The Ultimate Guide to Luggage on South African Long-Distance Buses

Every coach company has its own system for what counts as free luggage, what’ll cost extra, and what’s simply not allowed (yes, that surfboard might be a problem). So, let’s unpack the basics — pun intended — so you don’t end up paying unexpected baggage fees or worse, watching your bag drive away without you.

Here’s the thing: while air travellers obsess over baggage weight and measurements, most bus passengers in South Africa don’t think twice about it. That’s until the driver takes one look at their oversized suitcase and says, “Sorry boss, that’s extra.” Most major operators like Greyhound, Intercity, Intercape and Big Sky have clear rules about how much luggage you can take, and it’s not as unlimited as it looks.

Weight limits matter because space under the bus (the “luggage hold”) is tight — especially on full routes or during peak seasons like Easter and December holidays. You don’t want to be that person holding up the queue while negotiating the fate of your second bag. According to CheckMyBus, most coach lines in South Africa offer one or two checked bags per passenger and one small piece of hand luggage, but the details vary widely. So let’s take a closer look at what each operator actually says.

South Africa’s bus industry has a few big names, and while they’re all reliable, their baggage rules aren’t identical. You’ll thank yourself later for checking the details before you pack.

• Greyhound (and Citiliner Plus): Passengers can take two pieces of luggage with a combined weight of up to 25 kg — no more. Any extra weight costs you around R5 per kilogram, depending on the route. Hand luggage is limited to one small bag that fits under the seat or in the overhead rack. Greyhound won’t take unaccompanied baggage, and all items travel at your own risk.
• Intercity: Intercity passengers get one checked bag up to 25 kg, plus one small hand item. Bags over the limit may be refused or charged extra. The company clearly states that luggage is transported at owner’s risk — no fancy insurance if something goes missing. If you’re bringing something bulky (like a guitar or cooler box), it’s worth phoning ahead to make sure it’ll fit.
• Intercape: Intercape offers a slightly more generous allowance: two bags totalling up to 30 kg for domestic routes, and up to 40 kg for international trips. You can add more bags, but only by paying per kilo. Oversized items such as bicycles or surfboards are allowed only if booked in advance. And if you’re travelling cross-border (say, to Namibia or Zimbabwe), customs regulations also apply.
• Big Sky Intercity: With Big Sky, the limit depends on your ticket type: Saver, Flexi, or Full Flexi. The standard rule is one bag up to 20 kg, and a small 7 kg carry-on. Heavier travellers (and by that, we mean their luggage) can pay a surcharge for extra weight.
• Delta Coaches and Margate Coach: Both smaller operators have similar limits: around 25 kg total for checked luggage, one small hand bag, and fees for anything extra or oddly shaped. Margate Coach even specifies maximum suitcase dimensions — around 90 × 75 × 43 cm. Anything beyond that might set you back an extra R50 or more.

Before you start throwing everything into your suitcase, let’s outline what’s generally accepted across the board. The rules might look simple, but they can save you stress and money.

Most South African bus companies allow one or two large bags in the hold, and one small item of hand luggage inside the coach. But these allowances aren’t “one size fits all.” Weight limits are real, and extra luggage fees can sneak up on you if you’re not prepared. Unlike airlines, there are no uniform luggage scanners or check-in counters — it’s usually just the driver and his eyes. So, if he thinks your bag looks heavy, you’ll be reaching for your wallet.

Here’s what’s standard on most routes:

Checked Luggage (Hold Bags)

• – 1 or 2 bags allowed, depending on the company
• – Combined weight between 20 kg and 30 kg
• – Anything heavier = extra fee (from R5–R10 per kg)
• – Some companies allow larger limits on premium tickets
• – Fragile or valuable items should never go here

Hand Luggage

• – One small bag per person, usually under 5–7 kg
• – Must fit under your seat or in the overhead rack
• – No liquids or flammable items
• – Keep your electronics, wallet and documents here
• – Drivers may check if your hand bag looks oversized

Special or Oversized Items

• – Bicycles, surfboards, fishing rods, musical instruments: only by prior arrangement
• – Some routes (especially international ones) won’t accept them at all
• – Items must be securely wrapped or boxed
• – Extra charges almost always apply
• – When in doubt, phone the call centre first

You don’t need to be a minimalist to travel comfortably, but smart packing helps. The trick is balancing what you need on board with what can survive the rough handling below. South African roads can be bumpy — and yes, the luggage hold sometimes doubles as a rugby scrum for bags.

To make your life easier, follow these tips before you hit the terminal:

• Weigh your luggage at home. A cheap luggage scale will save you drama at check-in.
• Label your bags with your name and number. If something gets misplaced, it’s easier to find.
• Arrive early, especially if you’re carrying extra items — the luggage compartment fills up fast on busy routes.
• Pack valuables and breakables (like laptops, cameras, or that fancy bottle of wine) in your hand luggage.
• Avoid hard suitcases if possible; soft duffels fit better into tight spaces.
• Keep small change ready — some companies still charge excess baggage in cash, paid directly to the driver.
• Check your ticket type — pricier options sometimes include more luggage allowance.

There’s no single luggage policy across South African bus companies — each one does its own thing. But if you stick to one big bag, one small bag, and one chill attitude, you’ll be fine. Remember, the journey’s not just about getting there — it’s about the stories you collect along the way (and not about wrestling your suitcase at 6 am in a Joburg terminal).

So pack smart, travel light, and keep your snacks within arm’s reach. You never know when the bus stops for a “five-minute break” that somehow lasts thirty.

Are you also interested in other topics relating to long-distance coach travel? You can find many more articles on booking, passenger rights and more on the overview page of our blog. There you will find the following articles, among others: