Trailways passengers receive one free carry-on bag and one free stowed bag per ticket. Additional bags cost $5 each on Trailways of New York (up to three extra bags) and $20 each on Burlington Trailways. All bags must weigh 50 lbs or less and measure no more than 62 inches combined (L+W+H).

How Many Bags Can You Take on a Trailways Bus?

Each ticketed Trailways passenger is allowed one free carry-on bag stored in the overhead compartment, plus one free stowed bag stored underneath the bus. Beyond that free allowance, passengers on Trailways of New York can add up to three more stowed bags for a fee, while Burlington Trailways allows up to 15 total stowed bags per passenger.

Here’s a quick breakdown by operator:

Real-world example: A passenger traveling on Trailways of New York with two checked suitcases and one carry-on backpack would pay $5 for the second stowed bag a total extra cost of $5. The same scenario on Burlington Trailways would cost $20 for the second stowed bag.

What Is the Trailways Baggage Allowance?

The standard Trailways baggage allowance is one carry-on and one stowed bag per paid ticket. These are free of charge for all ticketed adult and child passengers. No single piece of luggage may exceed 50 lbs (22.5 kg), and the combined dimensions (length + width + height) cannot exceed 62 inches (157 cm).

Trailways baggage allowance at a glance:

Note on children’s tickets: On Trailways of New York, children traveling on a purchased ticket receive the same baggage allowance as adults one free carry-on and one free stowed bag.

What Are the Trailways Carry-On Baggage Rules?

Trailways carry-on baggage is limited to one bag per passenger, which must fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you. Burlington Trailways specifies a maximum weight of 25 lbs (11 kg) for carry-on bags. Trailways of New York does not publish a specific carry-on weight limit but requires the bag to fit in the overhead compartment without assistance.

What must stay in your carry-on (cannot be stowed under the bus):

• Laptop computers and tablets
• Cellphones and smartwatches
• All prescription medications
• Passports and travel documents
• Money and negotiable instruments
• Jewelry and heirlooms
• Perishable items, including food

This is an important point that many travelers overlook: if your laptop is packed in your checked luggage on Trailways of New York, it may be removed before boarding. The policy is strict valuables travel in the cabin with you, not in the luggage bay.

Bonus: CPAP machines are exempt. Trailways of New York allows passengers to board with a CPAP machine as a complimentary addition to their free carry-on item. Medical oxygen containers are also permitted onboard.

What Are the Trailways Baggage Fees?

Trailways baggage fees apply to any stowed bag beyond the one free allowance. Fees vary by operator and are charged per additional bag.

Trailways of New York baggage fee structure:

• 1st stowed bag  Free
• 2nd stowed bag  $5.00
• 3rd stowed bag  $5.00
• 4th stowed bag  $5.00

Burlington Trailways extra baggage fee structure:

• 1st stowed bag  Free
• 2nd and beyond  $20.00 per bag (up to 15 total bags per passenger)

Cost scenario  Burlington Trailways with 4 stowed bags:

• Bag 1: Free
• Bag 2: $20
• Bag 3: $20
• Bag 4: $20
• Total extra baggage cost: $60

Burlington Trailways passengers should call (319) 753-2864 to confirm additional baggage arrangements before travel, as space under the bus is not guaranteed.

What Is the Burlington Trailways Baggage Policy?

Burlington Trailways is an Iowa-based carrier that operates independently from Trailways of New York, and its baggage policy differs in a few important ways. Burlington allows significantly more extra bags per passenger (up to 15 total), charges a higher per-bag fee ($20 vs. $5), explicitly sets a 25 lb carry-on weight limit, and offers free stroller and car seat transport.

Burlington Trailways-specific rules:

• Strollers and car seats travel free and do not count toward your baggage allowance
• Bicycles are allowed under the bus but must be boxed or bagged and incur an additional fee
• All baggage must be tagged with your name, home address, and phone number (free tags available at ticket counters)
• Backpacks, duffel bags, trunks, toolboxes, totes with secured lids, and securely tied cardboard boxes are all acceptable baggage types
• Plastic bags, paper bags, and trash bags are not accepted as baggage under any circumstances

Acceptable vs. unacceptable baggage types (Burlington Trailways):

How Much Luggage Is Allowed on a Bus? (Size and Weight Guide)

Most Trailways buses enforce a 62-inch combined dimension rule and a 50 lb weight maximum for stowed bags. To calculate your bag’s combined dimensions, simply add length + width + height. A standard large checked suitcase (28-inch) typically measures around 28 × 20 × 12 inches, totaling 60 combined inches just within the limit.

Quick size check:

• 28″ large suitcase (28×20×12″) = 60″ combined 
• 30″ oversized suitcase (30×22×14″) = 66″ combined 
• 25″ medium suitcase (25×18×11″) = 54″ combined 

If your bag is borderline, weigh it and measure it at home. Trailways staff retain the right to refuse oversized or overweight bags.

What Items Are Prohibited on Trailways Buses?

Trailways prohibits a specific list of items from both carry-on and stowed baggage. Passengers found carrying prohibited items may have those items removed, and the carrier assumes no liability for damage caused by such items.

Prohibited from all baggage (carry-on and stowed):

• Firearms, ammunition, and weapons (including replicas)
• Explosives and fireworks
• Flammable liquids and gases
• Alcoholic beverages
• Live animals (except trained service animals)
• Acids and poisons
• Radioactive materials
• Items with protruding attachments
• Trash bags and plastic bags as baggage containers
• Merchandise for resale (except sample baggage)

Edge case  traveling with oxygen or respiratory equipment: Trailways of New York explicitly permits passengers who rely on portable oxygen containers for medical reasons to carry them onboard.

Important at transfer points: Passengers are responsible for physically transferring their own stowed baggage when changing buses. Trailways does not handle inter-carrier bag transfers, and neither Trailways of New York nor Burlington Trailways accepts liability for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage under any circumstances.

What Are the Trailways Rules for Bicycles and Skis?

Bicycles and ski equipment require special handling and may be subject to additional fees. Space is not guaranteed.

Bicycle rules:

• Must not exceed 8 × 32 × 60 inches
• Must be securely packed in a box, canvas, or protective casing
• Allowed when space is available (Trailways of New York)
• Subject to an additional fee (Burlington Trailways)
• Connecting carriers may not accept bicycles confirm in advance

Ski and snowboard rules (Trailways of New York):

• May exceed 45 inches in length when securely wrapped in canvas, nylon, or leather
• Must be wrapped to protect other baggage

6 Packing Tips to Stay Within the Trailways Luggage Policy

1. Weigh your bag at home. Use a digital luggage scale before you leave. A 50 lb limit is strict books, shoes, and toiletries add up faster than you’d expect.
2. Use a carry-on for valuables. Laptops, medications, and documents must be in your carry-on per policy. Pack them first so you don’t forget.
3. Measure before you go. Add your suitcase’s length, width, and height. Stay under 62 inches combined.
4. Avoid plastic bags entirely. Both Burlington Trailways and Trailways of New York explicitly refuse plastic and trash bags as checked baggage even to transport items under the bus.
5. Tag every bag. Both operators require a legible name, address, and phone number tag on all baggage. Free tags are available at ticketed counters, but bring your own to unmanned stops.
6. Confirm bike acceptance before booking. Space for bicycles is not always guaranteed, especially on busy routes or when connecting with partner carriers.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is the first stowed bag free on Trailways?
Yes. Every ticketed passenger adult or child receives one free stowed bag and one free carry-on. The free stowed bag must weigh 50 lbs or less and measure 62 inches or under in combined dimensions.

How much does an extra bag cost on Trailways of New York?
Each extra stowed bag costs $5.00 on Trailways of New York (Adirondack, Pine Hill, and New York Trailways). Up to three additional bags are permitted beyond the free allowance, for a maximum of four stowed bags total per passenger.

How much does an extra bag cost on Burlington Trailways?
Burlington Trailways charges $20 per additional stowed bag beyond the first free one. Passengers may check up to 15 bags total per paid ticket.

What is the carry-on weight limit on Trailways?
Burlington Trailways sets a 25 lb (11 kg) carry-on limit. Trailways of New York does not specify a carry-on weight limit but requires the bag to fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat.

Can I bring a backpack as a carry-on on Trailways?
Yes, as long as it fits in the overhead compartment or under the seat and does not have protruding articles or attachments. Bags with attached or dangling items are explicitly prohibited.

Does Trailways allow CPAP machines?
Yes. Trailways of New York allows CPAP machines as a complimentary addition to the standard carry-on meaning you can bring your CPAP and still bring a separate carry-on bag.

Are strollers and car seats free on Burlington Trailways?
Yes. Burlington Trailways does not charge for strollers or car seats. They travel free and do not count toward your baggage allowance. Car seats may be placed in a vacant seat at the driver’s discretion.

What happens to my bags at a transfer point?
You are responsible for retrieving your stowed baggage at every transfer point and loading it onto the next bus. Trailways does not transfer bags between coaches on your behalf.

Can I ship my bag to my destination instead of checking it?
Trailways does not offer a bag-check or shipping service. All baggage must be carried by a ticketed passenger traveling on the same coach. Unaccompanied baggage is not accepted under any circumstances.

Is Trailways responsible if my luggage is lost or damaged?
No. Both Trailways of New York and Burlington Trailways explicitly disclaim liability for lost, stolen, damaged, or left-behind baggage. Keep valuables in your carry-on and never leave bags unattended.