ALSA Baggage Policy: Fees, Limits & Rules 2026 

ALSA’s baggage policy allows 1 free hold bag (20–30 kg depending on fare) and 1 carry-on item (max 7 kg) on all tickets. Extra luggage costs from €5 on domestic routes and from €10 on international routes. Smart suitcase batteries must be removed before boarding, and electric scooters have been banned since January 2024.

Packing for a bus journey through Spain shouldn’t be complicated but misreading the luggage rules can lead to unexpected fees at the station. ALSA, Spain’s largest long-distance bus operator, runs thousands of routes across the country and into international destinations like Morocco. Its baggage policy is more generous than many travelers expect, but it does come with specific rules that vary by fare type, route, and luggage category.

What Is the ALSA Baggage Allowance by Fare Type?

ALSA’s standard baggage allowance includes one free hold bag per ticket. The maximum permitted weight depends on which fare tier you’ve booked. All tickets also include one small carry-on item for the cabin at no extra cost.

Practical example: If you’re travelling from Madrid to Barcelona on a Basic fare with a 22 kg suitcase, you’ll exceed your free allowance by 2 kg. ALSA does not charge per-kilogram overage fees like airlines instead, you purchase an additional bag allowance (up to 25 kg) from €5. That means your total luggage cost for the trip could be as low as €5, rather than the €15–€30 overage fee you might pay with a low-cost airline.

What Are the ALSA Carry-On Baggage Size and Weight Limits?

ALSA’s carry-on baggage (also called hand luggage) must fit in the overhead compartments above the seats and must not exceed 7 kg. There are no published maximum outer dimensions for overhead storage, but the bag must physically fit in the tray.

If overhead space is full, ALSA exceptionally permits storage under the seat but only for items that do not exceed:

• Length: 40 cm
• Width: 30 cm
• Height: 15 cm

Crucially, the central aisle must remain clear at all times. You cannot leave bags or loose items in transit areas for safety reasons. Note that any hand luggage you bring on board is your sole responsibility ALSA is not liable for loss or damage to cabin items.

How Much Luggage Can You Take on an ALSA Bus?

Each ticket includes one free hold bag and one carry-on item. You can add one extra hold bag (up to 25 kg) for an additional fee. That means the maximum you can travel with on a single ticket is:

• 1 carry-on (max 7 kg)
• 1 free hold bag (20–30 kg depending on fare)
• 1 extra hold bag (up to 25 kg, paid)

Are There Route-Specific ALSA Luggage Exceptions?

Yes and this is one of the biggest content gaps in most competitor guides. Several ALSA routes carry significantly higher free allowances than the standard fare-based limits:

• Madrid  Guadalajara: Up to 50 kg free
• Fraga  Lleida: Up to 40 kg free
• Murcia  Almería: Up to 40 kg free
• Madrid  Casablanca (International): Maximum 2 suitcases at 30 kg total; no extra luggage option available on this route

If you’re travelling on one of these routes, your effective baggage allowance may be far more generous than the standard policy or, in the case of Madrid–Casablanca, more restrictive in terms of adding extra bags.

What Does ALSA Extra Luggage Cost?

ALSA’s extra luggage fee applies when you want to add a second bag to your booking. The additional bag can weigh up to 25 kg and must be placed in the hold. Fees are:

• Domestic routes: From €5 per journey
• International routes: From €10 per journey

Extra luggage is subject to vehicle capacity and is not guaranteed unless booked in advance. ALSA strongly recommends adding it during the ticket purchase process.

How to add extra luggage after booking:

1. Go to Manage Tickets on the ALSA website
2. Enter your booking reference, ID, and travel date
3. Select Change under Options
4. Under Extras, select Change and add your extra bag

What Are the Rules for Sports Equipment and Special Items on ALSA?

ALSA accommodates sports gear and musical instruments with specific pricing and conditions details that many competitor articles overlook.

Sports Equipment (Bicycles, Surfboards, Ski Gear)

Route Type	Fee
Short domestic trips	€5 per journey
Longer domestic journeys	€10 per journey
International routes	€20 per journey (reservation required)

Additional bicycle rules:

• Maximum 4 bicycles per vehicle (one per ticket)
• Not available on double-decker buses
• Must be packed in a transport bag (boxes not accepted)
• Bicycle covers available for purchase at ticket desks: €15
• Front wheel should be disassembled where possible due to space limits
• Surfboards must be no longer than approximately 2 meters
• All comparable sports/leisure equipment follows the same rates

Musical Instruments

Musical instruments travel in the hold at no additional cost, provided they weigh no more than 20 kg. This is a notable advantage for musicians most airlines charge extra for instrument transport.

What Are the Smart Suitcase and Electric Scooter Rules?

This is one of the most commonly missed areas in ALSA baggage guides, and it carries real consequences for travelers caught off guard.

Smart suitcases (technology-integrated luggage with built-in batteries):

• Only permitted if the battery does not exceed 100 Wh
• The battery must be removed before boarding
• Passengers must keep the battery with them during the journey
• Non-compliance may result in the luggage being refused access to the bus

Electric scooters:

• Banned from all ALSA services since January 10, 2024
• The ban extends to any mobility device equipped with batteries
• Exception: vehicles for passengers with reduced mobility are permitted

Is ALSA Luggage Insurance Worth It?

ALSA offers optional luggage insurance for €1.00 per journey. Coverage includes:

• Loss, theft, or damage to luggage and personal belongings up to €150
• Cameras and AV equipment covered up to 50% of the insured sum

Not covered:

• Jewellery (gold, platinum, pearls, gemstones)
• Money, documents, and objects of value (silver items, artwork, fine furs)
• Sports equipment and personal computers
• Theft due to owner negligence

For a €1 premium, the insurance offers reasonable protection for standard travel gear. It’s worth adding if you’re carrying electronics or items approaching the €150 threshold.

Final Packing Checklist Before You Board

Before heading to the bus station, run through this quick checklist:

•  Check your fare type (Basic/Flexible/Super Flexible) and corresponding weight limit
•  Weigh your hold bag 20, 25, or 30 kg depending on your ticket
•  Confirm your carry-on is under 7 kg and fits in overhead storage
•  Pre-book extra luggage if needed (from €5 domestic)
•  Remove batteries from smart suitcases before boarding
•  Book sports equipment in advance (especially bikes on international routes)
•  Identify all bags with luggage tags (available free at ALSA points of sale)
•  Arrive at the bus at least 15 minutes before departure if carrying sports gear

Frequently Asked Questions

How many bags can I bring on an ALSA bus?
Each ALSA ticket includes 1 free hold bag and 1 carry-on item. You can add 1 extra hold bag (up to 25 kg) for a fee starting at €5 on domestic routes and €10 on international routes, subject to vehicle capacity.

What is the ALSA luggage weight limit for carry-on baggage?
ALSA’s carry-on baggage limit is 7 kg. The bag must fit in the overhead compartments. If placed under the seat in exceptional cases, it must not exceed 40 cm × 30 cm × 15 cm.

What is the ALSA luggage weight limit for hold baggage?
The hold baggage weight limit varies by fare: 20 kg on the Basic fare, 25 kg on the Flexible fare, and 30 kg on the Super Flexible fare. Certain routes have higher exceptions up to 50 kg on Madrid–Guadalajara.

How much does extra luggage cost on ALSA?
Extra luggage on ALSA costs from €5 per journey on domestic services and from €10 on international services. Each extra bag can weigh up to 25 kg and must be placed in the hold.

Can I bring a bicycle on an ALSA bus?
Yes. Bicycle transport costs €5 (short domestic), €10 (longer domestic), or €20 (international). A maximum of 4 bicycles are allowed per vehicle. Bikes must be packed in a transport bag, not a box, and are not permitted on double-decker buses.

Can I bring a musical instrument on an ALSA bus?
Yes. Musical instruments travel in the hold at no extra charge, as long as they weigh 20 kg or less. No advance booking is required for this.

Are electric scooters allowed on ALSA buses?
No. ALSA banned electric scooters and all battery-powered mobility devices from its services as of January 10, 2024. The exception is vehicles for passengers with reduced mobility.

What are the smart suitcase rules on ALSA?
Passengers may carry smart suitcases with batteries of 100 Wh or less, but the battery must be removed before boarding. The passenger must keep the battery with them throughout the journey. Non-compliance may result in the bag being refused.

What food can I bring on an ALSA bus?
You cannot carry food that could affect the health of other passengers or damage fellow passengers’ luggage. No further specifics are published, so use common sense perishables with strong odours or liquids that may leak should be avoided.

Does ALSA offer luggage insurance, and what does it cost?
ALSA offers optional luggage insurance for €1.00 per journey. It covers loss, theft, or damage up to €150 in value. Excluded items include jewellery, money, documents, sports equipment, and personal computers.