New Bedford Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

When booking a charter bus in New Bedford, one of the most common questions is about luggage space. Whether you’re packing up for a long-distance trip to Boston, Worcester or Springfield, going on a weekend ski retreat to Wachusett Mountain, or shuttling wedding guests between venues downtown, knowing how much gear you can bring makes all the difference. The good news: With Charter Bus Rental New Bedford, you’ll have more than enough room for everyone’s bags, equipment, and personal items—no matter which vehicle you choose from our fleet.

Storage Space on our Different Bus Models in New Bedford

The amount of storage your group will have depends primarily on the size and model of the bus you book. Our most spacious vehicles are the 56-passenger full-size charter buses, which come equipped with underfloor luggage bays running the entire length of the coach. These bays offer hundreds of cubic feet of space—enough for every passenger to check a full-size suitcase and still leave plenty of room for skis, golf clubs, musical instruments, or any other bulky items your group might need.

If you’re traveling in a 25- or 35-passenger minibus, there likely won’t be underfloor bays due to their smaller size. However, many models feature a rear luggage hold behind the last row of seats. This compartment is perfect for storing several larger suitcases, garment bags, or even folding wheelchairs. Overhead racks above the seats provide additional space for carry-on items like backpacks, purses, or briefcases. For groups that pack light or are only making a short trip across town, these minibuses should offer ample room for all essentials.

Need help deciding which bus is best suited for your group’s luggage needs? Just call our reservation team at 774-425-8550! We’ll ask about your headcount, itinerary, and what items you plan to bring, then recommend the ideal bus type and amenities for comfortable travel throughout Massachusetts.

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

On a standard 56-passenger charter bus, the underfloor luggage bays are the main workhorses when it comes to storage. These compartments span almost the entire length of the bus (typically around 40 feet), with doors on both sides for easy curbside loading and unloading. The exact cubic footage varies by manufacturer, but as a rule of thumb, you can expect somewhere between 450 and 550 cubic feet total—comparable to the cargo hold on a regional jet!

This means you could easily fit a large “checked” suitcase (think 30 inches tall) for each passenger, plus extra duffel bags, boxes of event materials, or sporting gear stacked on top. The bays are also wide and tall enough to accommodate longer items placed diagonally, such as skis for a winter trip to Berkshire East Mountain Resort or fishing poles for a deep-sea excursion off Martha’s Vineyard. If your group needs even more capacity, consider renting a second bus or asking about towing a small enclosed trailer behind your primary vehicle.

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

Every charter bus and minibus in our fleet comes with overhead storage racks running above the passenger seats. On full-size coaches, these racks are often enclosed with drop-down doors—similar to airplane overhead bins—while minibuses may have open shelves with a lip to prevent items from sliding out during transit.

The dimensions of these racks are typically around 10-12 inches high, 16-18 inches deep, and run the full length of the passenger cabin. They’re designed to comfortably hold small carry-on bags, personal electronics, jackets, and other items passengers want to keep within reach. Most people will find they can stow a standard backpack or tote bag per person without issue. For safety, we recommend keeping heavier or bulkier items in the underfloor bays or rear compartment rather than overhead, especially if the bus will be navigating hilly terrain like the roads near Fall River or Great Barrington.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

With a 56-passenger charter bus, the industry standard is one large suitcase per person in the underfloor bay and one small carry-on in the overhead rack. This mirrors the baggage allowance on many airlines and ensures that everyone has adequate space without overloading the bus. If your group tends to pack light, you could potentially fit two medium-sized bags per person below deck, especially if not every seat is filled. Conversely, if you’re bringing unusually large or heavy equipment (like sound systems for a concert at Zeiterion Theatre or trade show booths for an event at the New Bedford Whaling Museum), you may need to reduce the number of personal bags to make room.

Minibuses and sprinter vans have less overall capacity, so we recommend limiting checked luggage to one medium suitcase per passenger plus a small carry-on. For day trips or local shuttles where most riders just have a backpack or purse, this won’t be an issue. But if you’re transporting a sports team with coolers, duffel bags, and training gear, let us know in advance so we can suggest the right vehicle size or arrange for an additional support van.

Packing & planning tips for group leaders

To ensure a smooth boarding process and avoid last-minute luggage headaches, communicate clearly with your group about baggage limits before departure. Send out guidelines specifying the maximum size and weight for both checked and carry-on bags, mirroring what airlines use if that helps set expectations. Remind everyone to label their belongings with name and contact info in case anything gets mixed up during loading and unloading stops in cities like Taunton or Plymouth.

If your itinerary includes multiple destinations or overnight stays, designate a section of the underfloor bay or rear compartment for each segment of the trip. For example, keep suitcases needed at the first hotel separate from gear that won’t be used until later, so you don’t have to unpack everything at once. Encourage travelers to keep snacks, medications, chargers, and other essentials in their carry-ons, since the luggage bays aren’t accessible while the bus is moving.

Finally, if you anticipate any special storage requirements—such as transporting fragile artwork for an exhibition at the Co-Creative Center or medical supplies for a mobile clinic—let us know when booking. We can advise on the safest way to secure these items and may be able to provide additional packing materials or tie-down straps if needed.

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental New Bedford

No matter where your group is headed or how much you need to pack, Charter Bus Rental New Bedford has a vehicle that can handle the load. From spacious underfloor bays on our largest coaches to convenient overhead racks and rear holds on minibuses, you’ll have all the storage you need for luggage, equipment, and personal items. Ready to reserve your ride or have questions about specific models and amenities? Call 774-425-8550 anytime to get started. We’ll make sure your next trip starts off on the right foot—and with plenty of room for everyone’s bags!