Beaverton Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

Traveling with a group in and around Beaverton, Oregon? Whether you’re planning a wine tour through the Willamette Valley, an athletic team transfer to Nike World Headquarters, or a field trip to OMSI in downtown Portland, figuring out how much luggage everyone can bring is one of the most common questions we hear at Charter Bus Rental Beaverton. To help you plan your trip and avoid any last-minute surprises, here’s a comprehensive guide to storage space on our charter buses and packing tips for every type of group.

Storage Space on Our Different Bus Models in Beaverton

The amount of storage space you’ll have largely depends on the type of bus you book. We’ll break down what to expect on each of our most popular vehicles:

• Full-size charter buses (40-56 passengers): These 40-foot coaches are built for long-haul travel with large groups! They feature multiple under-floor luggage bays on both sides of the bus, plus overhead parcel racks inside the cabin above the seats. Many also offer additional rear cargo holds for even more gear.
• Minibuses (20-35 passengers): Minibuses are perfect for local shuttles or smaller groups who don’t need as much room. Most have overhead racks and some models include a rear luggage compartment or small curbside bay. While space is more limited than a full-size coach, minibuses can still handle several carry-ons per passenger.
• Sprinter vans (10-15 passengers): Ideal for airport transfers, business outings, and quick trips, sprinter vans usually have minimal dedicated luggage space. You’ll find small overhead shelves or simply use the rear bench/aisle area for bags. For larger suitcases, consider using a trailer or upgrading to a minibus.
• School buses (up to 44 passengers): School bus rentals prioritize seating over luggage capacity. There are no undercarriage bays or overhead racks—just whatever fits on laps, under seats, or in the back row. If your group has significant luggage, a school bus may not be the best fit unless you add a follow vehicle or trailer.

Pro tip: When requesting a quote, let us know if your group will have extra-large items like bicycles, coolers, instruments, or sports equipment. We’ll recommend the right bus size and configuration to ensure everything fits comfortably.

How Much Space Is Available in the Under-Floor Bays?

On full-size charter buses, the “under-floor” or “underbelly” luggage bays run nearly the entire length of the vehicle between the axles. Each bay typically measures about 4 feet wide x 3 feet tall x 8 feet deep—plenty of room for rolling suitcases, duffel bags, and hard cases. With 3-4 bays per side, you can expect a total storage volume of 400 to 500+ cubic feet. That’s equivalent to 45-55 full-size checked suitcases, depending on their dimensions and how efficiently they’re stacked.

For reference, that’s roughly double the cargo space of a large airport shuttle van or a full-sized SUV. The under-floor compartments are accessible from outside the bus and open with hydraulic lifts or manual latches. When loading, place heavier/larger items toward the center and lighter ones on top or at the ends. This maximizes space and keeps fragile items safe during transit.

If your itinerary includes overnight stays, extended tours, or equipment-heavy activities, always opt for a bus with under-floor storage. It’s the only way to guarantee every passenger can bring a full suitcase without crowding the aisle or seats.

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

Inside the bus, overhead parcel racks line both sides of the aisle above the seats—similar to airplane bins but slightly smaller and often open-faced (no doors). On a standard 56-passenger coach, each rack segment is about 12 inches high x 18 inches deep x 36 inches long. That’s enough space for a backpack, tote bag, laptop case, or small carry-on per person.

Think of the overhead racks as your “in-flight” personal item storage. Anything you might need during the ride—snacks, electronics, jackets, reading material—should go here. Larger bags and hard-sided luggage must stay in the under-floor bays, since oversized items could fall out or block the aisle in an emergency.

Some newer charter bus models have upgraded enclosed bins with drop-down doors for added security. Others feature USB charging ports or reading lights built into the rack. Minibuses usually have a single continuous shelf above the windows, which can hold 10-15 soft bags or coats depending on length.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

Here’s a quick summary of typical luggage allowances by bus type:

• Full-size charter bus: 1 large checked bag (28-32 inch suitcase) + 1 carry-on or backpack per passenger
• Minibus: 1 medium checked bag (24-26 inch suitcase) OR 2 small carry-ons per passenger
• Sprinter van: 1 small carry-on or backpack per passenger; checked bags may require a trailer or seat removal
• School bus: Personal items only (backpack, lunch box, purse); checked bags not recommended unless using empty seats

These guidelines assume the bus is filled to capacity. If you have fewer travelers, there will naturally be more room for extra luggage, gear, or supplies. Conversely, if your group brings bulky items like golf clubs, musical instruments, or trade show displays, you may need to reduce the number of suitcases allowed or rent a larger bus.

Always confirm your headcount and luggage needs before booking. Our reservation specialists can suggest the best vehicle and estimate exactly how many bags will fit based on your itinerary.

Packing & Planning Tips for Group Leaders

To make boarding day stress-free, share these tips with your group ahead of time:

• Label all bags with names and contact info in case anything gets misplaced during loading/unloading.
• Pack valuables, medications, electronics, and items needed en route in a small carry-on for overhead storage. Under-floor bays are inaccessible while driving.
• Use soft-sided luggage or duffels if possible—they’re easier to compress and stack than hard-shell suitcases.
• Limit each person to one checked bag and one carry-on unless otherwise specified. Excess baggage may be refused or incur extra fees.
• Arrive at least 30 minutes early so everyone has time to stow luggage and settle in before departure.
• Coordinate with us if bringing unusual cargo (bicycles, skis, coolers, etc.). We can advise on packing methods or provide a trailer if needed.

As the leader, you may want to assign a luggage monitor or have passengers load by seat row to speed up the process. Consider keeping a manifest of who brought which bags, especially for multi-day trips or hotel transfers.

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental Beaverton

Ready to roll? With this guide, you’ll know exactly how much luggage space to expect on your Beaverton charter bus rental. Whether you’re headed to PDX for an international flight, shuttling conference attendees to the Oregon Convention Center, or taking students on a weekend retreat to the Oregon Coast, we’ve got a vehicle that fits your group and all their bags.

Still have questions about storage space, packing lists, or special equipment? Call our team at 971-496-0190 anytime. We’ll walk you through the options and help you build a custom itinerary that keeps everyone comfortable—and nothing left behind. Get started today with an instant online quote or a call and see why we’re Beaverton’s #1 choice for group transportation!