Bellingham Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

Planning a group trip comes with plenty of details, and one of the most important is knowing how much luggage space you’ll have on your charter bus. Whether you’re organizing a student field trip to Western Washington University, a corporate retreat at Semiahmoo Resort, or a ski weekend in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, understanding storage options will help ensure everyone travels comfortably and arrives prepared. At Charter Bus Rental Bellingham, we offer a variety of vehicles—from compact minibuses to full-size motorcoaches—each with its own storage capacity. This guide breaks down what you can expect from our different models and offers practical tips for packing smart. If you need more information or want to customize your rental, call us anytime at 564-565-4310.

Storage Space on our Different Bus Models in Bellingham

Charter buses come in a range of sizes, and each is designed with specific storage needs in mind. Our 56-passenger charter buses, ideal for large group movements like conferences at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal or school trips, feature generous under-floor luggage bays and overhead racks. These motorcoaches are built for long-distance travel and can easily accommodate suitcases, sports equipment, or even musical instruments.

If your group is smaller or you’re planning a local shuttle, our 25- to 35-passenger minibuses are a popular choice. While these don’t have the massive undercarriage of a full coach, they still provide ample rear storage and overhead bins suitable for carry-on bags, backpacks, and smaller items. For quick hops around downtown Bellingham or shuttles between hotels and event venues, they strike a good balance between size and cargo space.

Our party buses and sprinter vans, seating anywhere from 10 to 50 passengers, prioritize interior space for comfort and entertainment. These vehicles often have limited dedicated luggage areas, so they’re best suited for events where guests only need to bring personal items or small bags. Think bachelor parties, brewery tours, or wedding day transportation between ceremony and reception sites.

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

The under-floor luggage bays are the main cargo hold on our full-size charter buses. Each bay typically measures about 8 feet wide, 3.5 feet high, and 3 feet deep. With three or four bays per bus, you’re looking at a total storage volume of roughly 450 to 500 cubic feet—enough to fit one large suitcase per passenger if fully loaded. These compartments are perfect for storing checked baggage, golf clubs, ski gear, or anything else too bulky for the passenger cabin. They’re accessible only when the bus is stopped, so make sure to keep essentials like medication or electronics in your carry-on bag.

On minibuses, you won’t find under-floor bays, but many models do offer a rear cargo area behind the last row of seats. This space varies by vehicle but is generally sufficient for about 15 to 20 medium-sized suitcases or several large duffel bags. It’s a tight fit compared to a full coach, so if your group has heavy packing needs (think band equipment for a tour or lots of trade show displays), you may want to consider a larger bus or even a second vehicle just for gear.

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

Overhead racks run above the seats along both sides of the bus interior. On full-size coaches, these are similar in size to airline overhead bins—about 10 inches high, 17 inches deep, and running the length of the seating area. Each bin can comfortably hold two standard carry-on bags or several backpacks. They’re great for keeping items like jackets, snacks, laptops, and books within easy reach during the ride.

Minibuses also feature overhead racks, though they tend to be open shelves with a retaining lip rather than enclosed bins. The available space is slightly less than on a large coach, but still enough for everyone to stow a personal item. If your group tends to overpack, encourage them to limit carry-ons to something that fits easily in this space—bulky roller bags should go in the rear cargo area instead.

Party buses usually forgo overhead racks altogether in favor of sleek interiors and mood lighting. Guests should plan to keep their belongings on their person or tuck smaller bags under seats. For weddings or nights out, it’s common to use a separate vehicle to transport gifts, decorations, or overnight bags to the final destination.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

As a general rule, our buses are designed for each passenger to bring one large ‘checked’ bag (like a suitcase) and one small carry-on (backpack or tote). On a 56-passenger coach, this means you’ll have room for 56 big bags in the under-floor bays and 56 smaller ones up top. If your group isn’t at full capacity, you’ll have extra wiggle room for additional luggage, equipment, or even coolers of refreshments.

For minibuses, think one medium suitcase in the rear cargo area and a personal item overhead per person. If the bus is packed to its seating limit, advise travelers to pack efficiently—soft-sided duffels compress better than hard-shell cases and make the most of limited space.

Ultimately, the exact number of bags depends on their size and the mix of other cargo you’re bringing. If you’re not sure whether everything will fit, ask us for the specific dimensions of your reserved bus’s storage compartments. We can also recommend renting an additional trailer or support van if you anticipate exceeding the onboard capacity.

Packing & planning tips for group leaders

To ensure a smooth boarding process and comfortable ride, set clear packing guidelines for your group. Specify size limits for suitcases and carry-ons based on the bus model, and remind everyone that overhead space is shared and meant for lighter items. Encourage travelers to label all bags with their name and contact info—this makes unloading at busy stops like Seattle-Tacoma International Airport or ferry terminals much easier.

If you’re transporting special equipment—musical instruments, bicycles, presentation materials—let us know in advance so we can reserve a bus with adequate storage. For field trips or youth camps, collect oversized items ahead of time and load them first, followed by individual luggage. Staggering arrivals can prevent last-minute scrambles and ensure nothing gets left behind.

Finally, remind your group that anything needed during transit (medications, chargers, travel documents) should stay with them in the cabin. The under-floor bays are inaccessible while moving, so essential items should never be packed there.

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental Bellingham

Knowing what to expect from your charter bus’s luggage space helps everyone pack smart and travel stress-free. Whether you’re heading to a music festival at Zuanich Point Park, a team-building retreat in Fairhaven, or a multi-day excursion across Washington state, Charter Bus Rental Bellingham has a vehicle that fits your needs. Our reservation team is available 24/7 to answer questions, suggest the right bus size, and provide instant price quotes tailored to your itinerary. Call 564-565-4310 or request a quote online today—we’ll make sure your group and all their gear get where they’re going safely and comfortably.