Santa Cruz Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

Santa Cruz is the perfect destination for group trips, with its world-famous Boardwalk, redwood forests, and bustling university scene. Whether you’re planning a wine tour in the Santa Cruz Mountains or a school field trip to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, packing efficiently can make your charter bus ride much smoother—especially if you have to bring coolers, surfboards, science equipment, or other bulky items. At Charter Bus Rental Santa Cruz, we want every group to travel comfortably, so here’s our detailed guide to storage space on our different bus models, along with tips for keeping your luggage organized and accessible.

Storage Space on our Different Bus Models in Santa Cruz

We offer several vehicle types to fit any group size and itinerary. Each one has different storage options that could impact how you pack. Our full-size 56-passenger charter buses are ideal for large groups headed to events like concerts at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium or corporate retreats at Chaminade Resort. These buses come equipped with spacious under-floor luggage bays (often called “baggage bays”) as well as overhead parcel racks inside the cabin. If you’re organizing a smaller outing, such as a bachelorette party hopping between breweries in Midtown, our 15- to 35-passenger minibuses or 10- to 15-passenger sprinter vans may be more suitable. These vehicles typically feature rear luggage holds behind the last row of seats, and many also include overhead racks above the passenger seats. However, neither minibuses nor sprinters have under-floor storage. For those looking to celebrate in style (think birthday parties or bachelor/bachelorette weekends), our party buses can accommodate groups from 10 to 50 passengers. These buses usually have limited dedicated luggage space but do offer overhead racks and plenty of room for personal items. Before booking, consider what your group needs to bring. If you require ample storage for things like sports equipment, presentation materials, or multiple suitcases per person, a full-size charter bus will provide the most flexibility.

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

Under-floor luggage bays are the primary storage solution for our largest buses, and they’re designed to hold all the bulky stuff you won’t need while riding. Think of these bays as similar to the cargo hold on an airplane—spacious, secure, and only accessible when the bus is parked. On average, a 56-passenger charter bus offers around 450 cubic feet of storage across three or four bays. Each bay typically measures about 8 feet wide, 3.5 feet tall, and 3 feet deep, though exact dimensions may vary by manufacturer. To put it in perspective, that’s enough space for each passenger to bring a full-sized checked suitcase (like the ones airlines allow) and still have room left over for group gear such as musical instruments, golf clubs, or AV equipment. The bays run through to the opposite side of the bus, allowing for easy curbside loading and unloading. If your itinerary includes stops where passengers may need to access their main luggage (for example, an overnight stay during a multi-day tour), plan ahead to minimize delays during boarding and departure.

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

Inside the bus, overhead parcel racks provide convenient storage for smaller bags and items you’ll want to keep close at hand. These racks are located above the passenger seats and function similarly to the overhead bins on an airplane, though they’re usually open rather than enclosed. The typical dimensions for these racks on a full-size charter bus are about 10.5 inches high and 17.5 inches deep, running the length of the seating area on both sides of the aisle. This makes them ideal for stowing backpacks, tote bags, purses, jackets, and other personal belongings. Most overhead racks can comfortably fit two standard carry-on bags (the kind you’d bring onto a plane) per section. It’s important to note that these racks are not designed for heavy or oversized items. Anything too large or weighty should be stored in the under-floor bays or rear luggage holds to ensure passenger safety and prevent damage during transit. Remind your group to keep valuables and essentials in their carry-ons, especially if the main luggage will be inaccessible during the ride.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

The number of bags each passenger can bring largely depends on the type of bus you book and how full it is. Here’s a general guideline based on our fleet:

If you’re traveling on a 56-passenger charter bus, each person can typically bring one large suitcase (up to 50 pounds) for the under-floor bay and one small carry-on bag for the overhead rack. This setup mirrors airline baggage allowances and works well for most group trips, including extended tours, ski trips, or band competitions. On a 25- to 35-passenger minibus, storage is more limited. Expect enough space for each person to bring one medium-sized suitcase or duffel bag for the rear compartment and one small personal item for the overhead rack. If everyone packs light (think weekend getaway instead of week-long vacation), you may be able to fit additional bags, but it’s best to confirm with us beforehand. Sprinter vans and party buses generally have the least storage capacity, so encourage passengers to limit themselves to one small suitcase or duffel and one personal item. For these trips, soft-sided bags are preferable since they’re easier to stack and squeeze into tight spaces. Regardless of the vehicle, always check with our team about specific storage limitations, especially if your group plans to bring unusual or oversized items. We can advise on the best way to transport everything safely and may recommend upgrading to a larger bus or renting a separate trailer if needed.

Packing & planning tips for group leaders

As the group leader, it’s your job to set expectations and ensure everyone’s luggage fits comfortably on the bus. Start by clearly communicating the baggage policy in advance, specifying the number and size of bags allowed per person. If possible, collect a headcount of who plans to bring extra or oversized items, such as strollers, wheelchairs, or sports gear. This information will help us match you with the right bus model and avoid last-minute surprises on departure day. When it comes to packing, encourage your group to use soft-sided bags whenever possible, as they’re more flexible and easier to arrange in the storage compartments. Remind everyone to label their luggage with their name and contact information to prevent mix-ups, especially if you’ll be making multiple stops or transferring between buses. For longer trips, suggest packing a small overnight bag with essentials (toothbrush, change of clothes, medications) that can be kept in the overhead rack or under the seat. This way, passengers won’t need to dig through the main luggage bay for necessities during hotel stays or rest stops. Lastly, consider assigning a few volunteers to assist with loading and unloading luggage, ensuring that heavier bags are placed at the bottom and fragile items are secured on top. A little organization goes a long way in maximizing space and keeping the aisle clear for safe boarding.

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental Santa Cruz

No matter where your Santa Cruz adventure takes you—from kayaking in the Monterey Bay to hiking in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park—Charter Bus Rental Santa Cruz has the vehicles and expertise to get your group there with all your gear in tow. We pride ourselves on providing comfortable, reliable transportation tailored to your needs, whether you’re packing light for a day trip or hauling equipment for a major event. Our team is available 24/7 at 831-888-4870 to answer any questions about storage capacity, luggage policies, or special accommodations. Ready to hit the road? Request a free quote online today and let us handle the logistics while you focus on enjoying the journey. With Charter Bus Rental Santa Cruz, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your group’s luggage is in good hands from start to finish.