Fall River Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

One of the top questions we get from travelers is, “How much luggage can I bring on a charter bus?” We understand! Whether you’re planning a multi-day field trip to Boston, a weekend retreat in the Berkshires, or a cross-country tour with your band, knowing how much stuff you can take along makes all the difference. That’s why the team at Charter Bus Rental Fall River put together this handy guide to packing for your next bus rental. Read on for detailed info about our different storage options, what size bags fit where, and expert tips for keeping your group organized and comfortable. If you have any questions not covered here, call us anytime at 774-520-3950—we’re happy to help!

Storage Space on our Different Bus Models in Fall River

The first step in understanding how much luggage you can bring is to know what type of bus you’ve booked. At Charter Bus Rental Fall River, we offer a wide range of vehicles to fit groups of all sizes—from 15-passenger minibuses to 56-passenger motorcoaches. Here’s an overview of the main types and their typical storage features:

Motorcoaches (47-56 passengers): These are the classic “big buses” used for long-distance travel, tours, and large events. They feature spacious under-floor luggage bays running the length of the vehicle, plus overhead parcel racks above the seats.

Minibuses (18-35 passengers): Smaller than motorcoaches but still roomy, minibuses often have rear luggage holds or limited under-floor compartments, as well as overhead racks inside.

Sprinter Vans (10-15 passengers): Perfect for small groups and short trips, sprinter vans typically have rear cargo space behind the last row of seats, but no under-floor bays. Overhead storage varies by model.

Party Buses (10-50 passengers): Designed for celebrations and nightlife, party buses prioritize open floor plans and amenities over storage. Some may have small rear holds or overhead shelves, but luggage space is very limited.

When you request a quote, let us know if your group has special luggage needs (like sports equipment, musical instruments, or lots of gear). We’ll recommend the best bus type and size to handle your cargo comfortably.

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

If you’ve booked a full-size charter bus (40+ passengers), the majority of your group’s luggage will ride below your feet in the under-floor storage bays. These compartments are accessed from outside the bus and run the width of the vehicle, connecting side-to-side for easy loading/unloading.

A standard 56-passenger motorcoach has three to four luggage bays per side, each measuring roughly 8 feet wide by 3 feet deep by 3.5 feet high. Total combined capacity is around 500 cubic feet—enough for each passenger to bring one large suitcase or duffel bag (think airline “checked bag” size, up to 62 linear inches and 50 lbs).

For reference, that’s similar to the trunk space of five full-size SUVs lined up side by side! The under-floor bays are designed to accommodate bulky items like hard-shell suitcases, golf clubs, skis, or even bicycles (with front wheels removed). Just keep in mind that these compartments are only accessible when the bus is parked, so anything you need during the ride should go in the cabin above.

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

Above the seats inside every charter bus, you’ll find overhead parcel racks running along both sides of the aisle. These are similar to airplane bins but usually open shelves with a lip to prevent items from sliding out.

On a full-size coach, overhead racks are about 1 foot high by 1.5 feet deep—plenty of room for personal items like backpacks, purses, laptop bags, camera cases, or small carry-on suitcases (no larger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches, under 25 lbs). Each passenger gets a segment of rack space above their seat, so please be considerate and don’t hog extra room.

Overhead storage is ideal for things you want quick access to during the trip: snacks, water bottles, books, headphones, or a light jacket. Just remember to use soft-sided bags whenever possible, as hard cases can shift and cause injury if the bus brakes suddenly. And always retrieve your belongings carefully—items may have shifted while in motion.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

Now for the million-dollar question: What’s the bag limit per person on a charter bus? While there’s no strict “one size fits all” answer, the industry standard is:

1 large suitcase or duffel (under 50 lbs) in the under-floor bay + 1 small carry-on or backpack (under 25 lbs) in the overhead rack or at your seat.

This mirrors the baggage allowance on most airlines and ensures everyone has enough space for their essentials without overcrowding the bus. If your group is packing light (e.g., day trip to Newport or Cape Cod), you might be able to fit two small bags per person. Conversely, if you’re hauling lots of equipment (band tour, ski trip, etc.), it’s wise to book a larger bus or an additional trailer to avoid leaving anything behind.

The key is communication: Before departure, set clear expectations with your passengers about how many and what size bags they can bring. If someone shows up with four oversized suitcases, it’s not fair to the rest of the group—and it may delay your schedule as you try to Tetris everything into the bays. Our reservation specialists can help you craft a custom packing policy based on your bus type and itinerary.

Packing & planning tips for group leaders

As the organizer, you play a crucial role in ensuring smooth luggage logistics on your charter bus trip. Here are some pro tips to keep things running like clockwork:

Share the bag policy early and often: Include luggage limits and size restrictions in your pre-trip emails, registration forms, and verbal briefings. Remind travelers that space is finite and everyone needs to follow the rules for the good of the group.

Encourage consolidated packing: Suggest that passengers use soft-sided duffels or rolling suitcases instead of hard trunks, and pack only what they truly need. For multi-day trips, urge them to coordinate outfits and share toiletries to minimize duplication.

Label everything: Have each person put their name and contact info on every piece of luggage, including carry-ons. This helps reunite lost items quickly and speeds up the unloading process at hotels or venues.

Organize by zone: When loading the bus, group luggage by destination or hotel floor if making multiple stops. Use color-coded tags or ribbons to identify which bags come off first. Assign a few strong volunteers to assist with heavy lifting under staff supervision.

Keep valuables close: Advise travelers never to stow passports, wallets, electronics, medications, or other irreplaceable items in the under-floor bays. These should stay on their person or in a secure overhead bag at all times.

Plan for overflow: If you anticipate exceeding the bus’s luggage capacity (e.g., bringing musical instruments, sports gear, or exhibit materials), talk to us about renting a second vehicle or attaching a small cargo trailer. It’s better to have extra room than to leave critical items behind.

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental Fall River

We hope this guide has demystified the world of charter bus luggage and given you confidence to pack smart for your next group adventure. With ample under-floor bays, convenient overhead racks, and customizable options for oversize cargo, our fleet is equipped to carry whatever you need—whether it’s a week’s worth of conference materials or a weekend’s supply of wedding gifts.

Still have questions? Ready to book a bus with the perfect storage setup? Call 774-520-3950 anytime to speak with our friendly reservation team. We’ll walk you through the details, match you with the right vehicle, and make sure your bags (and your group) arrive safely and comfortably at every stop. At Charter Bus Rental Fall River, we’re committed to delivering seamless, stress-free travel experiences—baggage included!