Monterey Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

Whether you’re planning a student trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a corporate retreat in Carmel-by-the-Sea, or a wedding weekend on Cannery Row, your group will need to bring bags—and you’ll probably have questions about what can fit onboard. At Charter Bus Rental Monterey, we know exactly how much storage space our charter buses offer and how many bags each passenger can comfortably bring. We’ve helped thousands of organizers pack their groups for long-distance travel, airport transfers, and even cross-country tours.

Ready to get started? Here’s everything you should know about luggage space on a charter bus rental from Charter Bus Rental Monterey!

Storage Space on our Different Bus Models in Monterey

Charter Bus Rental Monterey has access to one of California’s largest fleets – so whether you need a 56-passenger motorcoach with maximum luggage space or a 25-passenger minibus for simple shuttling, we have options for every itinerary and budget! Our most popular vehicle types are full-size charter buses (with undercarriage bays and overhead racks) and minibuses (with smaller parcel racks or rear storage). If you’re unsure which size is best for your group, just call 831-747-3980 and tell us where you’re headed and what you need to bring along. We’ll match you with the right vehicle and help you plan an efficient packing strategy.

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

Full-size charter buses (40-56 passengers) have the most luggage capacity thanks to their massive under-floor luggage bays. These compartments run the length of the bus, beneath the passenger deck, and open from the curbside so you can load suitcases, equipment, or odd-shaped items like golf clubs and skis. On average, a standard 56-passenger coach has three to four luggage bays, each measuring about 8 feet wide, 4 feet high, and 4 feet deep. That gives you roughly 400 to 500 cubic feet of storage—enough space for everyone to bring a large suitcase (think checked-bag size) plus a carry-on.

For example: if you’re taking a 50-person team-building retreat to Asilomar Conference Grounds and everyone brings a 28-inch rolling suitcase plus a backpack, all the large bags can be stowed under the coach while carry-ons stay overhead. The same goes for student groups touring CSU Monterey Bay with multiple days’ worth of luggage, band instruments, or science fair projects. With the under-floor bays, you won’t have to worry about running out of room.

Minibuses (15-35 passengers) generally don’t have under-floor storage. Instead, the smallest models have only overhead/parcel racks, while larger minibuses (about 25+ seats) often feature a rear luggage compartment behind the last row of seats. This rear area can typically hold 10-15 medium suitcases, but if you have more bags than that, you may need to book an additional bus or arrange separate luggage transport.

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

All of our charter buses and minibuses come equipped with overhead racks, similar to airplane bins, running above the seats on both sides of the aisle. These racks are perfect for storing smaller personal items that you want to keep accessible during the ride: backpacks, purses, laptop cases, camera bags, jackets, or snacks. Most overhead racks measure about 10 inches high by 17 inches deep, and each section (usually above two seats) can fit one standard carry-on bag or two small backpacks side by side.

If your group is traveling light—for example, a bridal party shuttling between hotels and venues in Pacific Grove—the overhead racks might be all the storage you need. But for longer trips or overnight excursions, they’re best used for essentials while your main luggage stays in the under-floor bays or rear compartment. Keep in mind that oversized items (like hard-shell suitcases or musical instruments) may not fit in the racks and should be stored underneath or at the back of the bus.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

The short answer: it depends on the bus size and your total headcount, but here are some general guidelines based on our fleet:

56-passenger charter bus: One large suitcase (up to 62 linear inches) plus one carry-on per person. 35-passenger minibus with rear storage: One medium suitcase or duffel bag per person, plus a small backpack or tote overhead. 20-passenger minibus (no rear storage): One carry-on size bag (fits in overhead rack) per person, plus a personal item like a purse or laptop case.

If you know your group will have extra gear—say, a youth sports team bringing coolers, folding chairs, and ball bags to a tournament at Rabobank Stadium—let us know when you call for a quote! We can recommend a larger bus, add a trailer hitch for external cargo, or suggest other solutions to ensure everything fits safely. It also helps to ask your group members to label their bags clearly and stick to soft-sided luggage whenever possible, as it’s easier to stack and squeeze into tight spaces.

Packing & planning tips for group leaders

To make loading and unloading go smoothly, share these best practices with your travelers before departure:

Pack essentials in your carry-on. Anything you’ll need during the drive—medications, chargers, headphones, a water bottle, or entertainment—should stay with you in the cabin. The under-floor bays and rear compartment are only accessible when the bus stops. Use sturdy, compact luggage. Soft-sided duffels and roller bags tend to fit better in the storage bays than hard-shell suitcases or odd-shaped totes. Avoid overpacking or bringing loose items that could get lost or damaged. Label everything clearly. Attach a tag or write your name and contact info on every bag, especially if your group has similar-looking luggage. This makes it easy to identify your belongings quickly at drop-off points. Arrive early for organized loading. Plan to gather your group 30-45 minutes before departure to allow time for luggage check-in and boarding. Load heavier bags first and stack lighter items on top to maximize space and prevent shifting during transit. Communicate any special needs. If someone requires assistance with mobility devices, medical equipment, or fragile cargo, inform your reservation specialist in advance. We’ll make sure there’s adequate storage and support for everyone’s comfort and safety.

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental Monterey

With the right packing strategy and a spacious charter bus rental, your group can travel across California with all the luggage and equipment you need—without sacrificing legroom or convenience. Whether you’re heading to a music festival in Big Sur, a trade show at the Monterey Conference Center, or a family reunion picnic at Lovers Point Park, Charter Bus Rental Monterey has the vehicles and expertise to handle your bags from start to finish. Ready to reserve your ride? Call 831-747-3980 today for a free quote and let us know how we can help make your next trip seamless and stress-free!