Davis Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

Whether you’re hitting the road with your school robotics team, heading to a Sacramento Kings game with your fan club, or planning a multi-day conference in San Francisco, one of the most common questions we hear is, “How much luggage can I bring on the bus?” We get it! Efficient packing and smart use of storage space can make or break your group’s comfort on a long trip. At Charter Bus Rental Davis, our team has over a decade of experience moving thousands of groups statewide. We know exactly how much gear you can fit on each type of bus, and we’ll help you plan accordingly. Call 530-771-9720 anytime for personalized advice and a fast quote!

Storage Space on Our Different Bus Models in Davis

We have a fleet of over 100 different buses, including full-size charter buses (40-56 passengers), minibuses (15-35 passengers), sprinter vans (10-15 passengers), and party buses (10-50 passengers). The amount of luggage space available varies by model, so it’s crucial to select the right vehicle based on your group’s needs.

Our 56-passenger charter buses are the gold standard for storage. These motorcoaches feature enormous under-floor luggage bays capable of holding up to 600 cubic feet of cargo. That’s enough room for each passenger to bring a full-size suitcase plus additional equipment like skis, bikes, or musical instruments. Inside the cabin, overhead parcel racks run the length of both sides, perfect for carry-on bags, laptop cases, and backpacks.

For smaller groups, our minibuses offer rear luggage compartments and limited overhead shelving. A typical 25-passenger minibus provides around 80 cubic feet in the back, accommodating about one medium suitcase per person if packed efficiently. Overhead space is more restricted, suitable for personal items rather than bulky carry-ons.

Sprinter vans and party buses prioritize seating and onboard amenities over storage. While they have limited rear or under-seat space for a few duffel bags, these vehicles are best for short trips where minimal luggage is required.

Not sure which bus fits your gear? Tell our reservation team about your itinerary, headcount, and packing list. We’ll recommend the optimal vehicle and even suggest creative solutions like booking a dedicated luggage shuttle if needed.

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

The under-floor luggage bays on our full-size charter buses are a game-changer for groups with heavy or bulky cargo. Each bus typically has three to four bays running the width of the vehicle, accessible from both sides. On average, these bays measure 8 feet wide, 3.5 feet high, and 4 feet deep per compartment.

In total, a 56-passenger coach offers approximately 500 to 600 cubic feet of under-floor storage. To put that in perspective, you could easily fit 56 large checked suitcases (one per passenger) or mix and match with oversized items like golf clubs, band equipment, or trade show displays. The pass-through design allows for flexible loading, and our team will work with you to maximize every inch of available space.

If your trip involves transporting extra-large or odd-shaped items—like bicycles for a team ride along the American River Bike Trail or stage props for a theater production at UC Davis—let us know in advance. We can advise on dimensions, weight limits, and even coordinate multiple buses if necessary.

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

Inside the passenger cabin, overhead parcel racks provide convenient storage for smaller bags and personal belongings. On a full-size charter bus, these racks span the length of both sides above the seats, similar to airplane bins but without doors.

Each section of the rack typically measures 10.5 inches high by 17.5 inches deep, offering enough room for a standard carry-on suitcase or two compact backpacks side by side. Across the entire bus, overhead storage adds up to roughly 120 cubic feet—ample space for everyone to keep essentials within reach during the journey.

It’s important to note that overhead racks are designed for lighter items. We recommend stowing anything over 25 pounds or larger than 16 x 12 x 7 inches in the under-floor bays to ensure safety and prevent shifting while the bus is in motion.

For minibuses, overhead storage is more limited, often consisting of open shelves or small compartments above select rows. Plan on using this space for jackets, purses, or other lightweight articles only.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

The golden rule for charter bus packing is one large suitcase in the under-floor bay and one carry-on item in the overhead rack per passenger. This guideline ensures that everyone has sufficient space for their belongings without overcrowding the aisles or exceeding weight restrictions.

For example, if you’re organizing a high school band trip from Davis Senior High School to a competition in Los Angeles, each student can pack a checked bag (up to 62 inches combined dimensions and 50 pounds) plus an instrument case or backpack as a carry-on. If the group is traveling light, such as a corporate day trip to a tech conference in Silicon Valley, you might allocate extra overhead space for presentation materials or product samples.

Of course, every group is unique. If you anticipate needing more storage—perhaps for sports equipment, camping gear for a retreat at Lake Berryessa, or multiple boxes of supplies for a convention at the Sacramento Convention Center—talk to our team. We’ve arranged everything from double-decker buses with expanded bays to separate luggage trailers for oversized loads.

Packing & Planning Tips for Group Leaders

As the organizer, clear communication is key to a smooth departure. Share detailed packing guidelines with your group well in advance, specifying size and weight limits, prohibited items, and any special instructions for fragile or valuable cargo. Encourage participants to label all bags with their name and contact information to prevent mix-ups during loading and unloading.

On travel day, designate a staging area near your pickup location—such as Central Park in downtown Davis or the parking lot at Aggie Stadium—where everyone can assemble their luggage before the bus arrives. Assign a point person to oversee loading, ensuring that heavy items go in first and carry-ons are placed overhead or kept at each seat.

Remind travelers to keep essential items like medications, electronics, and snacks in their personal bags rather than checking them underneath. Once the bus is moving, access to the under-floor bays is not possible until the next scheduled stop.

If your itinerary includes multiple pickups or drop-offs, create a manifest detailing who boards where and with what luggage. This extra step minimizes confusion and helps our team keep track of all belongings throughout the journey.

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental Davis

Ready to start planning your group trip with confidence? Charter Bus Rental Davis is here to make sure you and your passengers have all the space you need for a comfortable, hassle-free ride. With our diverse fleet, customizable packages, and 24/7 support, we’ve got the storage solutions to handle any itinerary—from campus shuttles at UC Davis to cross-state adventures in Yosemite National Park.

Get in touch with our friendly team today by calling 530-771-9720 or requesting an instant online quote. We’ll walk you through every detail, answer all your luggage questions, and help you choose the perfect bus for your next big event. Travel smart, pack efficiently, and hit the road with peace of mind knowing Charter Bus Rental Davis has you covered!