Planning a trip can be stressful, especially when it comes to packing. Traveling by charter bus can be convenient for groups traveling with heavy equipment and bulky luggage or even for those traveling light.

However, you’ll want to organize your luggage in the best way for fitting in charter bus storage. You’ll also want to ensure you have important travel essentials easily accessible on long stretches of road.

At GOGO Charters. We want you to have a comfortable and stress-free ride, from start to finish. This includes making packing as easy as possible. We’ve compiled some helpful tips for packing and best utilizing your charter bus’s overhead storage and luggage compartments.

When you call the GOGO Charters team at 1-855-826-6770, we’ll help you rent the right type of charter bus for your group size and storage needs. Keep on reading to learn more about group transportation services from GOGO Charters and how to best pack for your trip!

a person putting luggage charter bus storage

Charter bus storage on different models

First things first, how much storage is actually available on a charter bus? GOGO Charters has access to a wide selection of minibus and charter bus rentals, with models ranging greatly in storage space. So, it depends.

Bus luggage compartments are typically compact on most minibus rentals, limited to overhead storage or some space in the trunk area of smaller vehicles. This makes a minibus rental the best for groups traveling light. Book a minibus rental for quick corporate shuttle service trips or private event transportation to festivals and tours. If you’re a small group but planning to travel with a lot of luggage, a reservation representative will likely recommend a more spacious model of minibus rental to accommodate your items.

Full-size charter bus rentals are the best options for big groups traveling with large pieces of luggage. These spacious rentals have luggage compartments beneath the bus and overhead storage options. A 56-passenger charter bus rental has enough storage for a carry-on piece of luggage and a “checked” bag to go beneath the bus per passenger. If you have a large group taking up every seat on your charter bus rental, it’s best to travel as lightly as possible. This may look like opting for a personal-sized item (like a backpack or duffel bag) rather than carry-on luggage. Full-size vehicles are best for sports team transportation, academic charter bus services, and government or military shuttle services.

What to pack a carry-on for a charter bus

The overhead storage space on a charter bus should be reserved for relatively small items that you need easy access to on the road, especially on all-day drives. This includes items such as:

  • Medication
  • Toiletries and feminine hygiene products
  • Wallet and identification
  • Snacks and refreshments
  • Headphones
  • Electronic devices with chargers

It’s recommended you leave bulky items such as clothing and shoes for a checked bag to go beneath the bus. However, it couldn’t hurt to grab a jacket or pack a blanket to keep yourself warm and comfortable on long drives.

a person packing sweaters in a suitcase

How to pack bags in bus overhead storage

Charter buses don’t have as strict weight requirements as airplanes. But hauling heavy items into small overhead compartments is not fun on planes or on charter buses. Leave the heavy hauling for checked bags if necessary. Pack your carry-on as lightly as possible to make for easy boarding and unloading of your charter bus.

How to store your checked bags beneath the bus

A bus luggage compartment can easily become a space of nightmares without proper organization. Your charter bus driver will likely recommend the best way to load luggage for your group. Just keep in mind that it will take a while to unload everyone’s luggage once you reach your destination. If anyone in your group is in a rush, consider having them load checked luggage last to ensure faster unloading of their items. If you’re traveling with a large group, it may also be helpful to clearly label luggage. You may also want to utilize an airport best practice by using the most unique suitcase you have to avoid confusion. Leave those basic black roller suitcases at home!

Hit the Road with GOGO Charters

A charter bus rental from GOGO Charters will keep groups of all sizes traveling comfortably with luggage across all distances. Book a spacious charter bus rental in New York City for your tour group to transport multiple weeks’ worth of luggage or reserve a compact shuttle bus rental to Denver for a small group ski trip. Call 1-855-826-6770 to find the best charter bus rental for your trip with a GOGO Charters representative. Someone will be available on standby 24/7 to answer your questions about charter bus pricing and to get you a free rental quote!