Rules for carrying luggage on international buses
Short answer: The standard rule of most carriers: one free suitcase weighing up to 20-30 kg in the luggage compartment and one piece of hand luggage up to 5-7 kg with you in the bus cabin.
Admit it, packing things before a long trip often resembles a game of Tetris. You try to fit half your life into one suitcase, hoping the zipper won't burst at the most inopportune moment.
And then a logical fear appears: will they let me on the bus with this giant, and how much will I have to pay extra at the border?
The inBus team perfectly understands these worries. And observing thousands of trips, we noticed one pattern: although each company has its own minor nuances, there are basic rules that work almost everywhere. Knowing these rules is guaranteed to save your nerves before boarding.
What luggage is included in the ticket price
When buying a ticket for an international trip, you automatically pay for space for your basic items. Usually, carriers include two pieces of luggage in the standard fare.
The first is your main suitcase or a bulky travel bag. It will travel in the large luggage compartment under the bus floor.
The second is hand luggage, which you take directly with you to your passenger seat.
But there is a nuance here. Since on inBus you see offers from dozens of companies, we always advise you to carefully check the details when booking.
Some European low-cost carriers offer the cheapest fares without any large luggage at all - you only pay for travel with a backpack.
Other companies, on the contrary, allow you to take two massive suitcases at once without any extra charges. Read the terms and conditions of a specific trip at the ticket selection stage to avoid surprises.
Permissible dimensions and weight of luggage
The luggage compartments of modern buses are quite large, but the space there is not limitless. That is why companies set clear physical limits.
If your bag looks like it could transport a refrigerator, the driver will definitely ask a few questions.
Hand luggage
Hand luggage should be as compact as possible. Its weight is usually limited to 5-7 kilograms. The main evaluation criterion is that it should easily fit under the seat in front of you or on the narrow luggage rack above your head.
This can be a standard city backpack, a women's bag, or a laptop case. What should you definitely put there? All your documents, cash, bank cards, gadgets, and chargers for them.
Also take medicines that you take regularly, a bottle of water, and a light snack. Never send these things to your main luggage.
If the bus gets stuck at the border for eight hours, you will physically not be able to get your headache pill from there.
Additional luggage
Your main suitcase is your additional or checked luggage. The standard allowed weight ranges from 20 to 30 kilograms per person.
As for the dimensions, most drivers are guided by the sum of three dimensions: length, width, and height. This figure should not exceed 160-170 centimeters.
Imagine a classic large suitcase for a two-week seaside vacation - usually, this is exactly the size that is passed without questions.
If you have two smaller bags instead of one large one, some carriers may meet you halfway. However, it is better to combine things into one unit or call the company before departure.
Carrying non-standard luggage
What to do if you are planning a trip to the mountains with your own snowboard or carrying an acoustic guitar? Such things require preliminary preparation.
The category of non-standard luggage includes bicycles, ski equipment, baby strollers, large musical instruments, and household appliances.
The main rule: never bring such things straight to the bus without warning. There simply might not be enough space in the trunk. You need to contact the carrier a few days before the trip and ask for permission to transport them.
Folded baby strollers are often taken for free if you are traveling with a small child.
But for a bicycle or a microwave oven, you will have to pay a fixed extra amount, and they will only be taken if there is free space.
Items prohibited for transportation
An international bus is an enclosed space where many strangers spend long hours together.
Add to this passing border and customs control, and you will understand why the list of prohibited items is so strict.
You cannot pack the following:
- Any explosive, flammable, or toxic substances. Gas canisters for self-defense or fireworks will have to be left at home.
- Firearms or edged weapons without official permits and special safe containers.
- Perishable food items or those with a specific pungent smell. Your favorite homemade pate or blue cheese can become a real ordeal for your fellow passengers after ten hours on the road in summer.
- Goods in quantities that violate the customs limits of European countries. If you hide three cartons of cigarettes among your clothes, you will be fined at the border, but the whole bus will suffer because of the delay.
How to properly prepare your luggage for the trip
Well-packed luggage significantly reduces stress levels while traveling. Start with a simple step: put a tag with your first name, last name, and contact phone number on your suitcase.
At large bus stations, there is often a commotion at night. Accidentally confusing two identical black suitcases is easier than it seems. A bright colored ribbon on the handle also works great as a marker.
Pack your things tightly and smartly. Be sure to put liquids, shampoos, and shower gels in sealed bags. Due to the bus vibration, the lids often open, and you definitely don't want to wash all your clothes upon arrival.
