Australian Coach and Bus Star Ratings

Take the guesswork out of selecting buses and coaches.

What is the Australian Coach & Bus Star Rating System?

The Australian Coach and Bus Star Rating System is an independent bus and coach classification system designed to make it simpler for customers to compare the standard of service being offered by bus and coach operators in Australia. 

This classification, designed and administered by Coach & Bus Standards Australia (BCSA), aims to increase transparency and provide customers and tour operators with a framework for selecting products and services. Vehicles are awarded a star rating from 1 to 5, reflecting the quality of the coach or bus. 

Bus and Coach operators can apply to have their fleet rated and will be awarded the star grading that their fleet consists of. For example, a small luxury coach operator may apply for a 5-star rating only. In contrast, a large bus and coach operator could apply for multiple classifications (e.g. 3-stars, 4-stars, and 5-stars) to reflect the breadth of different vehicles they have.

How do the ratings work?

5-Stars: The coaches awarded 5-stars represent the peak of luxury coach travel. All vehicles are newer than 7 years to ensure they are fitted with the most up to date modern features. These vehicles have all the amenities that you would expect in a luxury touring coach.

5 Star vehicles are required to have the following features:

• Larger Seats and spacing

• Toilet

• Fridge

• Video Capabilities

• Seatbelts

• Air suspension

• Reclining seats

• Courier seat with a microphone

4-Stars: Coaches awarded 4-stars are very comfortable coaches. Vehicles are all 12 years old or newer. These vehicles are suitable for longer journeys or when comfort is still important.

4 Star vehicles are required to have but are not limited to the following features:

• Air suspension

• Reclining seats

• Courier seat with a microphone

• Trimmed baggage lockers

• Individual A/C outlet controls

• Adequate reading light

3-Stars: Vehicles awarded 3 stars are good coaches that are suitable for medium length journeys. All 3 star rated coaches are newer than 18 years.

3-Star vehicles are required to have but are not limited to the following features:

• Individual A/C outlet controls

• Adequate reading light

• Carpet and trim

• Curtains and tinted panoramic windows

2-Stars: These buses and coaches are decent vehicles that are typically a little bit older so they lack the modern features that one would like for longer trips. The age minimum of 2-star vehicles is not universal across vehicle sizes. For minibuses, it’s 15 years, medium-sized coaches it’s 20 years, and large coaches 25 years.

2-Star vehicles must abide by the minimum vehicle standards and include:

• Individual seats

• Air-conditioning

• Heating

1-Star: Buses and Coaches given 1 star are typically older models or vehicles that miss the features of modern coaches. All 1-star vehicles still need to meet the minimum standards of cleanliness where the exterior and interior must be clean, free from dents, stains, frays etc. Typical 1-star buses will be either older coaches or city/school buses.

Consumer Complaints

Australian Coach and Bus Standards take complaints from consumers very seriously. If you have an issue with an operator’s vehicle standards and feel that they did not provide you with the vehicle standard that you agreed upon, then let us know immediately.

All complaints will be looked into. Please provide photo evidence and communication as evidence so we can properly investigate.

To speak with one of our team regarding an issue, please email:

complaints@AustralianCoachBusStandards.org