OurBus luggage policy: Fees, Size Limits & Baggage Rules (2026) 

OurBus allows each passenger one checked suitcase (up to 50 lbs and 62 inches total) stored in the cargo hold, plus one small handbag kept on their lap. Extra luggage costs approximately $10 via an add-on purchased at booking. Carry-on suitcases are not permitted overhead they count as checked bags.

Planning a trip on OurBus and not sure what you can pack? You’re not alone. Bus baggage rules tend to be less publicized than airline policies, and OurBus has a few quirks that catch travelers off guard most notably, that rolling carry-on suitcases are treated as checked baggage due to limited overhead space.

What Is the OurBus Luggage Policy?

OurBus luggage policy permits one checked suitcase stored in the cargo hold and one small personal item (such as a handbag or small backpack) kept on the passenger’s lap. Carry-on suitcases are not stored overhead they are treated as checked luggage. For extra bags, an add-on must be purchased during the booking process on intercity routes.

According to OurBus’s official Help Center (last updated March 20, 2026), the standard allowance applies across most intercity routes. However, buses operated by partner companies including DC Trails, Interstate Bus, Gunther (via Tripper Bus), Super Trans, Community Coach, and Vision Tours (via Sprinter Bus) do not support luggage add-ons. On those routes, you must purchase an additional ticket to bring extra baggage.

Standard Allowance at a Glance

What Are the OurBus Luggage Size and Weight Limits?

OurBus checked baggage must not exceed 50 pounds (approximately 23 kg) in weight and 62 inches in total exterior dimensions calculated by adding length, width, and height together. Bags exceeding these limits may be refused or require special arrangements.

The 62-inch rule is a common standard across U.S. intercity bus carriers (Greyhound, Peter Pan, and Jefferson Lines use the same threshold). To put it practically: a standard checked airline suitcase measuring 28″ x 20″ x 13″ adds up to 61 inches just within the limit.

There are no published dimensional limits for the personal item (the lap bag), but OurBus specifies it must remain on your lap throughout the journey. A standard backpack or handbag fits comfortably; oversized backpacking packs or large duffel bags would not.

What Is the OurBus Carry-On Luggage Policy?

OurBus carry-on luggage is limited to one small personal item per passenger, which must be kept on the lap not stored in an overhead bin. Rolling suitcases, even compact cabin-sized ones, are not accepted as carry-ons. Due to limited overhead compartment space on OurBus coaches, any wheeled bag is reclassified as checked luggage and stored in the cargo hold.

This is one of the most important distinctions between OurBus and airline travel and a common source of confusion. If you’re traveling with a carry-on-sized roller bag, it counts as your one free checked bag. Your lap item must be something genuinely small, like a tote, handbag, or daypack.

What Is the OurBus Backpack Policy?

OurBus does not publish a separate backpack policy. A standard-sized backpack qualifies as your one personal item and must be kept on your lap during the journey. Large hiking or travel backpacks that cannot fit comfortably on a lap would be treated as checked luggage and placed in the cargo hold.

Practical example:

• A 20L daypack → personal item (lap)
• A 40L hiking backpack → checked luggage (cargo hold)
• A 65L expedition pack → may require an extra luggage add-on

What Is the OurBus Extra Luggage Fee?

For intercity OurBus routes, extra luggage requires purchasing an add-on at the time of booking. Based on third-party booking platform Omio and community reports, the extra luggage add-on costs approximately $10 per additional bag. This fee must be added during checkout it cannot be added after booking, and add-on fees are strictly non-refundable once purchased.

On partner-operated routes (DC Trails, Tripper Bus, Sprinter Bus, etc.), add-ons are unavailable. In those cases, you must buy a full additional ticket to guarantee space for an extra bag.

How Does OurBus Compare on Extra Luggage Fees?

OurBus is among the most affordable options for extra baggage, provided you add it at booking. Waiting until you’re at the stop isn’t an option unlike carriers where you pay the driver directly.

What Are the OurBus Baggage Rules for Special Items?

OurBus has specific rules for non-standard items. Foldable strollers may be stored in the cargo hold in addition to your one free checked suitcase they don’t count against your allowance. Non-foldable strollers count as your one checked bag and must meet the 62-inch limit.

Surfboards, golf clubs, and musical instruments are permitted only if they are your sole checked item and fit within the cargo hold dimensions. If you’re also bringing a suitcase, you’ll need to purchase an extra luggage add-on.

Bicycle rules:

• Must be added as a “bike” add-on during checkout (fee applies)
• Maximum of two bicycles per trip
• Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure
• Wheel removal or seat post lowering may be required to fit
• OurBus is not responsible for damage to bikes or special items

What Items Are Prohibited on OurBus?

OurBus prohibits drugs, alcohol, and weapons in both the cabin and cargo hold regardless of state or local laws. Passengers found in possession of prohibited substances may be removed from the bus. Federal law also bans smoking and vaping on board.

Large or unusual items outside of the standard luggage allowance are subject to the driver’s discretion at boarding.

Prohibited items summary:

• Drugs (including marijuana, even in legal states)
• Alcohol
• Weapons of any kind
• Lit cigarettes, cigars, or pipes (federal law)
• Vaping devices in use
• Any items exceeding standard luggage dimensions without a pre-purchased add-on

Are You Allowed to Bring Luggage on a Bus? What Is the Luggage Limit?

Yes, passengers are allowed to bring luggage on OurBus. Every ticket includes one checked bag (stored in the cargo hold, up to 50 lbs and 62 inches total) and one small personal item kept on the lap. This is standard practice across U.S. intercity bus carriers.

The luggage limit on OurBus is one checked bag per passenger. Additional bags require a pre-purchased add-on (~$10) for standard OurBus routes, or a separate ticket on partner-operated routes. There is no weight limit specified for the personal/lap item, but it must fit on your lap and not obstruct the aisle or other passengers.

OurBus vs. Competitor Checked Bag Allowances

Does OurBus Leave on Time?

OurBus departs on schedule more than 95% of the time, with over 95% of trips departing within five minutes of the scheduled departure time, according to OurBus’s own FAQ. Passengers are advised to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. OurBus does not hold buses for late passengers.

Missing your bus means your ticket is non-refundable and non-transferable. The only exception is the Missed Bus Policy, which allows your ticket to be moved to the next available bus on the same day but only once, and only if the original bus has not yet completed its trip.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How many bags can I bring on OurBus for free?
Each ticket includes one checked bag (up to 50 lbs) in the cargo hold and one small personal item on your lap. No additional free bags are included.

What does the OurBus extra luggage add-on cost?
Approximately $10 per additional bag, added during booking. This fee is non-refundable once purchased and cannot be added after booking is complete.

Can I bring a carry-on suitcase on OurBus?
No. Rolling suitcases regardless of size are not permitted in the overhead bins due to limited space. They count as your one free checked bag and go in the cargo hold.

Does a backpack count as a personal item on OurBus?
Yes. A standard backpack (roughly 20–30L) qualifies as your personal item and must be kept on your lap. Larger hiking packs may be reclassified as checked luggage.

What is the maximum weight for a checked bag on OurBus?
50 pounds (approximately 23 kg). The bag must also not exceed 62 inches total when length, width, and height are added together.

Can I bring a bicycle on OurBus?
Yes, with a pre-purchased bicycle add-on. A maximum of two bikes are allowed per trip. Arrive 30 minutes early and be prepared to remove wheels or lower the seat post to fit.

What happens if I bring extra luggage without purchasing an add-on?
Space for your extra bag is not guaranteed. Purchasing the add-on at booking ensures it will be accommodated. Showing up at the stop with unregistered extra bags risks refusal by the driver.

Are foldable strollers free to bring on OurBus?
Yes. A foldable stroller may be stored in the cargo hold in addition to your one free checked suitcase. Non-foldable strollers count as your checked bag.

Do partner-operated OurBus routes have different luggage rules?
Yes. Routes operated by DC Trails, Interstate Bus, Gunther/Tripper Bus, Super Trans, Community Coach, and Vision Tours/Sprinter Bus do not support add-ons. You must purchase a full additional ticket to bring extra baggage on these routes.

Does OurBus run on time?
OurBus reports that over 95% of its trips depart within five minutes of the scheduled departure time. Arrive at least 15 minutes early buses do not wait for late passengers.