Autobus vs. autocar
In French, while both autobus and autocar can be translated as "bus" in English, they are not interchangeable. They describe two different types of vehicles used for distinct purposes: one for local city transport and the other for long-distance travel.
Autobus
A1An autobus is a city bus used for public transportation within a city or its suburbs. It operates on a fixed route with frequent stops, and it is designed to accommodate standing passengers for short trips. In everyday language, it is often shortened to bus.
Pour aller au musée, nous devons prendre l'autobus numéro 12.
(To go to the museum, we have to take bus number 12.)
L'autobus était tellement plein que j'ai dû rester debout tout le trajet.
(The bus was so full that I had to stand for the whole journey.)
J'ai raté l'autobus, le prochain passe dans quinze minutes.
(I missed the bus, the next one comes in fifteen minutes.)
Les enfants montent dans l'autobus scolaire jaune chaque matin.
(The children get on the yellow school bus every morning.)
N'oubliez pas de valider votre titre de transport en montant dans l'autobus.
(Do not forget to validate your ticket when getting on the bus.)
Autocar
A2An autocar is a coach designed for long-distance travel between towns, cities, or even countries. Comfort is a key feature, so every passenger has a seat, and there is a large luggage compartment underneath. They are often used for tourism or intercity lines.
Nous avons voyagé en autocar de Bordeaux à Madrid.
(We traveled by coach from Bordeaux to Madrid.)
L'agence de voyages a affrété un autocar pour notre excursion dans les Alpes.
(The travel agency chartered a coach for our excursion in the Alps.)
Vous devez mettre vos grosses valises dans la soute de l'autocar.
(You must put your large suitcases in the coach's luggage hold.)
Cet autocar est très moderne, avec des toilettes et le Wi-Fi à bord.
(This coach is very modern, with a toilet and Wi-Fi on board.)
L'autocar partira de la gare routière à 22h précise.
(The coach will depart from the bus terminal at 10 PM sharp.)
Summary
The main difference lies in the journey's distance and purpose. Use autobus (or bus) for a short-distance city bus with frequent stops and standing room. Use autocar for a long-distance coach that travels between cities, where all passengers are seated and luggage is stored separately.