Arcadia Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

Whether you’re taking a 56-passenger charter bus to the Rose Bowl or a 20-passenger minibus to Santa Anita Park, it’s important to know how much luggage your group can bring. Charter Bus Rental Arcadia offers buses with storage solutions for every type of trip. You’ll want to plan ahead so everyone’s suitcases, golf clubs, coolers, and other gear make it on board. Not sure what to expect? Here’s how to estimate your charter bus’s storage space and tips for packing efficiently for your next trip out of Arcadia!

Storage Space on our Different Bus Models in Arcadia

Charter Bus Rental Arcadia has access to a wide range of bus models—from compact minibuses to full-size motorcoaches. The amount of luggage space available depends largely on the type and size of bus you reserve. Generally, larger coaches offer more undercarriage storage and overhead bin space than smaller shuttle buses or sprinter vans. Here’s an overview of typical storage options by bus type:

56-passenger charter buses: These are the largest vehicles in our fleet and offer the most storage capacity. Most have three or four spacious luggage bays beneath the main cabin that run the width of the bus from curbside to roadside. They also feature overhead parcel racks inside the passenger area for carry-ons and personal items.

25-35 passenger minibuses: Mid-sized shuttles may include one or two small luggage compartments at the rear of the vehicle, behind the last row of seats. Some models swap a row or two of passenger seating for extra cargo room. Overhead bins are usually present but may be shallower or less continuous than those on a full-size coach.

15-passenger sprinter vans: These compact vehicles maximize seating but offer limited dedicated luggage space. You’ll find only a small cargo area in the back, accessible through rear doors, with no underfloor bays. Overhead storage is minimal or non-existent.

It’s important to note that not all buses of the same size have identical storage configurations. When requesting a quote, let us know what you need to bring so we can match you with the right Arcadia charter bus rental!

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

Undercarriage luggage bays are the primary storage solution on full-size charter buses and some mid-size coaches. On a standard 56-passenger bus, you’ll typically see three or four separate compartments running parallel to each other beneath the main floor. Each bay measures about 8 feet wide, 3.5 feet high, and 3 feet deep—large enough to fit big checked suitcases, duffel bags, instrument cases, or even golf club bags.

The total combined under-bay storage on a full-size coach often exceeds 400 cubic feet. As a rule of thumb, this is sufficient for one large suitcase per passenger if you fill every seat. For groups traveling lighter or not at max capacity, there will be ample room for additional gear like folding tables, display materials, or event coolers. Just remember that the bays are only accessible when the bus is parked, so anything you may need en route should ride in the cabin.

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

Inside the bus, you’ll find overhead parcel racks above the seats, similar to airplane cabins. These enclosed bins or open shelves are designed for smaller carry-on items, such as backpacks, laptop bags, purses, briefcases, or daypacks. The average dimensions of an overhead bin on a full-size coach are about 10.5 inches high and 17.5 inches deep, running along both sides of the aisle.

While overhead racks won’t accommodate bulky luggage, they’re perfect for keeping essentials within reach during travel. Encourage passengers to stow valuables, medications, electronics, snacks, and anything else they might want while the bus is moving here. In general, each person can fit one small carry-on bag in the overhead compartment, similar to airline baggage allowances.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

On a full-size charter bus loaded to its maximum rated capacity (usually 56 passengers), you can safely plan for each person to bring one large checked bag (up to 62 linear inches and 50 pounds) plus one carry-on item that fits in the overhead bin. If your group isn’t filling every seat, you’ll have proportionally more storage per person—for example, a 40-person group on a 56-passenger coach could each bring an extra duffel or equipment case.

For smaller buses and minibuses, the ratio drops due to reduced cargo volume. A 25-passenger minibus with a single rear luggage area may only fit 15-18 large suitcases without stacking dangerously high. In these cases, encourage everyone to pack lighter and use soft-sided bags that can flexibly fill odd spaces.

Always check with your reservation specialist for specific guidance based on the exact model reserved. We’ll help calculate whether your group’s luggage, presentation materials, sports gear, or other specialty cargo will fit comfortably for your Arcadia charter bus trip.

Packing & planning tips for group leaders

To make boarding and unloading quick and easy, provide clear packing guidelines to all participants before departure. Share the size and weight limits for checked and carry-on bags, and remind everyone that oversized or overweight items may not fit. Ask travelers to clearly label all their luggage with names and contact information, especially if multiple people have similar suitcases.

For events with lots of extra gear—like musical instruments for a band competition at Arcadia High School, tailgating supplies for a USC football game, or trade show booths bound for the Los Angeles Convention Center—consider making a master list of everything going under the bus. Assign someone to supervise loading and ensure fragile or valuable items are handled with care. If possible, load heavy bags first and distribute weight evenly between bays.

Finally, remind everyone that the undercarriage bays stay locked while driving, so they won’t have access until the next stop. Anything needed for comfort, entertainment, or work (jackets, headphones, tablets, chargers, etc.) should ride up top in the cabin. With good communication and a little planning, your group’s luggage will travel safely and securely to any Arcadia destination.

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental Arcadia

Ready to book a charter bus rental that meets your group’s storage needs? Charter Bus Rental Arcadia makes it simple. Our team is available 24/7 at 626-631-5070 to answer questions about luggage space, recommend the best bus model for your itinerary, and customize onboard amenities. From ski trips to Big Bear requiring extra room for gear to airport transfers where everyone packs light, we’ll match you with the right vehicle. With flexible packages, instant price quotes, and more than 10 years of experience serving groups statewide, we’re Arcadia’s trusted source for reliable group transportation. Call today and let us handle the logistics while you focus on enjoying the journey!