Livermore Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

If you’re organizing a group trip and need to figure out how much luggage you can bring on your charter bus, you’ve come to the right place! At Charter Bus Rental Livermore, we get this question all the time. That’s why we created this comprehensive guide to bus storage space and packing tips for group leaders.

We’ll go over everything from under-floor luggage bays to overhead racks, plus simple ways to maximize every cubic foot of space. Whether you’re planning a long-distance field trip or a weekend wedding shuttle, you’ll know exactly how many suitcases, duffel bags, and carry-ons your group can pack along for the ride.

Storage Space on our Different Bus Models in Livermore

Charter Bus Rental Livermore is one of Alameda County’s largest providers of group transportation, with access to a fleet of more than 100 vehicles across California! We offer several different models of charter buses and minibuses, each with their own unique storage configurations.

Our full-size charter buses are ideal for large groups traveling with lots of luggage. These 40- to 56-passenger coaches have huge under-floor luggage compartments that run the entire length of the vehicle. They also have spacious overhead parcel racks inside the cabin, just like you’d find on an airplane or Amtrak train. If you’re transporting band equipment, sports gear, trade show displays, or anything else bulky, a full-size charter bus is the way to go.

Our Livermore minibus rentals are perfect for mid-sized groups who want a compact, nimble shuttle without sacrificing comfort. These 18- to 35-passenger buses usually don’t have under-floor storage bays like their larger counterparts. Instead, they make use of rear storage trunks and overhead parcel racks. While not as cavernous as a charter bus’s luggage hold, minibus storage can easily fit small suitcases, backpacks, and other personal items for each passenger.

And if you’re looking for something even smaller, we also offer sprinter vans and party buses that seat between 10 and 20 passengers. These vehicles typically have limited storage space, but are perfect for quick trips around town or airport transfers where most people only have carry-on bags.

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

On a standard 56-passenger charter bus, the under-floor luggage bays provide roughly 450 cubic feet of storage space. To put that in perspective, that’s enough room for around 70 large suitcases—more than enough for every passenger to bring a checked bag and then some!

The luggage bays are accessible from both sides of the bus and run nearly the entire length of the vehicle. They’re about 8 feet wide, 3.5 feet tall, and 3.5 feet deep per bay, though exact dimensions may vary by manufacturer. Some buses have three or four separate bays, while others feature one continuous pass-through compartment. Either way, you’ll have plenty of space for large, heavy items like band instruments, sports equipment, or trade show displays.

One thing to keep in mind: the under-floor bays are only accessible when the bus is parked and the doors are open. Anything you might need during the drive should be kept in the cabin or in an overhead rack. And while the bays can handle a lot of weight, it’s always a good idea to distribute heavy items evenly to avoid overloading one section of the bus.

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

Inside the passenger cabin, you’ll find overhead parcel racks above the seats on both sides of the aisle. These racks are similar to what you’d see on an airplane or commuter train—perfect for stowing backpacks, tote bags, jackets, and other small carry-on items.

On a full-size charter bus, the overhead racks typically measure about 10 inches high and 17 inches deep, running the full length of the seating area. Each section can comfortably fit two or three small bags, depending on their size and how tightly they’re packed. With racks on both sides of the aisle, you’ll have space for at least one carry-on item per passenger.

Minibuses and sprinter vans often have smaller overhead racks or shelves, usually just big enough for purses, briefcases, and laptop bags. Since these vehicles have less total storage space, it’s important to remind passengers to pack light and keep only essential items within arm’s reach during the trip.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

With all this storage space available, you’re probably wondering how many bags each person can realistically bring on the bus. While there’s no hard-and-fast rule, a good guideline is to allow one large suitcase or duffel bag per passenger in the under-floor bay, plus one smaller carry-on item in the overhead rack or cabin area.

This mirrors the baggage policy of most airlines and keeps things fair for everyone on board. Of course, if you have fewer passengers than the bus’s maximum capacity, each person could bring additional luggage without issue. Just be sure to communicate any limits clearly to your group ahead of time to avoid confusion or overcrowding on departure day.

For special cargo like musical instruments, sports gear, or presentation materials, it’s best to allocate dedicated space in the luggage bay and let passengers know if they’ll need to share space with other items. Our reservation team can help you estimate how much room you’ll need based on the size and number of oversized items.

Packing & Planning Tips for Group Leaders

Now that you know how much storage space you’ll have on your Livermore charter bus, here are a few tips to make the most of it:

Communicate luggage guidelines early and often. Let your group know how many bags they’re allowed to bring and what size limits apply. This will prevent last-minute surprises and ensure everyone packs appropriately.

Encourage soft-sided luggage. Duffel bags and soft-shell suitcases are easier to stack and squeeze into tight spaces than hard-shell cases. They’re also lighter and less likely to damage other bags during loading and unloading.

Label all bags clearly with the owner’s name and contact information. This will make it easier to identify luggage during pit stops and reduce the risk of mix-ups or lost items.

Pack essential items in carry-ons. Remind passengers to keep medications, valuables, snacks, and entertainment in the cabin with them. The under-floor bays aren’t accessible while the bus is moving, so anything they might need en route should stay within reach.

Load heavy items first and distribute weight evenly. Place the heaviest bags and equipment at the bottom of the luggage bay and spread them out from front to back. This will help maintain the bus’s balance and prevent shifting during transit.

Plan for special cargo. If you’re transporting fragile or oversized items like musical instruments, artwork, or scientific equipment, let us know in advance. We can recommend the best way to secure and protect these items during the journey.

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental Livermore

Ready to book your next group trip? Charter Bus Rental Livermore has the perfect bus and storage solution for your needs. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway to Napa Valley, a field trip to San Francisco, or a corporate retreat in Lake Tahoe, we’ll make sure you have all the space you need for luggage, equipment, and anything else your group requires.

Our friendly reservation specialists are available 24/7 to answer questions, provide custom quotes, and help you choose the right bus model and amenities. Just give us a call at 925-505-4650 or fill out our online form to get started. With Charter Bus Rental Livermore, you can pack with confidence and hit the road knowing everything will arrive safely and on time!