Skip to main content

Mass transit is a fine way to get around major cities and towns nationwide. While our public transportation standards aren’t on par with Europe, population centers like New York City hum to the tune of subterranean rail and bus services. However, not everything flies on public transit. To that end, can a firearm owner concealed carry a gun on a bus?

Depending on factors like the transit company’s policies and regulations, you may be able to carry a concealed gun on a bus

In permitless carry states like Texas, Kentucky, Arizona, Tennessee, and Vermont, you can carry a concealed firearm on your person while driving. Moreover, as “permitless” suggests, as long as you aren’t legally prohibited from carrying a gun, you don’t need a “License to Carry” (LTC) to do so. However, certain public spaces are a different story.

For instance, in Texas, “51%” establishments, or businesses that generate 51% or more of their revenue from alcohol sales, don’t allow drivers to carry their guns inside. And that’s regardless of a gun owner’s licensing. Similarly, your city, town, or regional bus companies may prohibit carrying a concealed gun on a bus.

Consequently, the United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) says that transit agencies “owned by a private entity” require passengers to abide by their weapons policies. So, if the bus company doesn’t allow riders to carry a concealed (or open-carry) gun, offenders could get into trouble with the police.

However, some transit agencies don’t expressly forbid a legal concealed carry gun. For instance, Austin’s CapMetro states that “illegal weapons and explosives” have no place on the city’s buses or bus stations. 

It’s up to you as the bus rider to know the laws of whether you can carry your gun on a bus, concealed or otherwise. Not knowing the law won’t likely keep you out of handcuffs. 

Moreover, major travel bus operations, like Greyhound and Megabus often prohibit firearms, concealed or otherwise. As such, drivers may refuse a ride to passengers with firearms.

Best in Tips, Tricks & Trends
Avatar photo
Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).