Do you have to pay for luggage on greyhound bus

Short answer: One small personal item boards at no charge; one checked piece usually incurs a fee, with online pre-purchase cheaper than counter rates.

Personal item limit: must fit under the seat; suggested dimensions 10 × 16 × 6 in. Carry-on dimensions: 28 × 22 × 14 in including wheels. Checked-piece weight limit: 50 lb (23 kg); overweight fees apply above that threshold.

Standard checked-piece fee: US$10–20 when added during online booking; counter or depot addition often US$20–30. Overweight surcharge: US$30–50 per piece; oversize surcharge: US$40–75 depending on dimensions.

Online pre-purchase saves up to half the counter rate; add allowance to reservation via operator website or mobile app up to departure. Bring printed or digital receipt to the ticket counter to avoid disputes.

Military identification, service animals, mobility aids and medical devices commonly travel at no extra charge. Sporting gear and specialty items require advance notice and additional fees. Bicycles accepted on select routes and may require crate or partial disassembly.

Checked-piece tags issued at the ticket counter; retrieve items at the destination baggage office. Report missing or damaged property within 10 days; liability limits and declared-value options vary by route and fare class.

Practical tips: pack essentials in the personal item, weigh suitcases at home to avoid overweight surcharges, reserve special items ahead, and confirm allowance, dimensions and current fees on the operator’s official policy page prior to travel.

Do passengers incur baggage-related charges on intercity coach carriers?

One small carry-on plus one personal item travel free; checked pieces usually carry fees that commonly range $10–$30 per piece when purchased at the terminal, with online pre-purchase often reducing cost by $5–$15 per piece.

Typical weight and size guidance:

Operational recommendations: pre-book checked items online to reduce cost; arrive early to secure overhead space for soft-sided bags; place valuables, medications, electronics inside carry-on; tag checked items with full contact details and retain claim receipts; purchase travel protection when carrying high-value goods.

Special items: musical instruments and sporting equipment may require advance notice and payment; collapsible strollers usually check free when gate-checked, but confirm policy ahead.

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How many bags are included with your ticket and which items count as carry-ons

Standard fare includes one personal item plus one carry-on stored overhead or under the seat; most tickets also permit up to two checked pieces placed in the coach hold, each limited to 50 lb and 62 linear inches (length + width + height).

• Personal item (included): small backpack, purse, briefcase, laptop bag or camera case that fits beneath the seat; suggested maximum roughly 12 × 16 × 6 inches.
• Carry-on (included): suitcase, duffel or larger backpack that fits in the overhead rack; recommended maximum dimensions about 28 × 22 × 14 inches and weight kept under 25 lb to ease hand-stowage.
• Typical carry-on examples:
  • Daypack or small rolling bag
  • Laptop bag or briefcase
  • Camera kit in soft case
  • Small musical instrument in protective case (guitar, ukulele) that fits overhead
  • Infant essentials bag or small cooler
• Items usually required in the hold:
  • Large checked suitcases and trunks
  • Sports equipment larger than a carry-on (bicycles, skis, surfboards)
  • Oversized musical instruments (full-size cello, hard-case guitar exceeding overhead dimensions)
  • Bulky boxes or crates
  • Live animals or special pet carriers (separate policies apply)

Practical recommendations: measure and weigh each bag at home; pack valuables, medications and travel documents inside the personal item; label every case with name and phone number; arrive early at the terminal when transporting oversized or fragile gear and purchase additional checked-piece allowance online or at the ticket counter if more pieces are required. Overweight and oversize surcharges may apply to items exceeding published limits.

Checked baggage fees: current costs and how to handle online or at the station

Recommendation: purchase checked pieces online at least 24 hours before departure to save roughly $5–$15 per piece and skip long ticket-counter queues.

Current fees (typical ranges)

• First checked piece: $20–$30 when added online; $30–$40 at the station counter.
• Second checked piece: $30–$45 online; $40–$55 at the counter.
• Overweight surcharges (51–70 lb / 23–32 kg): additional $20–$40; items over 70 lb / 32 kg may be refused or require freight handling.
• Oversize surcharges (dimensions exceeding 62 linear inches / 158 cm): $30–$70 depending on size and route.
• Special items (bicycles, skis, musical instruments): $25–$75; advance reservation often required to guarantee space.
• Lost or damaged items: submit written claim at the station within the carrier’s stated deadline; hold onto all receipts.

How to settle fees online and at the station

• Online process:
  1. Open the booking confirmation or visit the carrier website; enter reservation number and passenger surname.
  2. Select “Manage trip” or “Add baggage”, enter piece count and weights, complete card transaction, save the electronic receipt.
  3. Screenshot or print the updated confirmation; present it during drop-off to speed processing.
• At-station process:
  1. Arrive 45–60 minutes before departure on domestic routes; 90 minutes on cross-border routes. Carry reservation number and photo ID.
  2. Approach the ticket counter or baggage drop, declare checked pieces, accept on-site weight/dimension check, receive baggage tags and a written receipt.
  3. Major cards, cash, and many mobile wallets are commonly accepted; ask which methods are available at that terminal before arrival if necessary.
  4. Request a written breakdown of any overweight, oversize, or special-item surcharges; keep receipts until the trip is complete.

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Carry-on size and weight limits and items that can be refused or checked

Carry-on recommendation: maximum external dimensions 25 x 16 x 10 inches and maximum weight 25 lb; personal item must fit under seat, roughly 12 x 16 x 6 inches.

Items exceeding these measurements or the weight limit may be refused onboard and redirected to checked baggage; oversized sports equipment (golf bags, skis, bicycles, surfboards) typically requires advance notice and special handling as checked items.

Items commonly refused or required to be checked include: flammable liquids (gasoline, camp-stove fuel, lighter fluid); explosives and fireworks; compressed gas cylinders (propane, butane, oxygen cartridges); corrosives and strong oxidizers (bleach, pool chemicals); toxic substances and pesticides; ammunition and firearms (may be prohibited or require declaration and locked containment); large-capacity lithium batteries and industrial battery packs exceeding manufacturer watt-hour ratings; large quantities of aerosols; live animals except certified service animals with valid documentation; perishable foods likely to spoil; leaking, wet, or foul-smelling gear; illegal narcotics and drug paraphernalia.

Packing tips: secure liquids in leakproof containers inside sealed clear bags; pad sharp items and place them in checked items; remove loose batteries and tape terminals or place batteries in original packaging; keep medications, travel documents, and essential electronics in the personal item; label checked items with name and contact details; contact the carrier in advance to arrange transport of oversized musical instruments, mobility devices, or sporting gear.

At boarding, agents may inspect any bag; prohibited items discovered during inspection will be denied carriage and may be confiscated or returned to the point of origin. Failure to disclose restricted items can delay departure or result in denial of transport.

Oversize, overweight, and extra-piece charges: when they apply and what to expect

Keep each checked bag under 50 lb (23 kg) and within 62 linear inches (157 cm) to avoid overweight and oversize fees.

Thresholds and typical charge ranges

Common thresholds: overweight = 51–100 lb (23.1–45 kg); extreme overweight = over 100 lb (over 45 kg). Oversize = total linear dimensions (length + width + height) greater than 62 in (157 cm). Most coach operators limit two checked pieces per ticketed passenger; any third piece triggers an extra-piece fee.

Typical charge ranges (estimates, vary by route and ticket type): overweight: $20–$75 per bag; oversize: $20–$75 per bag; extreme overweight/oversize: $100–$300 or refusal of transport; extra-piece: $15–$100 per additional bag. Specific rates depend on route, season, and whether allowance added online before travel.

Assessment process and practical actions

Bags assessed at ticket counter or baggage handling area prior to boarding using scales and tape measures. Agents may reclassify carry-on items that exceed permitted dimensions and move contents between checked and carry-on categories. Items that exceed extreme limits may be denied carriage and redirected to freight or courier services.

Practical steps: weigh and measure bags at home with a luggage scale and tape; redistribute heavy items into personal items or soft-sided duffels; compress clothing with packing cubes or vacuum bags; pre-purchase extra-piece allowance online when available to reduce station charges; compare parcel carrier rates for very heavy or bulky items before arrival at station.

Lost, delayed, or damaged baggage: how to report it and file a claim

Report lost, delayed, or damaged baggage immediately to the station agent; submit a written claim within 60 days of the incident.

Where and when to report

Report visible damage or missing items at the terminal before departing when possible. For delayed deliveries, notify the carrier within 24 hours of scheduled arrival. Missing-item claims submitted after 60 days are unlikely to be accepted.

What to include and how claims are processed

Provide ticket number, trip date, coach number, boarding pass, contact phone and email, plus an itemized list of affected articles with estimated values. Attach original purchase receipts, serial/model numbers, and clear photographs of damage and baggage tags. Retain damaged items and original packaging until written disposition arrives; dispose only after explicit written authorization.

Claims may be filed at the station desk, via customer-service phone line, by the carrier’s online claim portal, or by certified mail with a completed claim form. Expect an acknowledgment within 7–14 business days and an investigative decision within 30–60 days. Reimbursement will follow carrier liability limits and requires proof of loss or value; documentation errors slow or negate payment.

If claim outcome proves unsatisfactory, escalate via the state attorney general consumer division, small-claims court, or card-issuer dispute when purchase transactions used a credit instrument. Maintain copies of all claim submissions, agent names, dates, and reference numbers until resolution closes.

FAQ:

Do I have to pay for luggage on Greyhound buses?

Short answer: small carry-on items and one personal item are usually allowed without charge; fees apply for checked baggage and any extra or oversized pieces. Policies and charges can differ by route and ticket type, so check Greyhound’s website or your ticket details before travel.

How much does Greyhound charge for checked bags and extra/oversized items?

Fees vary depending on route, time and whether you buy the ticket online or at the terminal. Many routes charge a modest fee for the first and second checked bag and higher amounts for additional bags, overweight or oversized items. Paying when you book or before boarding can sometimes be cheaper than paying at the station. If you plan to bring sports gear, musical instruments or a bicycle, expect special handling fees and size/weight limits to apply.

What are Greyhound’s rules for carry-ons, checked luggage, special items, and what should I do if my bag is lost or damaged?

Carry-on: passengers normally may bring one carry-on plus one small personal item free; the carry-on must fit in the overhead rack or under the seat. Checked luggage: bags stored in the cargo hold are subject to fee, size and weight limits; oversized or overweight pieces usually incur extra charges. Special items: sporting equipment, musical instruments and assistive devices may require advance notice or additional fees; service animals are accepted under federal rules while pets are generally not allowed. Lost or damaged luggage: keep your baggage claim ticket and inspect checked items at pickup; report loss or damage to Greyhound staff immediately and ask how to file a written claim. Keep receipts for valuable contents and any repair or replacement costs, and follow the carrier’s instructions and deadlines for submitting documentation. For exact fee amounts, weight/size limits and claim procedures, consult Greyhound’s official baggage policy or contact customer service before travel.