Mountain View Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

When your group is preparing for a trip, the question of “How much luggage can we bring?” comes up more often than you might think. The answer depends on what type of bus you rent and how many people are traveling. To help you plan, we’ve put together this detailed guide to packing for a charter bus trip in Mountain View. If you still have questions after reading, don’t hesitate to call us at 650-705-0670 or use our online quote tool.

Storage Space on our Different Bus Models in Mountain View

Our fleet includes everything from 56-passenger full-size charter buses with undercarriage bays to compact minibuses and sprinter vans with limited overhead storage. Generally, the larger the vehicle, the more luggage space it offers. For example, our 56-passenger MCI J4500s feature three side-entry under-floor compartments that run almost the length of the bus, plus airline-style overhead bins above every seat inside. That’s enough room for each passenger to bring a large suitcase below and a carry-on bag above.

If you book a 35-passenger minibus, you’ll likely have either a small rear cargo area or a single under-floor bay, along with open overhead racks inside. These vehicles are perfect for day trips or overnighters where most passengers only need a backpack or duffel bag. Our 15-passenger sprinter vans maximize seating comfort and may have a modest rear storage area accessible through the back doors, but no under-floor compartment. They’re best suited for airport transfers or local shuttles with light baggage needs.

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

For full-size coaches, the under-floor luggage bays are the primary storage area for checked bags, equipment cases, and anything too bulky for the cabin. On our standard 56-passenger buses, these bays collectively offer 400 to 500 cubic feet of space—roughly equivalent to the trunk space of four SUVs lined up side by side! Each bay door typically opens to reveal a compartment about 8 feet wide, 4 feet tall, and 3 feet deep, with the bays connecting all the way through to the opposite side for easy loading from curb or street.

This massive storage volume means you can fit one large suitcase per person without stacking, plus extra items like golf clubs, ski bags, musical instruments, or trade show displays as needed. If your group is heading to Lake Tahoe for a skiing weekend, for example, there’s ample room for everyone’s gear beneath the bus. Just be sure to let us know in advance if you have unusually large items (like bicycles or AV crates), so we can recommend the best vehicle size and loading plan.

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

Inside the bus, the overhead bins or parcel racks are designed for carry-on items: backpacks, laptop bags, purses, coats, or small duffels. On our full-size coaches, these bins are similar to those on commercial airplanes, running continuously above both rows of seats. Each bin measures about 10 inches high, 16 inches deep, and 24 inches long—enough for two soft-sided bags per section. The total overhead capacity across the whole bus is usually 100 to 120 cubic feet.

Most minibuses and sprinters have open metal racks rather than enclosed bins, with a raised lip to keep bags from falling out. These shelves can hold a few dozen small items but aren’t meant for heavy suitcases or hard cases. We recommend passengers keep valuables, medications, electronics, and anything they’ll want during the ride (snacks, books, headphones) in their carry-on, just as they would on a plane.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

As a general rule, a fully loaded 56-passenger charter bus allows each traveler to bring one large suitcase (up to 50 pounds) for the under-floor bay and one smaller carry-on bag (up to 25 pounds) for the overhead bin. If you have fewer than 56 passengers, you can divide the available space among your group—for example, 40 people could each bring an extra duffel or sports bag without crowding the bays. Minibuses and sprinters, with their limited storage, are best for one small bag per person unless you arrange for a separate trailer or support vehicle.

Of course, the exact number of bags depends on their size and shape. Soft-sided luggage packs more efficiently than hard-shell cases, and odd-shaped items like strollers or musical instruments may take up more room than expected. When in doubt, err on the side of packing lighter or consolidating gear. If your itinerary includes multiple hotel stops or event venues, having fewer bags will speed up loading and unloading at each destination.

Packing & planning tips for group leaders

To ensure a smooth trip, communicate clear packing guidelines to your group before departure. Specify the maximum bag dimensions and weight allowed for both checked and carry-on luggage, following the same standards used by airlines or Amtrak if helpful. Remind everyone to label their bags with name and contact info, especially if you’ll be handling luggage at busy locations like San Jose International Airport or the SAP Center in San Jose.

If your group includes members with mobility devices, medical equipment, or service animals, let us know when booking so we can allocate space accordingly. Most modern coaches are ADA-compliant and can accommodate wheelchairs or scooters in designated areas, but advance notice ensures we reserve the right bus configuration. For events requiring special cargo (such as band instruments, sports gear, or trade show booths), provide a detailed inventory and measurements so we can advise on the best loading order and securement methods.

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental Mountain View

No matter where your group is headed in California, Charter Bus Rental Mountain View has a bus with the right amount of storage for your needs. From Silicon Valley tech conferences to Yosemite hiking adventures, we’ll make sure everyone’s luggage arrives safely and on time. Our team is available 24/7 to answer questions, suggest packing strategies, and customize your rental package. Get started today by calling 650-705-0670 or requesting an instant quote online. With the right bus and a well-packed plan, your trip will be comfortable, efficient, and stress-free from start to finish.