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Preparing for Your Trip

New to bus travel? Our reference guide provides answers to all questions related to preparing for your trip with Jefferson Lines. 

Packing for the Trip

Jefferson Lines allows two FREE bags per adult ticket. You can bring one free carry-on and one free checked bag that will be stored in luggage compartments underneath the bus. The carry-on must be able to fit in the overhead storage or underneath your seat without blocking the aisle. The maximum allowable size for checked baggage is 62 inches when adding the total exterior dimensions of the piece (length + width + height), and weight must not exceed 50 lbs. 

Please visit our Baggage Policy for more information on packing, tagging, and transferring your luggage. Preparing for your trip will help make your ride much smoother so make sure to check out our plan your trip page as well! 

Finding Your Bus Stop

Jefferson Lines provides scheduled service across 14 states with connections to thousands of destinations across the country. Each bus stop offers a variety of services depending on location. To find your Jefferson Lines bus stop location, and see what services are available, please visit our Bus Stops page for a complete list. 

Please note that although overnight parking is available at many locations, it is not available everywhere. Passengers should plan on contacting their departing location for availability and details prior to arrival. 

Getting Ready to Depart

Passengers are advised to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to departure time and have their ticket and valid ID ready for boarding. 

Full-service depots may require an arrival of up to 20 minutes prior to departure to allow time for ticket purchasing, luggage tagging, and locating the proper departure location. Please note that during peak travel seasons and holidays, passengers should anticipate arriving earlier than the regular suggested time as locations will be busier than usual. 

Depending on the location, boarding announcements may be made prior to the departure time. The announcement will include the schedule number, departure time, destination(s), and departure gate. At some locations, the driver may enter the facility to announce that the bus has arrived. Announcements are not made at every stop, however, so be sure to watch for the arrival of your bus. 

On the Bus

Seating is on a first-come, first-serve based on the order in which passengers board. Accommodations for passengers with disabilities and senior passengers will be made whenever possible. 

Jefferson Lines understands that your time is valuable and we do our best to provide on-time service, however delays are possible due to a variety of reasons including, but not limited to mechanical failures, traffic/road conditions, and/or weather conditions. Use our Bus Tracker tool to see real-time GPS updates of your bus’s location, and stay up-to-date with our Live Travel Alerts. 

Amenities

All Jefferson Lines buses are equipped with WiFi, restrooms, reclining seats, reading lights, and individual climate controls so you can travel in comfort. Check out our Bus Amenities page for a complete list of comforts. 

Food and Drink

Food and non-alcoholic beverages may be carried on board, and our long-haul routes have breaks worked into the schedule to allow passengers to purchase food and other essentials along the route.  

You’ve Arrived at Your Destination

Our bus drivers will make an announcement as they approach each stop so you can prepare for your exit. For safety reasons, please remain seated until the coach has come to a complete stop at the arrival location. Before leaving your seat, take an extra moment to ensure that you have all of your personal belongings with you. Please use caution when opening the overhead luggage compartments to grab your carry-on as contents may have shifted during transit.  

Once you’ve departed your bus, be sure to meet the driver or baggage porters by the side of the bus to retrieve any checked luggage. 

Looking for local transportation options now that you have arrived? Our Community Connect Program is a great way to locate transportation companies that operate in your destination. 

Additional Questions

Have a question that wasn’t answered? We’re happy to help! Please email our dedicated Customer Care team at info@jeffersonlines.com or call us at (858) 800-8898. 

Thank you for booking a trip with Jefferson Lines – we look forward to having you!