Santa Monica Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

Whether you’re planning an overnight school field trip to the Getty Center, a week-long corporate retreat at Terranea Resort, or a multi-day family reunion in Downtown Los Angeles—packing for a charter bus ride can be stressful if you don’t know what to expect. After all, your group will likely be on the road for hours at a time, and you want everyone to have what they need!
That’s why we put together this packing guide. The team at Charter Bus Rental Santa Monica has over 10 years of experience providing group transportation services across Santa Monica and the rest of the state. We’ve helped thousands of travelers prepare for their travels on our fleet of Santa Monica charter buses and minibuses. Keep reading to learn more about how much storage space is available aboard different types of buses and what you should bring for your next group trip.

Storage Space on our Different Bus Models in Santa Monica

How much luggage you can bring depends on the type of bus you rent for your trip. If you’re renting a full-size charter bus, you’ll have access to spacious undercarriage compartments and overhead racks above the seats. These are the same sizes and models used by Greyhound, Megabus, and other intercity bus lines. They’re designed to hold large, heavy cargo like suitcases, instrument cases, and sports equipment.

If you’re reserving a minibus rental, on the other hand, there may only be overhead racks available for storage. Minibuses are smaller than motorcoaches, so there’s less room for luggage. However, they’re still great options for short trips and shuttles around town. Some minibus models even have rear luggage storage areas for additional capacity. And if you’re traveling with bulky items like bikes or kayaks, just let us know when you book your bus. We’ll work with you to find a solution that fits your needs!

How Much Space is Available in the Under-floor Bays?

Our full-size charter buses feature spacious undercarriage baggage bays with a combined total of up to 500 cubic feet of storage space. That’s enough room for each passenger to bring one large suitcase or duffel bag (about the size of checked luggage on a plane) and still have space left over for extra gear. The exact dimensions vary by model, but most undercarriage bays measure around 12-15 feet long, 3-4 feet wide, and 3-4 feet tall. They’re accessible from both sides of the bus, making it easy to load and unload your luggage.

For example, a standard 56-passenger MCI J4500 has three cargo bays that are each 12’ L x 3.5’ W x 3.5’ H, totaling over 440 cubic feet of space. That’s comparable to the trunk space of 10 full-size SUVs! You can easily fit large suitcases, coolers, folding tables, banners, and other bulky items in these compartments. Just keep in mind that the bays are not climate-controlled, so avoid storing perishable food or sensitive electronics in them.

How Much Space is Available in the Overhead/Parcel Racks?

Inside the cabin, full-size charter buses come equipped with overhead racks above the seats. These are similar to the bins on airplanes and are perfect for storing smaller bags and personal items you want to keep within reach during the ride. Most overhead racks are about 1 foot high, 1.5 feet deep, and run the length of the bus on both sides. That’s enough space for each passenger to stow a backpack, tote bag, or laptop case.

On a 56-passenger coach, the combined overhead storage usually totals around 100 cubic feet. While not as roomy as the undercarriage bays, it’s plenty of space for carry-ons, jackets, snacks, books, and other essentials. Just remember that overhead racks are open and unsecured, so avoid placing valuables or fragile items there that could fall out during transit.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

As a general rule, we recommend each passenger bring one large bag for the undercarriage bay and one small bag for the overhead rack. This is similar to the luggage allowance on most commercial airlines. For example, if you’re riding a 56-passenger charter bus, the group could collectively bring 56 checked-size suitcases and 56 carry-on bags without exceeding the storage capacity.
Of course, the exact number of bags you can bring depends on the size and weight of your luggage. If some passengers pack lighter, others may be able to bring extra items. And if you’re traveling with oversized equipment like musical instruments or sports gear, let us know in advance so we can allocate space accordingly.
If you’re renting a minibus, the luggage allowance may be smaller due to limited storage. A typical 25-passenger minibus has overhead racks that can hold about 25 backpacks or small duffels, plus a rear storage area for a few larger bags. In this case, we suggest packing as lightly as possible and coordinating with your group to share essentials.

Packing & planning tips for group leaders

To ensure a smooth boarding process and comfortable ride for everyone, here are some best practices for packing and organizing luggage on a charter bus:
Label all bags with names and contact info: This helps prevent mix-ups and makes it easier to identify lost items. Use luggage tags or write directly on the bag with a permanent marker.
Pack essential items in carry-ons: Anything you need during the ride—medication, phone chargers, headphones, snacks, etc.—should go in your overhead bag. You won’t have access to the undercarriage bays until the next stop.
Distribute weight evenly: When loading heavy bags into the undercarriage, spread them out across all the bays to balance the bus. Avoid stacking too many items in one compartment.
Secure loose items: Overhead racks are open, so place small or fragile items in zipped pouches or containers to prevent them from falling out. Don’t overload the racks or block the aisle.
Follow size and weight limits: Large bags should not exceed 62 linear inches (length + width + height) or 50 pounds each. If you have oversized or overweight items, notify us in advance for special arrangements.
Communicate expectations to your group: Before the trip, send out a packing list with guidelines on how much luggage each person can bring and what types of items are allowed. This helps avoid surprises and delays on departure day.
Have a plan for unloading: Assign volunteers or staff members to help unload luggage at each stop. Make sure everyone retrieves their own bags and checks for missing items before leaving the bus.

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental Santa Monica

Now that you know how much luggage you can bring on a charter bus, it’s time to start packing for your next adventure! Whether you’re traveling across California or just around Santa Monica, Charter Bus Rental Santa Monica has the perfect bus rental for your group. Our fleet includes everything from sprinter vans to full-size motorcoaches, all equipped with premium amenities and spacious storage compartments.
Ready to get a quote? Call 424-525-1700 today! Our team is available 24/7 to answer your questions, customize your itinerary, and provide instant pricing. Book your Santa Monica charter bus rental with us and travel with peace of mind knowing your luggage is safe and secure. Happy travels!