Traveling on the bus
We don’t expect you to speak in code. Our bus drivers can translate your reservation number for you.
Your reservation number will be a combination of numbers and letters and can be obtained from the confirmation page displayed after finalizing your Megabus purchase.
A copy of your reservation information is also sent to the e-mail address provided at the time of booking. Reservations are only valid on the trip(s) date, time, origin and destination as stated on the reservation.
This is an example of what a reservation looks like.
10-1843-090513-M21-1500-WAS-NEW
Besides a kind greeting, passengers are required to present a valid reservation number, provided at the time of purchase, when boarding Megabus.
While not required, we do suggest you bring a printed copy of your reservation confirmation email, as this will include your reservation number(s). No physical tickets are issued for travel.
Your WorldPay transaction ID # or your order # will not be accepted as proof of a reservation. Make sure that you obtain a reservation number for each trip you reserve.
Reservations are only valid on the trip(s) date, time, origin and destination as stated on the reservation.
If we have reason to suspect the fraudulent use of a reservation confirmation, we reserve the right to refuse travel on our vehicles. No refund will be made in relation to any reservation confirmation refused due to fraudulent use.
As unaccompanied children under the age of 17 are not permitted to travel on Megabus, we recommend that young adults be prepared to produce a photo ID with proof of age to avoid being refused from traveling on our buses.
You're unfamiliar with what a Megabus bus looks like? You don't know what you're missing!
Megabus buses are identified by their distinctive branding, which is used throughout this site.
For a photo of one of our vehicles, see our image gallery. Please note, while Megabus uses a distinct branding and color for its buses, occasionally a subcontracted bus may be used and these buses will not have the same graphics and decals.
In these instances the bus may have a sign in the windshield/dashboard area identifying the service as Megabus and/or the driver will make an announcement identifying the service as Megabus. If unsure please ask the driver.
To make sure your luggage dimensions are in check, please keep in mind the below parameters:
- Because our drivers aren’t looking for a free workout, your luggage cannot exceed 50 pounds. Why? We have to lift them!
- To avoid us trying to play Tetris with your belongings, remember that all luggage cannot exceed 62 inches in total (length + width + height).
- One small carry-on bag is permitted, but it has to be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you (think briefcase, backpack, or laptop bag).
Besides yourself and your thirst for travel, you’re welcome to bring (1) piece of luggage and (1) carry-on bag if you purchase general seating tickets or standard reserved seats.
For more information, see our luggage policy.
Again, our drivers appreciate the workout, but no pieces of luggage over 50 pounds are permitted – regardless of whether additional reservations have been purchased.
Cycling enthusiasts are welcome, but bicycles are not permitted unless they are inside a case that meets the luggage allowance.
Alcohol, drugs, and weapons are strictly prohibited on our buses (including checked luggage).
Unfortunately Megabus buses are unable to carry these items unless they are in a case that does not exceed the dimensions stated in the luggage policy.
For guidance, this case must not exceed 62 inches when adding the total exterior dimensions of the piece (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds.
Megabus cannot store these items if they are out of a case due to the potential for damage to other customers' luggage.
Bicycles will be allowed on Coach USA operated trips within the state of Wisconsin.
On Megabus operated trips the motorcoaches are equipped with onboard restrooms, power outlets, three point seatbelts and reclining seats.
Learn more about the Megabus onboard experience.
Please note that for operational reasons Megabus may need to substitute a replacement vehicle which may not have all regular amenities.
You’re welcome to snack on our buses. However, alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the bus (including checked baggage).
Look outside! You’ll see that there are already plenty of clouds in the sky. For the safety and comfort of other passengers, please wait until a rest stop for smoking and vaping as they are prohibited.
All Megabus operated buses are equipped with seatbelts. Children under the age of 7 are recommended to use a child safety seat that meets applicable government regulations for motor vehicle use and is in a state of good repair.
Please note that for operational reasons Megabus may need to substitute a replacement vehicle which may not have seatbelts.
Persons traveling across the U.S./Canadian border should research information on documents needed to cross the border from the relevant U.S. and Canadian government agencies; as such requirements are subject to change. A valid passport is required for citizens of any nation, including citizens of the United States and Canada, to cross the border in either direction between the United States and Canada. Passengers are advised to consult with their government if they seek to cross the border without a valid passport. For U.S. Government information, passengers should consult with U.S. Customs and Border Protection at www.cbp.gov. For Canadian Government information, passengers should consult with Citizenship and Immigration Canada at www.cic.gc.ca.
A guardian traveling with children must provide proof of custody or notarized parental authorization for travel. An adult accompanying a child who is neither a parent nor guardian of the child should have written permission from a parent or guardian to accompany the child across the border, including the name and contact information of the parent or guardian.
Let’s give the border guards a break and make their jobs easy. Know that all luggage is subject to inspection when crossing international borders.
You will be asked to declare any items subject to duty upon crossing the border.
Passengers must claim their luggage at the border crossing point for clearance through customs before being allowed to proceed across the border. No luggage is allowed across the border unless claimed by a passenger.
Much like the airline industry, all Megabus seats are sold on a reservation basis and you must travel at your specified time and date. Customers are required to be at their departure point at least 15 minutes before their selected trip is scheduled to depart.
This allows Megabus drivers to board customers in a timely manner avoiding any delays that may impact the departure of the vehicle. No refunds or credits will be given in instances where customers miss the bus; however, reservations can be changed on our website up until 6 hours prior to departure.
If an item is lost on a bus, a lost item inquiry must be reported to our lost and found department by filling out this form.
Once you've submitted the necessary information on the lost item, it will be entered into our system for processing by our lost and found department.
Our lost and found department responds to all loss inquiries. The time frame of response may take several days as an investigation to find the lost item must be completed. Megabus makes every attempt to return lost items to their rightful owners and will assist with retrieval to the best of our ability.
While we don’t offer GPS tracker technology to attach to your luggage just yet, our maximum liability to you for any loss or damage to your luggage is US $250 per passenger.
Of course, Megabus will only be responsible to reimburse passengers up to the maximum liability limit in the event of negligence on our part.
Megabus has purchased insurance in accordance with our legal responsibility. All legal liabilities to third parties, to include damage to property and personal injury are covered.
Megabus does not offer travel insurance. If you wish to purchase travel insurance for your trip, then please speak to your insurance provider.
Listen to your driver’s announcement prior to departing the bus. He or she will let you know how much time you have at the rest area before needing to be back onboard.
Please return promptly to ensure you arrive to your destination on time.
Depends how much of a survivalist you are. For those who would rather brave the great outdoors responsibly, check the weather prior to departing home.
Dress appropriately for the conditions and bring an umbrella if it’s expected to rain. For hot days, we recommend light clothing or refreshing beverages to take on board.
We don’t possess a doomsday weather-controlling machine like a Bond villain. We understand Mother Nature can get in the way sometime and force us to cancel trips.
If your trip is affected, we will let you know via email with information on rescheduling your trip at no additional charge.
If you have opted into our text-messaging service (and we recommend that you do!), you will also receive a text message update regarding the status of your trip.
This could include stop changes, schedule changes, canceled services and weather advisories. We'll also post any service advisories on our website.
Sometimes on longer trips (of five hours or more), we may stop at a rest area that has access to food and additional restrooms.
We encourage you to bring snacks to munch on and non-alcoholic beverages to drink during the trip.
Get in touch with our virtual travel assistant, Chuck by emailing inquiries@megabus.com and receive a response within minutes!