personal item, keep it with you in the passenger area. Larger instruments or bulky sports gear may need to go in the luggage hold and could incur a checked-bag fee; some oversized items require advance notice or a special ticket arrangement. Pack fragile gear in a hard case, label it, and ask the agent about any restrictions or extra charges before boarding. If the item has batteries (for example, e-bikes or battery-powered scooters), check battery rules since those are often restricted.
Which items are not allowed in checked or carry-on luggage on Greyhound?
Hazardous materials are the main category of prohibited items. This includes explosives, flammable liquids and solids, corrosive substances, many types of compressed gases, and certain toxic chemicals. Weapons and illegal drugs are not permitted unless the carrier’s policy specifically allows a secured, declared firearm under strict conditions. Lithium batteries and spare cells frequently have special rules; many must stay with you in the cabin. Rules can differ by state and route, so consult Greyhound’s official list of prohibited items or ask a station representative before you pack.
What should I do if my checked bag is lost or arrives damaged?
If a checked bag is missing or damaged, report it immediately at the arrival station or to Greyhound staff before you leave the terminal. Keep your ticket and baggage tag; you will need those to file a report. The agent should give you a written irregularity report or a claim number. Photograph damage, retain receipts for any emergency purchases, and follow the carrier’s instructions for submitting a formal claim online or by mail. Compensation depends on the carrier’s liability limits and any declared value coverage you purchased, so save all documents and ask about timelines and required forms while you are still at the station.
