How Many Seats are on a Santa Monica Charter Bus?

When you rent a charter bus in Santa Monica, you’ll find seating capacities that range from as small as 10 passengers to as large as 56. The most common full-sized charter bus will have 56 seats, while minibus rentals typically offer between 15 and 35 seats. If you need a custom headcount or aren’t sure what size is right for your group, call our team at 424-525-1700. We’ve been providing Santa Monica charter bus rentals for more than a decade—and we know every make, model, and seat configuration out there!

This guide covers the most popular charter bus and minibus sizes available for rent in Santa Monica. You’ll also get tips on how to choose the best bus size for your group, plus answers to common questions about capacity and luggage space. Whether you’re planning a day trip to Disneyland with a youth group, shuttling event guests from LAX, or organizing a multi-bus move for thousands of people, Charter Bus Rental Santa Monica has the perfect vehicle for you.

Santa Monica Charter Bus Seating Capacity: The Quick Answer

Full-size charter buses typically seat either 55 or 56 passengers, depending on the manufacturer and interior layout. Some models are built with fewer seats (usually 47 to 52) to allow for extra legroom, wider aisles, or additional amenities such as wheelchair lifts. These larger coaches are ideal for long-distance trips and large groups, whether you’re booking a field trip to the California Science Center or a corporate shuttle service to Downtown LA.

Minibuses come in a wider range of sizes, commonly offering 15, 18, 20, 25, 28, 30, or 35 seats. The smallest sprinter buses usually seat 10-12 passengers. Minibuses are perfect for short-distance transportation, small groups, and navigating tight city streets around places like Santa Monica Pier or Venice Beach.

In general, you can expect the following seating options:

• Sprinter Van: 10-15 seats
• Minibus: 15-35 seats
• Charter bus: 40-56 seats
• Party bus: 10-50 seats

How Big is a Full-Size Santa Monica Charter Bus?

The most common charter bus size in the U.S. is 56 passengers. These large vehicles measure roughly 45 feet long, 8.5 feet wide, and 12 feet tall. With high-backed reclining seats, climate control, overhead storage, undercarriage luggage bays, and restrooms, these are designed for comfort on long-haul routes. Most feature an aisle running down the center with two seats on each side, similar to an airplane cabin.

Other standard full-size charter bus seat counts include 55, 52, 50, and 47. Buses with fewer seats often provide more generous spacing between rows, making them popular for VIP travel or athletic teams who need room for equipment. Some may also replace rows of seats with wheelchair securement areas to meet ADA requirements. If you need a bus that can accommodate wheelchairs or other mobility devices, just let us know when you call.

What About Mini Buses?

Minibuses are available in many sizes, but the most popular options are 15, 18, 20, 25, 28, 30, and 35 seats. These compact vehicles are typically 22 to 35 feet long and are built to navigate urban environments where maneuvering a full-size coach might be challenging. The smallest minibus, sometimes called a sprinter van, usually holds 10-12 passengers and is great for quick airport transfers or private tours along Ocean Avenue.

Larger minibuses in the 25-35 seat range offer features similar to big coaches, including plush seating, air conditioning, and sometimes even onboard WiFi or power outlets. However, they generally do not have restrooms or significant undercarriage storage. They’re perfect for medium-sized groups attending business meetings, weddings, or sporting events where staying together and arriving on time is essential.

Are There Smaller Buses?

Yes! For groups smaller than 15, we offer sprinter vans that seat 10-15 passengers. These are essentially luxury vans with comfortable leather seats, individual seat belts, and ample headroom. Sprinter buses are ideal for executive travel, small wedding parties, or family outings. They can easily navigate narrow streets and offer a more intimate setting compared to larger buses. Plus, they often come equipped with premium amenities like USB charging ports, tinted windows, and even mini-fridges.

How Much Luggage Can a Charter Bus Hold?

Luggage capacity depends on the size of the bus and its interior configuration. A standard 56-passenger charter bus has enough undercarriage storage to hold about 70 pieces of luggage—one large suitcase per passenger, plus some extra room for duffel bags or equipment. Overhead bins inside the bus can accommodate smaller carry-on items like backpacks, purses, or briefcases.

Minibuses, on the other hand, have limited storage space. Most 25-35 passenger minibuses offer only overhead racks, suitable for small bags. If your group needs to bring large items such as golf clubs, musical instruments, or AV equipment, it’s best to discuss this with our reservation team so we can match you with a bus that meets your needs. In some cases, we may recommend renting a slightly larger bus or arranging for a separate luggage van.

Do Charter Buses Have Restrooms?

Most full-size charter buses (47-56 seats) come equipped with an onboard restroom located at the rear of the bus. These restrooms are typically compact and include a toilet and a small sink. While they are convenient for long trips, especially when traveling with children or seniors, it’s worth noting that they are not intended for frequent use like those in a building.

Minibuses and sprinter buses generally do not have restrooms due to their smaller size. If having a restroom on board is important for your trip, be sure to request a full-size charter bus when booking. For shorter journeys within the city or for groups comfortable with scheduled stops, a minibus without a restroom may be sufficient.

Can I Customize the Seating Arrangement?

Absolutely! Many charter bus interiors can be customized to suit your group’s specific needs. For example, if you require wheelchair accessibility, we can arrange for a bus with designated spaces and securements. Some buses offer perimeter seating (seats facing inward along the walls) instead of traditional forward-facing rows, which is popular for party buses or social events.

Additionally, seats can sometimes be removed or reconfigured to create more legroom or to accommodate special equipment. If you have a unique request, such as needing tables for onboard meetings or extra space for a film crew’s gear, let us know. Our team will work with you to ensure the bus layout matches your itinerary and comfort preferences.

How Many People Fit on a Party Bus?

Party buses are available in various sizes, typically seating between 10 and 50 passengers. Unlike traditional charter buses, party buses feature wraparound leather seating, mood lighting, dance floors, sound systems, and sometimes even poles for dancing. The largest party buses can hold up to 50 people, making them perfect for bachelor/bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations, or any event where the journey is part of the fun.

Keep in mind that the maximum capacity includes all passengers, whether seated or standing. It’s important not to exceed the recommended limit for safety reasons. If your group is larger than 50, consider renting multiple party buses or combining a party bus with a charter bus to ensure everyone travels comfortably.

How Do I Choose the Right Bus Size?

Start by confirming your exact headcount. Always book a bus with a few extra seats to account for last-minute additions or to provide more space for passengers to spread out. Next, consider the length of your trip and the amenities you’ll need. For long-distance travel, a full-size charter bus with a restroom and ample luggage space is ideal. For local shuttles or short trips, a minibus or sprinter bus may suffice.

Think about any special requirements your group might have, such as wheelchair access, extra legroom, or onboard entertainment systems. If you’re unsure what size or type of bus is best, our reservation specialists are available 24/7 to help you weigh your options. Just give us a call at 424-525-1700, and we’ll guide you through the process.

How Many Charter Buses Will I Need?

If you have a group larger than 56 people, you’ll need to rent multiple buses. For example, a group of 120 could be split across two 56-passenger buses and one 15-passenger minibus. Alternatively, you could use three 40-passenger buses to keep everyone on similar schedules. The number of buses required depends on your total headcount, desired comfort level, and budget.

For very large events, such as music festivals, conventions, or sporting tournaments, it’s common to deploy a fleet of buses. Charter Bus Rental Santa Monica has experience coordinating complex moves involving dozens of vehicles and thousands of passengers. We can stagger departures, set up dedicated pick-up/drop-off zones, and provide on-site staff to manage logistics. Whatever your group size, we have the resources and expertise to transport everyone efficiently and safely.

Book Your Santa Monica Bus Today

Ready to find the perfect bus for your next trip? Charter Bus Rental Santa Monica offers instant online quotes and a simple booking process. Enter your trip details—including dates, pick-up/drop-off locations, and headcount—to receive a personalized quote in about 30 seconds. Our extensive fleet ensures that we can accommodate any group size, from small family outings to large-scale corporate events.

If you prefer to speak with someone directly, our team is available 24/7 at 424-525-1700. We’ll answer any questions you have about seating capacity, amenities, pricing, or anything else related to charter bus rentals. With over 10 years of experience serving Santa Monica and the greater Los Angeles area, we’re committed to providing reliable, comfortable, and flexible transportation solutions for every occasion.

Don’t leave your group’s transportation to chance. Contact Charter Bus Rental Santa Monica today and travel with confidence!