Greenville Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

Planning a group trip in South Carolina? If you’re traveling by charter bus, minibus, or party bus, it’s important to know exactly how much luggage space is available aboard your vehicle. Whether you’re packing for a weekend in Myrtle Beach, a day touring Charleston, or a week-long conference in Columbia, knowing the storage capacity of your bus can help ensure a smooth and comfortable ride for everyone.

At Charter Bus Rental Greenville, we get questions about luggage space all the time. “How much can each person bring?” “Will there be room for our sports equipment?” “Can we fit all our band gear?” The answer varies depending on the type of bus you book. Below, we break down everything group leaders need to know about charter bus luggage space—from undercarriage bays to overhead racks.

Storage Space on our Different Bus Models in Greenville

Charter buses come in several sizes, each with its own storage configuration. The most common models include full-size motorcoaches (seating 40-56 passengers), mid-size coaches (28-39 passengers), minibuses (15-35 passengers), and small sprinter shuttles (10-15 passengers). Here’s what to expect from each:

Full-size charter buses have the most luggage capacity by far. These 45-foot coaches typically feature three or four massive under-floor luggage bays running the length of the bus. Each bay is about 8 feet wide, 3.5-4 feet tall, and 3-4 feet deep. Most are pass-through compartments, meaning you can load from either side of the coach. Total undercarriage storage averages 450-550 cubic feet—enough for a checked suitcase per passenger, plus extra gear. Inside, you’ll find overhead bins above the seats similar to those on airplanes. Each is roughly 10 inches high by 17 inches deep, perfect for carry-on bags, backpacks, and small personal items. Some coaches have open racks with a lip, while others have enclosed bins with doors.

Mid-size coaches also offer under-floor luggage, though with fewer and smaller bays than full-size buses. A 35-foot coach may have two undercarriage compartments, each about 60 inches wide by 33 inches high by 91 inches deep. Overhead bins are usually present as well, though slightly more compact than those on larger coaches.

Minibuses generally lack under-floor luggage bays due to their lower chassis. Instead, they may feature a rear luggage compartment accessible from the back of the vehicle. This area can hold about 15-20 large suitcases, depending on the model. Overhead racks inside are minimal, often just a shelf above one row of seats.

Sprinter vans and similar shuttle vehicles have the least dedicated luggage space. Most have no undercarriage or rear compartment at all. Storage is limited to whatever fits in the aisle or on seats not in use. Overhead racks are rare. For these vehicles, soft-sided duffel bags are recommended over hard-shell suitcases.

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

The under-floor luggage bays are the primary storage area on full-size and some mid-size charter buses. On a standard 56-passenger motorcoach, you’ll find three or four bays on each side of the bus. Each bay measures approximately 46 inches high by 47 inches wide by 95 inches deep—about the size of a walk-in closet turned on its side. Since most bays connect across the width of the bus, you can slide long items like skis or banners diagonally through the compartment. The total storage volume for all the bays combined is typically between 450 and 556 cubic feet, depending on the make and model.

This ample space is designed to accommodate large checked suitcases, equipment trunks, instrument cases, golf clubs, and other bulky items. Sports teams routinely stow hockey bags, lacrosse sticks, and coolers in the undercarriage. Marching bands can fit tubas, drums, and uniform crates. Touring theater groups load set pieces, props, and costumes. If your group is bringing anything unusually large or heavy (like a wheelchair lift or generator), let us know in advance so we can recommend the best vehicle layout.

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

Overhead storage bins run along both sides of the passenger cabin, just above the windows. On a full-size coach, each bin is about 10.5 inches high by 17.5 inches deep, with a length that matches the row of seats below. Some newer buses have airline-style enclosed bins with doors that latch shut, while others feature open racks with a raised lip to prevent items from falling out. Either way, these compartments are intended for smaller bags that you might want access to during the trip.

Most operators recommend limiting overhead storage to carry-on sized items: backpacks, tote bags, briefcases, laptop sleeves, purses, jackets, and snacks. Hard-sided suitcases and heavy boxes should go in the undercarriage, as overhead bins aren’t designed to support significant weight. The typical overhead rack can handle about 25 pounds per section. Stowing only lightweight essentials here keeps aisles clear and prevents shifting during transit.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

The general rule of thumb for charter bus luggage is: One checked bag in the undercarriage plus one carry-on in the overhead bin or at your seat, per passenger. This mirrors the baggage allowance of most airlines and ensures a balanced load for the vehicle. In practice, a full-size coach with 56 passengers can easily accommodate 56 large suitcases below and 56 small bags above.

If your group isn’t filling every seat, you’ll have proportionally more storage space. For example, if only 40 people are riding on a 56-passenger bus, each person could potentially bring two checked bags instead of one. Conversely, if you’re at maximum capacity and everyone shows up with multiple oversized suitcases, you may run out of room. It’s always better to pack light and consolidate when possible.

For minibuses and sprinter vans, the limit drops to one medium-sized bag per person, stored either in the rear compartment or on an empty seat. Overhead and under-floor storage on these vehicles is minimal or nonexistent. Soft duffel bags work better than hard-shell luggage in tight spaces.

Packing & planning tips for group leaders

To make the most of your charter bus’s storage capacity, we recommend the following packing strategies:

Communicate clear luggage limits to your group in advance. Specify the maximum number and size of bags allowed per person based on your bus model. Encourage participants to share large items when possible (e.g., one cooler per team instead of one per player).

Use soft-sided luggage whenever possible. Duffel bags and collapsible totes are easier to stack and squeeze into odd-shaped compartments than rigid suitcases. Label all bags clearly with names and contact info.

Keep essential items in your carry-on. Medications, electronics, travel documents, chargers, entertainment, and valuables should stay with you in the cabin. The undercarriage is only accessible when the bus is parked.

Load heavier items first. Place the largest and heaviest bags at the bottom of the under-floor bays, closest to the wheels. Stack lighter items on top. Distribute weight evenly across all compartments to maintain vehicle balance.

Arrive early for loading. Give your group at least 30-45 minutes before departure to organize luggage and board the bus. Last-minute scrambling can delay your schedule and increase the risk of leaving something behind.

If you have special cargo needs (musical instruments, athletic gear, trade show booths), mention them when booking your bus. We can often recommend specific layouts or even additional luggage trailers to accommodate extra-large loads.

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental Greenville

No matter where your group is headed in South Carolina, Charter Bus Rental Greenville has a vehicle with the right amount of luggage space for your itinerary. Our reservation specialists are available 24/7 to answer any questions about storage capacity, recommend the ideal bus size, and customize your rental package. Call 864-813-3950 today for a free quote tailored to your trip’s specific needs.